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Vitamins!

Antioxidant vitamins can undo some of the most important health benefits of exercise, research has shown.

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Vitamins C and E could reverse exercise benefits, experts claim

Taking vitamins C and E after a workout appears to prevent physical exercise improving the body's energy regulation, a study found.

Some vitamins can block this beneficial effect of exercise, the new findings published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggest.

Exercise is known to increase sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which governs the way cells use sugar as an energy source. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant and less sensitive to insulin.

Ironically, it is the supplements' health-boosting properties that appear to be to blame.

Vitamins such as C and E neutralise destructive "free radical" molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cells and DNA, and speed up ageing.

These molecules are a by-product of metabolism and generated in larger numbers during vigorous exercise.

But the new research suggests that as well as causing damage, oxygen free radicals also spur the body into becoming more sensitive to insulin. By mopping up the molecules, antioxidant vitamins cancel out this beneficial effect.

In addition, scientists from the University of Jena in Germany found that the vitamins weakened the body's own exercise-induced free radical defence system, which relies on the production of natural antioxidants.

The findings add to the growing evidence that vitamins have complex effects on the body which can do harm as well as good.

Obesity and Cancer

Almost 19,000 Britons a year develop cancer because they are overweight, researchers say.

The toll is 50 per cent higher than any previous estimate, reflecting the current epidemic of obesity.

Adults are being warned to stay as slim as possible, without being underweight, to minimise their cancer risk.

Epidemic: Obesity causes 19,000 Britons every year to develop cancer - 50 per cent more cases the previously estimated

The new analysis, by the World Cancer Research Fund, found excess fat was linked to around 17 per cent of cases of seven main cancers - breast, bowel, oesophagus, kidney, pancreas, endometrium (womb lining) and gallbladder.

Professor Martin Wiseman, WCRF medical and scientific adviser, said: 'The stark fact is that every year in this country, many thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer that could have been prevented if they had maintained a healthy weight.

'This is a real cause for concern and the problem is only going to get worse if the number of people who are overweight continues to rise.'

The new estimate is nearly 50 per cent higher than the 13,000 cases a year linked to obesity by the charity Cancer Research UK.

WCRF, a charity that promotes ways of preventing the disease, says the evidence is now much stronger than even ten years ago.

Body fat promotes the production of hormones and growth factors such as oestrogen and insulin which can increase the risk of cancer.

Obese people are also less likely to eat healthy amounts of fruit and vegetables that can protect against cancer.

Professor Wiseman said: 'After not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing you can do.

'But a recent survey showed almost 40 per cent of people still do not know excess fat is a cause of cancer. We need to do more to spread the message.'

Overall, scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented if people improved their lifestyles - eating more healthily, taking more physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

The WCRF says people should aim for a Body Mass Index - calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared - towards the lower end of the recommended healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9.

Diarrhoea - the way to lose weight!

A diet pill which claims to flush out 25 per cent of the fat from food is being made available over the counter in Britain for the first time this week.

'Miracle' diet pill goes on sale

But slimmers hoping for a quick fix are being warned Alli (also known as orlistat) has side effects including diarrhoea.

And the pills aren't cheap either - a month's supply costs £49.95 while two weeks' supply will be sold at £32.95.

But its makers claim Alli can dieters shed 50 per cent more fat than if they embarked on a healthy eating and exercise regime without it.

It works by absorbing about 25 per cent of the fat from food, thereby preventing it being turned into extra pounds by the body.

Tablets will be available to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or over, following a quick consultation with a pharmacist.

Makers GlaxoSmithKline said all pharmacists in the UK have been offered training to help them correctly identify a person's BMI and ask them suitable "fielding" questions regarding their motivation for taking the drug.

Free Bodyweight Exercise Report

Here's your free report

Stop that gene!

Listen.

When you eat a certain balance of basic food components—protein, fat, and carbohydrates in very specific proportions—you can deactivate a gene that produces triglycerides. Triglycerides wind up as body fat, typically in the abdominal region, when they are too plentiful.

Fortunately, you don't have to analyze everything you eat to deactivate this fat-producing gene.

This is how you can lose pounds—and that stubborn belly fat—while still eating the foods that you love.

To drop pounds with lightning speed:

• Make a clean sweep. Rummage through your refrigerator and pantry and dump everything that's high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup and white flour.
  
  
• Go the whole 9 yards. Replace all those foods with whole-grain breads and cereals, 100 percent whole-wheat pasta, lots of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and lean protein.
  
  
• Add this delicious, healthy fat to turbocharge your resting metabolism. The avocado in your guacamole is a terrific weight-loss tool because it is high in monounsaturated fat. This heart-healthy fat, also found in extra virgin olive oil, not only satisfies your hunger better than fast-burning carbs will, but it actually boosts your basal metabolic rate—the calories your body burns 24/7!
  
  
• Control binge eating. A lot of people eat healthfully all day long only to blow it by uncontrolled snacking late at night. Try this strategy: Eat the same snack every night—and, no, we're not talking Ben & Jerry's. Choose a cheese stick or a bowl of cereal. In one study, people who ate cereal 90 minutes after dinner dropped 4 pounds in a month!
  
  
• Eat often. Forget three square meals and no snacks. Keep your metabolism revving high by eating four to six times a day.

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