Black Pepper May Help Fight Fat

A preliminary new study suggests that the pungent component in black pepper known as piperine fights fat by blocking the formation of new fat cells. If further studies confirm these effects, researchers say black pepper may offer a natural alternative for the treatment of fat-related disorders like obesity. Researchers say the benefits of black pepper and the black pepper plant have been known for centuries in traditional Eastern medicine, in which it is used to treatcholera, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Even so, little is known about how black pepper works within the bloodstream that might explain these beneficial effects. In their study, researchers looked at the effects of piperine on gene expression in fat tissue in the lab and in computer models. The results showed that piperine interfered with the activity of genes responsible for forming new fat cells. Researchers say this benefit of black pepper sets up a chain reaction that helps keep the formation of fat in check in other ways as well.

How do you build better Abs?

Don't work your abdominal muscles every day. "Physiologically, your abs are like any other muscle in your body," says David Pearson, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., an exercise scientist at Ball State University. Train them only 2 or 3 days a week. Exhale forcefully at the top of the movement when you do abdominal crunches. It forces your abs to work harder.