Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1173846
October/November 2019 11 A 2019 study published in the Journal of Nutrition debunks the myth that nighttime eating leads to weight gain and metabolic disturbances, especially in women. There are some caveats, however. The study specifically looked at women who lift weights and who consume protein-rich snacks. "In women who weight train, there are no differences in overnight local belly fat metabolism or whole-body fat burn whether you eat protein in the form of a protein shake during the day post-workout or at night pre-sleep," said Brittany Allman, a co-author on the Florida State University-led research. "So, essentially, you can eat protein before bed and not disturb fat metabolism." healthy living By Laura G. Owens Rock Body YOUR M atcha, a tea and food flavoring consumed in parts of the world, may reduce anxiety. The Japanese have long promoted the medicinal properties of Matcha including preventing obesity, helping people relax, and treating certain skin conditions. However, there's been little scientific evidence to back up these claims. But in July 2019 a group of researchers from Kumamoto University found that Matcha powder or extract has anti- anxiety properties. Further analysis of the properties of Matcha found the mechanism for reducing anxiety is the result of activating dopamine D1 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. Both dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters involved with a number of neural responses including regulating anxiety. "Although further epidemiological research is necessary, the results of our study show that Matcha, which has been used as a medicinal agent for many years, may be quite beneficial to the human body," said study leader, Dr. Yuki Kurauchi. "We hope that our research into Matcha can lead to health benefits worldwide." MATCHA TEA REDUCES ANXIETY PROTEIN BEFORE BED NOT A PROBLEM FOR ACTIVE WOMEN T he long-touted "red wine is good for you" mantra still stands after 30 years of research that found people who indulge in moderation may reap certain health benefits — notably heart health. But the science behind these claims remains mixed. Some studies found that moderate alcohol consumption in general is good for you, while a 2018 study published in The Lancet found that even small amounts of alcohol increase cancer and early death. Moreover, red wine might be linked to a lower incidence of certain diseases simply because people who drink red wine might also eat healthier foods (e.g. the highly praised Mediterranean diet where people in those countries also regularly drink red wine). But what is definitive is red wine is loaded with highly beneficial polyphenols (antioxidants). Wine research has focused on one particular polyphenol called resveratrol which is 10 times higher in red wine than any other alcohol. "Wines that are dark in color and high in tannins have been shown to naturally have higher-than-average polyphenol content," writes Lexi Williams in her July 12, 2018, Wine Spectator article, 'Wine Is Full of Healthy Polyphenols. But What's a Polyphenol?' "Specifically, wines with lots of procyanidins are made from tannic grapes including Tannat (prominent in Uruguay), Sagrantino (indigenous to Umbria), Petite Sirah, Marselan (a French cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache), Nebbiolo and Oseleta (a Veronese blending variety)." Although it's known that thick-skinned grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon contain more resveratrol, Pinot Noir, a thin-skinned grape, also has high levels. This may be due in part because resveratrol production also depends on the fermentation process, the country the grape is grown, and if the grapes are exposed to bacterial and fungal microorganisms. Benjamin Appleby, a top sommelier, noted that in addition to having the most resveratrol, Pinot Noir has less sugar, less alcohol, fewer calories, and tannins, thereby making it the healthiest choice among red wines. THE HEALTHIEST RED WINE GRAPE