Berberine vs. Ozempic: Which one holds the key to effective weight loss
An over-the-counter supplement containing berberine has blown up on social media platforms with influencers calling it “natures Ozempic”, the alternative way to lose weight. So, what is Berberine? It is a plant-derived bitter compound that some small studies suggest exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, may lower cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin resistance. Less than 1% of Berberine is absorbed by the body, making the possible activities of this supplement extremely limited! What are the differences between Berberine and Ozempic: Berberine’s works by increasing enzyme activity in our cells which results in increased glucose breakdown. Ozempic works by injecting an imitation hormone of GLP-1...
Why the Mediterranean Eating Pattern is More Than Just a Diet, and What It Could Do To Improve Your Health
The Mediterranean eating pattern is touted as one of the healthiest diets in the world. It emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins. It's also rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fish and low in red meat, saturated fat, and processed foods. Here's a closer look at the Mediterranean way of eating and why it might be good for you. The Mediterranean eating pattern is based on the traditional dietary habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. It has been studied extensively for its health benefits, which include a reduced risk...
Sleep tight, lose weight: How sleep influences your weight and eating habits
We often attribute weight gain to increased food intake and decreased physical activity. However, there's a lesser-known factor that may hold the key: a poor night’s sleep. When you don't get enough sleep, your body starts craving energy to keep going, especially for the brain, which relies on glucose as fuel. This leads to increased hunger, particularly for high-carb and sugary foods. On top of that, daytime fatigue makes it harder to stay active and exercise during the day. The result? Cravings and unwanted weight gain. As humans, we possess an internal clock, known as our circadian rhythm, which operates...
The bittersweet truth: Unravelling the link between sweeteners, weight gain and insulin
Western diets are often regarded to be dense in calories, largely from added sugars, leading to an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure. Added sugars are presently contributing about 20% for males and 15% for women of daily energy intake – many added calories without contributing a lot of nutrients. Common non sugar sweeteners (monk fruit, stevia, sucralose and aspartame and xylitol just to name a few) are considered a popular alternative to sugar as people can enjoy the sweet taste in foods with a reduction in calories. As more customers demand foods with less added sugars, the food industry has been...