Latest research: need-to-know findings

2nd August 2021 | Eativity editors

Many of us have been guilty of gaining a few COVID kilos over the past year or so, but the latest research has revealed that fewer Aussies are aware of the potentially serious health risks of being overweight. Meanwhile, two studies out of Perth have uncovered some rather scary findings about energy drinks. Down in Melbourne, researchers have revealed just how risky dining out with allergies can be. On a more positive front, scientists offer us a simple and delicious way to keep our minds sharp as we age. Read on to find out more.

Latest research: Australians are getting fatter

We’re getting bigger – and more complacent

Our waistlines are expanding, and the average number on the scales has crept up, but the Heart Foundation warns that Australians are growing more complacent about the health risks of those extra kilos. The average Aussie male is now 11.2kg above a healthy weight, while the average woman is 7.1kg above a healthy weight.

Carrying excess weight, particularly around the middle, puts you at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke. Growing waistlines are also putting Australians in the danger zone. A waist measurement of 80cm or more for women and 94cm or more for men increases the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. The average woman’s waist size is 88cm, while the average bloke measures 98cm around the middle.

A recent Heart Foundation survey found that just one in four Australians are aware that being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. This is down from 31 percent five years earlier. The proportion of Aussies who’d try to lose weight to reduce the risk of heart disease also dropped. It’s down from 16 percent to 12 percent.

Two-thirds of Australian adults are now overweight or obese. This increases the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Obesity has also emerged as a risk factor for severe complications if infected with COVID-19.

Latest research reveals the hidden risks of energy drinks

Hidden risks of energy drinks

Two of Curtin University‘s latest research studies have found excessive consumption of energy drinks, even sugar-free varieties, can cause “significant damage” to your brain cells. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

The first study found excessive energy drink consumption caused damage to blood vessels in the brain. The other study found that energy drinks induce metabolic syndrome almost as much as a diet high in saturated fats. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that often occur together. These increase your risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Lead researcher for both projects, Associate Professor Ryusuke Takechi from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, says while the studies were conducted on mouse models, the findings about long-term use are a potential warning to consumers.

“Energy drinks containing large quantities of caffeine and sugar are increasingly being consumed – particularly by young people,” he says. “Many may believe that sugar-free varieties are ‘healthier’ for them. Our studies found the opposite.”

Latest research: Australians suffer allergic reaction while dining out

Dangerous dining

A survey of Australians with food allergies found that a quarter have had a severe allergic reaction when dining out. That’s even when staff had been told about the food allergy.

Researchers based in Melbourne conducted an anonymous online survey of people with food allergies. They also surveyed those caring for people with food allergies. Twenty-seven percent reported they or their dependent had experienced anaphylaxis while eating out. In 87 percent of these cases, staff had been informed of the food allergy beforehand.

Australia has the highest incidence of food allergy in the world. One in 10 babies born in Australia will develop a food allergy before their first birthday. Around 800,000 Australians also live with a potentially life-threatening food allergy. Australia’s leading allergy support organisation, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, has called for mandatory food allergy training for all foodservice staff. This could help prevent future anaphylaxis, including fatalities.

“Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia strongly encourages venue owners to make the All about Allergens online training course a prerequisite for all employees,” says Allergy & Anaphylaxis CEO Maria Said. “It’s free, it’s online and it takes just 90 minutes to complete. Not only could it save a life; it could also save a business from the damaging consequences of incorrectly serving an allergen to a person who tells them they have food allergy.”

Berries are rich in flavonoids

Add more colour to keep your brain sharp

A new study has found that people who eat at least half a serving per day of foods high in flavonoids may have a lower risk of cognitive decline. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring compounds found in brightly-coloured fruits and vegies like strawberries, oranges, capsicums and apples. They’re considered to have powerful antioxidant effects.

The study found that people who had high levels of flavonoids in their diets had a 20 percent lower risk of cognitive decline. High levels are about 600mg a day. As an example, strawberries have about 180mg of flavonoids per 100g; apples have about 113mg.

Researchers also looked at individual flavonoids. Flavones, found in some spices and yellow or orange fruits and vegetables, had the strongest protective qualities. They were associated with a 38 percent reduction in risk of cognitive decline. This is the equivalent of being three to four years younger in age. Capsicums have about 5mg of flavones per 100g. Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries, cherries and plums, were associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline. Blueberries have about 164mg of anthocyanins per 100g serving. The Queen Garnet plum – which was developed in Queensland – contains up to 272mg of anthocyanins per 100g serve.