Why do we tend to reach for snacks more often as daylight fades? A breakthrough study now provides concrete scientific evidence: Our internal biological clock plays a direct role in orchestrating our daily eating patterns.

In groundbreaking research at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, scientists studied 51 adolescents between ages 12 and 18. The participants were categorized into three groups based on their body mass index: normal weight, overweight, and obesity. These young volunteers spent 11 days in a controlled laboratory environment, completely isolated from natural light and time cues. They were offered six eating opportunities during their waking hours, with a consistent menu allowing them to eat as much as they desired at each meal.

The findings proved illuminating: Across all participants, food consumption consistently peaked during late afternoon and early evening hours, while reaching its lowest point in the morning – even in this entirely controlled environment. For teenagers maintaining a normal weight, maximum calorie intake occurred around 5:30 p.m.

The biological clock's influence on eating patterns

A notable distinction emerged between the groups: Adolescents carrying extra weight reached their peak calorie consumption nearly an hour later than their normal-weight peers. Furthermore, while the biological clock – our internal system regulating daily biological activities – influenced everyone's eating patterns, this effect showed less prominence in overweight or obese teenagers.

"This is the first study to prove that food consumption itself is regulated by our internal biological clock," Frank A.J.L. Scheer, a professor of Medicine and director of the Medical Chronobiology Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said.

Professor Mary Carskadon, a senior researcher at Brown, underscored the significance of these discoveries: "Adolescence is critical in shaping health patterns for life, so it's essential to understand the role of sleep processes and the biological clock in eating behavior," she said.

She suggests these insights could help physicians better guide teenagers in weight management. "For example, we can influence the timing of the biological clock by limiting exposure to light in late evening hours and increasing exposure to bright light in the morning, especially during physical activity," she explains. "This may help regulate biological rhythms and create healthy habits."

The research team emphasizes the need for further studies to determine whether influencing the biological clock's food consumption patterns leads to weight changes, whether weight changes affect how the biological clock regulates food intake, or if both factors work in tandem.

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The corporation's leaders now stand accused of running a cult-like organization that encouraged its dependent employees to produce as many children as possible, who were subsequently exploited, enslaved, and sexually abused. Meanwhile, the corporation's executives lived in luxury reserved for the nation's wealthiest elite. The conglomerate employs 5,000 workers across restaurants, bakeries, factories, and supermarkets in 20 countries throughout the Muslim world and the West.

A CNN investigation exposed the horrific conditions in which over 600 children were held at the company's compound. According to the report, police suspect some children were born as a result of sexual assault, which corporate officials encouraged to populate the company's orphanages and secure lucrative contracts and donations.

Former employees told the American news network that while living in corporate compounds, they were forbidden from possessing mobile phones and received news only through the corporation's television channel, which primarily broadcast propaganda and Islamic preaching from the group's founder, Ashari Mohammad, a religious preacher whose organization was outlawed in the Muslim nation in 1994.

The current corporate leader, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, transformed the religious group and commercial corporation into a secretive organization controlling dozens of shelters and worker residences.  The daughter of founder Ashaari Muhammad claims the organization became unrecognizable under the new leadership: "Women face constant abuse, and all raised funds serve only the leaders' comfort."

Nasiruddin, arrested amid the investigation, offered an unconvincing defense: "I'm not trying to blame the law. We did some things the law considers wrong. Yes, there were one or two cases of sodomy, but why group everything together?"

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The familiar scene plays out in kitchens everywhere: You're about to enjoy a slice of bread lavishly spread with Nutella when it slips from your grasp and lands on the kitchen floor. A quick glance confirms no witnesses to your mishap, and your mind immediately jumps to the "5-second rule." Conventional wisdom suggests that if you retrieve the slice within five seconds of its "landing," you're in the clear – but is this really true? Have you just garnished your snack with an unwanted helping of bacteria, or is it actually safe? The answer lies at the intersection of scientific research, historical lore, and perhaps a dash of wishful thinking.

On science, beliefs, and one cruel ruler

Despite its name, the "5-second rule" isn't a scientific principle but rather a cultural phenomenon that's evolved into a half-serious justification for salvaging dropped food. The rule's origins are shrouded in legend, with some attributing it to Genghis Khan, who purportedly established a "royal 5-second rule" declaring that fallen food remained worthy of consumption as a show of respect for royal bounty. While historians debate this tale's authenticity, it illustrates humanity's long-standing relationship with fallen food.

Scientific scrutiny

 In 2003, the rule faced its first major scientific challenge when Jillian Clarke, then a high school student at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, conducted groundbreaking research. Clarke contaminated floor tiles with E coli bacteria and tested gummy bears and cookies, discovering that bacterial transfer occurred in less than five seconds.

The scientific community took notice, and in 2007, food scientist Paul Dawson and his team at Clemson University published a study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology. Their research revealed that when bologna was dropped on Salmonella-contaminated tiles, more than 99% of bacteria transferred within five seconds, effectively dismantling the popular rule.

Further research emerged in 2014 when Professor Anthony Hilton's team at Aston University examined bacterial transfer across different surfaces and foods. They tested the transfer of E coli and Staphylococcus aureus from different types of surfaces such as carpet, laminated flooring, and tiles to foods like toast, pasta, biscuits, and sticky candies over periods of three to 30 seconds. While their results suggested that contact time influenced contamination levels, they couldn't fully validate the 5-second window.

The most comprehensive study came in 2016 from Rutgers University, where Professor Donald Schaffner and Robyn C. Miranda published their findings in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Testing multiple food types on various surfaces, they conclusively demonstrated that bacterial transfer begins instantaneously – in less than a second. Medical professionals have noted that this contamination risk extends beyond floors to commonly touched surfaces like refrigerator handles and wallets.

Understanding risk factors

The study revealed crucial differences in contamination rates: moist foods like watermelon attract bacteria more readily than dry items such as bread or candy. Surface type also matters – carpeting transfers fewer bacteria than ceramic tiles or stainless steel due to its absorption properties. Surprisingly, a seemingly clean kitchen floor might harbor more bacteria than a bathroom floor, particularly in homes where outdoor shoes are worn inside. Hospital floors present a particular paradox – despite being in ostensibly sterile environments, certain areas can become breeding grounds for dangerous bacterial colonies.

The final verdict 

The science speaks clearly: the 5-second rule is more myth than fact. High-risk individuals – including those with compromised immune systems, young children, and the elderly – should never consume fallen food. However, some foods present lower risks: washable or peelable items like fruits and vegetables can be safely salvaged if properly cleaned. And for foods destined for cooking, the heating process can eliminate many bacterial threats.

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A 27-year-old Ohio woman received a one-year jail sentence on Monday for killing and eating a cat in an incident that shocked local authorities and drew national attention, the New York Post reported based on the Massillon Independent. 

Allexis Ferrell appeared before Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank Forchione, who expressed profound disgust at the defendant's actions.

"To me, you present quite a danger to our community," Forchione told Ferrell during the sentencing. "This is repulsive to me. I mean, that anyone would do this to an animal. And an animal's like a child. I don't know if you understand that or not. I can't express the disappointment, shock, disgust that this crime has brought to me."

The disturbing incident occurred at 5:54 p.m. on Aug. 16, when Canton police responded to a 911 call. Body camera footage showed Ferrell on all fours consuming the cat outdoors as neighbors watched in horror. Officers can be heard in the footage questioning her actions, with one asking, "What did you do? Why did you kill the cat?"

Stark County prosecutor Chelsea Small told the New York Post that this case stood out in her career. "It's one of the most disturbing cases that I've seen as a prosecutor," Small said.

The defendant pleaded guilty to a felony charge of animal cruelty. The New York Post reports that the one-year sentence for the cat incident will be served consecutively with an 18-month sentence from two previous convictions – a 2019 theft case and a child endangerment case from last year.

The case gained national attention in September, amid unsubstantiated claims by President-elect Donald Trump regarding pet consumption in Springfield. Officials clarified to the New York Post that Ferrell's case was unrelated to those claims.

Defense attorney Stephen Kandel, speaking to the Massillon Independent, addressed his client's underlying issues, stating, "it's clear that [Ferrell] has an issue with drugs and alcohol, through her evaluation, through her past history." He indicated that arrangements had been made for inpatient treatment following her release.

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The Telegraph reports that coffee, once maligned as potentially harmful, has emerged as an unexpected ally in the fight against several major diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

'Twenty years of research reveals coffee's protective effects'

Paul Rooke, executive director of the British Coffee Association, explained the dramatic shift to The Telegraph: "If you go back 20 years, there was quite a negative health picture attached to coffee. That has turned around completely, as people have worked out that some components released from coffee when it's roasted are good for your health."

Studies show coffee may help prevent multiple diseases

Research suggests that coffee consumption of up to five cups per day may help ward off heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, and dementia. Scientists attribute these benefits to coffee's rich array of compounds, including polyphenols, melanoidins, and trigonelline, as well as its surprisingly high fiber content.

Which brewing method offers the best health benefits?

According to experts interviewed by The Telegraph, different brewing methods offer varying health advantages

• Instant coffee: Higher in antioxidants but requires moderation

Dr Pál Maurovich-Horvat, director of medical imaging at Semmelweis University in Budapest, notes that instant coffee contains higher levels of antioxidants than ground coffee. These antioxidants protect against cell damage and include melanoidins, which increase beneficial gut bacteria diversity. However, Dr Maurovich-Horvat cautions about acrylamide content, a compound classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. McGill University researchers reassure that this only becomes concerning at consumption levels of about 10 cups daily.

• Filtered coffee: The heart-healthy choice

Norwegian researchers, analyzing 500,000 people over two decades, found lower rates of artery disease and death among filter coffee drinkers, with one to four cups daily providing optimal benefits. The scientists noted that unfiltered coffee contains 30 times more diterpenes, which can raise cholesterol levels.

• Espresso: Potential brain-boosting benefits

University of Verona researchers found that espresso may prevent the build-up of tau protein, thought to play a role in Alzheimer's development. Sophie Collins, a nutrition expert cited by The Telegraph, points out that espresso contains high levels of bioactive compounds, including caffeine and chlorogenic acid, which have been linked to lower risks of Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

• Cold brew: The concentrated choice

Collins explains that the long brewing process results in higher concentrations of bioactive components compared to filter coffee. "The bioactives and the caffeine can be as high as espresso," she notes.

• Decaf versus regular: Both offer health benefits

Dr Maurovich-Horvat tells The Telegraph that decaffeinated coffee still provides health benefits, suggesting it's not just caffeine driving coffee's protective effects. However, he notes that "further studies with more detailed information on the type and preparation of consumed coffee are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms."

What happens when you add milk and sugar?

Regarding additions to coffee, Collins tells The Telegraph that while milk can provide beneficial calcium and reduce bitterness by binding to tannins, women should be mindful of consumption as studies suggest more than 300ml daily may increase cardiovascular risks. She recommends avoiding unnecessary additions like sugar and syrups, suggesting spices as healthier flavor alternatives.

Bean varieties: Health benefits remain consistent

Collins explains to The Telegraph that despite over 100 varieties of coffee beans, including popular Arabica and Robusta varieties, there are no significant differences in their health benefits. The key lies in the preparation method and moderation of consumption.

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Sweetgreen, a leader in the fast-casual restaurant industry, has recently announced impressive growth figures, showcasing their continued success and strategic expansion. The company reported a 21% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching $184.6 million, driven by a 9% rise in same-store sales.

$SG rose 33.33% today after the company raised revenue and same-store sales outlook. But when will the company hit profitability?

CEO @JonnyNemo joins to discuss: pic.twitter.com/4hrTLLNyY3

— Yahoo Finance (@YahooFinance) August 9, 2024

This substantial growth highlights Sweetgreen's ability to attract and retain customers in an increasingly competitive market. The company's strategic focus on enhancing the customer experience and introducing new menu items has played a significant role in this upward trajectory.

One of the key factors contributing to Sweetgreen's success is its ability to maintain strong profit margins. The restaurant-level profit margin has expanded to 22.5%, representing an increase of over 200 basis points from the previous year. This achievement is particularly noteworthy in an industry where rising costs and fluctuating consumer demand can significantly impact profitability. Sweetgreen's focus on operational efficiency and cost management has allowed it to continue delivering strong financial results, even in a challenging economic environment.

A significant driver of Sweetgreen's recent growth has been its innovative approach to product offerings. The launch of the Caramelized Garlic Steak, for instance, has been a resounding success, driving increased customer traffic and larger check sizes. This new menu item has not only boosted sales during dinner and weekend hours but also reinforced Sweetgreen's reputation for offering high-quality, delicious, and health-conscious meals. The positive reception of this product reflects the company's ability to stay ahead of consumer trends and continuously evolve its menu to meet customer preferences.

In addition to its business accomplishments, Sweetgreen's CEO, Jonathan Neman, has also made headlines for his outspoken support of Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In a tweet shortly after the attack, Neman expressed his shock and anger, stating, "I am still shocked, horrified and angered by the brutal terrorism we witnessed against innocent Jews in Israel. We said 'never again' but here we are, witnessing the public massacre, rape, slaughter and beheading of innocent men, women, elderly and children." He firmly declared his support for Israel's right to exist and defend itself, emphasizing that "There are no 2 sides to this issue. This was another Holocaust and should be treated as such. These are barbarians with no care for humanity." Neman also warned of the rise in antisemitism that could follow and criticized those who might justify the attacks, calling them "pure evil pretending to care about human rights."

Neman's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict extended to criticism of students at Harvard University who blamed Israel as the sole culprit in the conflict. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Neman stated, "I would like to know so I know never to hire these people," reflecting his strong disapproval of the students' position. His remarks underline his commitment to standing against what he views as unjust and antisemitic perspectives, making it clear that he aligns his business principles with his personal values.

Looking ahead, Sweetgreen is poised for continued growth and success. The company has set ambitious expansion goals, with plans to open 24-26 new restaurants in 2024 and maintain a 15-20% annual unit growth rate for 2025 and beyond. By focusing on densifying its presence in existing markets and expanding into adjacent areas, Sweetgreen is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities. Moreover, with a raised full-year 2024 guidance and an expectation of positive adjusted EBITDA, Sweetgreen's financial outlook remains strong. Under Neman's leadership, Sweetgreen is not only growing but also redefining what it means to lead in the fast-casual restaurant space.

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Bibimbap, a traditional Korean rice bowl dish, experienced a surge in global search queries in 2023, reflecting the growing popularity of Korean cuisine driven by the Korean Wave of films, dramas, music, and fashion.

The dish is made of cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and slices of meat or other proteins arranged radially for visual contrast, typically served with a fried egg and spicy bibimbap sauce.

It was listed among the 50 most delicious dishes in the world by CNN Travel.

Above all, bibimbap is highly adaptable and can work with leftover ingredients, reducing food waste, and offering a customizable culinary experience with diverse vegetable choices, protein choices, and Korean sauces.

Bibimbap's origins can be traced back to the 15th century in Jeonju, known as the City of Gastronomy, with four disputed theories about its creation.

Tips for making bibimbap at home include incorporating multiple plant-based ingredients and Korean flavors, and using a dolsot (stone bowl) to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Sources: O Povo, Cantika, Well+Good, Vietnam News, Ultima Hora, Pinkvilla, Jutarnji, Korea JoongAng Daily, Rolling Stone India

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open has cast doubt on the widespread practice of taking daily multivitamins for disease prevention. The research, conducted by the National Cancer Institute, found that regular multivitamin use was associated with a 4% higher risk of death compared to non-use.

A bitter pill to swallow: Multivitamins may increase risk of death#health #wellness #diet #vitamins #HealthAndWellness #HealthyLife pic.twitter.com/niXV9IB0Q1

— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) July 1, 2024

The study, which followed 390,000 healthy Americans over two decades, challenges the common belief that multivitamins offer significant health benefits. Researchers divided participants into three groups – nonusers, occasional users, and daily users – and tracked their health outcomes for two decades. During the follow-up period, nearly 165,000 deaths occurred.

"In this cohort study of 390,124 US adults without a history of major chronic diseases, we did not find evidence to support improved longevity among healthy adults who regularly take multivitamins," the researchers stated. They added, "However, we cannot preclude the possibility that daily [multivitamin] use may be associated with other health outcomes related to aging."

The findings suggest that multivitamins did not lower the risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular diseases. This conclusion aligns with a 2022 determination by the US Preventive Services Task Force, which found that vitamin and mineral supplementation offers "little or no benefit" in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death.

Despite these findings, multivitamin use remains popular in the US, with one in three adults taking them, typically to prevent disease or improve health. The researchers noted that this popularity persists despite mixed evidence about their benefits.

The study's authors propose a shift in focus from supplements to whole foods. "Refocusing nutrition interventions on food, rather than supplements, may provide the mortality benefits that multivitamins cannot deliver," they wrote. "Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and cereal grains are staples in areas of remarkable longevity."

While the study's results are compelling, the researchers acknowledged some limitations. Participants may not have accurately reported their multivitamin use, and individuals with a history of cancer and other chronic diseases were excluded from the study.

The researchers also hypothesized that people who use multivitamins may have healthier lifestyles overall, while those with health issues might be more likely to increase their multivitamin intake. They did note that some specific supplements may offer benefits, leaving room for further research in this area.

As this study adds to the growing body of evidence questioning the efficacy of multivitamins, it underscores the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet in maintaining overall health and longevity. It seems an apple a day will keep the doctor away after all. 

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For many diners around the world, the rich tomato-based butter chicken curry is a beloved staple of Indian cuisine. Yet the origins of this iconic dish are fiercely disputed by two families in Delhi, who have taken their rivalry to court in a high-stakes battle over culinary bragging rights.

In the tumultuous aftermath of partition in 1947, when the British colony of India was divided into the new nations of India and Pakistan, two men named Kundan fled the city of Peshawar to the Indian capital. There, they co-founded Moti Mahal, a restaurant that achieved legendary status for a heavenly dish combining tandoori chicken in a buttery tomato gravy.

Moti Mahal drew elite patrons like US President Richard Nixon and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy until its closure in 1992. However, the partnership dissolved, and each man's descendants now lay claim to creating the original butter chicken recipe. 

The feud has escalated into a trademark lawsuit filed in the Delhi High Court. The upscale Daryaganj restaurant chain, established in 2019 by descendants of Kundan Lal Jaggi, is accused by the family behind a 1976 offshoot also called Moti Mahal of "misleading the public" over butter chicken's provenance.

"We told our team to imagine you're in 1947 and you don't have any of the blenders, the equipment, or anything to help you out," said Amit Bagga, Daryaganj's CEO as reported on NBC news, describing how the restaurant chops tomatoes by hand to recreate Jaggi's unique texture. According to Bagga, Jaggi improvised the buttery sauce to stretch a dwindling chicken supply one busy day.

The Gujral family, however, asserts that Kundan Lal Gujral invented butter chicken back in Peshawar before the move to Delhi by adding a buttery "makhani" sauce to leftover chicken to prevent it from drying out. Moti Mahal representatives declined to comment.

As the case awaits its next hearing in September, the legal battle has gripped the national conversation. "It's good publicity for us," Bagga admitted, as inquisitive customers flock to Daryaganj to judge the contested dish for themselves.

The saga offers a window into Delhi's rich culinary heritage shaped by the 1947 exodus of skilled Hindu tandoor masters fleeing religious violence in modern-day Pakistan. "It was these entrepreneurs who transformed the scene in the blink of an eye," said historian Rana Safvi.

While the dueling origin stories remain unresolved, butter chicken's creamy allure has endured across cultures. "It became very easy for anyone to eat, even for those who are not used to spicy food," Safvi explained of the curry's global popularity.

For first-time Daryaganj diner Satyam Kumar, 24, the identity of the true inventor is immaterial. As he savored the restaurant's rendition, he reflected, "But who invented it doesn't matter." In Delhi's raging butter chicken wars, the real winner is a dish beloved by many.

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In a filing with Israeli authorities, the British sandwich chain Pret A Manger has terminated its franchising agreement with its Israeli counterpart, citing ongoing protests and unrest related to the Gaza conflict as constituting a "force majeure" event. The move effectively ends Pret's operations in Israel for the foreseeable future.

The Islamic takeover of London is going well...

Muslims wearing their Palestinian war scarves (keffiyeh) stormed a Pret a Manger restaurant in London. The jihadis threatened customers to leave immediately.

Since the beginning of 2023, the Muslim group Friends of Al-Aqsa, a… pic.twitter.com/H3FXGquNZz

— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) November 12, 2023

In the surprising development, Pret A Manger (Europe) Limited ("Pret") has informed the Israeli company Fox Wizel of its decision to cancel a licensing agreement that granted exclusive rights to establish and operate the international food and coffee chain Pret A Manger in Israel. The arrangement would have had a Fox Wizel subsidiary (80% owned by the public company and 20% owned by Yarzin-Sella Restaurants) serve as the franchisee. Fox Wizel and Pret a Manger had previously announced partnership in April 2023, as noted in the company's periodic report for 2023 published on March 24, 2024, and an immediate report on April 3, 2023.

The decision comes amid ongoing violent and antisemitic protests across the globe against Israel's self-defense against Hamas following the Oct. 7 atrocities that killed 1200 Israelis and foreigners. "The Company is honored to announce that on May 30, 2024, Pret notified its decision to cancel the License Agreement, claiming, according to Pret, the occurrence of a force majeure event resulting from the war that began on October 7, 2023, and its alleged impact on Pret's ability to perform the required preliminary actions for the opening of operations under the License Agreement," the company said in a statement on its termination of the contract.

Pret A Manger, which operates over 500 locations worldwide. However, the company cited the "force majeure" clause in its contract, which allows termination when circumstances outside of either party's control prevent fulfillment of obligations.

A Pret spokesperson issued a comment to Israel Hayom following its report: 

 "We have taken the difficult decision to end our current agreement with Fox Group and Yarzin Sella Group. We had tried to delay this decision for as long as possible, but the significant ongoing travel restrictions have meant that our teams have not been able to conduct the checks and training needed to set up Pret in a new market. Under the terms of Pret's travel insurance, any colleagues traveling to Israel would not be insured. We want to express our sincerest thanks to the teams at Fox Group and Yarzin Sella Group, who have been supportive and extremely collaborative partners."

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