02:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 24, 2006

KING 5 Staff Reports

Enough sleep helps weight loss

If you're trying to lose weight, you may want to hit the hay a little early tonight. A new study finds that women who get less than five hours of sleep a night gain more weight than people who sleep a solid seven hours. Researchers believe not getting enough sleep may affect your metabolism and cut down on the number of calories you burn at rest

A health benefit of coffee

The coffee you drink after those sleepless nights.is good for your health. A new study tracked nearly 30,000 women over 15 years. Those who drank between one and three cups of coffee a day significantly reduced their risk of dying from cardio-vascular and inflammatory diseases. Coffee is considered a major source of dietary anti-oxidants

Artificial sweeteners affects drunkenness

If you prefer cocktails to coffee, your mixer may make a big difference. Researchers found that people who made alcoholic drinks with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar-based mixers got drunker, faster. Scientists think the reason is that your stomach empties faster with the artificial sweeteners. They're asking for a warning label on diet alcoholic drinks.

Houseplants destroy toxins in air

They add ambiance but your houseplants can also keep you healthy. Scientists say a little green around the home can help you breathe easier. Studies show household plants help filter the air. They also absorb and destroy toxic chemicals found in things like carpets, furniture and appliances. A former NASA scientist says some plants, like palms, peace lilies and ficus trees, are better than others.

"They take what is a toxic chemical to us and they convert it into a source of energy and food for them,".said environmental scientist Bill Wolverton.