health tips

Sweet tooth's Liver Culprit By: Arlene Gentallan Sweet tooth's Liver Culprit         Are ice cream, cakes, chocolate, and candies part of your to do list? Perhaps not...?         Let's take a peek into your liver. Did you know there's a hormone secreted by the liver that makes one vulnerable to the allure of those sweet goodness--it's the FGF21.         A study led by M. Gillum discovered that study participants with gene FGF21 variants are 20% more likely to be top consumers of sweets.         Do remember that too much isn't always good.         The study also revealed that people with variants of FGF21 gene not only has an increased likelihood of being sweet lover, they also have a higher tendency to drink more alcohol and smoke.         Though the study was not able to find a link that FGF21 can predispose an individual to diabetes type 2 and obesity. Resouces: Cell Press. (2017, May 2). Got a sweet tooth? Blame your liver. ScienceDaily. Retrieved O

Anti-diabetic Facts: Oleuropein in Olive stimulates Insulin production By: Arlene Gentallan Anti-diabetic Facts: Oleuropein in Olive stimulates Insulin production Here's a good reason to add olive oil in your diet. A research led by Bin Xu, Ph.D found an important compound in olive that's key in it's anti-diabetic property. Oleuropein in olive leaves stimulates the beta cells of pancreas to produce insulin. Our body needs insulin to transport glucose into cells which in turn will be used as an energy source. This in turn, will lower blood sugar level. Here's another advantage of olive that works in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Did you know that amylin amyloids (protein aggregates) can build up in your pancreas with damaging consequence to insulin-producing beta cells. Oleuropein inhibits amylin amyloids deposition in the pancreas. Facts: The beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas procude and store insulin. Resources: Bin Xu, Ling Wu, Paul

Making small, specific goals is key to losing weight long-term � but now can you get motivated now? Check out our favorite, no-fail jump-starts to feeling like your old self (i.e. back into your skinny jeans) ASAP! 1. Build a better breakfast. All meals are important, but breakfast is what helps you start your day on the right track. The best, heartiest breakfasts are ones that will fill you up, keep you satisfied and stave off cravings later in the day. Aim to eat anywhere between 400 and 500 calories for your morning meal, and make sure you're including a source of lean protein plus filling fat (e.g. eggs, beans, unsweetened greek yogurt, nuts or nut butters) and fiber (veggies, fruit or 100% whole-grains). Starting your day with a blood-sugar-stabilizing blend of nutrients will help you slim down without sacrifice. 2. Prioritize real, whole foods. Make sure that everything you're eating is whole � as in nothing processed or packaged. Since salt is a preservative, these are t