The most important question, however, remains unanswered: Why do Europeans have such a habit?

Dr. Zilberter suggests that smaller European portions are result of higher fat consumption leading to higher Fat Burning Index of European meals and resulting in decreased appetite.

Banta Diet program uses high Fat Burning Index foods and recipes to free you from hunger, cravings, and counting fats, carbs, or calories. The portions become smaller naturally.

------- * Obesity is defined in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is formula describing relationship between body weight and height. Some dietitians use BMI as a measure of body fat.

Environmental and lifestyle factors are known to cause oxidative stress and lower glutathione levels - resulting in birth defects, abortion and miscarriages in pregnancy.

Some of known teratogens (causing birth defects) in pregnancy include:

o Radiation o Pesticides and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) o Air pollution o Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic) o Vinyl chloride o Acryonitrile o Excess Oxygen (hyperoxia) o Anti-psychotic and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) o Thalidomide o Cigarette smoke o Alcohol (ethanol) consumption

Maternal health factors that increase free radicals and cause birth defects include:

o Diabetes o Pre-eclampsia o Infection and Inflammation

Glutathione and other antioxidants attenuate oxidative stress in pregnant women with inflammation or maternal conditions like diabetes and pre-eclampsia, and in fetuses at risk for developing cystic fibrosis.

Supplementation with glutathione precursors and antioxidants can decrease incidence of birth defects and protect both mothers and fetus from damaging and possibly fatal consequences of pregnancy complications.

Glutathione (GSH ) also prevents or minimizes oxidative stress that occurs during labor and birth process.

Perinatal or birth asphyxia/hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen supply to brain) in preterm deliveries and labor can lead to cerebral palsy, respiratory distress syndrome, irreversible brain injury, and permanent neurological and intellectual handicaps.

Administration of glutathione precursor, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), to pregnant mother partially prevents oxidative stress during birth process in premature infants.

Currently, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises all pregnant women to take a prenatal vitamin containing antioxidants.

In addition, they advise eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, best sources of antioxidant protection.

For a detailed report with references on role of glutathione in pregnancy, visit: http://www.1whey2health.com/glutathione_pregnancy.htm