Sweeteners threaten with diabetes and heart disease

Experts in the field of healthy eating told why dietary soda is dangerous for a diet. Like harmless sweeteners disrupt metabolism and wear out enzymes that protect us from diabetes.

Nowadays, artificial sweeteners can be found everywhere, but science has not yet formed a consensus on whether they are useful or harmful. Sweeteners are synthetic (for example, saccharin or aspartame), or natural (stevia), that is, extracted from plants. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved 6 varieties of artificial and two types of natural sweetener for use in food. Aspartame contains almost 6,000 foodstuffs consumed worldwide, and the American Diabetes Association officially recommends dietary soda as an alternative to those containing real sugars.



However, medical research shows that sweeteners make their sad contribution to the development of chronic diabetes and cardiovascular diseases like real sugar. The problem with these seemingly non-calorie substances is that they are not digested during digestion into natural sugars such as glucose, fructose and galactose, subsequently used to produce energy or to be processed into fat. Sweeteners produce various by-products that do not turn into calories. For example, aspartame passes through a different metabolic process and does not become normal sugars. There is evidence that sweeteners affect healthy metabolic processes.

Long-term use of sweeteners is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Aspartame reduces the activity of the enzyme in the intestines, providing protection from diabetes. A sweetener deceives the body, which for sweet taste in the mouth expects to receive something high-calorie. As a result, the metabolic system is called dysregulated. In addition, sweeteners alter brain activity associated with eating sweet foods.

Created a cure for arthritis without side effects

A new anti-inflammatory drug developed by chemists of Perm State University (PGNIU) passed preclinical trials. The drug is highly active and does not show toxicity.

"The tablets are designed to treat arthritis, arthrosis and inflammatory diseases," explained Victor Kotegov, MD, head of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at PGNUU. - The drug has no ulcerogenicity, that is, does not cause a drug ulcer of the stomach. The molecule, which we were able to synthesize, has a selective effect on the body and low toxicity. This allows you to point to the focus of the disease and at the same time avoid side effects.

According to the scientist, to find a substance with the necessary properties, experts have investigated more than two thousand compounds. Currently, negotiations are being conducted with investors for the next stage - clinical trials of the drug.

Scientists have called products that enhance intelligence

Regular use of these products contributes to the improvement of cognitive functions of the brain, said scientists from the National Institutes of Health.

American scientists compiled a list of particularly useful products for the mind, and headed this list of forest berries. The most effective in terms of a positive effect on cognitive abilities is the use of cranberries.

"Cranberries contain a large number of antioxidants that literally help a person become smarter," experts said.

Also scientists give out blueberries: as an excellent source of flavonoids, this berry, according to them, can be used to prevent age-related cognitive impairment. Flavonoids are a class of vegetable polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the experiments conducted, the bilberry proved its ability to stimulate brain activity in elderly patients.

In the event that you can not get forest berries, cabbage and beetroot can be added to the diet: they also contain microelements vital for the brain, experts suggested. In addition, scientific works convincingly demonstrated that cocoa beans, pomegranates and oranges can improve brain activity.

Ways to improve brain performance

In the 21st century, scientists were able to understand that the size and weight of the brain does not affect the level of intelligence. After this, experiments were started, through which methods of improving brain function and developing new skills were explored. We will tell you about popular misconceptions about the brain and provide recommendations on how to improve its performance.

In the 21st century, scientists were able to understand that the size and weight of the brain does not affect the level of intelligence. After this, experiments were started, through which methods of improving brain function and developing new skills were explored. We will tell you about popular misconceptions about the brain and provide recommendations on how to improve its performance.

Myth: the brain never gets tired

Of course, because of mental work the brain can not get tired, but its concentration can affect the physical and mental state. As it turned out, to improve brain activity it is useful to listen to the sound of waves, feel the sun breeze and admire the shades of blue. It is not surprising that during a holiday near the sea, a person is able to quickly restore his strength. Try to get out more often to the sea or another pond, to walk in the woods.

Myth: drawing does not help you become a mathematical genius

When you are working on an almost impossible task, try to paint. Drawing can activate the work of both hemispheres of our brain and the solution to the problem will come sooner. It should be noted that according to the research, children better remember information in the lessons of mathematics, if they illustrate the new material in the notebooks. We also recommend drawing about 10-20 minutes a day using your left hand (if you are right handed). In a month you will notice a positive effect from such activities.

Myth: swings for children

It turned out that the vestibular apparatus can be strengthened at any age thanks to the swings. They also favorably improve the skills of spatial orientation, which is confirmed even by astronauts. Riding on a swing for 15-20 minutes several times a week can protect you from seasickness and relieve the consequences of excessive drinking.

Myth: supernormal abilities do not exist

Surprisingly, among the people who have lost any sense organ, the "sixth sense" is observed. Often, the blind can feel the space around, focusing on their ears, smell or skin receptors. Several times a week, train your "sixth sense" using earplugs or a bandage over your eyes.

Myth: chess is the best sport for the brain

In fact, the brain works better during physical training. After all, such exercises contribute to the development of hormones that affect memory, remember new information and preserve neurons. Scientists conducted an experiment among athletes, offering them in a break between the approaches to solve problems. It turned out that by engaging in physical activity, the brain copes with questions more quickly.

Myth: milk is good for the brain

It will be more useful to use other dairy products, because milk has a number of contraindications. Also, products such as wine or chocolate have a positive effect on brain activity. But the excess weight leads to the destruction of the nerve pathways and, as a result, to a decrease in brain activity.

Myth: many skills can be developed only in childhood

This is a false statement, because an adult can develop the same skills as a child. Among the surgeons are often found and those who after 30 begins to take lessons in violin playing, trying to develop fine motor skills. Do not be afraid to try those hobbies that you could only dream of in your childhood. Thanks to new skills, old neural pathways are strengthened and new ones are created, which prevents aging of the brain.

Myth: positive thinking for young and inexperienced

According to statistics, optimists are easier to cope with errors and quickly come to the final goal. And pessimism and anxiety can increase the risk of heart disease by 29%, including seizures, not to mention an increase in the risk of malignant tumors by 41%.

Myth: daily coffee consumption is good for memory

Caffeine, although it may temporarily increase brain activity, should not be abused. And you can improve memory thanks to books. Do not forget to read 1-2 books of different genres a week. It will also be useful to reread old works, "updating" the information in your brain.