In a recently reported Canadian research study, two sets of mice were given Western-style diets high in sugar and fat. One group of mice got fat; the other didn’t. The mice that did not gain weight consumed one additional food. What was it?
1. Acai berries
2. Green tea
3. Olive oil
4. Tangerines
5. Vinegar
The answer is number 4. The pith of tangerines that mice consumed as part of their daily chow prevented weight gain and the medical problems associated with obesity (heart disease, stroke and diabetes). Researchers believe that “the naturally occurring substance nobiletin also helped to protect against atherosclerosis—the disease responsible for most heart attacks and strokes.” Excited about the results, researchers are continuing their experiments. Once news of this discovery circulates, tangerines may become the next superfood.
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