?Brain ‘Can Be Trained to Prefer Healthy Food’

According to a new study conducted by scientists from Tufts University, the brain can be trained to prefer healthy food over unhealthy high-calorie foods by using a diet which does not leave people hungry.?Scientists from Tufts University say food addictions can be changed in this way even if they are well-established.?They scanned the addiction centre in the brains of a small group of men and women.?The results showed increased cravings for healthy lower-calorie foods. Scientists know that once people are addicted to unhealthy foods, it is usually very hard to change their eating habits and get them to lose?weight.?The research, published in the journal?Nutrition & Diabetes, suggests the brain can learn to like healthy foods.?They studied the part of the brain linked to reward and addiction in 13 overweight and obese men and women, eight of whom were taking part in a specially designed weight-loss program.?This focused on changing food preferences by prescribing a diet high in fiber and protein, and low in carbohydrates, but which did not allow participants to become hungry because this is when food cravings take over and unhealthy food becomes attractive.?When their brains were scanned using MRI at the start and end of a six-month period, those following the program showed changes in the brain’s reward center. When participants were shown pictures of different types of food, it was the healthy, low-calorie foods which produced an increased reaction. The study said this indicated an increased reward and enjoyment of healthier food. The brain’s reward center also showed decreased sensitivity to the unhealthy, higher-calorie foods.?

Everyone. Everywhere. People?s Climate Mobilization

The People’s Climate March, on September 21st, is aiming to be the largest climate rally in history. As world leaders come together in New York City for a UN summit on the climate crisis, we will make it know that we demand an ambitious global agreement to dramatically reduce global warming pollution. With our future on the line and the whole world watching, join thousands as we stand to bend the course of history.

Does Your Favorite Food Have a Political Agenda? A New App Allows You to Find Out

A new free app, BuyPartisan, let?s you find out how Republican or Democratic the food in your pantry is. It is easy to use – just scan the bar code of your?favorite brand, wait for the beep, and a breakdown of how much money that company contributed to political causes over the past decade pops up. For instance, General Mills? Honey Nut Cheerios made 63.5 percent of its donations to Republicans, 24 percent to Democrats, and 12.5 percent to unspecified causes. The app also scans home products. Some critics say, however, that BuyPartisan will only further divide Americans.