Cheers and Jeers

Cheers to…

Popcorn, the snack food researchers say really might be good for you. According to recent findings, popcorn packs more polyphenol, an antioxidant, then fruits and vegetables because it is not diluted by so much water. The part of the popcorn with the most polyphenol and fiber is the hull. However, popcorn loses its healthful qualities when it is smothered in butter and salt, so snack wisely! Read more about the study here.

Surgery, which may help control diabetes better than drugs and diet changes. Two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that a surgery that staples the stomach and reroutes the small intestine can lead to complete remission of diabetes. Some people who have had the surgery also require less medication than those on a diet and exercise regiment aimed at battling the disease. Find out more here.

Jeers to…

“Fat talk,” which may predict lower satisfaction with your body and even depression. “Fat talk” includes statements about your body such as “I’m so fat” and “I should watch what I eat.” People who continuously make these negative statements have lower body satisfaction and higher levels of depression, a recent study found. It also found “fat talk” to increase pressure to be thin. Get more details about the findings here.

Pharmacies preventing teens from buying the morning-after pill. Girls over 17 are permitted by law to attain the pill without a prescription. Researchers found that while about 80 percent of pharmacies in the study had the pill in stock, 19 percent of 17-year-olds were told they could not attain the pill. Additionally, physicians calling the pharmacy were told their 17-year-old patients could not get the emergency contraception in 3 percent of cases. It is unclear whether the pharmacies were intentionally giving misleading information, or if the employees are just unaware of the laws. Read more here.

By Laura Jungreis

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