Replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods does not make people hungrier -- and also helps to reduce blood sugar levels, a significant new study has found. The double blind randomized controlled trial found that consuming food containing sweeteners produced a similar reduction in appetite sensations and appetite-related hormone responses as sugary foods -- and provides some benefits such as lowering blood sugar, which may be particularly important in people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The use of sweeteners in place of sugar in foods can be controversial due to conflicting reports about their potential to increase appetite. Previous studies have been carried out but did not provide robust evidence. However, the researchers say their study, which meets the gold standard level of proof in scientific investigation, provides very strong evidence that sweeteners and sweetness enhancers do not negatively impact appetite and are beneficial for reducing sugar intake.
Read more …Do sweeteners increase your appetite? New evidence from randomised controlled trial says no
School quality ratings significantly reflect the preparation of a school's students, not just the school's contribution to learning gains, according to new research.
Read more …Is it the school, or the students?
Everyone indulges in wishful thinking now and again. But when is that most likely to happen and when could it actually be harmful? A new study demonstrates unequivocally that the greater the insecurity and anxiety of a situation, the more likely people are to become overly optimistic -- even to the point where it can prevent us from taking essential action.
Read more …Making the future too bright: How wishful thinking can point us in the wrong direction