Are you smart? Eat veggies

A green diet may boost IQ, says a British study. Sara Saleh has details.

The Peril of Pills Several recent studies in the US and UK have found that increasing numbers of teenagers, and more specifically teenage girls, turn to diet pills to lose weight.

According to one study conducted at the University of Minnesota and published last month in the Journal of Preventative Medicine, overall rates of pill use have risen from 7.5 per cent to 14 per cent.

With more pressure than ever to be thin as well as greater availability of over-the-counter and online diet pills, it is not surprising that by the time girls have reached ages 19 and 20, nearly 20 per cent are reportedly using pills to achieve weight loss.

Although specific names of pills remained unidentified in the study, they consisted mainly of appetite suppressants, laxatives and stimulants. Despite the fact that many teenage girls may claim that these miracle pills are responsible for their fast and easy weight loss, the study showed that not only did the pills fail, the girls who used pills were three times more likely to be overweight at the study's end.

Scary Side Effects

Diet pills may seem like a quick and easy fix for a few extra pounds, but here is the bad news - pills are ineffective for permanent weight loss and they can even kill you!

Scientifically proven side effects of many diet pills include
- High blood pressure
- Heart palpitations and irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness, blurred vision and headaches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression

Dietary fat blockers can cause gas, diarrhoea and uncontrollable bowel movements; and vitamin deficiencies that result from these drugs can lead to dry skin and hair loss - doesn't sound too attractive does it?

Even so-called 'natural' diet pills have dangerous side effects. Ephedra, a common ingredient in these pills, can cause headaches, nausea, eart attacks and strokes - even in young teenage girls like yourselves.

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 4 ounces or 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- Milk, as desired
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup milk

Step 1: Put chicken, vegetables, salt and pepper in casserole.

Step 2: Add cream of mushroom, stir, adding milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 3: Blend shortening into biscuit mix.

Step 4: Add 3/4 cup milk into the shortening and biscuit mix, stirring until smooth.

Step 5: Pour batter over the top of the casserole and bake 45 minutes at 375°.

Step 6: Cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving

- The writer is an International Student Correspondent for NOTES, studying at the University of Sydney, Australia