Issue 9
July 10, 2009

In This Issue:

• Diet Sodas Linked to Obesity

• Weight Lifting Reduces Belly Fat

• One More Reason to Stay Fit

• Fit Tips

Diet Sodas Linked to Obesity

A study from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found a strong relationship between the consumption of diet sodas and being overweight or obese. People consuming more than 21 diet sodas per week were 90% more likely to be overweight and 100% more likely to be obese. Scientists speculate that the artificial sweeteners in diet sodas interfere with hunger and satiety signals in the brain, which causes people to consume more calories.

Weight Lifting Reduces Belly Fat

A University of Pennsylvania study reports that weight lifting is one of the best ways to offset a growing waistline as you get older. Participants who lifted weights twice a week lost approximately 4% of abdominal fat over two years compared to inactive participants who gained approximately 66% of abdominal fat. Those who weight trained for the study didn't do additional aerobic exercise or dieting, proving that lifting weights alone is good for more than increasing strength.

One More Reason to Stay Fit

Your regular workout sessions will not only keep you in great shape, but they can also protect you from cancer. A large Japanese study of men and women revealed that the more active people are on a daily basis, the lower their odds of dying from cancer. The kinds of physical activity the people participated in - hardcore strength training, intense runs on the treadmill, long walks, or golfing - didn't matter. Any physical activity will do as a cancer fighter. The researchers didn't find a definitive reason why physical activity fights cancer, but it may have to do with its inflammation and stress reducing powers.

Fit Tips

• When it comes to beans, darker is better. Beans contain not only protein and fiber, but also antioxidants to neutralize free radicals. The darkest beans (black, red or brown) contain the most antioxidants.

• One pound of muscle burns 50 calories per day just to exist.

• A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who eat at least two onions each week have a lower risk of cancer.

• You lose approximately 80 ounces of water every day just by going about your normal routine. This does not include the water you lose through exercise. Staying hydrated is important to good health, so make sure that you drink enough water each day.