LOSE FAT, BUILD MUSCLE

LOSE BIG, STAY SMALL
If your goal is longterm success, perhaps the “best” diet is simply the one you can best stick to. In a recent study, Brown University scientists tracked the diets of people who had dropped at least 30 pounds and maintained their new weight for 3 years. Contrary to popular opinion, the researchers discovered A mouthful of fruit prevents you from stuffing your face. that low-carbohydrate dieters were just as successful at keeping weight off as dieters who followed a low-fat approach. Which just goes to show that more than one weight-loss method can be effective. Interestingly, the carb cutters— who didn’t bother to count calories—reported feeling less deprived than their low-fat counterparts.

IF LOOKS COULD THRILL

Here’s a pickup tip: After catching her eye, go in for her mind. British researchers found that women aren’t attracted to men who initiate eye contact and then quickly break it. An averted gaze sends the signal that you’re more interested in something (or somebody) else, say the study authors. Of course, there’s a fine line between a come-hither look and a creepy stare. Keep it friendly by focusing on women who are close by—you’ll be able to lock eyes and then immediately step up to start a conversation.

Yoga can increase your endurance between the sheets, according to a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Men with premature ejaculation who practiced an hour of yoga a day for 12 weeks were able to triple the length of time they lasted during intercourse. In fact, they had more staying power than men who took Prozac, which is prescribed off-label to treat PE. “Yoga breathing teaches men to control anxiety, while the movements strengthen their pelvic muscles,” says study author Vikas Dhikav, M.D.

BETTER RED THAN DEAD

Looks like bacteria can’t handle their alcohol. Lab tests by researchers at the University of Missouri at Columbia show that red wine may be a potent weapon against foodborne bugs like Salmonella and Listeria bacteria. “Grape skins contain bacteriainhibiting compounds that are removed during the manufacturing of white wine,” says the study author, Azlin Mustapha, Ph.D.

FLAVOR SAVER
Rosemary could be a key ingredient in the recipe for a disease-free brain. When Japanese scientists supplemented the diets of mice with a chemical extract of rosemary, they observed less brain damage from free radicals. Free radicals may heighten the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Preventive drugs are still several years off.

A STEAK TOPPING THAT SAVES
A handful of capers can make your next steak healthier. Italian researchers recently discovered that adding capers to meat significantly reduces lipid oxidation, a process that can degrade the food’s nutritional quality and turn cholesterol into artery-clogging plaque. One factor behind the mechanism: Capers have more than 10 times as much of the powerful antioxidant rutin as the next best source, cooked onions. Scatter a tablespoon of capers over a grilled steak before topping it with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

HONEY TO BURN

Toss the aloe vera. In a review of 15 studies, New Zealand researchers found that burned skin covered with honey healed as much as 4 days faster than skin treated with antibiotic creams or sterile wound dressings. Seems the sweet stuff has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. “It’s ideal because it rapidly soothes the pain, promotes healing, and prevents further damage,” says study author P.C. Molan, Ph.D. Next time you singe yourself, cool your skin with cold water, spread honey on some gauze, and apply it to the burn. Change the dressing twice a day. If it’s a severe burn, see a doctor.

THE GIFT OF GAB
Next time your brain hits a roadblock at work, chat up a coworker. A 10-minute conversation can make you smarter, says a team of U.S. researchers. They found that college students who discussed a social issue prior to taking memory and mentalspeed tests scored significantly better than students who didn’t shoot the breeze. Study author Oscar Ybarra, Ph.D., says that social interaction activates the brain structures that allow us to store and sort information.

LIQUID POWER

Just because you’re not an endurance athlete doesn’t mean you’re off the hydration hook. Water is a powerful lifting aid. University of Connecticut researchers discovered that men who hydrated with water before lifting completed 17 percent more reps per set during a lower-body workout than thirsty exercisers. Turns out, your central nervous system slows your muscle activation when you’re not adequately hydrated. So drink 16 ounces of water just before training, and then 8 ounces for every 20 minutes of hard work.