Did you know that aging has nothing do with weight gain?
It's not merely getting older than accounts for the nearly 1 pound a year that US adults gain as they age.
A Harvard study blames instead bad lifestyle and diet choices, such as eating too many potato chips.· For example, researchers found that potato chips were responsible for the half of the average 3.5 pounds of weight gain. Other culprits were: sugar-sweetened beverages, red meat and processed meats.
Lifestyle factors linked to weight gain were alcohol use, and TV watching.
It is never too late to improve your lifestyle, though!
Recent Tips
Did you know that olive oil might prevent stroke?
French researchers report that people who used the most olive oil for cooking and salad dressings were 41% less likely to suffer an ischemic stroke. In the study, people with the highest blood levels of oleic acid from olive oil were 73% less likely to suffer a stroke than those with the lowest levels. Only the most intensive olive oil consumers in the primary group saw a statistically significant association with reduced stroke risk.
The results suggest that olive oil has a major protective influence against stroke.··Therefore, include it in your diet.··Add a teaspoon of olive oil to your salad instead of dressing or make your own vinaigrettes using olive oil and herbs.
Did you know that you could shave off 10 years of your biological age by being physically active?
British scientists surveyed 2,400 adult twins about their physical activity, smoking, and health, and measured the length of their telomeres (chromosome tips). Telomeres become shorter every time cells divide, making them a possible marker of aging.
This study showed that physically active people have longer telomeres than sedentary people regardless of age, sex, smoking, body mass index, or socioeconomic status.
The telomere length difference "suggests that inactive subjects may be biologically older by 10 years compared with more active subjects," the researchers write. Since the study did not prove that, we can’t be sure what impact on logevity and aging telomeres have. However, it has been well established that regular physical activity improves health, thus may have impact on one’s longevity.
After checking with your health care provider, follow these physical activity recommendations of CDC:
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) at least five days per week or get at least 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (such as jogging) at least three days a week.
Did you know there is a link between diet and mental health?
A British psychiatric researcher found a link between sugar consumption and the risk of depression and schizophrenia. Sugar exerts a toxic effect on mental health by suppressing effects of a growth hormone, BDNF, in the brain. That hormone is critically low in depression and schizophrenia. Sugar also promotes inflammation that disrupts the normal function of the immune system, and affects the brain.
To ward off the detrimental effects of sugar on your overall health, eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Avoid sweets and refined products, or products containing corn syrup.
Did you know that pregnancy might cause gingivitis?
Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy can cause red, swollen or bleeding gums, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. If it’s not treated, it can lead to more severe gum disease.
So, if you intend to get pregnant, visit your dentist for a thorough dental check-up. If you are already pregnant, practice good oral hygiene: brush and floss daily, don’t smoke, and eat a variety of healthy food. At the first sign of red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, visit your dentist.
Did you know that drinking coffee will keep you healthier?
Research shows that coffee drinkers, when compared to nondrinkers, were less likely to have diabetes type 2, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. In addition, they experienced less strokes, heart problems, and certain types of cancer.
Please note that drinking coffee does not prevent the above mentioned health problems, but reduces your risk of having them. So, enjoy your morning coffee and remember that too much of caffeine may give you heartburn and can send you to the bathroom more often, as caffeine is a mild diuretic.
Did you know stress might reduce chances of becoming pregnant?
According to a study in Great Britain, women who experience stress are less likely to become pregnant during their fertile window. Any form of relaxation will work when you want to conceive. However, stay clear of cigarettes and alcohol!
Did you know that 1 out of every 3 traffic deaths in the United States involves a drunk driver?
According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 3 traffic deaths in the United States involves a drunk driver. That’s almost 13,000 deaths a year! Young people are at especially high risk. Therefore, educate your children about the risks of alcohol drinking early in life.
Did you know that it is possible to become addicted to sugar?
New research in rats demonstrated that it’s possible to be addicted to sugar. Sugar may in fact act on the brain like other addictive substances, such as morphine, cocaine, or nicotine leading to addiction.
Sugar can be a healthy part of our diets. However, it is necessary to teach our children healthy eating habits from a very young age, so that they know that sugary foods should be eaten in moderation as occasional treats.
Prevention is the best medicine: Prevent sugar addiction in your children because addictions are very difficult to break.
Did you know that your lifestyle affects your triglycerides the most?
"Intensive therapeutic lifestyle changes" can cut triglyceride levels in half, according to American Heart Association (AHA), which recommends diet and exercise rather than drugs to lower blood levels of these fats.
According to the AHA, high triglycerides don't directly contribute to arterial plaque, but are an important marker of heart-disease risk. All people with levels in the borderline to high range (150-199 mg/dL) or higher should boost physical activity of at least moderate intensity to 150 minutes a week or more, the report advised. Those with high triglycerides should limit added sugars, fructose from both natural sources and processed foods, saturated fats and trans fats, while working to lose weight. Increasing healthy unsaturated fats, especially omega-3s, may also lower triglycerides. People with very high levels (over 500 mg/dL) should consider abstaining from alcohol to guard against pancreatitis.
The bottom line: eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, stay away from processed and fast foods, and include exercise into your daily lives.
Suggested readings:
How to balance food and activity
Fiber: Is your family getting enough?
Did you know night owls are at risk for overweight and obesity?
A new Northwestern University study reports that people who stay up late and sleep late consumed more calories, ate more fast food, and downed more sugary sodas than people who went to bed early.·According to the study, late sleepers ate twice as much fast food, but only half the fruits and vegetables as the normal sleepers.
Excessive calorie intake may translate into excessive weight if not balanced out with vigorous physical activity.·If you are a night owl and can’t forgo your nightly snacks, choose fruits and vegetables instead fat-dripping pizza.
Did you know that sea salt is no healthier than table salt?
According to a new American Heart Association survey, 61% of Americans think that sea salt is a healthier, lower-sodium alternative to regular salt. However, sea salt is the same sodium chloride, simply harvested from seawater rather than mined. Also, the survey found that 46% of people blamed the salt shaker as the primary source of dietary sodium, when in fact most dietary sodium comes from salt in processed foods.
Cutting your salt intake could significantly reduce your risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Afraid that your food will lose flavor when you’ll ease up on salt? Experiment with various herbs, as they can add flavorful depth to you dishes!
Did you know that vitamin D deficiency might lead to more colds and influenza?
Researchers analyzed data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. They looked at blood levels of vitamin D of almost 19,000 adolescent and adult participants. Scientists found that study participants with the lowest vitamin D levels were about 40% more likely to report having a recent respiratory infection than those with normal levels of vitamin D. The association was present in all seasons and was even stronger in those with a history of a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or COPD.
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