The Daily News – February 13, 2025

Today we’ll be discussing should men and women eat different breakfasts? Next fragrances may seem harmless, but the research is raising alarm. And lastly, milk or dark chocolate. The answer could affect your risk of diabetes. Welcome to the Daily News. So first off, should men and women really be eating different breakfasts? Well, a fascinating new study from the University of Waterloo suggest they should, and it’s all about metabolism. The research used mathematical models to explore how men’s and women’s metabolisms respond to different types of breakfasts. By using these advanced models, the researchers were able to explore how metabolic differences between men and women can guide personalized nutrition. The study also highlights a bigger issue, the lack of research data specific to women’s bodies. The study’s co-author explained, we often have less research data on women’s bodies than on men’s mathematical models. Help us test hypotheses quickly. What were the results of the study? Women thrive on breakfast, higher in fat, think omelets and avocados. The rationale is that women’s bodies metabolize fats more efficiently during fasting periods than men’s. So a higher fat breakfast may help sustain energy levels and optimize metabolic processes. According to the study, men’s metabolisms are more responsive to carbohydrates. After fasting, carbohydrates quickly replenish glycogen stores, which can support energy production and recovery. So men benefit more from carbohydrate rich breakfasts like oatmeal or grains. But is there more to this study than just breakfast advice? While this study sheds light on how men and women’s metabolisms differ at breakfast, it also underscores the need for more personalized approaches to nutrition, taking into account factors like age, weight, and even hormonal cycles. This research is a step toward tailored nutrition that works for individuals rather than a one size fits all approach. As more data is collected and models become even more precise, we might see a future where dietary recommendations are as unique as our metabolisms. For now, understanding how your body responds to different foods can help you make smarter breakfast choices to start your day right. Next up, perfume may seem like a harmless luxury, but could it be putting your health at risk? While scientists are increasingly sounding the alarm about thalates, a group of chemicals commonly found in fragrances, nail polishes, and other personal care products, research has linked tates to a range of health issues including insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive challenges. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open found that higher exposure to T thalates in adolescents were associated with a 25% increased risk of hyperactivity problems. Another study revealed a connection between these chemicals and poor math performance in children. In fact, the risks for children are so concerning that some thalates are banned in kids’ toys and baby products in the United States. But these chemicals don’t just impact children. Thalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals or EDCs, which can interfere with hormones in anyone. One toxicology professor describes EDCs as chemicals that can mimic or interfere with our hormones. These disruptions affect everything from growth to reproduction, and their impact can persist for generations. She says, I recommend avoiding added fragrances altogether and perfumes, scented lotions and shampoos, even scented detergents and antiperspirant. While critics argue that definitive human trials are lacking, the professor asserts that such trials would be unethical. Instead, we rely on animal studies, which have shown, as she says, irrefutable evidence of harm caused by EDCs. So what can you do to reduce your exposure? You can opt for fragrance-free personal care products. Look for labels that say fragrance-free, tate free, or paraben-free. Avoid heating food in plastic containers and reduce consumption of canned and ultra processed foods. One pediatrician says, for people planning to start a family, cutting down on EDC exposure is even more crucial. She also recommends the following, engaging teens in conversations about safe skincare routines and helping them choose gentle fragrance-free products while completely avoiding endocrine disrupting chemicals may feel overwhelming, even small changes can make a big difference. The study helps us to appreciate that switching to tate free products or minimizing processed food consumption can help protect not just your health, but potentially that of future generations. Now for our last story, indulging in a square of dark chocolate may do more than satisfy your sweet tooth. It could also support your health. A large new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that eating dark chocolate regularly is associated with a lower risk of developing type two diabetes. The study, which is one of the largest of its kind, followed over 192,000 men and women in the United States for more than 30 years. Researchers found that participants who ate at least five ounces of dark chocolate a week had a 21% lower risk of of developing type two diabetes compared to those who rarely ate it. For every additional ounce consumed per week, the risk dropped by another 3%. But before you stock up on chocolate bars, there’s an important catch. The study found these benefits with dark chocolate only, not milk or white chocolate. Dark chocolate has more cocoa, which is rich in plant compounds called flavonoids. These compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and protect the cells in the pancreas that regulate blood sugar. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, contains more sugar and fewer of these beneficial compounds. Researchers noted that eating milk chocolate was more likely to lead to weight gain, especially in individuals who were already obese. The lead author of the study from Harvard explained that while findings are promising, they show a correlation not causation. Dark chocolate eaters in the study also tended to have healthier diets overall, which could partially explain the results. He went on to say, we can say that eating dark chocolate is associated with a lower risk of diabetes, but the key is balance not excess. So what does this mean for your health? Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids to maximize benefits and minimize sugar. But moderation is key. One or two small squares a day is enough. Finally, a word of caution. Dark chocolate can contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which may be harmful in large amounts, particularly for pregnant individuals and young children. Experts say to choose brands that test lower for these metals to enjoy dark chocolate safely, dark chocolate can be a delicious and potentially healthy indulgence. Just remember to choose wisely and enjoy in moderation. Those were our top stories for today. Thank you so much for joining us on the Daily News.