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What’s the difference between MSG and table salt? A chemist explains

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a></em></p> <p>It’s dinner time. You’ve worked hard to prepare a nutritious and tasty meal. But after taking your first bite you feel something is missing. Perhaps you should have added more salt? Pepper? Or maybe even something more exotic like monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG?</p> <p>There are many <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-are-e-numbers-and-should-you-avoid-them-in-your-diet-43908">food additives</a> used in both home cooking and commercial products. These ingredients improve the flavour, smell, texture, appearance and longevity of foods.</p> <p>Salt and MSG are two well-known food additives. Both contain sodium, but there are plenty of differences which you can use to your benefit.</p> <h2>What is a salt?</h2> <p>Salts are made of positively and negatively charged components called ions. Salts generally dissolve in water, and are brittle. The names of salts often feature a metal (positively charged) followed by a non-metal (negatively charged).</p> <p>The common kitchen ingredient we call “salt” is just one type of salt. To distinguish it from all other salts, we should more specifically refer to it as “table salt”. Chemically, it’s sodium chloride.</p> <h2>Sodium chloride</h2> <p>After the quick chemistry lesson above, we can see that table salt, sodium chloride, contains a positively charged sodium and a negatively charged chlorine.</p> <p>These charged components are arranged in crystals of salt in a regular repeating pattern. Each sodium ion is surrounded by six chloride ions and each chloride ion is surrounded by six sodium ions. This arrangement gives the crystal a “cubic” form. If you look closely at salt, you may see cube-shaped crystals.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The chemical structure of table salt forms a cube of sodium and chloride ions.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/sodium-chloride-nacl-structure-ionic-crystal-2417242373">Sandip Neogi/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Sodium chloride is very abundant. It is found <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-have-always-wondered-why-is-the-sea-salty-83489">dissolved in Earth’s oceans</a>. Mineral deposits of salt, known as halite or rock salt, formed from the evaporation and crystallisation of ancient seas.</p> <p>Depending on the source, the salt may contain many other trace minerals that can even add colour to it, such as the pink-coloured Himalayan salt from Pakistan. Salt can also be fortified with <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053717">sodium iodide</a> as a public health measure.</p> <p>Describing the taste of salt is quite difficult without using the word “salty”. It’s a very common food additive, as it is so abundant and versatile. It is an essential ingredient for many traditional food preservation techniques for meats (pork and fish), vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut and pickles), and dairy (cheese and butter).</p> <p>Salt is considered a universal flavouring agent. It can mask bitter flavours and bring out sweet, sour and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-asian-roots-of-umami-the-fifth-taste-central-to-thanksgiving-fare-50699">umami</a> (savoury) ones.</p> <p>Despite popular depictions of <a href="https://theconversation.com/that-neat-and-tidy-map-of-tastes-on-the-tongue-you-learned-in-school-is-all-wrong-44217">taste maps</a>, there is no one place on the tongue where we taste salt. Other sodium salts can also give a “salty” taste, but the effect declines (and can even turn to bitter) with negatively charged components other than chloride.</p> <h2>MSG or monosodium glutamate</h2> <p>Monosodium glutamate is also a salt. The glutamate is the negatively charged form of glutamic acid, an amino acid that is found in nature as a building block of proteins.</p> <p>MSG, and more generally glutamates, are found in a wide range of foods including tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, dried seaweeds, Worcestershire sauce and protein-rich foods. All of these foods impart umami flavours, which are described as savoury or meaty.</p> <p>Commercial MSG is not extracted from the environment but produced by bacterial fermentation. Glucose is converted to glutamic acid, which is further processed by adding sodium hydroxide to form MSG (and water).</p> <p>MSG is sold as crystals, but they have a long, prismatic shape rather than the cubic form of sodium chloride. It’s worth tasting a few crystals of MSG directly to experience the native taste of umami.</p> <p>Despite decades of bad press and concern, <a href="https://theconversation.com/msg-is-back-is-the-idea-its-bad-for-us-just-a-myth-or-food-science-237871">MSG is considered safe</a> to consume in the concentrations typically found in or added to foods.</p> <p>Table salt and MSG both contain sodium, but at different percentages of the total weight: table salt has around 40% sodium, versus just 14% in MSG. You are also more likely to be routinely adding table salt to your food rather than MSG.</p> <p>Eating too much sodium is well known to be unhealthy. <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-salt-alternative-could-help-reduce-blood-pressure-so-why-are-so-few-people-using-it-221409">Potassium-enriched substitutes</a> have been suggested for a range of health benefits.</p> <h2>A flavour enhancer</h2> <p>The flavour of MSG can be elevated further by combining it with other food additives, known as sodium ribonucleotides.</p> <p>Japanese and Korean cooks figured this secret out long before chemists, as boiling dried fish and seaweed produces foundation stocks (dashi) containing a mix of naturally sourced glutamates and ribonucleotides.</p> <p>Ribonucleotides are classified as “generally considered as safe” by <a href="https://www.cfsanappsexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FoodSubstances&id=DISODIUMINOSINATE&sort=Sortterm_ID&order=ASC&startrow=1&type=basic&search=disodium">food standards authorities</a>. Humans consume many grams of the natural equivalent in their diets.</p> <p>What can be more problematic are the carbohydrates- and fat-rich foods that have their flavours enhanced, which can potentially lead us to eat excessive calories.</p> <p>The combination of MSG and ribonucleotides produces a more-ish sensation. Next time you see a bag of potato chips or instant noodles, have a quick look to see if it contains both MSG (E621) and a ribonucleotide source (E627–E635).</p> <p>I personally keep a jar of MSG in my kitchen. A little goes a long way to elevate a soup, stew or sauce that isn’t quite tasting the way you want it to, but without adding too much extra sodium.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237668/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-msg-and-table-salt-a-chemist-explains-237668">original article</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

‘A woman is not a baby-making machine’: a brief history of South Korea’s 4B movement – and why it’s making waves in America

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ming-gao-1496188">Ming Gao</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a></em></p> <p>In South Korea, a growing number of young women are rejecting societal expectations of marriage, motherhood and heterosexual relationships, known as the “4B Movement” or the “4 Nos”.</p> <p>The “B” is a homophone for the Korean word <em>bi</em> (비/非), meaning “no”, representing the movement’s four principles: <em>bihon</em> (no marriage), <em>bichulsan</em> (no childbirth), <em>biyeonae</em> (no dating) and <em>bisekseu</em> (no sex).</p> <p>By refusing to marry, have children, engage in romance, or participate in sexual relationships with men, 4B feminists seek to redefine their lives outside the confines of traditional gender roles.</p> <p>In the wake of the reelection of Donald Trump, there has been <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-10/donald-trump-win-4b-movement-male-supremacists-make-threats/104575732">increased interest</a> in the 4B movement from women in the United States.</p> <p>But what is the 4B Movement, where did it come from, and how is it reshaping the feminist landscape in South Korea and beyond?</p> <h2>Challenges facing young women</h2> <p>The 4B Movement reflects <a href="https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202004140938001">a broader dissatisfaction</a> among young South Korean women who face instability of housing, digital sexual violence, economic disparities and cultural pressures.</p> <p>It emerged in the mid- to late-2010s, following a surge of interest in feminism in South Korea, and spread primarily through women’s online communities.</p> <p>The roots of the 4B Movement lie in South Korea’s rapid economic transformation and the subsequent challenges it posed for younger generations of the 2000s.</p> <p>For young women, economic insecurity is compounded by systemic gender inequality. South Korea <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/south-korea-s-gender-pay-gap-worst-in-oecd">consistently ranks</a> worst in the OECD for the gender wage gap, and social mobility remains limited.</p> <p>Against this backdrop, traditional life paths – marriage, childbearing and homemaking – have become less appealing.</p> <p>Living an alternative life without men emerged as a radical strategy for young digital feminists to challenge the rigid patriarchy in South Korea.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202405172212001">senseless killing</a> in 2016 of a woman in a train station toilet by a man in Seoul shocked the nation and fuelled the movement. Online platforms became spaces where women could share their frustrations, critique patriarchal norms and organise protests.</p> <p>During this period communities like radical feminist online groups gained traction. Among these was the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/korean/news-44329328">Tal-Corset</a></em> (escape the corset) movement, which encouraged women to reject societal beauty standards by foregoing makeup, cosmetic surgery and restrictive clothing.</p> <p>The 4B Movement built on this momentum, targeting not only beauty standards but the very institutions that sustain patriarchy.</p> <p>It collectively challenges the notion that women’s value lies in their ability to support men and sustain the family unit.</p> <h2>‘A woman is not a baby-making machine’</h2> <p>The birth rate in South Korea ranks among the <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/birth-rate-by-country">lowest in the world</a>. The government has long viewed this as a national crisis. Policies such as subsidised housing for newlyweds and tax incentives for families have sought to encourage marriage and childbearing.</p> <p>In 2016, the government launched a national <a href="https://www.womennews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=248514">pink birth map</a> visualising the number of women of reproductive age in each district. It sparked outrage. Women criticised it as reducing them to reproductive tools, proclaiming, “<a href="https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4713565">my womb is not national property</a>” and “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FsEWD1bi3E">a woman is not a baby-making machine</a>”.</p> <p>For many 4B feminists, these policies represent a stark example of how the state prioritises population growth over women’s autonomy. In response, the movement frames its rejection of marriage and motherhood as an act of political resistance.</p> <p>As one <a href="https://www.womennews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=111598">protest slogan</a> declared: “End population policies! Stop blaming women”.</p> <h2>Living on their own terms</h2> <p>Despite its growing influence, the 4B Movement faces significant challenges.</p> <p>The radical principles have sparked backlash, with critics labelling participants as selfish or anti-social. Swearing off men as a form of protest against patriarchal structures and traditional marital norms is sometimes (mis)interpreted as implicitly favouring <a href="https://brunch.co.kr/brunchbook/radsview2">lesbianism</a>, given its stance against heterosexual relationships.</p> <p>The movement has also attracted negative political attention. <a href="https://www.khan.co.kr/national/national-general/article/202004140938001">Lee Seung-cheon</a>, a 58-year-old Democratic Party candidate, pledged to introduce “measures to reject the 4B Movement” as part of his policy campaign in 2020.</p> <p>Yet 4B feminists remain steadfast in their vision of a future where women can live on their own terms. Their rejection of traditional life paths is not a retreat into isolation but an attempt to create new ways of being free from patriarchal constraints.</p> <p>As one participant noted, rejecting marriage allows women to envision futures beyond societal deadlines like “<a href="https://brunch.co.kr/@404homealone/34">a woman’s age has an expiration date</a>”.</p> <h2>An international movement</h2> <p>The 4B Movement’s radical critique of patriarchy has resonated internationally.</p> <p>4B Movement ideas are starting to strike a chord in the US. The movement’s core principles align with broader feminist critiques of patriarchy and capitalism, which have intensified in response to political developments such as Trump’s rhetoric and debates over reproductive rights.</p> <p>In the US, Trump’s presidency (and now his return) has been a flashpoint for feminist activism. Policies restricting access to abortion, coupled with an increase in conservative rhetoric around women’s rights, have galvanised movements that resist patriarchal structures.</p> <p>For American feminists, the 4B Movement offers a framework for resistance that goes beyond economic precarity. It provides a roadmap for rejecting political conflicts, focusing on reclaiming agency by prioritising autonomy over their own bodies and rights.</p> <p>6B4T is inspired by the 4B Movement and has gained particular attention <a href="https://weibo.com/1263977197/KaFZGjoG4">in China</a>. This version incorporates additional principles, including rejecting consumerism and fostering mutual aid among unmarried women.</p> <p>The spread of 4B ideas across Asia and beyond highlights the universality of feminist struggles. As the movement continues to evolve, its impact extends beyond South Korea, sparking conversations about gender, autonomy and the future of feminism.</p> <p>Whether embraced or contested, the 4B Movement forces society to confront uncomfortable truths about the cost of sustaining patriarchy – and perhaps the possibilities of living without it.</p> <hr /> <p><em>Correction: 6B4T is inspired by the 4B movement and gained attention in China; it did not originate in China.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243355/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ming-gao-1496188">Ming Gao</a>, Research Scholar, Gender and Women's History Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-woman-is-not-a-baby-making-machine-a-brief-history-of-south-koreas-4b-movement-and-why-its-making-waves-in-america-243355">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Matcha is having a moment. What are the health benefits of this green tea drink?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p>Matcha has experienced a surge in popularity in recent months, leading to reports of <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/sydney-eating-out/global-matcha-shortage-hits-australia-as-skyrocketing-popularity-rivals-coffee-20241101-p5kn6v.html">global shortages</a> and price increases.</p> <p>If you haven’t been caught up in the craze, matcha is a powdered version of green tea. On a cafe menu you might see a hot or iced matcha latte, or even a matcha-flavoured cake or pastry. A quick google brings up <a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/tea/matcha-tea/matcha-recipes">countless recipes</a> incorporating matcha, both sweet and savoury.</p> <p>Retailers and cafe owners <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/sydney-eating-out/global-matcha-shortage-hits-australia-as-skyrocketing-popularity-rivals-coffee-20241101-p5kn6v.html">have suggested</a> the main reasons for matcha’s popularity include its “instagrammable” looks and its purported health benefits.</p> <p>But what are the health benefits of matcha? Here’s what the evidence says.</p> <h2>First, what is matcha?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/1/85">Matcha</a> is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, which come from the plant <em>Camellia sinensis</em>. This is the same plant used to make green and black tea. However, the <a href="https://naokimatcha.com/blogs/articles/how-matcha-is-made-in-japan">production process</a> differentiates matcha from green and black tea.</p> <p>For matcha, the tea plant is grown in shade. Once the leaves are harvested, they’re steamed and dried and the stems are removed. Then the leaves are carefully ground at controlled temperatures to form the powder.</p> <p>The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6571865/">production process</a> for green tea is simpler. The leaves are picked from the unshaded plants, heated and then dried. We then steep the dried leaves in hot water to get tea (whereas with matcha the whole leaf is consumed).</p> <p>With black tea, after the leaves are picked they’re exposed to air, which leads to oxidation. This makes the leaves black and gives the tea a different flavour.</p> <h2>A source of phytonutrients</h2> <p>Phytonutrients are <a href="https://theconversation.com/phytonutrients-can-boost-your-health-here-are-4-and-where-to-find-them-including-in-your-next-cup-of-coffee-132100">chemical compounds found in plants</a> which have a range of benefits for human health. Matcha contains several.</p> <p>Chlorophyll gives plants such as <em>Camellia sinensis</em> their green colour. There’s some evidence chlorophyll may have <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/7/1533">health benefits</a> – including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-obesity effects – due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that harm our cells.</p> <p>Theanine has been shown to <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/91/1/32">improve sleep</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-019-00771-5?crsi=662497574&cicada_org_src=healthwebmagazine.com&cicada_org_mdm=direct">reduce stress and anxiety</a>. The only <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/theanine">other known</a> dietary source of theanine is mushrooms.</p> <p>Caffeine is a phytonutrient we know well. Aside from increasing alertness, caffeine has also demonstrated <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2022.2074362?casa_token=ADALIs6M3iAAAAAA%3AXpY35se0zLddAEIbZAaeCcDaNWm94s2WJaDHfXDRvVZgYq_xTxsCFuvtrtNXMXAL9uNIvLlYzO30aA#abstract">antioxidant effects</a> and some protection against a range of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. However, too much caffeine can have negative side effects.</p> <p>Interestingly, shading the plants while growing appears to <a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/jsfa.9112?casa_token=KxVD9i9p4BsAAAAA:OwGTauXFHAndyJkam8WuXrmGQ2k1kaSRu5pOqJOrhSyRSeWkDwdrI23qaD5WVH1HGqZLFdsjP9ZTvolw">change the nutritional composition</a> of the leaf and may lead to higher levels of these phytonutrients in matcha compared to green tea.</p> <p>Another compound worth mentioning is called catechins, of which there are several different types. Matcha powder similarly has <a href="https://theconversation.com/matcha-tea-what-the-current-evidence-says-about-its-health-benefits-202782">more catechins</a> than green tea. They are strong antioxidants, which <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41702-020-0057-8">have been shown</a> to have protective effects against bacteria, viruses, allergies, inflammation and cancer. Catechins <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/catechin#:%7E:text=Catechin%20is%20naturally%20present%20in,containing%20many%20catechins%20%5B130%2C131%5D.">are also found</a> in apples, blueberries and strawberries.</p> <h2>What are the actual health benefits?</h2> <p>So we know matcha contains a variety of phytonutrients, but does this translate to noticeable health benefits?</p> <p>A review published in 2023 identified only <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665927122002180">five experimental studies</a> that have given matcha to people. These studies gave participants about 2–4g of matcha per day (equivalent to 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder), compared to a placebo, as either a capsule, in tea or in foods. Matcha decreased stress and anxiety, and improved memory and cognitive function. There was no effect on mood.</p> <p>A <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0309287">more recent study</a> showed 2g of matcha in older people aged 60 to 85 improved sleep quality. However, in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/17/2907">younger people</a> aged 27 to 64 in another study, matcha had little effect on sleep.</p> <p>A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-022-00998-9">study in people with obesity</a> found no difference in the weight loss observed between the matcha group and the control group. This study did not randomise participants, and people knew which group they had been placed in.</p> <p>It could be hypothesised that given you consume all of the leaf, and given levels of some phytonutrients may be higher due to the growing conditions, matcha may have more nutritional benefits than green tea. But to my knowledge there has been no direct comparison of health outcomes from green tea compared to matcha.</p> <h2>There’s lots of evidence for green tea</h2> <p>While to date a limited number of studies have looked at matcha, and none compared matcha and green tea, there’s quite a bit of research on the health benefits of drinking green tea.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711317300867?casa_token=dpbAEQQ7Is4AAAAA:U6aggqZM_G0KJ8hkhx0TGSvQywr4utlgKzwUnUj9x5t9eWd-FKENjbTvUv6s4TBTaPYrob-qQkk">systematic review of 21 studies</a> on green tea has shown similar benefits to matcha for improvements in memory, plus evidence for mood improvement.</p> <p>There’s also evidence green tea provides other health benefits. Systematic reviews have shown green tea leads to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.6697?casa_token=1eAbmeGillYAAAAA%3ABNGBB6EuRFXIDWHgsa7E798wfC0MQK2r3yOmAlFzR2sxyD9Xt837VoCel0l6Tsh3RRO19t-YUm1GqO7Y">weight loss in people with obesity</a>, lower levels of <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12937-020-00557-5">certain types of cholesterol</a>, and <a href="https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/02070/Effect_of_green_tea_supplementation_on_blood.36.aspx/1000">reduced blood pressure</a>. Green tea may also <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-00710-7">lower the risk of certain types of cancer</a>.</p> <p>So, if you can’t get your hands on matcha at the moment, drinking green tea may be a good way to get your caffeine hit.</p> <p>Although the evidence on green tea provides us with some hints about the health benefits of matcha, we can’t be certain they would be the same. Nonetheless, if your local coffee shop has a good supply of matcha, there’s nothing to suggest you shouldn’t keep enjoying matcha drinks.</p> <p>However, it may be best to leave the matcha croissant or cronut for special occasions. When matcha is added to foods with high levels of added sugar, salt and saturated fat, any health benefits that could be attributed to the matcha may be negated.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/242775/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/matcha-is-having-a-moment-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-this-green-tea-drink-242775">original article</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

When a baby is stillborn, grandparents are hit with ‘two lots of grief’. Here’s how we can help

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jane-lockton-811825">Jane Lockton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clemence-due-100240">Clemence Due</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-oxlad-811406">Melissa Oxlad</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><a href="https://www.stillbirthcre.org.au/resources/stillbirth-facts/">Six babies</a> are stillborn every day in Australia. This significant loss <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744165X12001023">affects parents</a> for years to come, often the rest of their lives. However, stillbirth also affects many others, including grandparents.</p> <p>But until now, we have not heard the experiences of grandparents whose grandchildren are stillborn. Their grief was rarely acknowledged and there are few supports tailored to them.</p> <p>Our recently published <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31387781">research</a> is the first in the world to specifically look at grandmothers’ experience of stillbirth and the support they need.</p> <p>In Australia, a baby <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0037109">is defined as</a> stillborn when it dies in the womb from 20 weeks’ gestation, or weighs more than 400 grams. Other countries have slightly different definitions.</p> <p><a href="https://www.stillbirthcre.org.au/resources/stillbirth-facts/">About 2,200</a> babies are stillborn each year here meaning stillbirth may be more common than many people think. And people <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)60107-4/fulltext">don’t tend to talk</a> about this openly despite it leading to significant grief.</p> <p>To explore grandparents’ experience of stillbirth, we interviewed 14 grandmothers for our initial study, and a further 23 grandmothers and grandfathers since then.</p> <p>Many grandparents were not aware stillbirth was a risk today. Most felt unprepared. Like parents, grandparents experienced grief like no other after their grandchild was stillborn.</p> <p>Rose said: "The grief is always there, it never leaves you […] I don’t know why but sometimes it is still very raw."</p> <p>Sally said: "I [would do] anything in my power to take it away, even if it meant, you know, something dreadful happening to me, I would have done it."</p> <p>Grandparents also spoke of anticipating the arrival of their grandchild, and disbelief at their loss.</p> <p>Donna said: "It was as bad as it could be and […] I thought it just couldn’t be real, it couldn’t be real."</p> <p>Where grandparents lived a long way from their child, the loss was even more profound. Distance prevented them from holding their grandchild after birth, attending memorials, or helping their own children.</p> <p>Iris said: "I still miss her now […] When she was born and they had her in the hospital they would text me and say you know she’s got hair like her daddy […] and they would describe her and how beautiful she was, and that’s all they have, you know […] that’s all I have really."</p> <p>Grandparents said they wanted to hide their grief to protect their child from pain. This often made them isolated. Their relationships with family members often changed.</p> <p>Mary said: "It’s like two lots of grief […] but I don’t want it to sound like it’s as bad as my daughter’s loss. It’s different, it’s a different grief, because you’re grieving the loss of a grandchild, and you’re also grieving for your daughter and her loss and it’s like yeah you’ve been kicked in the guts twice instead of once."</p> <h2>What grandparents wanted</h2> <p>Grandparents stressed the importance and ongoing value of being involved in “memory making” and spending time with their stillborn grandchild where possible.</p> <p>Creating mementos, such as taking photos and making footprints and hand prints, were all important ways of expressing their grief. These mementos kept the baby “alive” in the family. They were also a way to ensure their own child knew the baby was loved and remembered.</p> <p>Our research also identified better ways to support grandparents. Grandparents said that if they knew more about stillbirth, they would be more confident in knowing how to help support their children. And if people were more aware of grandparents’ grief, and acknowledged their loss, this would make it easier for them to get support themselves, and reduce feelings of isolation.</p> <p>Our research also found families can recognise that grandparents grieve too, for both their child and grandchild. Grandparents can be encouraged to seek support from other family and friends. Families could also encourage grandparents to seek support from professionals if needed.</p> <p>In hospitals, midwives can adopt some simple, time efficient strategies, with a big impact on grandparents. With parent consent, midwives could include grandparents in memory making activities.</p> <p>By acknowledging the connection grandparents have to the baby, midwives can validate the grief that they experience. In recognising the supportive role of grandparents, midwives can also provide early guidance about how best to support their child.</p> <p>Hospitals can help by including grandparents in the education provided after stillbirth. This might include guidance about support for their child, or simply providing grandparents with written resources and guiding them to appropriate supports.</p> <p>In time, development of peer support programs, where grandparents support others in similar situations, could help.</p> <p>And, as a community, we can support grandparents the same way they support their own children. We can be there, listen and learn.</p> <hr /> <p><em>All grandparents’ names in this article are pseudonyms.</em></p> <p><em>If this article raises issues for you or someone you know, contact <a href="http://www.sands.org.au">Sands</a> (stillbirth and newborn death support) on 1300 072 637. Sands also has <a href="https://www.sands.org.au/images/sands-creative/brochures/127517-For-Grandparents-Brochure.pdf">written information specifically for grandparents</a> of stillborn babies.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122313/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jane-lockton-811825">Jane Lockton</a>, PhD Candidate (Psychology, Health), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clemence-due-100240">Clemence Due</a>, Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-oxlad-811406">Melissa Oxlad</a>, Lecturer in the School of Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-a-baby-is-stillborn-grandparents-are-hit-with-two-lots-of-grief-heres-how-we-can-help-122313">original article</a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

Margot Robbie welcomes first child

<p>Margot Robbie has reportedly given birth to her first child with her husband, British filmmaker Tom Ackerley.</p> <p>According to <em>People</em>, the 34-year-old Australian actress gave birth to a baby boy on October 17 in Los Angeles. </p> <p>Her family is reportedly in the process of planning to travel out to the US.</p> <p>The actress known for her iconic roles in films like<em> I, Tonya, Wolf of Wall Street </em>and <em>Barbie</em>, has kept a low profile throughout her pregnancy, with friends and family also remaining tight-lipped on news of the baby.</p> <p>Ackerley was spotted carrying a box of nappies on the streets of LA on October 30, sparking speculation they had welcomed their baby. </p> <p>Robbie and Ackerley, met on the set of<em> Suite Française</em> in 2013, where he was an assistant director and she starred as Celine Joseph. </p> <p>They then married in December 2016 during a private ceremony in Byron Bay. </p> <p>Robbie's pregnancy was made public in July, with the couple enjoying a romantic babymoon to Sardinia, Italy a month later. </p> <p>The actress made her last red carpet appearance on September 9, when she attended the screening of the comedy movie she produced with her husband. </p> <p>Robbie has previously revealed how much she enjoys working with her husband. </p> <p>“I’m a great advocate of doing business with your partner,” she told <em>Porter </em>in 2018.</p> <p>“Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow. I have a responsibility being someone’s wife, I want to be better." </p> <p><em>Image: CraSH/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

The science of the ideal salad dressing

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a></em></p> <p>Summer means salads. And salads are even more delicious with a good dressing.</p> <p>Most salad dressings are temporarily stable mixtures of oil and water known as emulsions.</p> <p>But how do salad dressing emulsions form? And how can we enhance our emulsions for better salads and more?</p> <h2>Oil and water don’t mix</h2> <p>It’s accepted wisdom that oil and water don’t mix. The water and oil molecules have distinct chemical properties that don’t interact well together.</p> <p>You may have seen this if you’ve attempted to make a salad dressing by shaking together oil and vinegar (which is mostly water), which gives a temporary suspension that quickly separates.</p> <p>There is a large energy cost to breaking apart and mixing the water and oil layers. The secret to blending them together is to add an extra ingredient known as a “surfactant” or emulsifier.</p> <p>The name surfactant is derived from “surface active”. It highlights that these molecules work at the surface or interface to bridge the interactions between the oil and water. This is similar to how <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-sodium-lauryl-sulfate-and-is-it-safe-to-use-125129">detergents</a> are able to remove grease from your dishes.</p> <p>Many vinaigrette recipes call for emulsifiers without specifically mentioning their crucial emulsifying role.</p> <p>Key examples are mustard and garlic, which contain “mucilage” – a mix of carbohydrates – that can act as emulsifiers.</p> <p>So if your vinegar/oil salad dressings are separating, make sure you’re adding enough of these ingredients (which also contain <a href="https://theconversation.com/hate-vegetables-you-might-have-super-taster-genes-74428">wonderful flavour chemicals</a>).</p> <p>Commercial salad dressings also contain naturally sourced emulsifying carbohydrates. These will often be listed on the ingredients as generic “vegetable gum” or similar, and you may need to <a href="https://theconversation.com/busting-the-myth-that-all-food-additives-are-bad-a-quick-guide-for-label-readers-82883">read the label</a> and delve a little deeper into the <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/additives/additiveoverview/Documents/Food%20Additive%20Code%20Numbers%20%28July%202014%29.pdf">food additive number</a> to find out the source.</p> <p>Researchers have raised questions about <a href="https://theconversation.com/food-additives-and-chronic-disease-risk-what-role-do-emulsifiers-play-38492">synthetic emulsifiers used in processed food</a>, as studies in mice suggest they have health risks. It’s too early to say exactly what this means for humans.</p> <h2>Shake it ‘til you make it</h2> <p>Mixing is key to dispersing oil in water. While shaking a jar is convenient, a whisk or food processor will give a more complete emulsion. The white (or opaque) colour of many emulsions is due to the formation of microdroplets that scatter light.</p> <p>These mechanical mixing methods are even more essential for the formation of so-called “permanent emulsions” such as mayonnaise.</p> <p>Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil in water, but egg yolk is the key emulsifier. Egg yolks contain long molecules called <a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-642-36605-5_28">phospholipids</a> that are able to interact with both the oil layer and the water. Mayonnaise is an impressively stable emulsion, which is why is can be sold in a shelf-stable form.</p> <p>But it isn’t infinitely stable; heating the mayonnaise emulsion will cause it to split. Perhaps you’ve hurriedly prepared a potato salad and added a mayonnaise-based dressing before the potatoes have cooled down?</p> <p>Or toasted a sandwich spread with mayonnaise? (Incidentally, adding mayonnaise to the <em>outside</em> of a toasted sandwich is an excellent path to some <a href="https://theconversation.com/kitchen-science-from-sizzling-brisket-to-fresh-baked-bread-the-chemical-reaction-that-makes-our-favourite-foods-taste-so-good-58577">delicious and crispy chemical reactions</a>.)</p> <p>The heat destabilises the emulsion and the separate oil and water phases will reform. Depending on the mixture, split emulsions may be recovered by adding more emulsifier and re-whisking or re-mixing.</p> <p>Hollandaise sauce is a notoriously difficult emulsion to prepare. The traditional hollandaise method involves whisking egg yolk, water, and lemon juice over a low heat, then slowly adding melted butter with further whisking. Not only can the emulsion split, but you can also overcook the added emulsifying egg yolk.</p> <p>The key to a successful hollandaise emulsion is separating the butter into fine, dispersed droplets, giving a thick and opaque mixture, but without cooking the eggs. Adding the butter too quickly or without sufficient mixing can give a split sauce.</p> <p>Using an <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/foolproof-2-minute-hollandaise-recipe">immersion blender</a> can help, as can controlling the temperature of the melted butter. You might get a more consistently emulsified sauce with far less strain on your wrists.</p> <h2>You’ve got me feeling emulsions</h2> <p>Emulsions are used in many more places than salads and sauces. Most medicated creams, cosmetics and lotions are emulsions of oils and water, which is why they look white.</p> <p>Gardeners might be familiar with a mixture known as “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/horticultural-oils/9428876">white oil</a>” – a mixture of vegetable oil and detergent. This brew, when diluted in water, is an inexpensive, effective, yet mild insecticide. Commercial versions often contain other pesticides, so make sure you read the label.</p> <p>Modern <a href="https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/acrylicemulsion.html">acrylic paints use emulsions</a> for both their manufacturing and application. The emulsions suspend the paint polymers in a water base.</p> <p>The water from the paint evaporates, leaving a film of paint polymers that can’t be re-dispersed into water. This clever chemical trick has saved huge quantities of oil-derived solvents from being used, <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-solvents-can-affect-brain-health-even-at-low-levels-of-exposure-98081">inhaled</a>, and emitted into the environment from traditional oil-based paints.</p> <p>Modern vaccines use <a href="https://theconversation.com/adjuvants-the-unsung-heroes-of-vaccines-156548">emulsions to increase the immune systems response</a>. Other common emulsions are inks, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-ice-cream-work-a-chemist-explains-why-you-cant-just-freeze-cream-and-expect-results-205038">ice cream</a>, margarine and hair products, to name just a few.</p> <p>So next time you’re making a salad, check your emulsions. Opposites don’t attract, but mixing them with the right chemistry can give a delicious result.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216159/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-the-ideal-salad-dressing-216159">original article</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

“Is it really that bad?”: New mum slammed for baby name choice

<p>One woman has taken to social media to explain her dilemma after people around her made her second-guess the name she and her husband chose for their unborn son. </p> <p>The woman shared her situation on Reddit, and explained that the name has a special family significance to her, but so far people around her have absolutely hated it. </p> <p>"My grandpa was my favourite person in the whole world. Growing up, I always loved his name because I thought it was unique and I loved him. I always said if I had a son I would name him after my grandpa," she explained in the post. </p> <p>"Now I'm pregnant, and the very few people I've told the name to HATE IT. The name is Earl. Is it really that bad?"</p> <p>She added that she doesn't want her son to grow up hating his name, but she still wants to use it as it is so special to her. </p> <p>"Few other things: husband is on board and loves it, and it does sound really nice with our last name," she added. </p> <p>Many of the commenters urged her to go with the name if she loves it and to disregard what anyone else says. </p> <p>"This. Is. Your. Baby You don't need to poll the audience or tell anyone the baby's name before he is born. Protect your peace, and Earl's," replied one person. </p> <p> "I love Earl! Easy to say and spell. Uncommon but not made up. The emotional connection is wonderful too!" commented another. </p> <p>"It's a lovely name!!! Don't let other people shame you out of using it because you'll regret listening to them later," a third person assured her. </p> <p>"Earl is dated and country but it's cute and it means something to you and you both love it. It will be fine," another woman said. </p> <p>Some suggested that if she was really struggling with the name after the hate she received, there are other ways to incorporate it. </p> <p>"It's extremely dated but not bad. I personally think it's better as a middle name," replied one person. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Nearly 200 chemicals linked to cancer found in everyday food packaging

<p>A new study has uncovered the alarming amount of potential carcinogens in food packaging and plastic tableware. </p> <p>Researchers from the Food Packaging Forum found that nearly 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer are being used in food packaging, with dozens of these carcinogens able to find their way into the body. </p> <p>“There is strong evidence that 76 known or potential breast carcinogens from food contact materials recently purchased all over the world can be found in people,” study co-author Jane Muncke said.</p> <p>“Getting rid of these known or suspected carcinogens in our food supply is a huge opportunity for cancer prevention.”</p> <p>Muncke is managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, a non-profit foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland focusing on science communication and research. </p> <p>The study, published last month in the journal Frontiers In Toxicology, compared a list of potential breast carcinogens to a list of chemicals that have been found in food contact materials to find out which of the potential carcinogens could be getting into people's diets. </p> <p>Of the 189 potential mammary carcinogens in food contact materials, with 143 of these found in plastics and 89 found in paper or cardboard. </p> <p>Of the recently detected chemicals found in food packaging, 40 have already been classified as hazardous by regulatory agencies around the world. </p> <p>Another research scientist, Jenny Kay, from Silent Spring Institute an organisation focused on the link between chemicals, women's health, and breast cancer said: “So many of these chemicals have already been classified as human health hazards, yet they are still allowed to be used in food contact materials thus allowing them to migrate into the food we eat." </p> <p>Early-onset breast cancer rates in women younger than 50 have been increasing, and experts said the trend cannot be explained by genetics alone. </p> <p>“Many of the mammary carcinogens are hormone disruptors, too, and many of the chemicals on our list can also damage DNA," Kay said. </p> <p>“Consumers should not have to keep track of all of the scientific literature on what chemicals to avoid. It should be on regulators to recognise the danger and take action.”</p> <p>The Consumer Brands Association, which represents the consumer products industry, said its members adhered to the US Food and Drug Administration’s evidence-based safety standards.</p> <p>“Packaging exists to protect and keep food safe for consumption,” the association’s senior vice president of product policy and federal affairs Sarah Gallo told <em>CNN</em>. </p> <p>“The FDA reviews and approves food contact substances through their science and risk-based system before they go to market.</p> <p>“The agency’s post-market review also provides continuous safety analysis and regulation of the approved substances.”</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Body

Mick Jagger welcomes new grandchild

<p>Mick Jagger has become a grandpa again as his 32-year-old daughter, Georgia May, welcomed her first baby with boyfriend Cambryan Sedlick. </p> <p>"Our Son Dean Lee Jagger Sedlick was born September 30th," she announced on Instagram with a series of polaroid photos of the pair and their bub. </p> <p>"We are so in Love and happy and can't stop staring at him."</p> <p>Georgia first announced she was pregnant in June, sharing photos of her baby bump to Instagram.</p> <p>She also thanked her boyfriend for "being so incredible through everything and taking such good care of us".</p> <p>The photo was flooded with congratulatory messages from fellow celebrities including from <em>Daisy Jones & The Six</em> actress Suki Waterhouse and Meadow Walker, daughter of the late <em>Fast and Furious</em> actor Paul Walker.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DA8YB_MiiJ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DA8YB_MiiJ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Georgia May Jagger (@georgiamayjagger)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Cutest parents ever ❤️" Suki wrote. </p> <p>In one of the photos, Jerry Hall had her arms around her daughter as she smiled for the photo with her new grandchild. </p> <p>Jerry and Mick were together from 1977 to 1999 and share four children together, Elizabeth, 40, Georgia May, James, 39, and Gabriel, 26. </p> <p>The Rolling Stones frontman is also father to daughter Karis, 53, whom he welcomed with ex Marsha Hunt, daughter Jade, 53, whom he shares with ex-wife Bianca Jagger, son Lucas, 25, whom he welcomed with ex Luciana Gimenez.</p> <p>He also shares a seven-year-old son with his current partner Melanie Hamrick.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Police appeal for information after baby seal shot

<p>Authorities have offered up a reward of $20,000 USD ($29,000 AUD) in exchange for information after a baby seal was shot dead on a beach in Southern California. </p> <p>The fatally wounded male sea lion was discovered on August 7th between two lifeguard stations at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).</p> <p>The animal was estimated to be just two years old and died the day after it was found, with an examination revealing the seal had a gunshot wound to the back, according to a statement from NOAA.</p> <p>The agency said its law enforcement division was offering the reward "for information leading to a civil penalty or criminal conviction" in connection with the shooting, as the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, hunting, capturing or killing sea lions and other marine mammals.</p> <p>Violators can face criminal penalties, fines, and the forfeiture of any vessel involved in the incident.</p> <p>NOAA spokesperson Michael Milstein told <em><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/10/sea-lion-shot-california-beach-noaa-reward-offered/75605210007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USA TODAY</a></em> that the agency hopes "the reward offer will help encourage someone who may have seen something or heard something unusual to let us know to help us identify a suspect in this case."</p> <p>"We do get sea lions regularly that have been shot but this animal was still alive when found, so the wound was fresh and it was on a public beach, which hopefully increases the odds that someone knows something about what happened," Milstein added.</p> <p><em>Image credits: NOAA</em></p>

Legal

Clint Eastwood celebrates arrival of new granddaughter

<p>Clint Eastwood's youngest daughter, Morgan Eastwood, has welcomed her first child with husband Tanner Koopmans. </p> <p>The 27-year-old revealed that she'd given birth to a daughter named Cleo two weeks ago in an Instagram post shared over the weekend. </p> <p>"Two weeks with our Cleo," she captioned the post with a series of photos, giving fans their first look at her adorable baby girl. </p> <p>In the first photo, baby Cleo was swaddled in a blanket with a small smile on her face as she slept in the hospital crib. </p> <p>Another photo showed the new parents smiling down at their beautiful bub as they enjoyed a seaside stroll as a family. </p> <p>She included a few other shots of baby Cleo at home with her, Tanner and their beloved bulldog. </p> <p>Family and fans were quick to congratulate the couple. </p> <p>"She’s for real and our lives are already better! So happy for you! So happy for all of us! ❤️❤️❤️" Morgan's mum and Clint's ex-wife Dina commented. </p> <p>"I have looked at slide three 8,742 times" the first-time grandma gushed in another comment. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAucKTAPZeM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAucKTAPZeM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Morgan Eastwood (@morganeastwood)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"She is the definition of Bundle of Joy 😍 Congratulations beautiful family!" wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Congratulations Morgan she is beautiful!!! What a blessing," another added. </p> <p>The birth of baby Cleo makes the Hollywood legend a grandfather of six. </p> <p>Morgan, who has stayed out of the spotlight and works as a freelance writer, announced her pregnancy back in May with a photo of her baby bump and the caption "Our baby". </p> <p>A month later she tied the knot with Tanner, with her father walking her down the aisle during her intimate ceremony at Mission ranch in Carmel, California. </p> <p>The ceremony was attended by 130 guests, according to the <em>Daily Mail</em>, including Morgan's mum, as well as her seven siblings. </p> <p>Morgan is Clint's only child with Dina before the couple separated in 2012. </p> <p>Prior to his relationship with Dina, Clint had an "open marriage" with Maggie Johnson that lasted from 1953-1984, where they welcomed daughter Allison, 52, and son Kyle, 56. </p> <p>In total the actor has welcomed eight children with six different women. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Buckingham Palace announces joyous royal baby news

<p>In a delightful announcement, Britain’s Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting their second child, due in early spring of next year, or our autumn. Buckingham Palace confirmed the joyous news, stating, “His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”</p> <p>This exciting chapter comes after Beatrice, 36, and property developer Mapelli Mozzi tied the knot in a charming private ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor, in July 2020. The couple welcomed their first child, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, on September 18, 2021, who is now three. Beatrice is also a loving stepmother to Mapelli Mozzi’s son, Christopher Wolf, affectionately known as Wolfie, from a previous relationship.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAlYZhLM4vG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAlYZhLM4vG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>With the new baby set to be born as 11th in line to the throne, the little one will join the growing royal family, further enriching their close-knit bond. The child will be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to arrive since her passing in 2022, following the birth of Beatrice’s sister Princess Eugenie's son, Ernest.</p> <p>The news is a bright spot in what has been a challenging year for the royal family. Both the Princess of Wales and Beatrice’s mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, have been undergoing treatment for cancer, with the Duchess triumphantly receiving the “all clear” after battling breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Despite these trials, Beatrice's pregnancy brings hope and happiness, with her family embracing the next royal arrival.</p> <p>The Duchess of York, known as Fergie, expressed her overwhelming joy at the news. “Words cannot express the joy and excitement I feel... Becoming a granny again fills my heart with so much happiness and gratitude. I cannot wait to meet this little one,” she shared. Fergie also celebrated her daughter’s motherhood journey, calling it one of the “greatest privileges” of her life. She beamed with pride at how Beatrice has blossomed as a mother to Sienna and stepmother to Wolfie, and looks forward to welcoming the newest addition to their ever-growing family.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAlxz75ucf6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAlxz75ucf6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Beatrice’s younger sister, Princess Eugenie, was equally thrilled, sharing her congratulations on Instagram. “So looking forward to more on this journey of motherhood together,” she wrote, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her future niece or nephew.</p> <p>As Beatrice and Edoardo prepare to welcome their second child, royal fans and family alike are filled with happiness for the couple. With a supportive and loving family surrounding them, this new chapter is set to be a beautiful continuation of their growing love story.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

How can I stop using food to cope with negative emotions?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/inge-gnatt-1425767">Inge Gnatt</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>Have you ever noticed changes in your eating habits when you are sad, bored or anxious?</p> <p>Many people report eating either more, or less, as a way of helping them to cope when they experience difficult emotions.</p> <p>Although this is a very normal response, it can take the pleasure out of eating, and can become distressing and bring about other feelings of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2018.02.008">shame and self-criticism</a>.</p> <p>Adding to the complexity of it all, we live in a world where <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/diet-culture-101/">diet culture</a> is unavoidable, and our relationship to eating, food and body image can become complicated and confusing.</p> <h2>Emotional eating is common</h2> <p>“Emotional eating” refers to the eating behaviours (typically eating more) that occur in response to difficult emotions.</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041744">Research shows</a> around 20% of people regularly engage in emotional eating, with a higher prevalence <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285446">among adolescents</a> and women. In a <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0285446#sec012">study</a> of more than 1,500 adolescents, 34% engaged in emotional eating while sad and 40% did so while anxious.</p> <p>Foods consumed are often fast-foods and other energy-dense, nutrient-poor convenience foods.</p> <h2>Stress, strong emotions and depression</h2> <p>For some people, emotional eating was simply a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-09519-0">habit formed earlier in life</a> that has persisted over time.</p> <p>But other factors might also contribute to the likelihood of emotional eating. The physiological effects of stress and strong emotions, for example, can influence hormones such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4530(00)00035-4">cortisol, insulin and glucose</a>, which can also increase appetite.</p> <p>Increased impulsivity (<a href="https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.158.11.1783">behaving</a> before thinking things through), vulnerability to depression, a tendency to ruminate and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1047840X.2014.940781">difficulties regulating emotions</a> also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1097/FBP.0b013e328357bd4e">increase the likelihood</a> of emotional eating.</p> <h2>So what do you do?</h2> <p>First, know that fluctuations in eating are normal. However, if you find that the way you eat in response to difficult emotions is not working for you, there are a few things you can do.</p> <p>Starting with small things that are achievable but can have a huge impact, such as prioritising <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-sleep-challenge-the-dangers-of-sleep-deprivation-236608">getting enough sleep</a> and <a href="https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/podcasts/episode-3-the-mindful-dietitian-fiona-sutherland">eating regularly</a>.</p> <p>Then, you can start to think about how you handle your emotions and hunger cues.</p> <h2>Expand your emotional awareness</h2> <p>Often we label emotions as good or bad, and this can result in fear, avoidance, and <a href="https://youtu.be/NDQ1Mi5I4rg?si=lv9d8qjUThSsemXG">unhelpful coping strategies</a> such as emotional eating.</p> <p>But it’s also important to <a href="https://www.pspnet.ca/assets/the-gottman-institute-the-feeling-wheel-v2.pdf">differentiate</a> the exact emotion. This might be feeling isolated, powerless or victimised, rather than something as broad as sad.</p> <p>By <a href="https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/interactive-tools/activities/understanding-emotions/">noticing</a> what the emotion is, we can bring curiosity to what it means, how we feel in our minds and bodies, and how we think and behave in response.</p> <h2>Tap into your feelings of hunger and fullness</h2> <p>Developing an intuitive way of eating is another helpful strategy to promote <a href="https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/blog/what-is-normal-eating">healthy eating behaviours</a>.</p> <p>Intuitive eating means recognising, understanding and responding to internal signals of hunger and fullness. This might mean tuning in to and acknowledging physical hunger cues, responding by eating food that is nourishing and enjoyable, and identifying sensations of fullness.</p> <p>Intuitive eating <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23509">encourages flexibility</a> and thinking about the pleasure we get from food and eating. This style of eating also allows us to enjoy eating out with friends, and sample local delicacies when travelling.</p> <p>It can also reduce the psychological distress from feeling out of control with your <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2013.12.024">eating</a> habits and the associated negative <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.10.012">body image</a>.</p> <h2>When is it time to seek help?</h2> <p>For some people, the thoughts and behaviours relating to food, eating and body image can negatively impact their life.</p> <p>Having the support of friends and family, accessing <a href="https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorder-resources/interactive-digital-resource-for-eating-disorders">online resources</a> and, in some instances, seeing a trained professional, can be very helpful.</p> <p>There are many <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-020-01498-4">therapeutic interventions</a> that work to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.02.010">improve aspects</a> associated with emotional eating. These will depend on your situation, needs, stage of life and other factors, such as whether you are <a href="https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/types/neurodivergence">neurodivergent</a>.</p> <p>The best approach is to engage with someone who can bring compassion and understanding to your personal situation, and work with you collaboratively. This work might include:</p> <ul> <li>unpacking some of the patterns that could be underlying these emotions, thoughts and behaviours</li> <li>helping you to discover your emotions</li> <li>supporting you to process other experiences, such as trauma exposure</li> <li>developing a more flexible and intuitive way of eating.</li> </ul> <p>One of the dangers that can occur in response to emotional eating is the temptation to diet, which can lead to disordered eating, and eating disorder behaviours. Indicators of a potential <a href="https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/whats-an-eating-disorder">eating disorder</a> can include:</p> <ul> <li>recent rapid weight loss</li> <li>preoccupation with weight and shape (which is usually in contrast to other people’s perceptions)</li> <li>eating large amounts of food within a short space of time (two hours or less) and feeling a sense of loss of control</li> <li>eating in secret</li> <li>compensating for food eaten (with vomiting, exercise or laxatives).</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/treatment-and-recovery/treatment-options">Evidence-based approaches</a> can support people experiencing eating disorders. To find a health professional who is informed and specialises in this area, search the <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/butterflys-referral-database/">Butterfly Foundation’s expert database</a>.</p> <hr /> <p><em>If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/">Butterfly Foundation</a> on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673).</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238218/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/inge-gnatt-1425767">Inge Gnatt</a>, PhD Candidate, Lecturer in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-can-i-stop-using-food-to-cope-with-negative-emotions-238218">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

MSG is back. Is the idea it’s bad for us just a myth or food science?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p>MSG is making a comeback. The internet’s favourite cucumber salad recipe includes fish sauce, cucumber, garlic and – as the video’s creator Logan tells us with a generous sprinkle from the bag – “MSG, obviously”.</p> <p>But for many of us, it’s not obvious. Do you have a vague sense MSG is unhealthy but you’re not sure why? Here is the science behind monosodium glutamate, how it got a bad rap, and whether you should add it to your cooking.</p> <h2>What is MSG?</h2> <p>Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the amino acids that make up proteins.</p> <p>It occurs naturally in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2017.1295260#d1e167">foods</a> such as mature cheeses, fish, beef, mushrooms, tomatoes, onion and garlic. It provides their savoury and “meaty” flavour, known as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622140186">umami</a>.</p> <p>MSG has been used to season food for <a href="https://wjpsonline.com/index.php/wjps/article/view/effects-monosodium-glutamate-human-health-review">more than 100 years</a>. Traditionally it <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed081p347?ref=article_openPDF">was extracted</a> from seaweed broth, but now it’s made by fermenting starch in sugar beets, sugar cane and molasses.</p> <p>Today it’s widely used as a flavour enhancer in many dishes and pre-packaged goods, including soups, condiments and processed meats.</p> <p>There is no chemical difference between the MSG found in food and the additive.</p> <h2>Is it safe?</h2> <p>For most people, yes. MSG is a safe and authorised additive, according to the Australian agency that regulates food. This corresponds with food standards in the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg">United States</a>, <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02008R1333-20201223#tocId3">European Union and United Kingdom</a>.</p> <p>Two major <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/sites/default/files/consumer/additives/msg/Documents/MSG%20Technical%20Report.pdf">safety reviews</a> have been conducted: one in 1987 by a United Nations expert committee and another 1995 by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Both concluded MSG was safe for the general population.</p> <p>In 2017 the <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4910">European Food Safety Authority</a> updated its stance and set a recommended limit based on body weight, aimed to prevent headaches and increased blood pressure.</p> <p>That limit is still higher than most people consume. The authority says an 80kg person should not have more than 2.4g of added MSG per day. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/1602526">For reference</a>, Europeans average less than a gram per day (0.3-1 gram), while in Asia intake is somewhere between 1.2-1.7 grams a day.</p> <p>Food Standards Australia New Zealand says the European update does not raise any new safety concerns not already assessed.</p> <h2>Isn’t it bad for me?</h2> <p>Despite the evidence, the idea MSG is dangerous persists.</p> <p>Its notorious reputation can be traced back to a <a href="https://news.colgate.edu/magazine/2019/02/06/the-strange-case-of-dr-ho-man-kwok/">hoax letter</a> published in the <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM196805162782014">New England Journal of Medicine</a> in 1968. A doctor claiming to have experienced palpitations, numbness and fatigue after eating at a Chinese restaurant suggested MSG could be to blame.</p> <p>With a follow-up article in the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1968/05/19/archives/-chinese-restaurant-syndrome-puzzles-doctors.html">New York Times</a>, the idea of “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” took off. Eating MSG was associated with a range of symptoms, including headache, hives, throat swelling, itching and belly pain.</p> <p>However an <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/027869159390012N?via%3Dihub">early randomised control trial</a> showed no difference in these symptoms between people who were given MSG versus a placebo. This has since been confirmed in a <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1541-4337.12448">review of many studies</a>.</p> <h2>Can MSG cause reactions?</h2> <p>A very small percentage of people may have hypersensitivities to MSG. The reported reaction is now known as MSG symptom complex, rather than so-called Chinese restaurant syndrome, with its <a href="https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(21)00068-X/abstract#:%7E:text=A%20New%20York%20Times%20piece,connecting%20MSG%20to%20health%20outcomes.">problematic</a> racial connotations. Symptoms are usually mild, short-term and don’t need treatment.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674999703714">One study</a> looked at 100 people with asthma, 30 of whom believed they had hypersensitivities to MSG. However when participants were blinded to whether they were consuming MSG, not one reported a reaction.</p> <p>If you believe you do react to added MSG, it’s relatively easy to avoid. In Australia, it is <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/additives/msg">listed</a> in ingredients as either monosodium glutamate or flavour enhancer 621.</p> <h2>Is it better than table salt?</h2> <p>Using MSG instead of regular salt may help <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893472/">reduce</a> your overall sodium intake, as MSG <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/msg-what-the-science-says-about-its-safety#Uses-of-MSG">contains</a> about one third the amount of sodium.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21372742/">One study</a> found people who ate soup seasoned with MSG rather than salt actually liked it more. They still found it salty to taste, but their sodium intake was reduced by 18%.</p> <p>MSG still contains sodium, so high use is associated with increased <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21372742/">blood pressure</a>. If you’re using MSG as a substitute and you have high blood pressure, you should closely monitor it (just as you would with other salt products).</p> <h2>Should I use MSG in my cooking?</h2> <p>If you want to – yes. Unless you are one of the rare people with hypersensitivities, enhancing the flavour of your dish with a sprinkle of MSG will not cause any health problems. It could even help reduce how much salt you use.</p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/25765299.2020.1807084#d1e199">vegetarian or vegan</a>, cooking with MSG could help add the umami flavour you may miss from animal products such as meat, fish sauce and cheese.</p> <p>But buying foods with added MSG? Be aware, many of them will also be <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/un-decade-of-nutrition-the-nova-food-classification-and-the-trouble-with-ultraprocessing/2A9776922A28F8F757BDA32C3266AC2A">ultra-processed</a> and it’s that – not the MSG – that’s associated with poor physical and mental <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/1/174">health outcomes</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237871/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/msg-is-back-is-the-idea-its-bad-for-us-just-a-myth-or-food-science-237871">original article</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

What causes food cravings? And what can we do about them?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gabrielle-weidemann-91497">Gabrielle Weidemann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-mahlberg-1634725">Justin Mahlberg</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p>Many of us try to eat more fruits and vegetables and less ultra-processed food. But why is sticking to your goals so hard?</p> <p>High-fat, sugar-rich and salty foods are simply so enjoyable to eat. And it’s not just you – we’ve evolved that way. These foods <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928395/">activate</a> the brain’s reward system because in the past they were <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030684">rare</a>.</p> <p>Now, they’re all around us. In wealthy modern societies we are bombarded by <a href="https://theconversation.com/junk-food-is-promoted-online-to-appeal-to-kids-and-target-young-men-our-study-shows-234285">advertising</a> which intentionally reminds us about the sight, smell and taste of calorie-dense foods. And in response to these powerful cues, our brains respond just as they’re designed to, triggering <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12354">an intense urge</a> to eat them.</p> <p>Here’s how food cravings work and what you can do if you find yourself hunting for sweet or salty foods.</p> <h2>What causes cravings?</h2> <p>A food craving is an intense desire or urge to eat something, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15589112/">often focused on a particular food</a>.</p> <p>We are programmed to learn how good a food tastes and smells and where we can find it again, especially if it’s high in fat, sugar or salt.</p> <p>Something that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12354">reminds us</a> of enjoying a certain food, such as an eye-catching ad or delicious smell, can cause us to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12354">crave it</a>.</p> <p>The cue triggers a physical response, increasing saliva production and gastric activity. These responses are relatively automatic and difficult to control.</p> <h2>What else influences our choices?</h2> <p>While the effect of cues on our physical response is relatively automatic, what we do next is influenced by <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1090198107303308">complex</a> factors.<br />Whether or not you eat the food might depend on things like cost, whether it’s easily available, and if eating it would align with your health goals.</p> <p>But it’s usually hard to keep healthy eating in mind. This is because we tend to prioritise a more immediate reward, like the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.04.029">pleasure of eating</a>, over one that’s delayed or abstract – including health goals that will make us feel good in the long term.</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3999(00)00076-3">Stress</a> can also make us eat more. When hungry, we <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8656885/">choose larger portions</a>, underestimate calories and find eating more <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666315000793">rewarding</a>.</p> <h2>Looking for something salty or sweet</h2> <p>So what if a cue prompts us to look for a certain food, but it’s not available?</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2014.04.005">Previous research</a> suggested you would then look for anything that makes you feel good. So if you saw someone eating a doughnut but there were none around, you might eat chips or even drink alcohol.</p> <p>But our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107640">new research</a> has confirmed something you probably knew: it’s more specific than that.</p> <p>If an ad for chips makes you look for food, it’s likely a slice of cake won’t cut it – you’ll be looking for something salty. Cues in our environment don’t just make us crave food generally, they prompt us to look for certain food “categories”, such as salty, sweet or creamy.</p> <h2>Food cues and mindless eating</h2> <p>Your <a href="https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/161283824.pdf">eating history</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.24179">genetics</a> can also make it harder to suppress food cravings. But don’t beat yourself up – relying on willpower alone is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.01.004">hard</a> for almost everyone.</p> <p>Food cues are so powerful they can prompt us to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797613484043">seek</a> out a certain food, even if we’re not overcome by a particularly <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797613484043">strong urge</a> to eat it. The effect is more intense if the food is easily available.</p> <p>This helps explain why we can eat an entire large bag of chips that’s in front of us, even though our pleasure decreases as we <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9384(81)90310-3">eat</a>. Sometimes we use finishing the packet as the signal to stop <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.03.025">eating</a> rather than hunger or desire.</p> <h2>Is there anything I can do to resist cravings?</h2> <p>We largely don’t have control over cues in our environment and the cravings they trigger. But there are some ways you can try and control the situations you make food choices in.</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Acknowledge your craving and think about a healthier way to satisfy it</strong>. For example, if you’re craving chips, could you have lightly-salted nuts instead? If you want something sweet, you could try fruit.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Avoid shopping when you’re hungry, and make a list beforehand</strong>. Making the most of supermarket “click and collect” or delivery options can also help avoid ads and impulse buys in the aisle.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>At home, have fruit and vegetables easily available – and easy to see</strong>. Also have other nutrient dense, fibre-rich and unprocessed foods on hand such as nuts or plain yoghurt. If you can, remove high-fat, sugar-rich and salty foods from your environment.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Make sure your goals for eating are <a href="https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2018/0300/p31.html">SMART</a></strong>. This means they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Be kind to yourself</strong>. Don’t beat yourself up if you eat something that doesn’t meet your health goals. Just keep on trying.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237035/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> </li> </ul> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gabrielle-weidemann-91497">Gabrielle Weidemann</a>, Associate Professor in Psychological Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-mahlberg-1634725">Justin Mahlberg</a>, Research Fellow, Pyschology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-causes-food-cravings-and-what-can-we-do-about-them-237035">original article</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

Why do I need to take some medicines with food?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mary-bushell-919262">Mary Bushell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a></em></p> <p>Have you ever been instructed to take your medicine with food and wondered why? Perhaps you’ve wondered if you really need to?</p> <p>There are varied reasons, and sometimes complex science and chemistry, behind why you may be advised to take a medicine with food.</p> <p>To complicate matters, some similar medicines need to be taken differently. The antibiotic amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (sold as Amoxil Duo Forte), for example, is recommended to be taken with food, while amoxicillin alone (sold as Amoxil), can be taken with or without food.</p> <p>Different brands of the same medicine may also have different recommendations when it comes to taking it with food.</p> <h2>Food impacts drug absorption</h2> <p>Food can affect how fast and how much a drug is absorbed into the body in up to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article-abstract/71/4/510/6122024?login=false">40% of medicines</a> taken orally.</p> <p>When you have food in your stomach, the makeup of the digestive juices change. This includes things like the fluid volume, thickness, pH (which becomes less acidic with food), surface tension, movement and how much salt is in your bile. These changes can impair or enhance drug absorption.</p> <p>Eating a meal also delays how fast the contents of the stomach move into the small intestine – this is known as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9505616/">gastric emptying</a>. The small intestine has a large surface area and rich blood supply – and this is the primary site of drug absorption.</p> <p>Eating a larger meal, or one with lots of fibre, delays gastric emptying more than a smaller meal. Sometimes, health professionals will advise you to take a medicine with food, to help your body absorb the drug more slowly.</p> <p>But if a drug can be taken with or without food – such as paracetamol – and you want it to work faster, take it on an empty stomach.</p> <h2>Food can make medicines more tolerable</h2> <p>Have you ever taken a medicine on an empty stomach and felt nauseated soon after? Some medicines can cause stomach upsets.</p> <p>Metformin, for example, is a drug that reduces blood glucose and treats type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. It commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms, with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452716/">one in four users affected</a>. To combat these side effects, it is generally recommended to be taken with food.</p> <p>The same <a href="https://amhonline.amh.net.au/auth">advice</a> is given for corticosteroids (such as prednisolone/prednisone) and certain antibiotics (such as doxycycline).</p> <p>Taking some medicines with food makes them more tolerable and improves the chance you’ll take it for the duration it’s prescribed.</p> <h2>Can food make medicines safer?</h2> <p>Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medicines, with around one in five Australians reporting use <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/medications/latest-release">within a two-week period</a>.</p> <p>While effective for pain and inflammation, ibuprofen can impact the stomach by inhibiting protective prostaglandins, increasing the risk of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1586/14737175.6.11.1643#d1e212">bleeding, ulceration and perforation</a> with long-term use.</p> <p>But there <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4574824/">isn’t enough research</a> to show taking ibuprofen with food reduces this risk.</p> <p>Prolonged use may also affect kidney function, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions or dehydration.</p> <p>The <a href="https://amhonline.amh.net.au/auth">Australian Medicines Handbook</a>, which guides prescribers about medicine usage and dosage, advises taking ibuprofen (sold as Nurofen and Advil) with a glass of water – or with a meal if it upsets your stomach.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4574824/">A systematic review published in 2015</a> found food delays the transit of ibuprofen to the small intestine and absorption, which delays therapeutic effect and the time before pain relief. It also found taking short courses of ibuprofen without food reduced the need for additional doses.</p> <p>To reduce the risk of ibuprofen causing damage to your stomach or kidneys, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, stay hydrated and avoid taking other <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs">non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines</a> at the same time.</p> <p>For people who use ibuprofen for prolonged periods and are at higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects (such as people with a history of ulcers or older adults), your prescriber may start you on a <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/peptic-ulcer-disease-and-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs.html">proton pump inhibitor</a>, a medicine that reduces stomach acid and protects the stomach lining.</p> <h2>How much food do you need?</h2> <p>When you need to take a medicine with food, how much is enough?</p> <p>Sometimes a full glass of milk or a couple of crackers may be enough, for medicines such as prednisone/prednisolone.</p> <p>However, most head-to-head studies that compare the effects of a medicine “with food” and without, usually use a heavy meal to define “with food”. So, a cracker may not be enough, particularly for those with a sensitive stomach. A more substantial meal that includes a mix of fat, protein and carbohydrates is generally advised.</p> <p>Your health professional can advise you on which of your medicines need to be taken with food and how they interact with your digestive system.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/235782/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mary-bushell-919262">Mary Bushell</a>, Clinical Associate Professor in Pharmacy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-need-to-take-some-medicines-with-food-235782">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

Thinking of trying a new diet? 4 questions to ask yourself before you do

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-eaton-1522868">Melissa Eaton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/verena-vaiciurgis-1647095">Verena Vaiciurgis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yasmine-probst-235268">Yasmine Probst</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p>We live in a society that glorifies dieting, with around <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fobr.12466">42% of adults globally</a> having tried to lose weight. Messages about <a href="https://doi.org/10.2196/38245">dieting and weight loss</a> are amplified on social media, with a never-ending cycle of weight loss fads and diet trends.</p> <p>Amid often conflicting messages and misinformation, if you’re looking for diet advice online, it’s easy to become confused and overwhelmed.</p> <p>So before diving into the latest weight loss trend or extreme diet, consider these four questions to help you make a more informed decision.</p> <h2>1. Is the diet realistic?</h2> <p>Have you considered the financial cost of maintaining the diet or lifestyle, and the time and resources that would be required? For example, do you need to purchase specific products, supplements, or follow a rigid meal plan?</p> <p>If the diet is coming from someone who is trying to sell you something – such as a particular weight-loss product you need in order to follow the diet – this could be a particular red flag.</p> <p>Many extreme diet recommendations come from a place of privilege and overlook food access, affordability, cooking skills, where you live, or even your culture and ethics.</p> <p>If the diet has these sorts of issues it can lead to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980024000132">frustration, stress, stigmatisation</a> and feelings of failure for the person trying to adhere to the diet. But the problem may be with the diet itself – not with you.</p> <h2>2. Is there evidence to support this diet?</h2> <p>Self-proclaimed “experts” online will often make claims focused on specific groups, known as <a href="https://doi.org/10.4103%2F0972-6748.77642">target populations</a>. This might be 30- to 50-year-old men with diabetes, for example.</p> <p>In some cases, evidence for claims made may come from animal studies, which might not be applicable to humans at all.</p> <p>So be aware that if research findings are for a group that doesn’t match your profile, then the results might not be relevant to you.</p> <p>It takes time and a lot of high-quality studies to tell us a “diet” is safe and effective, not just one study. Ask yourself, is it supported by multiple studies in humans? Be critical and question the claims before you accept them.</p> <p>For accurate information look for government websites, or ask your GP or dietitian.</p> <h2>3. How will this diet affect my life?</h2> <p>Food is much more than calories and nutrients. It plays many roles in our lives, and likewise diets can influence our lives in ways we often overlook.</p> <p>Socially and culturally, food can be a point of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980024000132">connection and celebration</a>. It can be a source of enjoyment, a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.024">source of</a> comfort, or even a way to explore new parts of the world.</p> <p>So when you’re considering a new diet, think about how it might affect meaningful moments for you. For example, if you’re going travelling, will your diet influence the food choices you make? Will you feel that you can’t sample the local cuisine? Or would you be deterred from going out for dinner with friends because of their choice of restaurant?</p> <h2>4. Will this diet make me feel guilty or affect my mental health?</h2> <p>What is your favourite meal? Does this diet “allow” you to eat it? Imagine visiting your mum who has prepared your favourite childhood meal. How will the diet affect your feelings about these special foods? Will it cause you to feel stressed or guilty about enjoying a birthday cake or a meal cooked by a loved one?</p> <p>Studies have shown that dieting can negatively impact our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF03405201">mental health</a>, and skipping meals can increase symptoms of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2020.01.160">depression and anxiety</a>.</p> <p>Many diets fail to consider the psychological aspects of eating, even though our mental health is just as important as physical health. Eating should not make you feel stressed, anxious, or guilty.</p> <p>So before starting another diet, consider how it might affect your mental health.</p> <h2>Moving away from a dieting mindset</h2> <p>We’re frequently told that weight loss is the path to better health. Whereas, we can prioritise our health without focusing on our weight. Constant messages about the need to lose weight can also be harmful to mental health, and not necessarily helpful for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00755.2010">physical health</a>.</p> <p>Our research has found eating in a way that prioritises health over weight loss is linked to a range of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107361">positive outcomes</a> for our health and wellbeing. These include a more <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IuZzDgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT9&dq=%22relationship+with+food%22&ots=e-NxLzUIFF&sig=s7p6_SijfgZE6Odx7ztV4xXPGp8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22relationship%20with%20food%22&f=false">positive relationship</a> with food, and less guilt and stress.</p> <p>Our research also indicates <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107361">mindful and intuitive eating</a> practices – which focus on internal cues, body trust, and being present and mindful when eating – are related to lower levels of depression and stress, and greater body image and self-compassion.</p> <p>But like anything, it takes practice and time to build a positive relationship with food. Be kind to yourself, seek out <a href="https://www.sizeinclusivehealth.org.au/find-a-provider">weight-inclusive</a> health-care professionals, and the changes will come. Finally, remember you’re allowed to find joy in food.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237766/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-eaton-1522868">Melissa Eaton</a>, Accredited Practising Dietitian; PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/verena-vaiciurgis-1647095">Verena Vaiciurgis</a>, Accredited Practising Dietitian; PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yasmine-probst-235268">Yasmine Probst</a>, Associate Professor, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/thinking-of-trying-a-new-diet-4-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-do-237766">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

Is still water better for you than sparkling water?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christian-moro-121754">Christian Moro</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-phelps-1187658">Charlotte Phelps</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a></em></p> <p>Still or sparkling? It’s a question you’ll commonly hear in a café or restaurant and you probably have a preference. But is there any difference for your health?</p> <p>If you love the fizz, here’s why you don’t have to pass on the sparkling water.</p> <h2>What makes my water sparkle?</h2> <p>This article specifically focuses on comparing still filtered water to carbonated filtered water (called “sparkling water” or “unflavoured seltzer”). Soda water, mineral water, tonic water and flavoured water are similar, but not the same product.</p> <p>The bubbles in sparkling water are created by adding carbon dioxide to filtered water. It reacts to produce carbonic acid, which makes sparkling water more acidic (a pH of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5747581/">about 3.5</a>) than still (closer to neutral, with a pH around 6.5-8.5).</p> <h2>Which drink is healthiest?</h2> <p>Water is the best way to hydrate our bodies. Research shows when it comes to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26702122/">hydration</a>, still and sparkling water are <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/58/5/58_333/_article">equally effective</a>.</p> <p>Some people believe water is healthier when it comes from a sealed bottle. But in Australia, tap water is <a href="https://www.waterquality.gov.au/guidelines/drinking-water">monitored very carefully</a>. Unlike bottled water, it also has the added benefit of fluoride, which can help protect young children against <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002-8177(14)60225-7">tooth decay</a> and cavities.</p> <p>Sparkling or still water is always <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30354445/">better</a> than artificially sweetened flavoured drinks or juices.</p> <h2>Isn’t soda water bad for my teeth and bones?</h2> <p>There’s no evidence sparkling water damages your bones. While drinking a lot of soft drinks is linked to increased <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071508/">fractures</a>, this is largely due to their association with higher rates of obesity.</p> <p>Sparkling water is more acidic than still water, and acidity can soften the teeth’s <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35635779/">enamel</a>. Usually this is not something to be too worried about, unless it is mixed with sugar or citrus, which has much higher levels of acidity and can harm teeth.</p> <p>However, if you grind your teeth often, the softening could enhance the <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-grinding#risk-factors-for-tooth-grinding">damage it causes</a>. If you’re undertaking a home whitening process, sparkling water <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39123328/">might discolour</a> your teeth.</p> <p>In most other cases, it would take a lot of sparkling water to pass by the teeth, for a long period of time, to cause any noticeable damage.</p> <h2>How does drinking water affect digestion?</h2> <p>There is a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/digestion/faq-20058348">misconception</a> drinking water (of any kind) with a meal is bad for digestion.</p> <p>While theoretically water could dilute stomach acid (which breaks down food), the practice of drinking it doesn’t appear <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11045127/">to have any negative effect</a>. Your digestive system simply adapts to the consistency of the meal.</p> <p>Some people do find that carbonated beverages cause some stomach upset. This is due to the build-up of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939475309000787">gases</a>, which can cause bloating, cramping and discomfort. For people with an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-44916-8">overactive bladder</a>, the acidity might also aggravate the <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpcell.00441.2022">urinary</a> system.</p> <p>Interestingly, the fizzy “<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34399552/">buzz</a>” you feel in your mouth from sparkling water fades the more you drink it.</p> <h2>Is cold water harder to digest?</h2> <p>You’ve chosen still or sparkling water. What about its temperature?</p> <p>There are surprisingly few studies about the effect of drinking cold water compared to room temperature. There is some evidence colder water (at two degrees Celsius) might inhibit <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7000532/">gastric contractions</a> and slow down digestion. Ice water may constrict blood vessels and cause <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0306362383900642">cramping</a>.</p> <p>However other research suggests drinking cold water might temporarily boost <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/88/12/6015/2661518">metabolism</a>, as the body needs to expend energy to warm it up to body temperature. This effect is minimal and unlikely to lead to significant <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/91/9/3598/2656772">weight loss</a>.</p> <h2>Which water wins?</h2> <p>The bottom line is water is essential, hydrates us and has countless other <a href="https://news.com.au/lifestyle/health/diet/fewer-than-25-per-cent-simple-question-most-aussies-cant-answer/news-story/04693f23f03d9e8b6483cf34b47d9fcb">health benefits</a>. Water, with carbonated bubbles or without, will always be the healthiest drink to choose.</p> <p>And if you’re concerned about any impact to teeth enamel, one trick is to follow sparkling water with a glass of still. This helps rinse the teeth and return your mouth’s acidity back to normal.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237125/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christian-moro-121754">Christian Moro</a>, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-phelps-1187658">Charlotte Phelps</a>, Senior Teaching Fellow, Medical Program, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-still-water-better-for-you-than-sparkling-water-237125">original article</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

Popular names Generation Alpha believe are “for old people”

<p>Today's youth have a very different idea of what constitutes an "old person" name, and one mum was left flabbergasted after a conversation she had with her six-year-old daughter about her classmates’ names.</p> <p>“You know what I find wild? I have an eight-year-old and a six-year-old, and the names of their friends, I can’t even pronounce some of them,” Australian entrepreneur and mum-of-two Steph Pase said in a now viral TikTok. </p> <p>“I asked her, so do you have anyone in your year called Sarah, Alex, Jack or Daniel?</p> <p>“She laughed and said ‘they’re old people names!’.”</p> <p>She then probed her daughter with a few other common names saying: “I asked, what about Steph … Michelle … she’s like no,” she laughed.</p> <p>“It just makes me realise, that we are that generation … our parents’ generation. Names like Helen, Karen or Joanna … now we’re that generation.</p> <p>“We have the old people names.”</p> <p>She captioned her video with the text "Millennial names are officially old" and many of her followers agreed with the upsetting revelation. </p> <p>“In my classes we have Vision, Stoney, Diesel, Hennesy, Blaze, Cruze, Kingdom, Ace, Boss, Oasis, Mercedes, Destiny,” one shared.</p> <p>“Luna, Harper & Arlo are the new Ashley, Jessica & Stephanie,” another said.</p> <p>“The names in my kids classes are Lamb, Honey, Hazard, Blu, Bambi,” another added. </p> <p>“My six year old has a girl in his class named ‘Summah’ and another called ‘Phox’ because Fox was too mainstream,” a fourth wrote. </p> <p>“My daughter has a Moses, Twayla, Lorde it’s wild …” a fifth commented. </p> <p>Baby name expert and CEO of Fifth Dimension Consulting Lyndall Spooner told <em>news.com.au</em> that there are a few reasons why there's been a shift in children's names over the years, including popularity, less pressure to follow traditional family names, and a trend towards more gender-neutral names. </p> <p>“Parents want their children to be unique and so they use nouns or verbs as names, or character names from books, TV shows, movies, shopping chains or cars," she said. </p> <p>And while the "millennial names" are not as common, "they are not extinct". </p> <p>“We will continue to see changes in baby names and the ‘recycling’ of older names that become popular again,” she told the publication. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

Is white rice bad for me? Can I make it lower GI or healthier?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Rice is a <a href="http://www.ipni.net/publication/bci.nsf/0/42A2EA40E95CBD1385257BBA006531E9/$FILE/Better%20Crops%20International%202002-3%20p03.pdf">culinary staple</a> in Australia and around the world.</p> <p>It might seem like a given that brown rice is healthier than white and official <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/eating-well/healthy-recipes/recipe-modification-tips">public health resources</a> often recommend brown rice instead of white as a “healthy swap”.</p> <p>But <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34441728/">Australians definitely prefer white rice</a> over brown. So, what’s the difference, and what do we need to know when choosing rice?</p> <h2>What makes rice white or brown?</h2> <p>Rice “grains” are technically seeds. A complete, whole rice seed is called a “paddy”, which has <a href="https://www.fao.org/4/t0567e/t0567e07.htm">multiple parts</a>:</p> <ol> <li>the “hull” is the hard outer layer which protects the seed</li> <li>the “bran”, which is a softer protective layer containing the seed coat</li> <li>the “germ” or the embryo, which is the part of the seed that would develop into a new plant if was germinated</li> <li>the “endosperm”, which makes up most of the seed and is essentially the store of nutrients that feeds the developing plant as a seed grows into a plant.</li> </ol> <p>Rice needs to be <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/87559128509540778">processed</a> for humans to eat it.</p> <p>Along with cleaning and drying, the hard hulls are removed since we can’t digest them. This is how <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1541-4337.12449">brown rice is made</a>, with the other three parts of the rice remaining intact. This means brown rice is regarded as a “wholegrain”.</p> <p>White rice, however, is a “refined” grain, as it is <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1541-4337.12449">further polished</a> to remove the bran and germ, leaving just the endosperm. This is a mechanical and not a chemical process.</p> <h2>What’s the difference, nutritionally?</h2> <p>Keeping the bran and the germ means <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cche.10322">brown rice has more</a> magnesium, phosphorus, potassium B vitamins (niacin, folate, riboflavin and pyridoxine), iron, zinc and fibre.</p> <p>The germ and the bran also contain more bioactives (compounds in foods that aren’t essential nutrients but have health benefits), like <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/2/532#:%7E:text=Brown%20rice%20(BR)%20is%20obtained,and%20phenolic%20compounds%20%5B3%5D.">oryzanols and phenolic compounds</a> which have antioxidant effects.</p> <p>But that doesn’t mean white rice is just empty calories. It <a href="https://www.glnc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/GLNC_Rice-factsheet_WEB.pdf">still contains</a> vitamins, minerals and some fibre, and is low in fat and salt, and is naturally gluten-free.</p> <p>White and brown rice actually have <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1541-4337.12449">similar</a> amounts of calories (or kilojoules) and total carbohydrates.</p> <p>There are studies that show eating more white rice is linked to <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/43/11/2625/35820/A-Global-Perspective-on-White-Rice-Consumption-and">a higher risk</a> of type 2 diabetes. But it is difficult to know if this is down to the rice itself, or other related factors such as socioeconomic variables or other dietary patterns.</p> <h2>What about the glycaemic index?</h2> <p>The higher fibre means brown rice has a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523314862">lower glycaemic index</a> (GI), meaning it raises blood sugar levels more slowly. But this is highly variable between different rices within the white and brown categories.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/carbohydrates-and-the-glycaemic-index#:%7E:text=The%20glycaemic%20index%20(GI)%20is,simple'%20or%20'complex'.">GI system</a> uses low (less than 55), medium (55–70) and high (above 70) categories. <a href="https://glycemicindex.com/gi-search/?food_name=rice&product_category=&country=&gi=&gi_filter=&serving_size_(g)=&serving_size_(g)_filter=&carbs_per_serve_(g)=&carbs_per_serve_(g)_filter=&gl=&gl_filter=">Brown rices</a> fall into the low and medium categories. <a href="https://glycemicindex.com/gi-search/?food_name=rice&product_category=&country=&gi=&gi_filter=&serving_size_(g)=&serving_size_(g)_filter=&carbs_per_serve_(g)=&carbs_per_serve_(g)_filter=&gl=&gl_filter=">White rices</a> fall in the medium and high.</p> <p>There are specific <a href="https://www.gisymbol.com/low-gi-products/sunrice-doongara-low-gi-white-clever-rice-1kg/">low-GI types available</a> for both white and brown types. You can also lower the GI of rice by <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf503203r">heating and then cooling it</a>. This process converts some of the “available carbohydrates” into “resistant starch”, which then functions like dietary fibre.</p> <h2>Are there any benefits to white rice?</h2> <p>The <a href="https://www.realsimple.com/brown-rice-vs-white-rice-8417468#:%7E:text=The%20eating%20experience%20between%20these,chewier%20texture%20and%20nuttier%20flavor.">taste and textural qualities</a> of white and brown rices differ. White rice tends to have a softer texture and more mild or neutral flavour. Brown rice has a chewier texture and nuttier flavour.</p> <p>So, while you can technically substitute brown rice into most recipes, the experience will be different. Or other ingredients may need to be added or changed to create the desired texture.</p> <p>Removing more of the outer layers may also reduce the levels of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10375490/">contaminants</a> such as pesticides.</p> <h2>We don’t just eat rice</h2> <p>Comparing white and brown rice seems like an easy way to boost nutritional value. But just because one food (brown rice) is more nutrient-dense doesn’t make the other food (white rice) “bad”.</p> <p>Ultimately, it’s not often that we eat just rice, so we don’t need the rice we choose to be the perfect one. Rice is typically the staple base of a more complex dish. So, it’s probably more important to think about what we eat with rice.</p> <p>Adding vegetables and lean proteins to rice-based dishes can easily add the micronutrients, bioactives and fibre that white rice is comparatively lacking, and this can likely do more to contribute to diet quality than eating brown rice instead.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236767/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Innovation - School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-white-rice-bad-for-me-can-i-make-it-lower-gi-or-healthier-236767">original article</a>.</em></p>

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