<hr>by The Health Sciences Academy — Get free science updates <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thehealthsciencesacademy.org/en/free-newsletter">here</a>.<hr><h2 id="f263118f-128e-4c2d-b3ce-0a60553ed6be" data-toc-id="f263118f-128e-4c2d-b3ce-0a60553ed6be" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Weight gain from inhaling polluted air?</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Obesity-risks-rise-with-exposure-to-air-pollution-Study">News link</a>I believe that understanding <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thehealthsciencesacademy.org/en/toxicology-and-detoxification-diploma-cpd-accredited-online-course">toxicology</a> is as important as understanding nutrition science, and here’s an example.This new study, conducted by Duke University and Chinese researchers, indicates that inhaling polluted air could raise the risks of:<ul><li>gaining weight,</li><li>high cholesterol, and</li><li>insulin resistance (which can lead to type 2 diabetes).</li></ul>This is consistent with other studies showing that air pollution induces:<ul><li>oxidative stress,</li><li>inflammation in the organs and circulatory system, and</li><li>altered fat tissue.</li></ul>Air pollution is a huge health concern globally. Avoid travelling through highly-polluted areas as much as you can, or wear an air mask – health trumps vanity in here!Note: There are several detrimental metabolic processes triggered by toxicants which can lead to fat gain. You're invited to learn this science in our <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thehealthsciencesacademy.org/en/toxicology-and-detoxification-diploma-cpd-accredited-online-course">Detox Specialist</a> course. Toxicology and detoxification are the two long-established fields of scientific research you'll gain expertise on (DIFFERENT FROM the made-up fallacies circulating the internet these days). Organic milk has more Omega 3<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nhs.uk/news/2016/02February/Pages/Organic-milk-is-healthier-than-conventional-milk-study-says.aspx">News link</a>Scientists at Newcastle University analysed cow’s milk data from all over the world, and they found that the “fat” in organic milk has more Omega 3 compared to conventional milk.I was very interested in finding out exactly how much more Omega 3.The media reported percentages (%), and not actual Omega 3 amounts. So off I went to read the full study to find out.According to the study, half a litre of organic full-fat milk (or equivalent fat amounts in organic dairy products) has 39mg of very-long-chain Omega 3s (DHA/EPA), compared to 25mg in conventional milk.To put things in perspective, it's advised that you consume a minimum of 250mg of very-long-chain Omega 3s (DHA/EPA) per day.Very-long-chain Omega 3s tend to be quite precious, given that consuming them directly saves your body from converting ALA (their short-chain precursor) into DHA/EPA. In truth, it’s DHA/EPA that confer the direct health benefits we often read about Omega 3.Oily fish species (like salmon or fresh tuna) are good sources of DHA/EPA. Other sources include egg yolks and DHA/EPA supplements (from seaweed or microalgae if you’re vegan). Your dietary antioxidant capacity reduces all-cause mortality<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-016-1172-6">Study link</a>More good news for those of us who love plant-based foods! In this case, related to your antioxidant capacity.Observational data indicates that a high intake of antioxidants (mainly phytochemicals and vitamins from plant foods) reduces your mortality risk, from all causes, including cancer and heart disease.Surprisingly, this protective effect seems to be stronger in current smokers. Well, I’m not saying that smoking is good, but if you do have a smoker in the family, it’s worth letting them know.We teach how to evaluate someone's antioxidant capacity in our <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thehealthsciencesacademy.org/en/nutritional-therapist-professional-diploma-level-5">Nutritional Therapist</a> course. <h2 id="topic4" data-toc-id="topic4" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Molecular alarm clock in your brain?</h2><a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160217125533.htm">News link</a>Ever woke up right before your alarm clock rang? Yup, this is because your brain has its own! Scientists found a new molecular alarm clock in the brain. It’s a neurochemical called neuromedin U, or Nmu. This protein can tell your brain to wake up, particularly in the morning. <h2 id="topic5" data-toc-id="topic5" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">'Shocking' sugar levels in chai latte</h2><a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35593007">News link</a>If you thought that chai latte was your healthiest option at the café, think again!And this is before you further sweeten it:<img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/A361/production/_88352814_17_02_chai_sugar.gif" style="width: 624px; height: auto; cursor: pointer;"><h2 id="topic6" data-toc-id="topic6" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;"> Lack of microbiotic diversity in obesity and insulin resistance</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131%2816%2900037-1">Study link</a>Here’s more evidence linking a lack of microbiotic diversity in your gut with chronic intestinal inflammation, obesity, metabolic problems, and insulin resistance.To make things worse, intestinal inflammation makes your gut barrier “leaky”, which means that waste products and bacterial toxins can escape into your bloodstream, worsening inflammation in your entire body and exacerbating metabolic disorders.Ensuring a proper microbiotic diversity and strengthening your gut barrier are key in preventing these problems.<hr>Alex Ruani, Doctoral Researcher, is the Chief Science Educator at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehealthsciencesacademy.org/">The Health Sciences Academy</a>, where her team of accomplished scientists and PhDs are training a new breed of over 100,000 highly-specialised nutrition professionals who are leveraging the latest personalisation strategies to help their clients. She is a Harvard-trained scientist and UCL Doctoral Researcher who is fanatical about equipping health professionals with the latest science-based tools so they can succeed in their practices – from identifying the unique nutrient needs to building highly personalised nutrition programs. Besides investigating and teaching the latest advances in health and nutrition biochemistry, Alex makes it easier to be smarter with her <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehealthsciencesacademy.org/free-newsletter">free email updates</a>.<hr>Did you enjoy this? <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehealthsciencesacademy.org/free-newsletter">Sign up</a> to receive our FREE email updates!

Air pollution is a huge health concern globally. Avoid travelling through highly-polluted areas as much as you can, or wear an air mask – health trumps vanity in here!

Science Catch-up. Weight Gain From Inhaling Polluted Air?

Lack of microbiotic diversity in obesity and insulin resistance

Explore science-based articles on nutrition, health, wellness, behaviour change, clinical practice, dietary supplements, gut health, sports nutrition, menopause, and professional development.

Nutrition Blogs | Evidence-Based Health and Nutrition Articles | THSA

Discover science-based nutrition articles, research insights, clinical practice tips, and professional development resources from THSA.

Science Catch-up. Weight Gain From Inhaling Polluted Air?

Science Catch-up. Weight Gain From Inhaling Polluted Air?

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