Olive Oil: A Culinary and Health Superfood
Olive oil has long been a staple of the Mediterranean diet, but recent research has shed new light on its remarkable health benefits.
The Satiating Power of Olive Oil Aroma
Scientists have discovered that the aroma of olive oil can play a significant role in satiety. One study found that people who ate yogurt enriched with olive oil experienced increased levels of serotonin, a hormone associated with feeling full. Another study showed that even the aroma of olive oil, without the actual consumption of the oil, can lead to reduced calorie intake and improved glucose tolerance.
The Mediterranean Diet: A Heart-Healthy Choice
The Mediterranean diet, which prominently features olive oil, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had a 30% lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease compared to those who followed more conventional diets. The researchers concluded that the diet’s benefits were so evident that the study was stopped early to allow people in the control group to switch to the Mediterranean diet.
Junk Food: A Mood Dampener
While certain foods are often touted for their mood-boosting effects, junk food has been found to have the opposite impact. Research at Penn State University revealed that unhealthy eating habits can negatively affect mood, especially in women who are concerned about their weight. The study participants reported feeling worse after consuming junk food.
Chewing Gum: A Detriment to Healthy Eating
Chewing gum, often used to freshen breath, can surprisingly discourage healthy eating. The minty flavor of gum can interfere with the taste of fruits and vegetables, making them less appealing. Researchers at Ohio State University found that people who chew gum tend to consume more high-calorie, sweet foods.
Coffee and DNA Damage
For coffee lovers, a cautionary note: Scientists at Johns Hopkins have found that coffee, black and green teas, and liquid smoke can potentially damage DNA. Specifically, these substances tend to overactivate a “repair” gene, indicating that a person’s DNA may be under stress.
Fiber: A Stroke Risk Reducer
Consuming more fiber has been consistently linked to improved health outcomes. A recent analysis of eight studies concluded that for every additional seven grams of fiber consumed daily, the risk of stroke decreases by 7%. Experts recommend consuming 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, while most Americans consume only half that amount.
Picky Eating: A Genetic Influence
Picky eating in children may not be simply a matter of preference. Researchers at the University of North Carolina conducted a study on identical twins and found that 72% of a child’s avoidance of certain foods can be attributed to their genes.
Organic Food: Benefits for Fruit Flies
The nutritional value of organic food for humans remains a subject of debate, but for fruit flies, it’s a clear winner. Scientists at Southern Methodist University discovered that fruit flies that consume organic food tend to live longer and lay more eggs.
Calorie Labels: A Psychological Trick
A study at Cornell University has revealed that people tend to perceive food with green calorie labels as healthier than food with red or white labels, even if the calorie content is the same. This psychological effect, known as the “Dumb Diet,” highlights the influence of food packaging on our perceptions of food healthiness.
