Cola with Health Benefits

The Supreme Court took no action yesterday on a pending series of appeals over the divisive issue of same-sex marriage. The justices had a closed-door conference to consider whether to accept for review several challenges to federal and state laws restricting the ability of gay and lesbian couples to legally wed. But the court, without explanation, had nothing to report on the pending appeals. It was perhaps a sign it needed more time to consider the complex legal and constitutional questions. But here's a question to ponder in the meantime: is a healthy soda an oxymoron? That is the question posed by Pepsi's latest refresher, which claims to fend off fat. Pepsi Special, the new drink distributed by Suntory Holdings Limited (Pepsi's partner in Japan), contains dextrin, a dietary fiber that dissolves in water and is found in fiber supplements such as Benefiber. Eaten appropriately, in fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits, fiber helps to regulate the digestive system, lower cholesterol, and may lower the risk of heart disease. A Suntory news release claims the drink acts by suppressing the absorption of fat and can inhibit the rise in triglycerides after a meal, making it, potentially, the first "healthy" soda. But this is currently only available in Japan, and as odd as the fiber-packed cola sounds, it's not the first to debut in Japan. But I'm sure it will prove to be a hit like Gangnam Style. And speaking of Gangnam Style, a Los Angeles-area restaurant named Gangnam Chicken opened in San Mateo earlier in the week. Chicken — fried and otherwise — is obviously in the forefront. But there are also Korean dishes (with names like bibimbap and galbi) and three kinds of pizzas: sweet potato, bulgogi, and “Gangnam Style” (sweet potato pizza with fun bite size crusts filled with sweet potato mousse). They also advertise that they change the frying oil every other day. So if you're in the area, check it out.