Diet success may depend on your DNA, research from the Texas A&M College of Medicine shows

(BRYAN, Texas) — Research in animal models with different genetics shows that one diet really doesn’t fit all, and what works for some may not be best for others, according to a Texas A&M study recently published in the journal Genetics.

“Dietary advice, whether it comes from the United States government or some other organization, tends to be based on the theory that there is going to be one diet that will help everyone,” said David Threadgill, PhD, with the Texas A&M College of Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, senior author of the study. “In the face of the obesity epidemic, it seems like guidelines haven’t been effective.”

Threadgill thinks he knows why. The researchers used four different groups of animal models to look at how five diets affect health over a six-month period. The genetic differences within each group were almost non-existent, while the genetics between any two of the groups would translate to roughly the same as those of two unrelated people. The researchers chose the test diets to mirror those eaten by humans—an American-style diet (higher in fat and refined carbs, especially corn) and three that have gotten publicity as being ‘healthier’: Mediterranean (with wheat and red wine extract), Japanese (with rice and green tea extract) and ketogenic, or Atkins-like (high in fat and protein with very few carbs). The fifth diet was the control group who ate standard commercial chow.

Although some so-called healthy diets did work well for most individuals, one of the four genetic types did very poorly when eating the Japanese-like diet, for example. “The fourth strain, which performed just fine on all of the other diets, did terrible on this diet, with increased fat in the liver and markings of liver damage,” said William Barrington, lead author on the study and a recently graduated PhD student from the Threadgill lab.

A similar thing happened with the Atkins-like diet: two genetic types did well, and two did very badly. “One became very obese, with fatty livers and high cholesterol,” Barrington said. Theother had a reduction in activity level and more body fat, but still remained lean. “This equates to what we call ‘skinny-fat’ in humans, in which someone looks to be a healthy weight but actually has a high percentage of body fat.”

“In humans, you see such a wide response to diets,” Barrington said. “We wanted to find out, in a controlled way, what was the effect of the genetics.” They measured physical signs, especially evidence of metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of signs of obesity-related problems, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, fatty liver and levels of blood sugar. They also studied any behavioral differences, from how much they moved around to how much they ate.

“I wanted to get the diets as close to popular human diets as possible,” Barrington said. “We matched fiber content and matched bioactive compounds thought to be important in disease.”

Perhaps as could be expected, both in earlier research and in anecdotal evidence in humans, the animal models tended not to do great on the American-style diet. A couple of the strains became very obese and had signs of metabolic syndrome. Other strains showed fewer negative effects, with one showing few changes except for having somewhat more fat in the liver. With the Mediterranean diet, there was a mix of effects. Some groups were healthy, while others experienced weight gain, although it was less severe than in the American diet. Interestingly, these effects held, even though the quantity of consumption was unlimited.

The results demonstrated that a diet that makes one individual lean and healthy might have the complete opposite effect on another. “My goal going into this study was to find the optimal diet,” Barrington said. “But really what we’re finding is that it depends very much on the genetics of the individual and there isn’t one diet that is best for everyone.”

The research team’s future work will focus on determining which genes are involved in the response to the diets. “One day, we’d love to develop a genetic test that could tell each person the best diet for their own genetic makeup,” Barrington said. “There might be a geographical difference based on what your ancestors ate, but we just don’t know enough to say for sure yet.”

About Texas A&M University Health Science Center
Texas A&M University Health Science Center is transforming health through innovative research, education and service in dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health and medical sciences. As an independent state agency and academic unit of Texas A&M University, the health science center serves the state through campuses in Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi and McAllen. Learn more at vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu or follow @TAMHSC on Twitter.

CRAFT Beer Market taps open first location in Toronto on Dec. 6
Canadian restaurant houses Ontario’s largest
selection of craft brews

Toronto, ON – Opening its doors on Dec. 6, CRAFT Beer Market officially taps open its first Toronto location in the city’s Financial District (1 Adelaide St. E.). The new two-storey restaurant houses over 400 seats inside, as well as a 250-person beer garden outdoors opening in summer 2018. The Toronto location features Ontario’s largest selection of craft beers, ranging from local Toronto breweries to well-established classics, in addition to sustainably sourced dishes.

“Toronto is such an amazing city with great food, beer and culture, and we’re so excited to be a part of this community and the growth of the craft beer scene,” said PJ L’Heureux, president and founder of CRAFT Beer Market. “We’re passionate about supporting the local communities we’re a part of, whether it’s through neighborhood breweries or local farms. Toronto has been so welcoming, from our existing long-term relationships, to the amazing new friends we have met. We cannot wait to open the doors to the great people of Toronto.”

Upon entrance, guests are greeted by a glass-enclosed keg room, which holds more than 250 kegs. Stainless steel draft beer lines connect the keg room to the restaurant’s centrepiece – an oval-shaped bar lined with 160 taps ready to pour great beer – traditional lagers to obscure ales, ciders and wine.

In addition to its wide selection of beers, CRAFT is committed to preparing fresh food using locally-sourced ingredients. The menu offers an elevated and sophisticated take on traditional comfort foods, such as Shrimp Tacos, a signature dish grilled with Ocean Wise shrimp and served with fresh cabbage, pico de gallo and CRAFT’s signature house made hot sauce.

House favourites include CRAFT’s Grilled West Coast Salmon, sustainably raised salmon served with quinoa, almonds and green beans sautéed with chili garlic vinaigrette. The Dark Beer Braised Beef Brisket, locally sourced Ontario beef from Sanagan’s braised for 10 hours and marinated in CRAFT’s house made sauce and served with smashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

CRAFT Beer Market’s Shrimp Tacos
Photo Credit: CRAFT Beer Market

CRAFT Beer Market’s Grilled West Coast Salmon
Photo Credit: CRAFT Beer Market

Served only on Saturdays and Sundays, CRAFT’s brunch menu offers casual yet delectable fare sure to wake up taste buds. Whether guests are craving an extravagant meal like Breakfast Tacos filled with scrambled eggs and beer can chicken or a more Classic Breakfast with two farm fresh eggs and sides, CRAFT has options suited for everyone.

“At CRAFT, we take great pride in our menu – it’s as important as our beer selection and it is carefully hand crafted daily in house and reflective of our great local suppliers here in Ontario,” said L’Heureux. “Whether you’re joining us for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks, we want guests to feel relaxed and enjoy their food as they would in their own home.”

CRAFT Beer Market Toronto opens to the public on Dec. 6 and is open daily for lunch, dinner, late nights and weekend brunch. For hours of operation or more information, please visit craftbeermarket.ca/Toronto.

Website: CRAFTbeermarket.ca/toronto
Instagram: @CRAFTtoronto
Twitter: @CRAFTToronto
Facebook: /CRAFTToronto
Hashtag: #CRAFTBeerMarketTO

About CRAFT Beer Market
Calgary-based CRAFT Beer Market opened the doors to its first location in Calgary’s Beltline district in 2011. They followed up with locations in Vancouver and Edmonton in 2013 and Ottawa in May 2016. This year CRAFT opens up two more locations; a second Calgary location at Southcentre and downtown Toronto. Keep up to date on the opening of CRAFT Beer Market by visiting them online at www.craftbeermarket.ca where you can subscribe to the e-newsletter.

Day to Night in a Heartbeat:
Holiday Dressing Made Easy with Grayes

The busiest social season of the year is upon us, and Grayes has the perfect antidote to the age old question: what do I wear? With a set of curated, work-appropriate essentials from Grayes that look as good in the workplace as they do after hours, your outfit woes are over! Scroll through to see how your new favourite pieces can have you looking chic from the earliest Monday AM meeting to the latest after-hours holiday party.

Searching for the ultimate day-to-night piece that can take you from boss in the boardroom to queen of the dance floor? Look no further: Grayes’ best-selling Blazer Dress will effortlessly take you from a 9 am meeting to 9 pm drinks and beyond. No need to spend time trying on outfits in the morning or pack an entirely separate look for eveningwear; keep it simple by layering the open blazer over a simple blouse and a pencil pant for an easy professional look. Once five o’clock hits, button up the blazer into a dress, lose the pants, and trade in your daytime accessories for a little evening-appropriate sparkle (think statement earrings). Apply a bold lip to contrast the neutral tone of the dress and you’re all set for a night out.

Never use ‘blazer’ and ‘boring’ in the same sentence again! The Notch Blazer is an updated take on the workwear staple with a figure-flattering fit and comfortable stretch that you won’t want to take off. Pair it with with the classic Pencil Pant for an elevated suit that’ll make you stand out in a sea of traditional workwear. Once you’re off the clock, pair it with your favourite skinny jeans and  a sparkly statement heel, or leather pants and jewel-toned booties and let the notch blazer keep you comfortable and sophisticated all night long.

In need of a one-and-done, go-to dress for any occasion? You can never go wrong with a LBD. The Cap Tunic Dress in black lace stripe makes this LBD a little more interesting and will be the most-worn item in your closet. Its simple, flattering cut and subtle elongating stripe pattern make it the perfect base for any outfit. Don a structured blazer for a no-nonsence look that’ll keep you cool and confident no matter what the work week throws at you. When it’s time for some well-deserved fun, head out the door in a flash by swapping out the blazer for a leather jacket and toss on some chic knee-high boots for a striking head to toe look. Layer on minimalist stacking rings, a nude lip and finish your look off with an en vogue clutch. Your evening ensemble is now ready to go, no changeroom required!

For more work-to-holiday soiree outfit inspo, visit grayes.com.

Hashtag: #GrayesEveryday
Twitter: @GrayesToronto
Instagram: @Grayes
Facebook: @GrayesToronto

About Grayes:
Established in 2016, Grayes is a sophisticated Canadian-made professional workwear brand with a point of view. Grayes’ mission is to provide an edited collection of impeccable essentials that are versatile, functional and easy to wear. Everyday pieces that express your personal style, celebrate ambition and empower you to feel confident at work — and beyond. The brand sources fabric from top mills around the globe and works exclusively with factories in the Toronto area to ensure premium quality product. For more information about the company, please visit grayes.com.

Hey Guys!

This prep I have been focusing more on my mental state and stress control. A LOOOOOOONG time ago MUSE sent me a headband. What is muse?

Greatist Launches a Movement To Help Expose Unhealthy Thinking About How To Get Healthy - Join the Movement!

"Healthy" has been co-opted by celebrities and 1-percenter lifestyle gurus as entertainment, and it's become about expensive athleisure and matcha detoxes instead of what's real for everybody. Greatist, a fast-growing health media company attracting eight to ten million millennials monthly, announced today that they have launched #HealthyForEveryBODY.

This program is aimed at exposing unhealthy thinking about how to get healthy, replacing it with confidence-boosting mantras. Greatist is encouraging consumers to stand with them as they say, "F*ck trying to be perfect. Just try." There are more than twelve different social graphics that debunk unhealthy attitudes in the same honest, provocative, and humorous voice that has made Greatist so popular. Here's how you can stand with Greatist and show your commitment to real health for the 99 percent:

1. Visit www.Greatist.com/HealthyForEveryBody
2. Share one of the pre-designed mantras on social media using #HealthyForEveryBody
3. Discover how healthier happens when you have the confidence to know healthy isn't about trying to be perfect or following fads, it's about trying.

"We ground everything we do in ideas that are accessible to real people—and we speak to millennial men and women like me who want to get healthy, but still have a life and friends," said Derek Flanzraich, Founder and CEO of Greatist. "The idea is that health and fitness can be a part of living a better, longer life but doesn't have to be the whole point."

Greatist provides realistic, achievable ways to get "healthyish" across content categories including healthy cooking, exercise, and personal journeys. Greatist has approximately 40-thousand people using their chart-topping Facebook Bot, and early next year will be releasing an app dedicated to pairing up like-minded groups of people who share in a similar health journey.

MANAGING CURLS!!??The DOUX is A MUST DO! 

New Hot Hair Care Line Drops at Target THIS Christmas Eve

Get ready to “drop the mic” on the beauty aisles at Target stores this December. The Doux® (pronounced The Do) is a “new school” modern hair care system with an “old school edge.” With packaging that is bold and bright and product titles inspired by 90’s hip hop, The Doux is poised to kill it with those seeking a way to smoothing curly, kinky, and wavy hair into both, curly or straight styles.

Created by Maya Smith, a 25-year celebrity stylist and International Curl Master, The Doux was first launched in Europe in 2011 in response to her passion for helping people master the hair they were born with. STRAIGHT, NATURAL, CURLY, or RELAXED, according to The Doux, if you grew it, it’s ALL GOOD. “I was living in Germany at the time, had my own salon there and my specialty was helping clients to transition to a relaxer-free lifestyle. I’m obsessed with people maximizing the potential of the hair they were born with. Mastering curls is my passion and purpose,” explains Smith.

The people felt her passion through her products. The Doux blew up overseas so much so that it caught the attention of media in the USA. “Once we started getting press in the states the demand for The Doux was incredible. I had to return to the states and see this vision through,” Maya Smith explains. In 2014, Maya opened The DOUX Salon™ in Macon Georgia’s historic Downtown district and started selling her professional grade products at her salons and on-line.

Fast-forward three years and a lot of work and dedication, The Doux will arrive in Target stores, on Christmas Eve; no easy feat for an indie brand. “We are so excited to bring The Doux to the masses. It’s 20 years in the making. We listened to 20 years of feedback from actual clients from Minneapolis to Morocco. We listened to what people wanted, a salon grade, high quality product that delivered on its promises. Helping people to manage and maintain their natural hair and celebrate their own bold, unique style is what the last 25 years of my professional life has been about,” Maya Smith shares.

The Doux also redesigned its packaging, with the intention to disrupt the category. It’s bold with bright colors, which is the opposite of the more subdued look you see on the shelves currently. “I’m a fan of 90’s rap so I wanted to incorporate lyrics and titles in the packaging,” adds Smith. With titles such as Bonita Afro Balm, Mousse Def, Sucka Free, Fresh Rinse, and The Light, The Doux will most definitely catch the eyes of Millennials and Gen X’ers alike.

THE PRODUCTS

Shampoo and Conditioner 

*SUCKA FREE™ Moisturizing Shampoo,  *FRESH RINSE™ Conditioner

Sulphate & Paraben-free Shampoo and Conditioning Duo with Shea Butter & Sea Silk. A gentle cleansing system for thick, dry, or color-treated hair. Ultra-hydrating conditioner has amazing slip for easy detangling. Sea silk smooths the cuticle, leaving hair frizz-free and full of body. MSRP: $12.99 each.

Stylers:

*BONITA AFRO BALM™ Shine Enhancing Texture Cream Delivers shine and manageability for pixies, Afro's, tapered cuts, and twist/braid/coil sets. Certified organic botanicals, alcohol & paraben free. MSRP: $15.99.

*MOUSSE DEF™  Texture Foam Non-flaking mousse gives definition to curly styles without stiffness, cloudiness, or crunch. Soy proteins and natural humectants make this humidity-resistant styling aid ideal for thermal styling as well. MSRP: $14.99

*THE LIGHT™ Shine Mist Preserves color and protects hair from heat styling. Reduces drying time and delivers weightless shine to finished looks. Adds natural luster to natural styles. Infused with Black Cacao, Passion Fruit, and Palm Oil. MSRP: $14.99.

Window Aquatica.

Grow fresh, organic herbs in any space! Window Aquatica is a mini-ecosystem, where the fish waste feeds the plants and the plants clean the water. This is simply the easiest and most economical way to have fresh organic herbs all year round.

Best of all, Window Aquatica lets you enjoy your aquarium and garden, without all the stress/labor. No need to clean the tank or water the plants; the self-contained system makes growing herbs at home easier than ever before. The fish waste provides plants with the necessary nutrients to grow, and the plants clean the tank by absorbing the fish waste.

Window Aquatica  is available on Indiegogo. Early Bird pricing starts at $70.00.

The holidays are quickly approaching and everyone is scrambling to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Whether they are looking for a gift for the tech lover or the fitness fanatic, there is something on this list that will bring them joy this holiday season.

I have provided product descriptions down below. Please let me know if you need additional press materials and I would be happy to provide. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Company Name: i-BLADES
Product: i-BLADES Smartcase

Website: https://i-BLADES.com/
Product Description: An award-winning protective Galaxy S8, S8Plus and Note 8 case with built-in technology that allows you to do more. The i-BLADES Smartcase with removable battery and memory Smartblade is the world's first Smartcase that wirelessy adds +10 hours of talk time, up to 64GB of extra storage and monitors the air quality around you with the state-of-the-art 4-in-1 Enviro Sensor™ embedded inside the Smartcase. Weighing 40g and a slimline 12.33mm, the i-BLADES Smartcase and Smartblade is the smartest phone case for Samsung Galaxy users this holiday season.
Price: $79 to $129

Company Name: SoundWhiz
Product: Turbo Wireless Running Headphones
Website: https://www.soundwhiz.com/
Product Description: The Turbo Wireless Running Headphones by SoundWhiz deliver incredible HD sound that can take any workout to the next level thanks to crystal clear 10mm drivers. The Bluetooth enabled headphones feature a sound profile specifically designed to enhance performance by boosting the body’s rhythm center during sports and activities. The Turbo Wireless Running Headphones ergonomic design combines high quality sound with stability and comfort that allows users to zone in to peak performance. The Turbo headphones are made using a nanocoating process that ensures they are completely protected against sweat, rain, and accidental immersion. Equipped with a long lasting battery, the Turbo headphones deliver up to 8 hours of talk of play time and take only two hours to be fully charged. In addition, the headphones support voice commands on both Apple and Android devices.
Price: $35.99
URL: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Running-Headphones-Waterproof/dp/B01FS01SVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504638866&sr=8-1&keywords=soundwhiz&th=1

Company Name: Brinno
Product: SHC500
Website: http://brinno.com
Product Description: Brinno has released the first in its next generation of front door cameras with one of the best image qualities to date. The SHC500 Digital Peephole Camera records visitors without their knowledge thanks to its conspicuous design. The images or videos are recorded and stored on a micro SD card. The bigger the SD card, the more images or video you can store (supports up to a 32GB card). Replay who was at the door on the 2.7" LCD screen with the push of a button, or remove the SD card and review your activity on your PC or tablet. A set of AA batteries (included) are good for 3,000 activations. Review each day’s images or videos with a simple button push. The new user-friendly menu makes it quick and easy to see who was at the door. Every image and video comes with a time and date stamp so you know who was there and when they were there. Like all Brinno Peephole Viewers and Smart Home Cameras the new SHC500 takes 5 minutes to install and is impossible to detect from outside the door.
Price per Unit: $219.99
Website Link: http://brinno.com/time-lapse-camera/TLC200Pro

Company Name: Witti
Product: ROSSI
Website: www.wittidesign.com
The ROSSI by Witti Design is the perfect gift for that friend who is obsessed with chakra crystals and green juices.
The USB powered aromatherapy diffuser features multicolored LED mood lighting making it the perfect gift to turn any room into an oasis.
Price Per Unit: $29.99
Link to Purchase: https://www.wittidesign.com/products/rossi?variant=40753222602

Reduce Stress and Give the Gift of Relaxation this Holiday Season with

The AiroSpa™ Pillow

Los Angeles, CA—November 1, 2017—With the gift buying/giving season right around the corner, the annual struggle as to what to get that friend or significant other will confront many shoppers. This year, buyers can give the gift of relaxation and help those important to them relieve stress with the AiroSpa™ Pillow, www.airospapillow.com.

It’s no secret that stress and its physical and emotional impact may be the nation’s #1 hidden health issue. A recent CBS News study found that more Americans than ever before are stressed and depressed. The study found a full 8.3 million or 3.4% of the entire population suffer from serious psychological distress.

The AiroSpa™ Pillow is one of the simplest and most affordable solutions to the stress challenge and a solution to the gift-giving conundrum.

The AiroSpa™ Pillow is a unique, simple to use, affordable, multi-purpose stress reliever and aromatherapy pillow that can be enjoyed at home and while traveling anywhere. With its built-in and patented fan, airflow vents and face-down angled construction, the AiroSpa™ Pillow can be used as a home/office/travel massage experience enhancer with a partner or all on its own for a calming and relaxing experience.

The AiroSpa™ Pillow and its patented fan disperses a relaxing aroma from each of the inclusive pure-essential oils that produces advantages ranging from calming stress relief to a reduction in neck and shoulder pain to improved posture. Other benefits include a reduction or resolution to snoring, and enhanced breathing. It also makes for a fantastic massage and aromatherapy experience.

“The face-down positioning of the AiroSpa™ Pillow definitely helps relieve neck and shoulder pressure. Combined with its relaxing aromas produced from the essential oils and dispersed by a clever internal fan system, that position helps keep the sinuses and breathing passageways clear. Overall, this produces a truly positive and relaxing feeling,” said Julie Danaher, Licensed Massage Therapist, West Palm Beach, FL. “It’s compact, portable and easy to use so it’s beneficial as a personal massage tool or simply for relaxation.”

The AiroSpa™ Pillow comes complete with a simple to inflate, padded, face-down pillow, a patented insertable fan to provide air flow and to disperse the pure-essential oils that all comes neatly packaged.

The entire set retails for $29.95 plus shipping and handling and includes three pure essential oils (Lavender, Chamomile, Geranium). For a limited time this holiday season, the AiroSpa™ Pillow will come with three additional pure essential oils (Jasmine, Rose, Ylang-Ylang), normally a $30 value, at no extra charge.

“If you close your eyes when enjoying the AiroSpa™ Pillow you can feel a gentle breeze that caresses your face. It makes me feel like I’m relaxing in an imaginary fragrant garden, no matter where I’m actually using it,” says Tom Cheng, Inventor and Founder of the AiroSpa™ Pillow. “I enjoy it for a few minutes each and every day in my office.”

Consonant Skincare Launches:
Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum™ 

The innovative new product transforms skin without irritation

Toronto, ON – Consonant, Canada’s leading line of premium natural skin care introduces a new high performance product, Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum™, to its collection. The serum boasts the maximum allowable concentration of glycolic acid in an over-the-counter serum in Canada, but is clinically proven to be 100 per cent non-irritating and ideal for sensitive skin.

Specially formulated to exfoliate to reveal smoother, brighter and firmer-looking skin, Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum retails for $60 CAD and USD, and is available at ConsonantSkincare.com, sephora.ca, Consonant Skincare stores and select retailers starting December 4, 2017.

Consonant Skincare’s new Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum
Photo Credit: Consonant Skincare
When used regularly, this powerful serum dissolves the bonds that prevent dead skin cells from being sloughed away; at the same time loosening dirt, makeup and clogged pores to reveal clearer, healthier and younger looking skin. The Meta Serum is also clinically proven to minimize the look of fine lines, brighten skin and add hydration.

“We are extremely proud of our innovative formula and how it transforms your skin naturally with little to no irritation,” said Bill Baker, founder of Consonant Skincare. “By nature, glycolic products are irritating due to their low-pH level, however, our Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum boasts four all-natural botanical extracts to soothe skin and minimize or eliminate irritation altogether. The hydrating and firming properties are all added benefits.”

A clinical trial revealed overwhelmingly positive response to the Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum:

• 100 per cent of clinical trial users experienced no burning sensation or redness – a rarity with glycolic products with the maximum concentration of glycolic
• 95 per cent reported smoother, softer skin
• 95 per cent saw no tightness or dryness to their skin
• 90 per cent reported skin was more hydrated
• 85 per cent claimed skin was firmer, more elastic and supple

Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum is available at ConsonantSkincare.com, sephora.ca, Consonant Skincare stores and select retailers beginning December 4.

About Consonant Skincare:
Located at 2479 Yonge St. in Toronto, all Consonant Skincare’s 100 per cent natural products are created and produced in Canada, and are made with the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients. They are formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural chemistry to improve the health of skin over time, rather than just covering up irritating symptoms. Skin appears firmer, healthier and younger without the use of synthetic ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, petroleum ingredients, phthalates and silicone.

Website:         www.consonantskincare.com
Twitter:          @Consonant
Facebook:      /ConsonantLife
Instagram:     @ConsonantLife
Hashtag:       #ConsonantSkincare