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Toronto, May 15 (IANS) The age-old question of why men store fat in their bellies and women store it in their hips may have finally been answered: genetically speaking, the fat tissue is almost completely different. 'We found that out of about 40,000 mouse genes, only 138 are commonly found in both male and female fat cells,' said Deborah Clegg, assistant professor of internal medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre (UTSMC) and senior study author. 'This was completely unexpected. We expected the exact opposite - that 138 would be different and the rest would be the same between the sexes,' Clegg added. The study involved mice, which distribute their fat in a sexually dimorphic pattern similar to humans. Sexual dimorphism is the systematic difference between individuals of different sex in the same species. 'Given the difference in gene expression profiles, a female fat tissue won't behave anything like a male fat tissue and vice versa,'

Capsaicin, the stuff that gives chilli peppers their kick, may cause weight loss and fight fat build-up by triggering certain beneficial protein changes in the body, says a new study. The study could potentially open up new treatments for obesity. Jong Won Yun, biotechnologist from Daegu University, Korea, and colleagues point out that obesity is a major public health threat worldwide, linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health problems. Lab studies have hinted that capsaicin may help fight obesity by decreasing calorie intake, shrinking fat tissue and lowering fat levels in the blood. Nobody, however, knows exactly how capsaicin might trigger such beneficial effects. In an effort to find out, the scientists fed high-fat diets with or without capsaicin to lab rats used for the study. The capsaicin-treated rats lost eight percent of their body weight and showed changes in levels of at least 20 key proteins found in fat, said a release of the American Chemica

 Beauty experts say that facials are the best way to tighten up facial muscles, detoxify and tone the skin. They not only remove dead cells, but also provide nourishment. Here are a few exotic facials that keep you radiant, no matter what the weather. Caviar spa facial: Caviar are exotic fish eggs which are rich in proteins, minerals and lipids known for cell regeneration and anti-ageing properties. The omega 3 fatty acids and DHA component found in caviar oil is a tonic for tanned skin. Good for: Dry skin, freckles, crow feet and fine lines. Cost: Rs 2,200. Crystal glow facial: Crystal salts used in it relax es the entire body. They also help remove dead skin. Helps: Enhance the overall purification and detoxification of body. This facial therapy also incorporates the Thai Candle detoxification procedure in which the toxin waxes are extracted from the ear with the help of suction. Cost: Rs 3,000 Wine and honey facial: This facial uses a mixture of wine, honey, glycerine, turmeric, gra

Here’s another reason why red wine could be good for you – it contains an ingredient that has the potential to prevent some blinding diseases, according to a new study.  Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that Resveratrol — found in red wine, grapes, blueberries, peanuts and other plants — could prevent and control angeogenesis (formation of damaging blood vessels) in mouse retina.   “A great deal of research has identified resveratrol as an anti-aging compound, and given our interest in age-related eye disease, we wanted to find out whether there was a link,” says Washington University retina specialist Rajendra S. Apte, the study’s senior investigator.   “We have identified a novel pathway that could become a new target for therapies.   “And we believe the pathway may be involved both in age-related eye disease and in other diseases where angiogenesis plays a destructive role," Apte adds.   Another advantage is that patients can

A new research from Queen Mary University of London has revealed that the nitrate content of beetroot juice is the underlying cause of its blood pressure lowering benefits.  The study found that blood pressure was lowered within 24 hours in people who took nitrate tablets, and people who drank beetroot juice.   Study author Amrita Ahluwalia, Professor of Vascular Biology at Queen Mary''s William Harvey Research Institute, said the investigation was able to demonstrate that the nitrate found in beetroot juice was the cause of its beneficial effects upon cardiovascular health by increasing the levels of the gas nitric oxide in the circulation.   "We gave inorganic nitrate capsules or beetroot juice to healthy volunteers and compared their blood pressure responses and the biochemical changes occurring in the circulation,” Professor Ahluwalia said.   "We showed that beetroot and nitrate capsules are equally effective in lowering blood pressure indicating that it i

Researchers have found why virgin olive oil is beneficial for health.  For a long time, health conscious consumers have known that virgin olive oil is a good choice when it comes to preparing meals and dipping breads.   Now, researchers, including one with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), have found that phenolic components in olive oil actually modify genes that are involved in the inflammatory response.   The researchers knew from other studies that consuming high-phenolic-content virgin olive oil reduces pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant and pro-blood-clotting biomarkers when compared with consuming low-phenolic-content olive oil.   But they wanted to know whether olive oil''s beneficial effects could be the result of gene activity.   Researchers, headed by Francisco Perez-Jimenez with the University of Cordoba, Spain, fed 20 volunteers-who had metabolic syndrome-with two virgin olive oil-based breakfasts one at a time, after a six-week "washout" peri

Though summer may bring to mind picnics and chips and delicious chocolate desserts, dietician believe that it is easiest to ‘eat healthy’ during this time.  In summer there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables and the opportunities to grill and roast provide many healthier options. Along with healthy meals and proper exercise you are sure to shed all the unwanted weight you carry around.   Drink water to quench your thirst:  We tend to consume more aerated drinks during the summer, but water is a smarter choice. It keeps the body cool and prevents dehydration and it also helps you avoid adding on the unnecessary calories. Fresh lime water and coconut water is also a great thirt-quencher specially during the summer.   Add at least two servings each of fruits and vegetables to your daily to your diet:  Summer has a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. make the most of them. Fruit smoothies and milkshakes are easy to make, just toss some fruits, and milk in your blend