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Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Forget ozempic, this natural fibre mimics its effects, aiding dramatic weight loss and blood sugar control, say experts
We've all heard about Ozempic, the diabetes drug that's become popular for its strong weight loss effects. But what if a simple, natural ingredient like fibre could do something similar? That's what a new study from the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna suggests. Researchers have found that beta-glucan, a special type of fibre found in oats and barley, may help with weight loss and blood sugar control, just like Ozempic, but without any medication. For a long time, fibre wasn't the star of the nutrition world. People mostly focused on carbs and protein. But now, fibre is making a comeback, especially as we learn more about how it helps our gut and overall health. Our gut is home to trillions of tiny bacteria, known as the gut microbiome. These bacteria love fibre. In return, they help us digest food, fight off illness, and even manage weight. In the new 2024 study, scientists gave different types of fibre to mice who were on a high-fat diet. Only one type worked for weight loss: beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a soluble fibre. That means it dissolves in water and can be easily used by gut bacteria. You can find it in common whole grains like oats and barley. In the study, mice that ate beta-glucan didn't eat less food, but they still lost weight and fat. Their metabolism changed. One of the biggest changes was an increase in a helpful gut bacterium called Ileibacterium, which other studies have also linked to weight key change was the production of a chemical called butyrate. This is made when gut bacteria digest fibre. Butyrate helps your body release GLP-1, a hormone that reduces hunger. Ozempic works by mimicking this same hormone. So in simple terms, beta-glucan might help your body make more of this hormone doesn't just help with weight. It also protects the lining of your gut, supports the liver, and may lower inflammation. Scientists say we still have a lot to learn, but the early signs are said, remember: this research was done in mice. We still need more studies in humans to be sure it works the same beta-glucan to your diet is easy. Here are some foods that naturally contain it: Oats Barley Sorghum Rye Maize (corn) Triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid) Wheat and durum wheat Rice Mushrooms Seaweed These foods slow down digestion, which keeps you full for longer and helps your body manage blood sugar better. Inputs from TOI
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Forget ozempic, this natural fibre mimics its effects, aiding dramatic weight loss and blood sugar control, say experts
Fibre's comeback moment What's so special about beta-glucan? Live Events More than just weight loss Foods that are rich in beta-glucan Oats Barley Sorghum Rye Maize (corn) Triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid) Wheat and durum wheat Rice Mushrooms Seaweed (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel We've all heard about Ozempic , the diabetes drug that's become popular for its strong weight loss effects. But what if a simple, natural ingredient like fibre could do something similar?That's what a new study from the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna suggests. Researchers have found that beta-glucan , a special type of fibre found in oats and barley, may help with weight loss and blood sugar control , just like Ozempic, but without any a long time, fibre wasn't the star of the nutrition world. People mostly focused on carbs and protein. But now, fibre is making a comeback, especially as we learn more about how it helps our gut and overall gut is home to trillions of tiny bacteria, known as the gut microbiome . These bacteria love fibre. In return, they help us digest food, fight off illness, and even manage weight. In the new 2024 study, scientists gave different types of fibre to mice who were on a high-fat diet . Only one type worked for weight loss: is a soluble fibre. That means it dissolves in water and can be easily used by gut bacteria. You can find it in common whole grains like oats and the study, mice that ate beta-glucan didn't eat less food, but they still lost weight and fat. Their metabolism changed. One of the biggest changes was an increase in a helpful gut bacterium called Ileibacterium, which other studies have also linked to weight key change was the production of a chemical called butyrate. This is made when gut bacteria digest fibre. Butyrate helps your body release GLP-1, a hormone that reduces hunger. Ozempic works by mimicking this same hormone. So in simple terms, beta-glucan might help your body make more of this hormone doesn't just help with weight. It also protects the lining of your gut, supports the liver, and may lower inflammation. Scientists say we still have a lot to learn, but the early signs are said, remember: this research was done in mice. We still need more studies in humans to be sure it works the same beta-glucan to your diet is easy. Here are some foods that naturally contain it:These foods slow down digestion, which keeps you full for longer and helps your body manage blood sugar from TOI
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
THIS fibre mimics ozempic and can help in dramatic weight loss
We've heard about Ozempic, the diabetes drug making waves for its dramatic weight loss effects. But what if something as simple as a fiber found in oats and barley could offer similar benefits—naturally? That's the idea behind new research from the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna, which suggests a particular kind of fiber—beta-glucan—might help with weight loss and blood sugar control in ways that mimic Ozempic, without the medication. For years, fiber has taken a backseat in nutrition discussions, overshadowed by protein and carbs. But in recent times, it's making a serious comeback, especially as scientists continue to discover how important it is for our gut health. Our digestive system is home to trillions of bacteria, often referred to as the gut microbiome. These microbes feed primarily on fiber, and in return, they help regulate everything from digestion to immune function. Now, researchers are starting to uncover how specific types of fiber might also play a role in managing weight. In the 2024 study, researchers fed various fiber supplements to mice on a high-fat diet. These included common fiber types like wheat dextrin, pectin, resistant starch, and cellulose. Surprisingly, only one fiber stood out—beta-glucan. Mice that consumed beta-glucan lost weight and body fat within just a few weeks, while the others didn't see those benefits, even though their gut bacteria changed. That's an important distinction: it's not just about feeding your gut—it's about feeding it the right kind of fiber. What makes 'Beta-Glucan' special? Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber, meaning it dissolves in water and can be easily fermented by gut bacteria. It's naturally found in whole grains like oats and barley—foods you probably already have in your pantry. In the study, mice that ate beta-glucan developed higher levels of a beneficial gut bacterium called Ileibacterium , which other studies have already linked to weight loss. These mice didn't even reduce their food intake, but they still lost weight—because their metabolism changed. One key change? The production of a gut chemical called butyrate, which is made when bacteria digest fiber. Butyrate helps trigger the release of GLP-1, the same appetite-suppressing hormone that Ozempic is designed to mimic. So in essence, eating more beta-glucan may help your body naturally produce GLP-1, helping regulate your appetite and blood sugar without the need for medication. More than just weight loss But the benefits don't stop there. Butyrate may also improve gut lining health, support liver function, and reduce inflammation. Scientists believe there's still more to uncover about how these compounds work together to support weight management and overall wellness. However, it's important to note: this research was done in mice. While the results are promising, human trials are still needed to confirm whether beta-glucan works the same way in people. Sources of Beta-Glucan Beta-glucan slows the passage of food in the intestine. This increases the time taken by the body to digest food, which in turn keeps you full for a longer time. And they are also easily available naturally. Here are a few foods that you can include in your daily diet oats barley sorghum rye maize triticale wheat durum wheat rice mushrooms seaweed One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This Type of Fiber Could Have Weight Loss Benefits Similar to Ozempic
Research on the microbes living in our digestive tract has triggered a 'revolution' in nutritional science. In the last few years, dietary fiber has become the "new protein", leading to it being added to foods in abundance to feed our gut's microbiome and boost our health. However, a study on mice published in 2024 suggests not all fiber supplements are equally beneficial. A form that is readily found in oats and barley, called beta-glucan, can control blood sugar and assist in weight loss among mice fed a high-fat diet. According to researchers at the University of Arizona (UA) and the University of Vienna it was the only type of fiber supplement they tested that decreased a mouse's fat content and body weight within 18 weeks. Other fibers they considered, including wheat dextrin, pectin, resistant starch, and cellulose, had no such effect, despite shifting the makeup of the mouse microbiome significantly compared to mice fed no fiber supplements. "We know that fiber is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fiber," explained biomedical scientist Frank Duca from UA in July. "We wanted to know what kind of fiber would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer, and then also inform the agricultural industry." Dietary fibers are the main source of energy for bacteria living in our guts, and yet less than 5 percent of people in the US consume the recommended 25–30 grams (0.9–1 ounce) of fiber a day. To make up for this, fiber supplements and 'invisible fiber'-infused foods are growing in popularity. But fibers are extremely diverse, so which do we choose? Some fibers, like oat beta-glucans and wheat dextrin, are water-soluble, meaning they are easily fermented by gut bacteria. Others, like cellulose and resistant starch, are less soluble or insoluble, meaning they stick to other materials to form stool. Until now, writes biomedical scientist Elizabeth Howard from UA and her colleagues, "there is no study that has investigated the role of various fibers in one cohort." To make up for this, the current study tested several forms of fiber in one cohort of mice. Only beta-glucan was found to increase the number of Ileibacterium found in the mouse intestine. Other studies on mice have linked this bacterium to weight loss. Sure enough, long before the 10-week marker, mice fed beta-glucan showed reduced body weight and body fat content compared to mice fed other forms of fiber. The findings align with another recent study by Duca, which fed barley flour, rich in beta-glucan, to rodents. Even though the rats continued eating just as much of their high-fat diet as before, their energy expenditure increased and they lost weight anyway. A similar outcome was observed in mice fed beta-glucan in the new study. These animals also showed increased concentrations of butyrate in their guts, which is a metabolite made when microbes break down fiber. Butyrate induces the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is the natural protein that synthetic drugs like Ozempic mimic to stimulate insulin release. "Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight," said Duca. "However, we don't think that's all of the effect. We think that there are other beneficial things that butyrate could be doing that are not gut peptide related, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver." Far more research is needed before these results can be extended to humans, but the findings suggest that some fibers may be better suited to weight loss and insulin control than others. The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition. An earlier version of this article was published in July 2024. Study Reveals Plague's Evolutionary Hack to Survive 3 Pandemics One Key Way of Consuming Sugar Could Spike Your Diabetes Risk Parasite Infecting Up to 50% of People Can Decapitate Human Sperm
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Top 5 affordable European countries for Indian Students: Complete 2025 guide
Dreaming of studying abroad without breaking the bank? Europe might be your answer. While the U.S. and U.K. come with sky-high tuition costs, several European countries are now emerging as budget-friendly study destinations for Indian students. From globally ranked universities and post-study work rights to merit-based scholarships and low living costs, Europe offers an unbeatable guide discusses five affordable countries where Indian students can receive a quality education, gain international experience, and graduate without debt. All insights come from Karunn Kandoi, Founder and CEO of Rs 1.08 lakh degree that's worth more than a Rs 1.6 crore American oneWhat if you could graduate debt-free from a top-ranked European university, work legally during your studies, and earn over Rs 40 lakhs annually after graduation? While U.S. degrees cost more than Rs 1.6 crore and U.K. education demands Rs 35+ lakhs a year, European countries offer world-class education for as little as Rs 1.08 lakhs per and Poland attract over 15,000 Indian students each with zero tuition fees, but competition has intensified. Here are five emerging alternatives with easier admissions, lower costs, and equally promising prospects:Austria: Alpine excellence at unbeatable pricesCosts: Rs 67,500–Rs 1.4 lakhs per semester tuition, Rs 72,000–Rs 1.08 lakhs monthly living expensesWhy Choose Austria: Over 5,000 Indian students study at globally top-200-ranked universities such as the University of Vienna and Vienna University of Technology in fields like engineering, business, music, and applied Show funds of Rs 5.9 lakhs annually (under 24) or Rs 10.8 lakhs (over 24)Benefits: Work 20 hours/week, six-month post-graduation permit, Ernst Mach Grant (Rs 1.03 lakhs/month), merit scholarships Rs 45,000–Rs 1.8 lakhs per semesterSpain: Mediterranean route to successCosts: Public universities Rs 1.35–Rs 5.4 lakhs annually, private Rs 4.5–Rs 18 lakhs, living Rs 63,000–Rs 1.08 lakhs/monthWhy Choose Spain: Home to world-class business schools like IE and ESADE. Graduates earn an average of Rs 24 lakhs annually with opportunities in Latin America and Spain's booming tech Student Visa with Rs 54,000/month capacity (Rs 6.5 lakhs/year)Benefits: Work 20 hours/week, 12-month post-study visa, minimum wage of Rs 97,000/month, scholarships covering tuition/living/travel, merit-based aid of Rs 90,000–Rs 2.7 lakhs/yearCzech Republic: Mediaeval charm meets modern innovationCosts: Rs 91,800–Rs 21.9 lakhs annually (program-dependent), living Rs 45,000–Rs 67,500/monthWhy Choose Czech: Excellent programs in medicine, engineering, and computer science at globally ranked universities like Charles University and the Czech Technical Long-term visa for courses over 90 days (60–90 day processing)Benefits: Work 20 hours/week, 9-month post-study visa, tuition scholarships for Indians, Charles University scholarships up to Rs 4.5 lakhs/year, Erasmus+ stipend of Rs 63,000/monthHungary: Medicine and Engineering Costs: Rs 1.08–Rs 4.5 lakhs for most degrees, Rs 10.8–Rs 14.4 lakhs for medicine/dentistry, living Rs 45,000–Rs 63,000/monthWhy Choose Hungary: Over 2,000 Indian students choose Hungary for its internationally recognised medical degrees and 600+ English-taught National Visa (Type D), 15–30 day processingBenefits: Work 24 hours/week, 9-month job-seeking visa, minimum wage of Rs 58,500/month, Stipendium Hungaricum covers full tuition, Rs 9,900–Rs 40,500/month stipend, medical cover, and housingPortugal: Europe's sunny gatewayCosts: Rs 2.7–Rs 7.2 lakhs annually at public universities, saving Rs 54,000–Rs 81,000/monthWhy Choose Portugal: Known for its great weather and growing economy, Portugal offers access to European and Brazilian markets and quality education at institutions like the University of Lisbon and NOVA University Temporary Stay Visa for studies over 90 days (30–60 day processing), show Rs 68,400/month capacity (Rs 8.2 lakhs/year)Benefits: Work 20 hours/week, up to a 12-month post-study visa, minimum wage of Rs 68,400/month, Erasmus Mundus covers tuition plus Rs 90,000–Rs 1.08 lakhs/month stipend, merit aid Rs 45,000–Rs 1.8 lakhs/yearCritical application deadlinesStaying on top of application deadlines is vital:Germany: July 15 for October intake; January 15 for April intakeSpain: June 30 for September intake (some offer rolling admissions)Czech Republic: April 30 for September; November 30 for FebruaryHungary: June 30 for September; November 30 for FebruaryPortugal: June 30 for September; December 31 for FebruaryYour European revolution starts nowWhile you're still researching and "planning to apply someday," thousands of Indian students are already living their European dream, studying at world-class institutions for the cost of a semester at an Indian private is simple. The choice is yoursOption 1: Spend Rs 30 lakhs on a U.S. degree, take on massive debt, and spend the next 10 years paying it offOption 2: Invest Rs 5–8 lakhs for a European degree, graduate debt-free, and start earning over Rs 40 lakhs/yearOver 100,000 Indian students have already figured it out. The real question is no longer if you can afford to study in Europe— can you afford not to? advertisement
