Eating and Nutrition + Original Articles
Lower your risk of pre-diabetes, a precursor to diabetes, by loading up your plate with whole grains.
A recent study showed that individuals who consumed more than 59 grams (about two ounces) of whole grains daily were less likely to develop pre-diabetes compared to those who ate less than 30 grams of whole grains in a day.
"This is of great importance because pre-diabetes is increasing," said lead study author Tina Wirstrom of Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden in Reuters Health.
Trying to drop a few pounds can make for some funny behavior. We skip breakfast, eliminate entire food groups from our diet, and deny ourselves dessert! The worst part: None of this works. Here's what does.
"Adopting extreme rules is one of the fastest ways to prevent weight-loss success," says Heidi McIndoo, MS, RD, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to 200-300-400 Calorie Meals. QualityHealth asked McIndoo to help bust these five long-held dieting tricks.
Make your management of bipolar disorder comprehensive. Find out which edibles can improve or exacerbate your condition.
Bipolar disorder is a complicated mental health condition that provides experts plenty of food for thought. In fact, mental health experts agree there are foods that are helpful and foods that are harmful in dealing with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder.
If you're looking for alternative ways to manage this condition, consider bromelain, coenzyme Q10, and others.
If food is the best medicine, are supplements the second best? That's a question some patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are asking. Find out if natural supplements can help patients with COPD breathe easier.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
A byproduct of the wine-making process, this supplement possesses powerful antioxidant power.
There's been growing awareness in recent years of the health benefits of vitus vinifera, the seeds of red wine grapes. They contain antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which may offer important health-protective properties, including helping you to maintain better overall cardiovascular health.
Yes, you can bake guilt-free goodies that taste great, too. You just have to know which sweetener to use.
Can you have your cookies and eat them, too? You sure can, if you make some simple swaps.
By switching out refined sugar for non-nutritive sweeteners, you'll be able to turn out not just cookies, but cakes, muffins, and quick breads that have fewer calories than their traditional counterparts.
Can a low-glycemic diet reduce your risk of developing cancer, or assist you through treatment? See what the research says.
A healthy diet plays an important role in cancer prevention and can help patients withstand rigorous cancer treatments. A recent analysis of data from the AARP Diet and Health Study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggested a very weak association among glycemic index, glycemic load, and risk of cancer
So What Exactly Are the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load? Sugar, or glucose, is our body's main source of energy.
Two dietitians offer advice to help you steer your kids toward healthy food choices.
Proper nutrition makes bodies grow, brains work efficiently and gives kids the energy they need to be, well...kids! But as any well-intentioned parent knows, getting tweens (kids ages 8 to 11) to make healthy food choices can be a challenge.
Taking an active role in your child's nutrition may be more important than ever, since our children are part of the first generation in modern history not expected to live as long as their parents because of their weight and health.
Today and maybe every day, have a handful of almonds or walnuts. Find out how these diabetes-friendly foods can help your health.
Individuals who consume tree nuts on a regular basis reduce their risk not just for type 2 diabetes, but for metabolic syndrome and heart disease as well, according to researchers at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
The study, funded by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation, was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Carrots, celery, and peppers contain a compound called luteolin, which helps tame brain inflammation that could negatively affect memory.
You may have heard of salmon and blueberries being referred to as "brain foods," thanks to their nutritional properties that help keep the brain healthy. Now a new study suggests that certain vegetables qualify as brain foods as well. Veggies—specifically crunchy, colorful ones such as celery, peppers, and carrots—contain a plant compound called luteolin, which works to tamp down inflammation in the brain that can cause problems with memory.
Raise a glass to this recent finding: A compound in red wine may make prostate tumor cells more responsive to radiation treatment.
Love a glass of red wine with dinner? It's not only tasty but a compound it contains may also be good for your health—especially if you're a man dealing with prostate cancer.
Before you drink up, it's important to read on, though, since more research needs to be done to understand how to get the potential benefits of resveratrol to fight prostate cancer without experiencing side effects.
Curb emotional eating by adhering to these tips and tricks.
If you're like most people, you don't just eat when you're hungry. You also turn to food when you're bored, fatigued, or stressed out.
Experts call this "emotional eating," and it can exact a heavy toll both on your weight and your sense of well-being.
Is fat really all that bad? Are you going too far to eliminate it from your diet? Get the truth here.
In our weight-obsessed society, fat generally gets a bad rap. Yet we all need fat in order for our bodies to function properly. Below are some common misconceptions about fat—and the real truth behind them.
Myth: I should avoid eating fat in order to stay slim.
It's fine for chicken to thaw on the counter. Every last morsel of a meal should be finished. We debunk these myths and more so that you can teach the truth to your family.
Your parents probably were right about most things, but there's a good chance they got a few things wrong when it came to feeding their family.
Here's a rundown of some common parental refrains at mealtime, along with up-to-date information that will allow you to avoid making the same mistakes with your brood.
Attention mozzarella, Muenster, and Monterey Jack lovers. Researchers have identified a possible connection between cheese consumption and reduced diabetes risk. But there's a flip side.
A recent study may be music to the ears of anyone who loves eating mozzarella, Muenster, and Monterey Jack. Researchers from Oxford University and Imperial College London, reported a 12 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals who consumed cheese compared to those who didn't eat the dairy product.
Legumes (think lentils and beans) deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a sensible price. Try them in soups, salads, and even desserts.
Legumes, or beans, may just be nature's wonder food. Loaded with protein and fiber, they deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a cheap price.
They're versatile—you can boil, stew, puree, roast, or pan-fry them—and for people who choose to or need to avoid animal products, they can be a great entrée alternative.
In addition to providing rich color to certain foods, this spice may also help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
More than one scientific study has found that a spice you may have in your kitchen may prevent the breakdown of brain cells that can lead to the most common form of dementia.
What Is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease.
Dealing with loved ones' concern about your diet is no picnic when you have diabetes. Learn how to deal with these caring (but meddling) meal monitors.
The "food police" come out in full force during special occasions. Go to a cocktail party, and chances are a well-meaning friend who knows you have diabetes asks whether you're supposed to be eating a particular food. At a family gathering, your aunt inquires in a loud voice (and within earshot of the entire table) if that's your second slice of pie.
You may require fewer calories to stay healthy as you get older, but if you experience any of these tell-tale signs, you may be coming up short.
Many health problems are blamed on vitamin or mineral deficiencies and, in fact, even in a well-fed country like the United States, nutritional deficiencies are possible.
It is important to speak with a medical expert to determine the exact cause of the problem, however, because some signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiency are similar to those of other medical conditions, and one type of nutritional deficiency can also mimic another.
Thought your bread-, pasta-, and pizza-eating days were over? You can join in the fun again with these tasty alternatives.
"When people are newly gluten free, they often think the list of things they can't eat is longer than the list of things they can," says Danna Korn, author of Living Gluten Free for Dummies (Wiley 2010).
To counter that thinking, she offers this challenge: Write a list of things you can eat.
Do chew your food slowly. Do eat a vinegar-dressed salad after your meal. Plus three more stomach-smart ideas.
Though the process is the same, everyone digests food differently. Advice that works for one person doesn't always work for another. But, what about those tips you may have heard over and over. Do they work? We asked Bernadette Armiento, holistic health counselor and founder of ShiningLifeNutrition.
Curb your sweet tooth, and you just may notice an improvement in your symptoms.
Sugar has long been considered the bad guy in many health problems, but new research is making a link between sugar consumption and osteoarthritis. Is your sugar habit adding to your arthritis pain?
Twenty-seven million Americans have osteoarthritis, an inflammatory and degenerative condition that affects joints.
You can still get diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) without having heartburn. Learn the other risk factors.
When you think about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you think heartburn. And yes, that's a classic symptom of reflux, but you can have reflux disease without having heartburn symptoms.
Reflux can affect the larynx and throat, too, not just the esophagus.
Your body has its own way of determining your best weight. Learn how to use this knowledge to your advantage.
If you've been engaged in a long-term, losing battle with your bathroom scale, which seems stuck at the same weight no matter how little you eat, chances are you're feeling a bit defeated. Dieting down to what is considered your "ideal" weight can be fraught with frustration—and failure.
Individuals who consume seven or more servings of produce a day tend to enjoy better mental health, says one British study.
It's long been known that a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables can improve your physical health. Now it seems that produce-rich menus correlate with good mental health as well. The study, carried out in conjunction with Dartmouth University in Hanover, NH, examined the produce-eating habits of 80,000 diverse people in Britain.
What do whole grains, nuts, seeds, seaweed, cacao, and leafy greens have in common? Magnesium, a mineral that can help eat away allergy symptoms.
"Foods high in magnesium will help protect the immune system and detoxify the body, as well as work on hundreds of enzyme reactions in the body," explains Carolyn Dean, MD ND, a member of the medical advisory board of the Nutritional Magnesium Association.
There's an app for that! We checked out tons of free or low-cost smart phone apps and found the very best ones to support your health.
Using your smartphone can be good for your health. It can help you learn how to choose more nutritious foods, lose weight, tone up, avoid gluten, evade food allergies, and help you find a doctor in your area. The right app can make it easier for you to do all of this and more from the comfort of your phone.
Men's biology works differently. Learn the expert's action items for successful slimming.
Love handles. Spare tire. Beer belly. Whatever men call it, that abdominal bulge is not healthy and is not a normal part of aging.
According to the Mayo Clinic, men who carry extra weight around the belly are at greater risk for serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
Not all saturated fats are created equal. Learn the potential health benefits, and how to use coconut oil the right way.
Thinking about coconuts may bring to mind softly swaying palm trees, hot white sand, and cool, aqua water—not necessarily good health. However, research on populations who consume large amounts of coconuts find they have low rates of heart disease.
Are carbs the worst? The best? Or something in between? Get the facts.
Low-carb diets. No-carb diets. Good carbs. Bad carbs. Is it any wonder why people are so confused about carbohydrates? Are they inherently evil and fattening, to be shunned permanently? Or are they a crucial source of fuel that our refrigerators and pantries should never be without?
Myth: All carbs are fattening.
Can you trust calorie labeling? Are certain calories more fattening? Get the facts.
For many of us, calories have come to symbolize overindulgence and are thought of as "bad." Yet you need a certain number of calories to function well.
Myth: Certain types of calories are more fattening than others, such as those from carbs.
Fact: Calories are created equal.
A few shrewd strategies will help you get the nutrients you need without draining your wallet.
Eating healthy on a budget is challenging for anyone who has stepped inside a grocery store lately. Pair that with the limits of food shopping when you suffer from a digestive condition such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease and—well—eating healthy on a budget can seem almost impossible.
Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. And there’s more to know about how these conditions are distinct.
Heartburn is a symptom that's a result of acid reflux and the more severe condition gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD occurs when the lower esophagus gets irritated from the build up of continued acid reflux, explains Frank Gress, MD, chief of the Gastroenterology Division at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center in New York City.
New research says egg yolks may be rotten. Get the truth behind the headline.
Eating egg yolks regularly can accelerate heart disease nearly as much as smoking, according to an online study published in the journal Atherosclerosis that was reported by CNN.
Patients in the study who consumed three or more yolks per week had significantly more plaque buildup in blood vessels than individuals who ate fewer than two yolks per week.
Hormone-free meat from humanely-raised animals has surprising benefits.
Meat (love it or leave it) has a good source of protein and iron—nutrients your body needs. All plant and animal cells contain protein, but the amount and the quality varies widely among various foods. Meats such as roast beef, turkey, and chicken breast are considered complete proteins because they contain all nine of the essential amino acids required by the human body to synthesize hormones and enzymes and build, maintain, and repair body tissue.
Get cozy with hearty winter vegetables that are filling, satisfying, and extremely healthy too.
The single-digit temperatures and short, dark days of winter make plenty of people long for a little comfort. And what better way to feed your body and soul than with nourishing seasonal produce? Pick up the foods below and treat yourself to some homemade winter comfort.
A new study finds carcinogens in rice. Is there enough detected to cause widespread concern?
Consumer Reports tested rice products and found that more than five dozen rice and rice products contained some level of inorganic arsenic—a carcinogen, according to Reuters.
"The risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic include higher rates of some cancers and heart disease," explains Alison Massey, RD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
Which natural foods are the top standouts when it comes to boosting your cancer-fighting power?
According to the 2009 Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention report, roughly one third of the most common cancers are preventable through diet, physical activity, and weight maintenance. By making healthy lifestyle changes, the report says, Americans could prevent as many as 45 percent of colon cancers and 38 percent of breast cancer cases.
Say "no" to those extra pounds that work their way onto your middle during the cold, dark days of winter.
Is adding a little padding absolutely necessary during winter? Is winter guaranteed to weigh you down? Not if you follow these eight tips for how to avoid extra pounds during the colder months.
1. Eat more...veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and regular meals.
Adopt these smart tips and the result will be a leaner you.
At its core, shedding pounds comes down to taking in fewer calories than you burn. Sounds simple, right? But for many people, that straight-sounding path to slimness becomes an obstacle course full of thorny detours.
If you just can't seem to get down to your goal weight, try some of these tricks and jump start your weight loss:
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If you're looking to get the health benefits of yogurt, taste matters, but other factors do too.
Yogurt has been associated with healthy eating for years—and with good reason.
One eight ounce serving of yogurt contains 138 calories, 275 mg of calcium, eight grams of protein, vitamin B2 and B12, potassium, and magnesium. But there's more.
Learn how this multi-functional mineral can help support men's health.
One of the most abundant minerals on earth, iron plays a significant role in the body's functionality. Iron's chief function is to help deliver oxygen from the lungs to cells. Once the oxygen is delivered, iron helps red blood cells expel waste, carbon dioxide, through the lungs in an exhale.
Take a bite out of your winter allergies and allergy-related inflammation with two tropical fruits.
Just when you thought you were safe for the winter, your allergies strike. Often your furnace or heating system is to blame for releasing particles of dust, mold, pollen, and other allergens that become trapped throughout the year.
The latest research indicates that papaya and pineapples are a natural way to manage allergies and allergy-related inflammation.
Increasing your awareness and pinpointing patterns are just two of the ways keeping a food journal leads to weight loss and better health.
If you're overweight and have high cholesterol, (which puts you at risk for heart disease) keeping track of what you eat for a period of time can help boost your health. You will soon see that you could be consuming too many processed, fatty foods and not eating a steady diet of lean meats, whole grains, and vegetables.
On a day when Americans consume nearly three times the recommended amount of daily calories, staying heartburn-free can be tricky, but it's far from impossible.
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, a joyous time when families come together to give thanks and celebrate the coming year. But it's also a time when food temptations are at their peak.
According to the Calorie Control Council (an organization representing the makers of low-calorie foods), the average American will consume a whopping 4,500 calories—nearly three times the daily amount recommended for most adults—and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day.
Pop this pill and you're promised pain-free sugar pang prevention. Quite a perk, but pause, there are possibly potential problems to ponder.
If you're sweet on sweets, you may wish for a pill you could pop that would reduce your appetite for sugar, a supplement that could magically and painlessly curb your appetite. You'd run right out to stock up, right?
Gymnema sylvestre, a supplement sold in health food stores and specialty stores, is believed by some to do just that.
Find out if you're giving your body the nutrition it needs to look its best.
Your body needs 13 essential vitamins to survive, and a deficiency in these could leave you with thinner hair, rough skin, or brittle nails.
There are many vitamin-rich topical treatments available, but the most important way vitamins work is from the inside out.
To reduce your risk of hypertension, take a look at these healthy facts about yogurt.
Want to lower your blood pressure? Adding yogurt to your meals may help, according to one study. Long-term yogurt eaters have lower systolic blood pressure and decreased risk of developing hypertension when compared to individuals who don't eat yogurt, according to a study reported in Medical News Today.
Incorporating these tips into how you eat, shop, and store food will reduce the likelihood of food-borne illnesses in your home.
Avoiding food-borne illnesses requires a few basic skills and some common sense about how to shop for, store, and prepare your foods-and how to clean up after yourself.
The basics—Certain rules apply to all foods
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water not only before you handle food, but after touching meat, eggs or dirty fruits and vegetables and of course, after you use the bathroom.
Find fantastic gifts to match every budget that provide the extra lift of supporting good health.
'Tis the season to buy gifts for those who are near and dear to you. Why not celebrate your loved ones by giving presents that promote wellness?
"After the holidays, everyone is all geared up to start getting in shape," says Alison Massey, RD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
What are the key health risks you need to be aware of after a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy?
In the aftermath of a violent storm such as Hurricane Sandy, it's more important than ever to remain on full alert. Potential dangers can lurk everywhere from your roof to your kitchen. Here's how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Food Poisoning Power outages can result in refrigerators and freezers being filled with spoiled food.
Scientists found that gut flora can block your weight loss efforts. Here's how.
Scientists from the University of Chicago Medical Center have showed that weight gain is not just due to excessive caloric intake, but also the interaction between intestinal bacteria and the body's immune response.
"Diet-induced obesity depends not just on calories ingested but also on the host's microbiome," said the study's senior author Yang-Xin Fu, MD, PhD, professor of pathology at the University of Chicago in a press release.
For every meal and even snacks, investigate the very best choices for the men in your life.
Research shows the right diet can help men fight heart disease (the number one killer of men over 35) as well as other top killers including prostate and colon cancer which claim the lives of far too many brothers, fathers, sons, and husbands.
Today, thanks to what we know about nutrition, it's possible to extend your life by adding more of the right foods to your diet and eating less of the wrong ones.
It sounds good with benefits like weight loss, diabetes prevention, and better heart health, but looks can be deceiving.
While it sounds like another fad, proponents of the Paleolithic Diet (also known in some circles as the Primal Diet) maintain it has existed since the time of early man. According to thePaleoDiet.com, the diet seeks to "[mimic] the types of foods every single person on the planet ate prior to the Agricultural Revolution," which include "fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and seafood.
These smart strategies offer a proven path to slimming down.
You've laid out your daily meal plan and stuck to it dutifully—until the mid-afternoon munchies hit. Here are some ways you can stay full without the need to add extra calories.
Go For Volume
It may seem counterintuitive, but you can eat more of certain foods and still shed pounds.
When the need for salty, sweet, crunchy, or greasy takes over, turn to this guide of healthy choices.
Crunchy, salty, sweet, creamy, and greasy—that's what most people crave when they feel the need to indulge.
So, what are some healthy choices you can make when your cravings call? Check out our list of healthy options to keep from sabotaging your healthy diet.
Consider three sizeable arguments against soda, and diet soda too. Plus, sip on replacement thirst quenchers.
Next time you want to quench your thirst, how about foregoing the soda and other sugary drinks and instead down a tall glass of cold water or another healthy alternative? Your body may thank you later.
There's been much attention in recent years focused on the negative effects of sugary drinks.
If you've ever considered preserving fruits and vegetables, get a quick overview of what it takes.
Canning, which means preserving food in metal cans or glass jars, can be a great way to save money and maintain foods' nutrients for far longer than would normally be possible. Imagine savoring the sweetness of a peach in the dead of winter, or having homemade jam to spread on your toast every morning.
Industrialized society has come a long way when it comes to nutrition. Or has it?
Modern society has come a long way from the foraging, uncivilized lives of our hunter-gatherer ancestors 10,000 years ago. Not only are we at far greater risk of being attacked by a saber-toothed tiger, but we have medicine to combat infection, well-constructed houses to protect us from the weather, and food readily available to stave off hunger.
You don't need a lot of gear, but a few choice tools will help you cook your healthy best.
No matter how luxurious or basic your kitchen is, it's hard to eat well unless you have the proper tools.
The good news is that you need only a handful to turn out beautiful, good-for-you dishes. Here are seven things no health-conscious cook should be without:
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Congratulations on reaching your goal weight! Now the hard part: keeping it off. Here's how to do it.
You've done it—you've reached your goal weight! Now that you've invested in a new wardrobe and updated your Facebook profile picture, how can you make sure you don't regain the pounds you worked to lose?
The truth is that it's actually easier to drop weight than it is to keep it off.
If you make the right choice, your dressing can increase your nutrient absorption. Here's how to make a smart selection.
We've all heard the news that low-calorie salads turn into high-calorie meals when we load on lots of salad dressing. As a result, many salad eaters have turned to lowfat dressings or no dressing at all to enjoy their greens and get their vitamins without loading up on fats.
Feeling parched? Reach for these super drinks that support your gray matter.
Dehydration can do a number on your brain cells. Drinking the wrong beverage can, too. The good news is that boosting your intake of nutritious, thirst-quenching drinks can boost your ability to think clearly, age better, and fight off diseases that can affect the brain.
That little shaker found on every restaurant table might hold the power to rev up your weight-loss efforts. Here's how.
A recent study shows that black pepper, far from being merely a tasty accompaniment to salt, may actually interfere with the body's production of fat cells.
Researchers at several universities in Korea discovered that a compound in black pepper called piperine significantly inhibits the formation of new fat cells.
There's something very satisfying about crisp, crunchy textures. These tasty bites will fulfill your yearn to crunch.
1. Roasted Edamame
You may be familiar with edamame from Japanese restaurants, where they're often served steamed. But these immature soybeans really shine when laid out on a pan, spritzed with oil, salted, and roasted until crispy. You'll never believe these addictive little poppers are loaded with not only vitamins and minerals, but also fiber and a hefty dose of protein.
There are a bunch of pluses to choosing this gluten-free option. See how it stacks up.
The gluten-free food trend is going strong. A quick scan of grocery store shelves' feature gluten alternatives such as brown rice, corn, quinoa, potatoes, and soybeans, but grocers may need to make more room soon—for products made from green bananas.
You can eat out on a budget and eat healthy at the same time. Just remember these tricks.
Sure, you can find coupons and two-for-one sales in newspapers and online to get discounts at all types of restaurants—and you should take advantage of these savings. But instead of waiting for a special deal, you can eat out almost anywhere, on any day, and get more nutritious meals by spending less money.
Each pound counts. Even if you have a long way to go, check out the positive difference you'll make from losing a few pounds.
Losing excess weight is not an all-or-nothing proposition. So if you're stalled somewhere above your goal, remember that the handful of pounds you've already lost still count toward good health.
If 30 pounds gone would be ideal, 10 gone is still an achievement.
Some researchers say that certain fats in coconut oil help slow cognitive decline, but others feel the jury is still out.
Some researchers are saying coconut oil might safely and effectively improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Coconut oil is a good source of fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These types of fats are broken down by the liver into ketones, which can supply quick energy to the brain in the absence of carbohydrates.
When it comes to a quick fix, success on the scale may come at the expense of your digestive health.
Many studies have found that if you lose more than two pounds a week, you are setting yourself up for failure. "I realize a lot of people are successful at losing more than that a week and keeping it off, but I can tell you that the healthiest way to lose—and maintain weight—is to lose no more than a pound a week," says Frank P.
Health experts suspected bacteria played a role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but the research was inconclusive. Until now.
A researcher from Cedars-Sinai has used bacterial cultures to link IBS to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut.
The study, published in the May 2012 issue of Digestive Diseases and Science, supports previous findings from clinical trials that antibiotics are an effective treatment for IBS.
Trips to your local farmer's market can benefit your respiratory health in many ways.
While there's no specific "asthma diet," some studies have found that people who eat nutritious meals have a lower asthma risk. In addition, people who already suffer from asthma may find that eating certain foods can help to repair the damage that's been done to their respiratory systems.
Ouch! Ease those sharp muscle spasms, and try these preventative tips including keeping hydrated.
If you've had a muscle cramp or spasm, you know how painful they can be. While they're generally harmless, a severe cramp can temporarily incapacitate the affected muscle leaving you in pain and unable to move freely.
So, why do they occur? The Mayo Clinic states that a muscle cramp is "a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles.
If you're ready to quit, research shows upping your fruit and vegetable intake could help you achieve your goal.
There are lots of reasons to eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables—they're colorful, usually inexpensive, and excellent for your health. You can even grow them yourself. Now researchers have discovered one more reason to embrace a diet high in fresh produce—a greater likelihood that, if you're a smoker, you'll give up cigarettes.
If your stomach disagrees with typical barbecue favorites, try these best bites.
Here are eight ways to get your grill on:
The Best Beverage: Water
If you have acid reflux, the best thing you can drink is bottled water—alkaline water if possible. "Many reflux suffers steer clear from soda because of the acidity, but what many don't realize is bottled iced tea and enhanced waters, are profoundly acidic," says Jamie Koufman, MD, co-author of Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure (www.
Weight gain after menopause isn't inevitable. Here's what you can do.
Reaching menopause has a lot of benefits, but gaining weight may not be seen as one of them.
The extra pounds are likely a result of your body's natural aging process, which causes muscle loss. Another cause of extra pounds? Hormonal changes. Estrogen is naturally stored in fat cells but during perimenopause and menopause, estrogen supplies dwindle.
You've heard it's good. You've heard it's bad. But new research reveals that coffee could actually lower your death risk.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the National Institutes of Health—published in the New England Journal of Medicine—suggests that coffee may lower your risk of dying from chronic diseases.
The study tracked coffee drinking habits of more than 400,000 Americans between the ages of 50 and 71 from 1995 to 2008, Health.
Redecorating your kitchen or dining room with these hues could benefit your waistline.
Certain colors could evoke certain moods in people and could also affect the appetite.
Want to trim down? Go with blue walls and accents, say color therapists. The reason is that blue is not a food found naturally, other than in the case of blueberries and a few varieties of bluish potatoes, and so it fails to excite the taste buds.
For your best digestive health, there are additional nutrients that can help.
Foods, nutrients, and lifestyle habits are important factors that keep you and your digestive system healthy.
Here's a list of foods and nutrients and their role in the digestive system:
Getting Your Fill of Fiber
First and foremost, you need to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, says Lisa Schnepp, RD, Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana, affiliated with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Wonder why your leaky bladder is worse some days and better others? The answer could be in your everyday choices.
The diet and incontinence link is strong. However, it's often not just the specific food and beverage choices you make but also how much you have, and when you have it that can be to blame. Pay attention to your daily habits and see how they relate to your uncontrollable urges or bladder leakage.
On the menu? Exciting ethnic meals that will please the palate and promote healthy digestion.
The next time you're heading out for date night, or dinner with friends and family, choose one of these good-for-you cuisines.
Here, we've highlighted the healthy qualities of four popular ethnic cuisines. One catch: "Even the healthy foods characteristic of these cuisines can become problems when eaten in excess," says Lisa Schnepp, RD, Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana, affiliated with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Here's how to get a carb-like experience minus the empty carbs.
Love bread, fries, and pasta? You're not alone. Carbohydrates remain one of the things that people looking to shed pounds find hardest to give up. After all, it's not as much fun to eat a plain burger with a knife and fork as it is to put it inside a fluffy bun and devour it with your hands.
Examine the evidence supporting how this already highly-regarded vitamin may slow down Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer cells and stop them from spreading.
It's well known that nutrition plays a vital role in prolonging the life of cancer patients, as a strong immune system fueled by good nutrition helps keep your body strong and better able to tolerate treatment.
Probing the role nutrition plays in cancer further, researchers at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Iowa have found that patients with one type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma—diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)—could be helped by taking Vitamin D.
You can give your body a break with some health-boosting vegetation. Learn how.
If you long for sirloin, can't pass up a juicy burger, and indulge in chicken and pork on a regular basis, you may be harming your health.
Red meat gets an especially bad rap and the results of an increasing number of studies seem to explain why. Aside from the problems associated with conventional farming methods—meat today is lower in nutrients including iron—eating too much red meat has also been linked with more deaths from heart disease and cancer.
This may make you think twice about consuming the canned items in your pantry.
How many cans are in your pantry? If you're like many Americans, there's a good chance you've got a supply of canned soup, fruit, beans, tuna, and tomato sauce on your shelves. You might even buy your coffee grounds in a can. However, these canned products may have high BPA levels.
Many of the health risks that men face today can be successfully treated if caught early. Here's a look at men's health by the numbers.
Life in the 21st century isn't easy. Among the stressors: a lack-luster economy, rising health care and college tuition costs, companies that are constantly downsizing and housing that isn't affordable. Emotionally and physically, men are uniquely impacted by the stress.
Taking your time at the table may impart a big health benefit: Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Do you devour your dinner as if it were your last meal? It may be time to start slowing down. Individuals who eat at a fast pace have a 2.5 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to research reported in The Huffington Post.
Researchers focused on the eating habits of 700 people, some without Type 2 diabetes and some newly diagnosed with the disorder.
Studies link sodium to heart disease and hypertension. But now, science shows sodium is beneficial. Here's what to believe.
The body needs sodium. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume.
It's also essential for muscle and nerve functions. The problem? If you consume too much, it can raise blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. And it's easy to consume too much.
It's the new "it" oil, but it's high in saturated fat. Here's why some say that's not always a bad thing.
If you've visited your local progressive grocery store these days, you may have noticed something on the shelves next to the olive, peanut, and sesame oils—coconut oil. In addition to providing you with rich-tasting, fresh, and nourishing milk, the tropical coconut is a source of oil that proponents say lends a deep, nutty essence to foods that are cooked or baked.
If you're allergic to seafood, you'll want to double-check before popping this popular pill.
In recent years the medical community has become increasingly aware of all of the ways fish oil supplements can improve your health. But if you suffer from fish allergies, fish oil can put you at increased risk for having a reaction. That's why it's important to learn more about the pros and cons before you take your next dose.
What about these edibles is so effective? Get a harvest of delicious ways to include them in your diet.
Can eating a sweet, juicy treat really lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes? Quite possibly. It appears that consuming more blueberries, apples, and pears may be linked to a decreased risk of developing the disorder, according to research reported by Reuters.
Women over 50 are among a growing population preoccupied with weight loss and body image.
When we think about eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, we usually think of young women and teenage girls. Health officials are now looking at an entirely different age group as a growing concern. It turns out, when it comes to eating disorders, all women (and men) are at risk.
These skin-brightening foods will contribute to radiant, naturally glowing skin.
No matter what products you slather on, your nutritional habits will show up on your skin's surface. Include these foods in your diet to ensure that your skin gets the essential vitamins and nutrients to look healthy and beautiful.
Avocados
This super-source of vitamins A, D, and E helps preserve skin's moisture.
Here are five ways your circle of friends affects your waistline, for better or for worse.
Friends can be one of the biggest influences, especially when it comes to the way you eat. It's easy to indulge in just one more drink or a dessert if your friends are doing it, too. But can your friends also help you keep the weight off? Here are five ways your pals play a role in what you consume:
They bring the party.
Avoiding exercise. Skimping on sleep. Dressing too drab. Fix these flubs, plus five other offenses.
Are you giving your age the respect it deserves? Ask yourself if you're committing any of these eight offenses:
Assuming that aging means accepting declining health or beauty. You hear it every day: "I'm not as healthy (pretty, vibrant, strong) as I used to be, but that's what you get with aging.
Also known as the caveman diet, could a diet rich in meat and veggies be your best bet to shed pounds and avoid disease?
The paleo diet—it sounds like something our hunter-gatherer ancestors might have followed. In fact, that's exactly what devotees love about it. Although not as high profile as some other recent diet trends, the paleo diet has developed a definite fan following—if Meetup groups, dating web sites, and message boards are any indication.
Spice up your life. This brightly-colored ingredient could offer real cardiovascular benefits.
A simple household spice may have the power to protect your heart.
Turmeric, a spice from Southeast Asia, has long been touted as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine (which originated in India) have used turmeric extracts for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 2,500 Americans each day. Here's a look at heart health by the numbers.
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease has many manifestations. From congenital heart defects (structural problems that arise from abnormal formation of the heart or major blood vessels that can sometimes be corrected with surgery) to acquired heart disease such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and pulmonary heart disease and other conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels.
It's never too early or too late to protect yourself from this debilitating disease. Here's a look at osteoporosis by the numbers.
Literally translated, osteoporosis means porous bones. Osteoporosis is a major, underlying cause of fractures in older people. Because it's not possible to feel bones weakening and the disease progresses without symptoms, osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease.
The following easy-to-find foods are heart-smart standouts. Bring this list with you on your next supermarket trip.
A food is considered heart-healthy if it meets specific criteria established by the American Heart Association (AHA), or if it has been shown in scientific studies to enhance heart health in some way.
Food products that are certified by the AHA display a badge with a red and white Heart-Check mark on their labels.
Long associated with heart health, magnesium may offer other surprising benefits.
Magnesium is finally getting the attention it deserves. This mineral can help treat everything from acute attacks of asthma in children to migraine headaches, and depression. Magnesium also protects against the development of type 2 diabetes, provides pain relief for people suffering from fibromyalgia, and may even prevent hearing loss.
With this hit-list on hand, you'll be able to build wholesome, seasonal meals rich in flavor and nutrients.
Summer is the easiest season of all to be a cook. Ripe, fresh produce is abundant, meat and fish can be grilled to juicy perfection with a minimum amount of fat, and salads provide an excuse to use healthful olive oil and herbs in a light dressing.
Want to cook healthy this summer? Here are suggestions, from Keri Gans, MS, RD, CDN, author of The Small Change Diet, Alyssa Faden, RD, of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center in New York City, and Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN.
If you smoke cigarettes or stare at a screen all day, you could be doing your peepers a disservice. Read on for eight more offenses.
Certain habits can cause stress, strain, and even permanent damage to your eyes. Are you guilty of any of these?
1. You wear old glasses/contacts. If your lens prescription is outdated, you could be making your eyes work overtime. While wearing the wrong prescription won't actually damage your eyes, it could cause eyestrain, sore eyes, and headaches.
Take time out to renew. One of these five healthy retreat options could offer just what you need.
The word retreat means "withdraw," and sometimes that's exactly what you need to do to in order to regroup your thoughts and view your life from a different perspective. A retreat center is a sanctuary, a place where you can go to engage in therapeutic activities of all kinds.
Copper, aluminum, ceramic, and more. It's time to take a closer look at the pots and pans you're using each day.
You may spend lots of time looking for the most flavorful, nutritious foods to feed your family, but have you given any thought to the type of cookware you're preparing them?
Get acquainted with what professional chefs use and learn the benefits as well as the risks that come with these tools.
Is raw dairy a cure-all or a danger to be avoided? When it comes to this heated debate, both sides are passionate.
If you've heard anything about raw milk and other kinds of raw dairy products, you may be tempted to try them. Raw milk is milk in its most natural state, straight from the cow or any mammal that produces milk for its young. It does not go through pasteurization, the process of heating food to a particular temperature for a certain length of time to get rid of disease-causing microbes, and it can be used to make cheese, butter, and other dairy foods.
It's not just background noise. Research confirms that what you hear affects your appetite.
If you struggle with your weight, you may have been told that eating more slowly will help you shed the extra pounds. This is because it takes a certain amount of time for your brain to receive the message from your stomach that you're getting full, and if you're a speed eater you may pass the point of fullness before your brain registers that fact.
These strategic dietary choices can minimize inflammation and other allergy discomforts.
While taking allergy medication is a must to manage some of your worst allergy symptoms, eating an allergy diet that incorporates strategic choices can help you feel better. This is because many allergy-fighting foods provide properties that can minimize inflammation and address nasal congestion and respiratory symptoms.
Which staining culprits should you avoid and how can you restore your pearly white smile?
Those pearly whites you've been flashing for decades may have taken on a bit of color over the years.
Unless you're a smoker or have used certain medications (the antibiotic tetracycline is a known tooth stainer), most likely you've indulged in at least some of these drinks:
1.
Soothe your stomach with these simple solutions.
"Nausea is a symptom, and you can't treat symptoms effectively unless you know the basis for the symptom," says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory (Basic Health Publications). Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and mal-digestion.
See what a recent study found about the healthy hit.
Popcorn, one of America's favorite snacks, typically falls under the junk food category. However, eating the right kernels may provide you with more antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables.
Conducted by the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania, researchers analyzed the nutritional value of several brands of popcorn.
Indigestion is indigestion, right? Wrong. By knowing the origins of your upset stomach you'll have a better shot at treating it successfully.
About 1 in 4 people in the U.S. suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Dyspepsia, or acid indigestion, can be due to peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), another underlying issue—organic dyspepsia, or for no obvious cause—functional dyspepsia.
Don't let a lack of space stop you from growing fresh, flavorful, nutritious foods. Here's how to start.
Fresh-grown foods have a significant edge over store-bought produce in terms of taste and nutrients, and there's a definite satisfaction in raising and eating your own plants. You can pick them at the height of ripeness when they're bursting with vitamins, and there's no worry about their being contaminated with pesticides or other pollutants.
Popping a piece of chocolate every day may offer protection against colon cancer. Here's why and the best bites for you.
Got a sweet tooth? Good. You may be protecting yourself from colon cancer.
Researchers from the Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN) in Spain have found that cocoa—in addition to playing a role in heart health—may offer protection against intestinal bowel diseases, such as colon cancer.
Could a combination of nutrients in one little pill really help improve your brainpower?
A variety of nutritional supplements, sold as "brain boosters," claim to enhance your memory and help you maintain focus. Can vitamins and other nutrients really keep your mind sharp as you age?
While there's no "cure" for aging, it is now conventional wisdom that diet and exercise play keys roles in determining not only how long you live, but how well you live as you get older.
Chocolate lovers cling to claims that this sweet treat helps the heart. What's the real truth?
To some, believing that chocolate has health benefits is akin to believing a man in red fur will bring presents next December. It's just too good to be true. And in some ways, those skeptics are correct. The chocolate you find in your Christmas stocking or your corner candy store, for instance, are not likely to do more than satisfy your sweet tooth.
Can a bite before bed cause you to have vivid dreams or even nightmares? Here's what one study says.
Have you ever eaten an unusually late dinner or snack and found that you had exceptionally vivid dreams—or even nightmares? You may have wondered if it was the food that caused the dreams. While scientific evidence on the food-dream connection is modest at best, anecdotal evidence and at least one small study suggest that it may exist.
We separate fact from fiction for these common digestive misconceptions.
1. Spicy foods cause ulcers.
Ulcers—open sores located in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or small intestine (duodenal ulcers)—are not caused by certain foods, according to the experts at the American College of Gastroenterology. Though certain foods can irritate an ulcer that is already there, they don't cause the sore.
Don't dine out at a restaurant that hurts your bank account and your waistline. Eat in with these recipes that are light on your diet and on your wallet.
Sure, we'd all love to be able to take our families out to a gourmet dinner night after night. The truth is, in these tough financial times, cutting corners is paramount. But fear not. Just because you're streamlining costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste—or your waist.
Many Americans are ignoring their health due to the dismal economic climate.
The worst economic climate in decades continues to take its toll on Americans. Most of the focus has been on the loss of jobs and homes, however, several reports indicate that the recession is also putting the health of workers and their families in jeopardy.
It's one of the hardest things people can tackle, especially as they get older. Here's a look at dieting by the numbers.
More than half of adults said they dieted in 2010. Despite this, obesity continues to be a personal problem and growing public health crisis. Adults and children consume too many calories and do not engage in nearly enough physical activity. Being overweight or obese leads to serious medical illnesses, such as cardiovascular heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
When it comes to a healthy body, the number on the scale may not be telling the whole story.
What's your pefect body weight? 125 pounds? 150 pounds? Anything under 200? The truth is, a healthy body is defined by much more than what size jeans you wear, how you look in a bathing suit, or even what the scale says. For example, did you know that...
Thanks to TV ads erectile dysfunction is no longer under the covers. Still, misconceptions remain. Learn what causes impotence and ways to reduce your risk.
Between 15 and 30 million men suffer from some form of impotence or erectile dysfunction. At first glance this range seems wide, but it's due to the fact that some health professionals use the term "impotence" to include a host of sexual problems in men—not just the total inability to have or maintain an erection.
Stress can stir up an emotional appetite that can lead to overeating. The best solution is to find something other than food to take the edge off.
Have you ever eaten an entire a pint of ice cream (or your go-to food of choice) when you're feeling stressed? You're not alone. Studies suggest that psychological stress and food consumption are related.
Physiology of Stress and Eating
Eating when stressed disrupts your digestion, even if you're eating healthy food.
Proper eating can have an enormous impact on your health. Here's a look at nutrition by the numbers.
If you want to look and feel your best, a healthy diet is key. Eating right may also help reduce your risk for such serious disorders as diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. But following a balanced diet can be challenging when you're not exactly sure what foods have which nutrients, and how much of a particular food you should be consuming.
High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Here's a look at cholesterol by the numbers.
Your body produces cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, but it's also is found in certain foods. If you eat too much of the wrong kind of foods, you can develop high blood cholesterol, which increases the odds of getting coronary heart disease.
Plaque comprised of cholesterol and other substances builds up in the arteries and causes a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Dealing with a vegetarian in a household of carnivores can be challenging, but rest assured, everyone can co-exist peacefully.
If you're part of a traditional meat-and-potatoes family, it may come as a surprise or outright shock when one of your children announces his or her attention to become a vegetarian. Multiple questions may swirl through your mind: What am I supposed to cook for her if not beef, chicken, or even fish? Do I need to make separate meals for everyone? Does this mean the end of family dinners?
Your first step is to ascertain exactly what kinds of foods your child is giving up.
You already know it's good for you. Here are the tips and tricks to make your salad a nutritional powerhouse.
Visit your local farmer's market or grocery store and you'll be amazed at the variety of greens that can serve as a bed for all kinds of salads. Keep the croutons and goopy dressing if you must, but upgrade to one of these nutritious, delicious iceberg alternatives:
Arugula
You may have seen this green on the menu at Italian restaurants as it originates from the Mediterranean region.
There's no doubt that shedding excess pounds is a big boost to your health and well-being, but not everything is totally rosy after weight loss.
Like millions of others, you might be thinking about losing weight. Whether you've got five pounds or 50 to spare, chances are at some point you thought, "I'll start tomorrow." However, you might find that with your new, slim figure comes a few downsides:
Changing relationships.
The next time you head to the market, be sure to place these cardiovascular winners in your cart.
A cardio-friendly diet is low in sugar and saturated fat, and high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. But that doesn't mean your grocery list should be reduced to flaxseed and tofu. Instead, fill your shopping cart with foods you love and some you may not have even have thought of.
Learn how the body reacts to different types of fat, plus get tips on incorporating the right ones into your diet.
Ever wondered why nutrition experts advise eating unsaturated fats rather than saturated ones? A recent American Diabetes Association-funded study explains how the body actually reacts differently to different kinds of fat.
The body's fat cells, researchers found, can sense and discriminate between the kinds of fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids can trigger a response that interferes with insulin function.
A university study suggests that the right proteins could help lower blood pressure in patients with diabetes.
Occasionally swapping out sugar for protein may help lower high blood pressure, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that was reported by Reuters. But it's unclear whether the study participants' decrease in blood pressure came about because of reduced carbohydrate intake or added protein intake.
Boost your well-being with a fragrance garden. It's easy to grow therapeutic herbs and flowers with these tips.
Aromatherapy is a popular and effective way to elevate your mood and promote healing. You can create your own scents by planting a fragrance garden. If you fill the garden with edible herbs and flowers, you'll be able to boost your health in a fun and unique way.
You can still have your coffee (and doughnut, too!) if you follow these four common-sense suggestions.
You walk into your favorite café with the full intent of sticking to a cup of black coffee. But then you're met with an abundant display of syrupy, creamy drinks whipped to perfection as well as sweet and savory baked goods so fresh they appear to be calling your name-and all your willpower goes out the window.
Here are the safest food choices for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Living with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can make meal planning complicated, but it doesn't have to be. There are safe choices to guide your healthy eating decisions.
Though there's a lot of debate...
Satisfy your sweet tooth while still keeping your blood sugar in check with these simple tips.
Whether your passion is cookies or your weakness is for anything sweet and greasy (think doughnuts), chances are you find yourself eating more sugar than you should. Intense cravings for sweets can be hard to overcome, but even die-hard sugar addicts can find satisfying and healthy alternatives with just a few tweaks.
With a wealth of antioxidants, green tea is used for weight loss, skin care, and for anti-aging. Is it too good to be true?
Research shows the benefits of green tea may range from rejuvenating older skin to warding off cancer. It contains a cornucopia of antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and vitamins C, D, and K.
Green Tea for Weight Loss
You are right to be suspicious of the green tea "miracle" weight loss formulas, but there is some truth to the fad.
Your body creates vitamin D by synthesizing UV rays. But that doesn't mean skimping on sunscreen. There are safer ways.
An estimated one third of Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D—an essential compound that keeps your bones and immune system healthy. Recent studies also link vitamin D to lowering blood pressure, reducing cancer risks, warding off osteoporosis, and even preserving memory.
Hormones are key players to keeping your digestive system running smoothly. Here’s what you can do to maximize their potential.
Did you know that hormones play an important role in the digestive system?
Here are the key hormones and their roles in digestion, and what you can do to help these hormones do their job: To keep your system running smoothly.
Once food enters your stomach, hormones help break down the food.
In researching ways to make your diet more healthful, you may have come across the terms "refined" or "unrefined." But what exactly do they mean?
Refining a food is the process of stripping away certain nutrients in order to achieve a particular color, taste, or texture.
Generally, health experts advocate avoiding refined foods as much as possible—not always easy in this country, where they are a huge part of many Americans' diets.
Recent statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give women at birth an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men. So why is there such a gap?
On average, men in the United States die approximately five years earlier than women. Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2010 give women an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men.
Here's how to pick the right scale to support your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Go into any home-products store or browse online and you're likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of scales for sale. So what's really important when making this purchase?
The first choice you'll need to make is between the two main types of bathroom scales: Digital and analog.
From entrées and desserts to sodas and sides, Americans are supersizing. Learn how to choose healthier portions.
If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.
Headaches are among the most common pain symptoms in the world. Learn about the different types of headaches and what causes them.
At one time or another, nearly everyone has had a headache. In fact, 70 percent of people have had at least one in the past year. What's more, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, a condition that costs U.S. companies billions of dollars in lost productivity annually.
Rosacea, which often causes constant redness in the face, can be frustrating and difficult to treat, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition.
Rosacea is a common, long-term skin disease that affects more than an estimated 16 million Americans. The condition may produce persistent redness, or flushing; acne; and visible blood vessels in the center of the face. What's more, these symptoms can eventually spread to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose.
Psoriasis can be frustrating, painful, even embarrassing. Follow these tips to keep flare-ups at bay.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as many as 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis—a chronic, non-contagious skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells.
For most people, skin cells take about one month to move from the lowest skin layer to the outermost layer, where they die and flake off.
Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day for your family, but lunch is important too, not to mention snacks. Here are essential nutrition tips from a top expert.
For nutrition advice, QualityHealth consulted Sally Kuzemchak, RD and real mom nutrition blogger. "Eating healthier really doesn't take more time. It's a mindset. A great place to start is to read labels and know what's in your food."
Your child will concentrate better in the classroom, and be less prone to sugar cravings later, if you refuel him in the a.
Stuck at home with a cold? Find comfort with these soothing foods.
You can't seem to fight off that nasty cold or flu, and you're stuck at home for several days. The good news? There are certain foods that can help soothe your symptoms. Although you may not feel like cooking or eating anything right now, these simple treats are easy to prepare and may even get you back to health more quickly.
A growing body of research suggests that antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.
There are still many questions surrounding Alzheimer's disease—a degenerative brain disorder and form of dementia that currently has no cure. Although the evidence is not conclusive, several studies, including one conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, suggest that foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.
Diabetes is a lifelong disease, but these tips can make it easier to manage the condition.
According to the American Diabetes Association, more the 25 million Americans are living with diabetes. Try these tips to help manage the condition and prevent the serious complications associated with the disease.
1. Follow a balanced diet. A low-fat eating plan with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep blood sugar at healthy levels.
About 90 percent of the more than 25 million U.S. children and adults affected by diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Find out more about this growing epidemic, from risk factors to treatment options.
Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic disorder that affects more than 25 million U.S. children and adults—about 90 percent of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The bodies of those affected by the disease either can't produce enough insulin or have cells that ignore the insulin.
Skin cancer rates are likely to increase in the coming years. Find out how behavioral and dietary changes can reduce your risk.
One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and many health experts believe that percentage will increase in coming decades. With global warming on the rise, people are increasingly being exposed to stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which forms free radicals, damages healthy cells, and increases the risk for skin cancer.
Everyone needs vitamin D for good health, but a debate continues to burn in the medical community over the best ways to get this important nutrient.
The National Institutes of Health recommend 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. One cup of vitamin D-fortified milk provides 100 units, while 3 ounces of oil-based tuna provides another 200 units. But is it wise to soak up UV rays to get vitamin D? The debate is so hot that the Skin Cancer Foundation has called it The D Dilemma.
Who says losing weight has to be hard? These effortless activities can help rev your metabolism and melt the pounds away.
Actor Pete Postlethwaite once said: "I exercise every morning without fail. One eyelid goes up and the other follows." That quote may seem nonsensical, but the sentiment actually makes some sense. Take a closer look at your daily routine, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for easy calorie-burning activities—no gym required.
Chocolate and tea both offer cardiovascular perks. But can combining the two provide twice the benefit?
Double dark chocolate, chocolate strawberry, red velvet, chocolate mint—these sound more like the names of cupcakes or candy bars than tea bags but, in fact, that's just what they are. A new generation of teas—both herbal and regular—have...
A national study suggests that kids with ADHD have double the chance of being overweight. Find out why.
American kids are getting heavier. In 1980, just 7 percent of children aged 6 to 11 were overweight, but that number had risen to 16 percent by 2002, according to the journal Pediatrics. And the number of overweight teens more than tripled, going from 5 to 16 percent in the same time period.
When it comes to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which foods are most likely to bring on bouts of belly bloat and gassiness?
"Eating should be effortless," says Steven Lamm, M.D., house doctor on ABC's The View and author of the forthcoming book No Guts, No Glory (April 2012).
"You shouldn't have to feel bloated or gassy or [experience] any discomfort after you eat. You should be able to eat normally, digest your food, and feel well.
Want to enjoy the festivities without piling on the pounds? Check out our top eight tips.
It starts with Halloween and plastic pumpkins full of sugary treats, then continues through Thanksgiving weekend, with plentiful mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pies, and leftover turkey sandwiches. And don't forget December: office parties, cookie exchanges, and that food-filled week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
More and more Americans are opting for bariatric surgery to shed major pounds and improve their quality of life. Find out if you or a loved one could be a candidate.
As most health experts can attest, the best way to lose weight is to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. But that doesn't always work—just ask the 129.6 million Americans, or 64 percent of the population, who are currently overweight or obese.
There are plenty of ways to adopt healthy habits on the job, from fitting in a workout during lunch to switching out coffee for pure H2O.
Many people spend more hours on the job than they do at home or doing leisure activities. Why not make your work day the center of your healthy lifestyle? Here's how to get started:
1) Add in fitness. Small bouts of exercise throughout the day can add up to real results.
With these six easy tips, you can transform your refrigerator and your health.
When you run to your fridge for a midnight snack, what do you grab? Leftover takeout? Ice cream? Pizza? If so, your fridge may be in need of an extreme makeover.
As most of us know, we are what we eat, and the best way to change the way we eat, look, and feel is by changing what we keep in our kitchens.
Nutrition labels can be deceiving. Learn how to cut though the hype and make healthier choices.
If the nutrition label reads "zero grams trans fat" it must be healthy, right? Wrong! As it turns out, federal regulations allow labels to read "zero grams trans fat" as long as a product contains less than 0.5 grams of the artery-clogging fat per serving.
These healthy eating tips will help you make it to New Year's without the extra pounds or the guilt.
A healthy diet can be difficult to maintain at any time of year, but once the holiday season rolls around, the task becomes ten times harder. It all begins at Thanksgiving dinner with freshly carved turkey, mashed potatoes with sour cream, corn-bread stuffing, and of course, the all-American apple pie.
Get the skinny on tricks that really work.
At any given time, one out of every three Americans is on a diet. Unfortunately, most of them fail, and those who do shed pounds usually gain them back within five years. The good news: It doesn't have to be that way. According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who manage to lose weight and keep it off share these common strategies.
Follow these simple strategies to get your cholesterol levels where you want them to be.
You're working hard to eat right so you can lower your cholesterol levels. You're reading nutrition labels, buying fewer pre-packaged foods, and testing yourself often. But you're still struggling to keep your cholesterol down. What are you doing wrong?
The answer may surprise you.
Are your feelings of discomfort just shyness, or a sign of a more serious health condition? Here's how to tell the difference.
Imagine this: A woman hates to stand in line at the grocery store—not because she's impatient, but because she's afraid that everyone is watching her. As she approaches the clerk, she becomes anxious and self-conscious. Her heart begins to race, her face turns red, and she begins to sweat.
Desks and cubicles may seem benign, but they're often a breeding ground for bacteria. Follow these six tips to stay healthy at work.
If you're like most Americans, you put in long hours at work--and you have less time off than anyone in the developed world (U.S. workers average 13 vacation days a year, while the Japanese have 25, the Canadians take 26, and the French enjoy 37). Is all that time at the office making you sick? It could be, according to a study conducted by the University of Arizona.
There's no one food that can magically transform an overweight body into an ideal figure. But there are foods that are beneficial to eat on the journey to a slimmer body.
There's no one food that can magically transform an overweight body into an ideal figure. Eating plans that consist solely of grapefruit aren't realistic or effective, nor are plans that promote eating only cabbage soup or special "weight-loss cookies.
Sick of starving to lose weight? Follow these tips to shed pounds. No diet required.
For most people, diets aren't enjoyable, and they never seem to yield lasting results either. Although dieters may lose weight initially, most relapse and soon regain the pounds they shed, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles.
This tart, delicious fruit may have protective properties against diseases like colitis, Crohn's, and even cancer. But it's the part of the apple that might surprise you.
An apple a day may keep digestive diseases away. That's according to new research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology.
Apples are a great source of soluble fiber (found to lower cholesterol), quercetin (an antioxidant which plays a role in...
Learn how to build strong bones and protect against osteoporosis.
At some point—usually around age 30—everyone's bones begin to get thinner. But only some people will develop osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to break. Your risk for osteoporosis depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of your bones when you were young, as well as the health, diet, and fitness levels you've maintained since.
Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living.
In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations.
Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.
There is no guaranteed protection against breast cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
An estimated 1in 8 women will be afflicted with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although there is no guaranteed protection against the disease, there are things you can do to lower your risk. Follow these tips to help prevent breast cancer and to support finding a cure:
Maintain a healthy weight.
These friendly bacteria can do wonders for your digestive system. Learn how your body can start reaping the benefits.
The literal translation of the word probiotics is "for life." But just what are probiotics, how are they helpful in maintaining digestive health, and how can they be included in daily diets?
Probiotics Defined
The normal human digestive tract contains over 1,000 types of bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and help promote a healthy digestive system.
Feeling stressed out? Regain your calm with these tips.
Sometimes daily life can get the best of us, and our stress levels can zoom off the charts. Family issues, workplace worries, and day-to-day obligations can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these methods of stress reduction:
1.
Add these super foods to your diet, and give your health an instant boost.
By now, you probably know which foods you should avoid sugary colas, greasy snacks, fatty fast foods. But what about the many nutritious foods nature has to offer? While many people are familiar with the well-publicized superfoods, such as berries, salmon, and spinach, there's an abundance of lesser-known treats that can also do wonders for your health.
Don't expect to lose 10 pounds overnight, but you can take steps to help your body rid itself of bloating while you sleep, which could result in a flatter tummy the next morning.
You can wake up slimmer than when you went to bed the night before—if you adhere to this important list of to-dos:
Drink plenty of water during the day.
You don't want to ingest enough to fill a tanker truck—overconsumption of water can be dangerous.
When it comes to assessing cholesterol, HDL and LDL get most of the focus. But there's another category that deserves equal attention.
Triglycerides are essential to human life. These chains of fatty acids are absorbed into your system from the foods you eat and are even created by your own body. They circulate through your bloodstream, providing energy to cells and enabling your body to function.
The keys to picking the perfect nighttime snack are to practice portion control and combine two essential types of foods.
If you feel like you need a little something in your stomach before you turn in for the night, you're far from alone. It's a good idea to make sure your appetite is satisfied before shutting the light, as you don't want hunger pangs waking you in the middle of the night.
Sugar, butter, and cream may be one celebrity chef's go-to ingredients, but that doesn't mean you should follow in her footsteps. You can still recreate the cuisine of the Queen of Southern Cooking without doing damage to your health. Let a team of experts show you how.
Now that Paula Deen's been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it's time for her followers to rethink adding all that butter, cream, and sugar to food to make it taste good.
It's certainly possible to switch out high-fat, high-cholesterol ingredients for more healthful ones, nutrition experts say.
One of the newest players in the fitness world is one of the oldest nutritional substances on earth. Bovine colostrum (also known as early cow’s milk) is making a name as a powerful way to increase athletic performance and speed recovery time after extreme workouts.
Bovine colostrum is the first milk a cow produces during the first few days after delivering a calf. Much like human colostrum (from breast milk), bovine colostrum is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and proteins (antibodies) that fight disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses.
Although avoiding fatty foods is the key to being lean, current science indicates that overeating doesn't tell the whole story.
Roughly two-thirds of Americans are overweight. Obesity results when body fat accumulates over time and as a result calories taken in exceed calories expended. It can run in families and is associated with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Beetroot juice just might be the newest super drink. Some elite runners drink it by the gallon and swear that it boosts athletic performance. So, what's the real story behind beetroot juice?
Beetroot is the bulbous, reddish-purple part of a beet plant. The other part of the plant is the beet top (or beet greens), which are also highly nutritious. Beetroot juice is obtained by putting beets through a juicer and extracting its liquid.
This liquid is high in nutrients including folate, potassium, and vitamin C.
You know exercise provides both physical and emotional benefits. But what does it do for your cognitive function? Here's another compelling reason to go for that fitness walk.
A recent study conducted at the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College in Dublin asked a group of male college students who described themselves as "sedentary" to take part in a memory test followed by vigorous exercise.
While there's no single food that meets every nutritional requirement a person needs, doctors and researchers have pinpointed a handful of edibles as standouts in the field.
These "super foods," as certain experts call them, are nutritionally dense and provide boatloads of vitamins and minerals along with excellent calorie and fat profiles.
Make it a point to include at least a few of these in your diet every day:
Salmon
High in omega-3 fatty acids and a preventer of heart disease, salmon, and other fatty fish such as halibut and rainbow trout can also help lower blood pressure and enhance brain function.
Watching your weight or looking to up your nutrients? Smoothies are a delicious and easy way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try some of these.
The beauty of smoothies is that they can be customized and made out of almost anything you have in your produce bin.
If you're watching your weight:
Use in-season fruit.
Whether fresh or frozen, fruit that's being grown tends to be sweeter than its out-of-season counterparts, meaning you don't need to add extra sugar or honey.
Food manufacturers use both natural and synthetic preservatives to extend the life of many of the food products we eat. Government regulations limit the use of some of them. Here’s why.
Preservatives keep food products fresh long enough for them to get from the factory to the supermarket and eventually find a place on your dining table. They do this by slowing down the natural breakdown of fats, delaying the ripening process of fresh foods, and destroying or slowing down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that would otherwise grow on food.
Fresh fruits and vegetables help fight disease, but do you know which ones are best to prevent developing bowel cancer?
Fruits and vegetables provide some of the most important nutrients you can consume, namely, disease-fighting antioxidants in the form of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (substances found only in plants that are known to protect your cells from destruction).
Your blood type (O, A, B, or AB) may influence your risk of developing certain types of disease. But does that mean you should eat a strict diet based on your type?
The basis of the blood-type diet, developed by the naturopathic physician Dr. Peter D'Adamo, is that blood delivers nutrients to every cell in the body. Because chemical reactions occur naturally between blood and food, blood types respond differently to certain types of diets.
Eating the new shoots and tender leaves of bamboo may have powerful medicinal effects. Where would you find them? How are they prepared? And what health benefits might they possess?
Fresh, young, edible bamboo shoots are grown in some parts of the United States and are sold at local farmer's markets, specialty food stores, and in some restaurants. You can find canned bamboo shoots in the Asian food section of most supermarkets, but fresh shoots are a little more difficult to come by.
Do you suffer from sinus troubles? Dandruff? Sore throat? Diarrhea? Apple cider vinegar could alleviate all of these conditions.
Often used in salad dressings, apple cider vinegar could also be of use to you as a natural remedy. It is reported to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.
Stress can stir up an emotional appetite that can lead to overeating. The best solution is to find something other than food to take the edge off.
If you eat in response to stress, you are not responding to real hunger but instead to a coping mechanism—comfort food.
A study reported in Physiology Behavior found that 73 percent of participants reported eating more sweets and fewer meal-type foods, such as meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, during periods of stress.
Sorry grill-lovers, there's some bad news: New research supports the connection between consuming grilled, well-done red meat and an aggressive type of prostate cancer.
In the study, lead author John Witte, PhD, professor at UCSF medical school and his colleagues compared about 500 men who recently had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer to a cancer-free group.
"Each participant filled out detailed questionnaires about their diets over the previous year, including the amount of meat they ate and how it was prepared," Witte wrote in an email.
Almond butter. Sweet potatoes. Avocados. Jicama. Keeping foods like these on hand will help your child look at healthy eating as less of a chore and more of a choice.
Want your kids to start enjoying the healthy meals and snacks you prepare for them? You may need to rethink your grocery shopping list. If you're buying the same items week in and week out, your child may be bored with your cooking. Switch things up a bit, nutrition experts suggest, by buying the makings for meals kids will love despite the fact that the meals are healthy.
Recent tests of arsenic levels in some popular apple juice brands have many parents restricting their kids' consumption or even banning this staple entirely from their homes. Overreaction or justified behavior?
Arsenic, a naturally occurring chemical has two forms-organic and inorganic. Organic arsenic which is found in our air and water supply, passes through the body quickly and according to the FDA, causes no harm. Inorganic arsenic is more worrisome because it gets into the food supply via the use of pesticides, as an additive in poultry feed and from well water.
The symptoms you experience after eating a food containing gluten hold the key to whether it's an allergy or intolerance.
Do crackers give you hives? Does your stomach cramp from a slice of pizza? It could be the result of either an allergic reaction or intolerance to gluten. Unfortunately, it's often frustrating.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that's contained in a variety of wheat, rye, and barley products.
Success in the classroom starts at home. Here's how to ensure your child is physically and emotionally prepared to take on the school day.
There's no disputing the importance of a good education. What often gets overlooked, however, is what parents can do at home to help their children succeed in the classroom.
School-aged children spend nearly as much time in the classroom as they do in their homes.
You’ve probably heard the terms “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol” bandied about, but what are the key differences between the two? This go-to guide clears the confusion.
You've probably heard the terms "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol" bandied about and may not understand their significance. Cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart disease, so it pays to know what it is and how you can control it.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance that attaches to proteins in our blood and travels throughout our body.
The dietary choices you make during breakfast can set your course for the rest of the day. Let this go-to guide help you bring a wholesome cereal selection to the table each morning.
It's been said time and again: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And cereal is a great morning choice, right? Well, not necessarily. The grocery store is filled with a barrage of cereal selections, and many are downright unhealthy. So how can you determine if the cereal's worthy of a place in your cart or if it should go right back on the shelf? Take a look at the label:
If sugar is the first ingredient on the list, put it back on the shelf.
Easy ways to boost your respiratory health may already be sitting in your refrigerator and on your pantry shelves. What works best?
Eating a balanced diet high in nutrients is a crucial step to manage asthma and keep your immune system working at its best.
Foods for Respiratory Health
While it's important to follow your asthma action plan and take your medications as directed, try adding some foods and supplements into your diet that can help keep asthma in check.
There are menu choices that aggravate ulcerative colitis and some that help to ease the symptoms. See what to avoid and what to add to your plate.
If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, you know that food is a factor—not in causing a flare-up, but in aggravating symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and loss of appetite. However, with a little trial and error, you can determine the foods that best work for you when you're experiencing a flare.
If you have a "sweet tooth," research suggests this preference could actually affect your personality. But does it make you sweeter or does it make you sour?
"You are what you eat." A platitude used by parents and high school health teachers alike. And a new report published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has added credence to this adage.
Research conducted by psychologists at the North Dakota State University in Fargo suggests that individuals who regularly eat sweets are more likely to help another person in need.
This insomnia remedy is making a real splash in certain circles. See what recent studies say.
Never mind the over-the-counter and prescription pills that can have numerous side effects, achieving a better night's sleep naturally might be as easy as downing a glass of tart cherry juice.
Scientists at Northumbria University in England initially discovered the link between tart cherry juice and better sleep when they studied the drink for its exercise-recovery properties.
Rich in color, flavor, and nutrients, these versatile vegetables star in a variety of international cuisines. Here's a bushel of ways to add them to your diet.
Whether eaten raw with your favorite dip, jarred and pickled, or cooked up as part of a savory dinner entrée, peppers deserve a place at your table. By far, the most popular variety of pepper eaten in the U.S. is the bell pepper. Here's a guide to the differences between these bell peppers:
Green Peppers
The least expensive of the bell peppers and the least sweet, this pepper is picked before achieving full ripeness.
Reducing your meat consumption doesn't mean you only have bean protein sources left. Consider these vegan meat substitutes. They offer the flavors and textures you enjoy from your favorite meats.
If your goal is to cut down on or cut out meat consumption, you may be wondering if there are worthy substitutes out there. Sure, you'll eat more fish, chicken, and beans, but are there any foods that can really stand in for meat in your favorite recipes? Happily, the answer is yes.
Here are recommendations that will keep your child's brown bag from spoiling, and possibly making her sick.
Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the foods school cafeterias serve, which tend to be high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and offer very little nutritional value. As a result, many parents are beginning to send their kids to school with a packed lunch.
The keys to picking the perfect nighttime snack are to practice portion control and combine two essential types of foods.
If you feel like you need a little something in your stomach before you turn in for the night, you're far from alone. It's a good idea to make sure your appetite is satisfied before shutting the light, as you don't want hunger pangs waking you in the middle of the night.
It can be tricky to eliminate gluten from the diet, and when you must simultaneously manage your blood sugar, eating can get downright complicated. Here are the tips to follow.
It's not uncommon to have both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, both of which are autoimmune diseases (as are lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.) Both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease require an extra measure of dietary vigilance in order to stay healthy and feel good.
Take comfort in knowing that these food favorites are actually healthy for you, just as long as you eat them the right way.
If you suffer from heartburn or gastrointestinal distress after eating certain foods, you don't have to be told that fried chicken, burgers, lasagna, and the like are not your friends. But you don't have to de-friend some of those feel-good favorites.
If your love for coffee has diminished thanks to heartburn, there's good news: it's because you're drinking the wrong kind of brew.
Can't enjoy a cup of coffee because of heartburn? Here's some news that will cheer you up: Researchers from the University of Vienna in Austria and the Technische Universität München in Germany reported that dark-roasted coffee (such as espresso and French roast) may be easier to stomach.
Learn how to keep the food you buy fresh and safe to eat.
If your kitchen cabinets hold cans dating back to the last century and your freezer is home to unrecognizable lumps of ice-coated leftovers, you may be due for a crash course on food storage. Knowing where and how to store food is tricky. Some produce thrives in the refrigerator, while other types wilt and lose flavor.
Studies have found that the skin on an apple contains a substance that not only promotes muscle growth and prevents the loss of muscle that comes with aging, but may also lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Laboratory studies have found that the skin on an apple contains a substance that not only promotes muscle growth and prevents the loss of muscle that comes with aging, but may also lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
In addition to vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other substances such as antioxidants and phytochemicals that are known to protect against cancer and other forms of chronic disease, apples contain a chemical called ursolic acid.
For many adults, there's nothing like a good, hot cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. Few people, however, know the profound effect caffeine has on their mood.
For many adults, there's nothing like a good, hot cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. Caffeine, the ingredient in coffee that helps to wake you, is the most widely used stimulant in the United States. Americans consume about 80 percent of their caffeine in coffee.
Guys whose sex life isn't exactly red-hot may want to examine their diet as a possible culprit. According to recent research, Individuals who don't consume enough protein actually risk having a low testosterone level.
Guys whose sex life isn't exactly red-hot may want to examine their diet as a possible culprit. Individuals who don't consume enough protein actually risk having a low testosterone level, according to recent research. And low levels of this important hormone can cause not just poor sexual function, but muscle loss, damage to bones, and reduced red blood cells, according to the research, reported by the BBC.
You don’t have to suffer after every party this holiday season with a hangover. Knowing some facts about hangovers can help you celebrate this season as a hangover-free one.
Are you wondering if you can make it through this New Year's morning without suffering from the dreaded party hangover? Whether you have a couple of glasses of wine or go for a hard boozing night of holiday revelry, a hangover can get you.
According to experts, signs and symptoms of a hangover typically begin several hours after your last drink.
While java will give you a jolt, you have other pick-me-up options that may be less jarring to your system. Consider forgoing the caffeine for a protein-rich snack.
If you've ever been hit with the 3 p.m. sleepies (and who hasn't?), you may have been tempted to head to the nearest coffee bar for a caffeine infusion. But while java will give you a jolt, you have other pick-me-up options that may be less jarring to your system.
There's nothing wrong with trying to slim down, but watch out for these red flags.
So you've got a high-school reunion coming up in three weeks, or a Caribbean vacation planned, or a wedding to go to. You absolutely have to drop 10 pounds immediately. There's nothing wrong with trying to slim down, but make sure you're doing it in a healthy way.
This mineral helps your heart maintain a steady rhythm and promotes normal blood pressure. It's being studied for its role in preventing and managing such heart ailments as hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease.
The mineral magnesium is an important component to the health of every organ in your body, especially for heart health.
Magnesium helps your heart maintain a steady rhythm and promotes normal blood pressure and is being studied for its role in preventing and managing such heart ailments as hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease.
QualityHealth sat down with American Idol's Casey Abrams to talk about his experience living with ulcerative colitis. Here's what you should know about this chronic, but manageable inflammatory bowel disease.
American Idol contestant Casey Abrams was a freshman at a large college who was slowly adjusting from a small high school when he developed worrisome and painful symptoms in his stomach. He was losing weight, running to the bathroom up to a dozen times a day, and was generally feeling unwell.
A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume.
Want to stave off cognitive problems as you get older? Consider making a special effort to get enough Vitamin B12. A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume.
If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way.
The basic rule of weight loss says that if you take in fewer calories than you use, you'll shed pounds. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try it seems that the scale just won't budge. If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel?
Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel?
Your gastrointestinal tract is actually one long tube that stretches from your mouth to your rectum, with lots of twists, turns, bulges, and folds in between.
If diet or lifestyle habits are at the root of your bloating or gas overload, there are steps you can take during the day to avoid having problems at night.
Everyone produces gas while digesting food and, once formed, and that gas has to go somewhere. Throughout the day and night, normal amounts of gas pass through your body unnoticed, but any build-up of excess gas usually makes itself known. If it passes through your mouth, you burp.
If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and staying away from the wrong ones can help you feel better.
If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you feel better.
When you take antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing an infection, the drug has a "take no prisoners" effect on your body: It wipes out all bacteria, good and bad.
If you drink a bit more coffee or tea than most people you know, scientists say it may be thanks to your DNA.
If you drink a bit more coffee or tea than most people you know, scientists say it may be thanks to your DNA.
Ah, caffeine. It wakes you up in the morning, helps you get your work done throughout the day and, after a long night, may be the only thing that can get you through the next day.
Fluid retention is a common occurrence. Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce or eliminate excess fluids.
Your body tries to maintain equilibrium at all times. However, sometimes pregnancy, premenstrual side effects, medications, or an underlying medical condition will disrupt the balance of water and chemicals, causing fluid retention. You may also hear this described as water retention, edema, or dropsy.
If you found out that you can no longer eat gluten, that doesn't mean your diet must be filled with dull food items from now on. Learn about your delicious gluten-free options so that your digestive system can function well again.
You've probably seen the proliferation of gluten-free products at your local grocery store and wondered if you should be eating these foods.
Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. Approximately one in 20 Americans is sensitive to gluten.
Want to save your eyesight as you get older? Consider forgoing that juicy steak in favor of a green salad.
Want to save your eyesight as you get older? Consider forgoing that juicy steak in favor of a green salad. A recent study out of England has found a positive correlation between the amount of meat a person consumes and his or her risk of developing cataracts.
Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Here's how to help ensure you're feeding your family safe, high-quality food.
Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Even "healthy" foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats have been connected with serious illnesses caused by contamination with bacteria, parasites, and chemicals. This has many Americans wondering, "What's safe to eat?" The answer may depend on the quality of the foods you choose and whether or not you follow common sense safety-precautions.
Eliminating some foods from your diet may help relieve some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Adding others may help even more. Here's how to eat to beat PMS.
Eliminating some foods from your diet may help relieve some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Adding others may help even more. Here's how to eat to beat PMS.
There are diet strategies for treating and preventing some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as water retention, bloating, moodiness, and weight gain.
Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies. But are they an ideal replacement?
Fortified foods provide an alternative source of nutrients for people who don't consume enough of the foods that naturally supply those nutrients. Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies.
Researchers have found that night owls tend to eat twice as much junk food and weigh more than people who go to bed on the early side and wake up with the sun.
Yes, it can. Researchers have found that night owls—people who routinely stay up late and sleep in the next morning—tend to eat twice as much junk food and weigh more than people who go to bed on the early side and wake up with the sun.
For some people, "early to bed, early to rise" just doesn't cut it.
Scientists now believe that consuming a diet high in acid-producing foods like animal proteins, processed foods, and sweeteners and low in fresh fruits and vegetables is partly responsible for the development of osteoporosis and diseases caused by chronic metabolic acidosis.
Did you know your bones are responsible for maintaining your body's delicate pH balance, which impacts your overall health and may even play a role in longevity?
What is pH balance? pH is a chemistry term that stands for "potential for hydrogen." In simpler terms, pH indicates how acid or alkaline a solution is on a scale of 1 to 14.
While the quickest way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, the easiest way to prevent chronic conditions and improve longevity is through his diet. These 10 foods are particularly beneficial for those with the Y-chromosome.
While the quickest way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, the easiest way to prevent chronic conditions and improve longevity is through his diet. Following a balanced diet that is low in fat and simple carbohydrates and high in lean protein and whole grains is beneficial for both sexes; however, these 10 foods are particularly beneficial for those with the Y-chromosome.
What if you could take a pill that would stop you from ever developing rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis? Research suggests there may be such a pill, and it's widely available and easy to obtain.
What if you could take a pill that would stop you from ever developing rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis? Research suggests there may be such a pill—and it's widely available and easy to obtain. In fact, your local supermarket no doubt has a bottle of it on a shelf right now.
How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Snacks are healthy when they fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet without adding excess calories.
Starchy foods are essential for energy, and fatty foods can make you feel fuller. But there are a host of health complications that can ensue if you consume too much of both. Learn how eating the right combination of foods can help your digestive system function at its best.
Did you know that your gut contains 500 species of bacteria and that altogether, they weigh about three pounds? These bacteria play a critical role in digestion and other important health-related functions. Eating the wrong foods can throw off the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria and cause a host of digestive (and other) health problems.
Get that overdue good night's rest you need by committing to these essential to-dos. Learn how you should sleep and what foods you should avoid to prevent the burn from ruining your night.
If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling refreshed in the morning, you're not alone. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders and 20 million more have occasional bouts of disrupted sleep.
The best way to boost your bones, besides weight-bearing exercise, is to take in enough of the substances that strengthen and build your skeleton. Here's a rundown of the top nutrients you need for a fit frame.
Your bones are the foundation of your body supporting you throughout your life. Just as you need to take care of your major organs, you need to tend to your bones in order to maintain optimal health. The best way to boost your bones, besides weight-bearing exercise, is to take in enough of the substances that strengthen and build your skeleton.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and others have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and other "sweet" spices have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet.
Cinnamon In addition to treating stomach and intestinal problems such as bloating, gas, and spasms, cinnamon has been found to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.
Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on.
Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on. This finding comes on the heels of a previous study that found that modest weight gain during middle age, particularly around the middle, is linked to a higher rate of cardiovascular disease.
You've heard of the digestive and nutritional benefits of flaxseed, now learn how you can incorporate this potent grain into your daily menu.
Flaxseed is a grain that is rich in soluble fiber. It's also a plant source of phytochemicals called lignans and omega-3 fatty acids—a powerful antioxidant.
Flaxseed has been commonly used as a laxative to improve constipation and promote digestive health.
Too little iron in the body can affect many body functions, but most physical signs and symptoms don't show up until iron deficiency anemia occurs.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that results from too little iron in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anemia in the U.S.
The condition is usually caused by blood loss, diet, or an inability of your body to absorb enough iron from food.
Everyone has life goals and dreams, but many people have no idea how to achieve them. That's where a life coach can help. Life coaches help you create the blueprint to become your best self.
Everyone has life goals and dreams, but many people have no idea how to achieve them. That's where a life coach can help. Life coaches help you create the blueprint to become your best self.
What is a life coach? Life coaches are trained professionals who help clients realize their personal, professional, and physical goals.
A good meal should boost your energy, not leave you feeling sapped.
A good meal should boost your energy, not leave you feeling sapped. Here's what you can do to avoid post-meal fatigue.
1. Eat light. Heavy meals, especially those rich in carbohydrates, help boost your levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which is responsible for the "tired but content" feeling that often comes after a holiday dinner, but can occur after any big meal.
They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but perhaps menu monotony is the way to keep his heart healthy.
They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but perhaps menu monotony is the way to keep his heart healthy.
New research suggests repeated exposure to a food may be what's needed to reduce excess consumption of it. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Buffalo and the University of Florida compared the behavior of two groups of obese and non-obese women.
One study questions the need for salt restrictions.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association questions the body of evidence showing that a low-salt diet decreases the risk of heart disease.
The observational study included 3,681 middle-aged Europeans who did not have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease at the start of the study.
Touted as a "living food," wheatgrass juice first became popular when a self-proclaimed "natural healer" began to promote the benefits of consuming green vegetables, herbs, and wild weeds. Since then, wheatgrass has been analyzed, studied, and sold as a health remedy.
Wheatgrass is sold as a juice, a pill, a powder and, in some greenmarkets and natural foods stores, a potted plant. Touted as a "living food," wheatgrass juice first became popular in the 1950's, when a self-proclaimed "natural healer" began to promote the benefits of consuming green vegetables, herbs, and wild weeds.
Krill, tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that live on the bottom of the ocean, are chock full of beneficial oils, including omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, but is Krill oil even better? Several studies say "yes."
Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that live on the bottom of the ocean. They're the primary food source for many species of whale, manta and shark.
There are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and manage the problem if it occurs.
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States with about 2,200 Americans dying from the problem each day.
Too much LDL ("bad") cholesterol or not enough HDL ("good") cholesterol in your blood can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
The salty, spicy, pickled vegetable dish known as kimchi is a fermented food traditionally served in Korea and now popular in other Asian countries and also in the United States.
Fermented cabbage teeming with bacteria hardly sounds like a healthy food. Then why are so many people eating it?
"Fermented" may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think about or describe your favorite foods, but yeast breads, aged cheeses, apple cider, wines, beers, yogurt, dry salami, and sauerkraut are all fermented.
For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to one doctor, the answer is no.
For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to Heinz Valtin, MD, a retired professor of physiology from Dartmouth Medical School, the answer is no.
Some experts say you'll burn more fat if you exercise on an empty stomach. Others assert your athletic performance will suffer if you don't fuel it with the right food. Who's right?
Which is better: running on full or running on empty? We're talking about the fuel you put in your body. There's a lot of confusion about eating and exercise. Some studies say you'll burn more fat if you exercise on an empty stomach. Others assert your athletic performance will suffer if you don't fuel it with the right food.
If arthritis pain bothers you, you may have all but given up on cooking and baking. But there are ways to get back in the kitchen and rediscover your inner chef.
If arthritis pain bothers you, you may have all but given up on cooking and baking. All that slicing, stirring, and lifting may just feel like too much some days. But there are ways to get back in the kitchen and take part in the joys of creating—and eating—your own food.
Pizza? Drinks? TV? Your favorite indulgences can be made heart healthy, if you do them right.
Making sure you get your daily dose of nutritious foods and plenty of exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy heart, but that doesn't mean you have to completely cut yourself off from your favorite indulgences.
Here are three ways you can stay heart-healthy without feeling deprived.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California have proposed a new formula for measuring body fat using hip circumference and height. This formula is known as body adiposity index, or BAI.
The more body fat you have, the higher your chances of developing chronic health problems. Now there's a new way to measure your risk.
If you are overweight, you are actually "overfat." You are carrying around too much body fat. The body mass index (BMI) is a formula based on height and weight that is used by health professionals and fitness experts to calculate body fat.
When you have food allergies, organizing your kitchen and other food storage areas isn't just convenient—it's essential.
Everyone can benefit from having a well-organized home. But when you have food allergies, organizing your kitchen and other food storage areas isn't just convenient—it's essential. An organized fridge and pantry can make it easier to locate your safe foods and can save you from making life-threatening mistakes.
If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar.
If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar.
Researchers at Princeton University conducted several laboratory studies on rats and found that when the rats were given too much sugar, they suffered from withdrawal.
Recent research shows it's not only how much of it you eat, but also what kind, and when in your life you eat it. Get the low-down on one path to better heart health.
Although the heart-health benefits of getting plenty of fiber in the diet each day has been well documented, a new study is showing that loading up on fiber when you're young or middle-aged may be especially heart protective.
The study from Northwestern University's medical school found that adults between the ages of 20 and 59 with the highest fiber intake had a significantly lower estimated lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease compared to those with the lowest fiber intake.
Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value.
You have the right to know what's in the food products you buy, but you can't know if it's not on the label.
Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value.
Set an alarm. Use a fancy glass. Hang a sign on your fridge. These are just a few ways to ensure you get your daily dose of H20.
If there is one magical elixir that can help promote good health, it's water. Here's how to make sure you get enough each day.
1. Set goals. For instance, first thing in the morning, fill a large pitcher with eight cups of water and set a goal to finish it by the end of the day.
Visceral fat, the type found around the waist and belly and surrounding the vital organs, poses much more of a health risk to you than fat that's right under the skin. But upping a particular type of fiber in your diet could help you get rid of it.
No one likes to have flabby arms, chubby thighs, or bountiful hips. But fat in these areas is considered subcutaneous fat, and while it may not be pretty, it's not as hazardous to your health as visceral fat.
This second type, found around the waist and belly and surrounding the vital organs, poses much more of a health risk to you than fat that's right under the skin.
Strawberries get an A+ rating as a healthy snack. Here's why.
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but strawberries appear to be just as potent when it comes to fighting disease.
In fact, research suggests that the scarlet fruit is a true nutritional blockbuster. Strawberries contain abundant amounts of a naturally occurring flavonoid called fisetin; it's found in lesser quantities in other fruits.
BPA is used in the production of some hard plastics and the plastic-like linings of many metal cans used to package foods and beverages. Since BPA leaches out of the plastic and into the contents of the can when exposed to heat, there is wide concern about its toxic effect.
Although canned foods rarely make it to any "top ten" list of great-tasting or especially nutritious foods, the only real concern has ever been the loss of certain nutrients during the canning process and over time. All that changed when toxic chemicals were found in the food.
If you find yourself munching on the same old lettuce and tomatoes day in and day out, maybe it's time for a salad makeover.
If you find yourself munching on the same old lettuce and tomatoes day in and day out, maybe it's time for a makeover. Here are 10 tips for building a better salad: 1. Mix up your greens. There's nothing wrong with lettuce, but with so many varieties of salad-ready greens available, why be boring? Toss together a combination of Swiss chard, baby spinach, radicchio, arugula, and/or watercress and discover the sweet, bitter, and peppery differences in flavor.
Giving blood is straightforward, safe, and infinitely helpful to those in need. So if you want to join the effort, here are six steps you can take to ensure the process is as easy as possible.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. What's more, nearly 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. Needless to say, the demand for blood is high.
But blood donations are very popular among many Americans.
There's always something to eat at the airport, especially if you're at one of the larger "hub" airports. Unfortunately, where there are more food vendors, there are more opportunities for unhealthy options and food safety violations.
Eating at airports, especially when you're in a hurry, is pretty much the nutritional equivalent of eating at a truck stop. But the problem is not just finding and choosing healthier foods or piecing together something that resembles a balanced meal. It's also about finding food that's safe to eat.
Over the last few years, some hair salons and barbers have been dispensing more than just trims. They've been giving out health advice, too.
In some communities, particularly where many African-Americans live, the local salon or barber shop is a cultural institution. Men and women alike visit these social hubs on a regular basis not only to get their hair done but to connect with friends and neighbors in a familiar, comforting environment where they can talk, share, vent, and just be themselves.
If you're having trouble maintaining a food diary to keep track of certain triggers that could be contributing to your digestive problems, apps for your smartphone and other electronic devices may be able to help.
If you're having trouble maintaining a food diary to keep track of certain triggers that could be contributing to your digestive problems, apps for your smartphone and other electronic devices may be able to help.
Tracking Food Quality
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has just created an app based on its Chemical Cuisine glossary of food additives database.
You can take a vacation from day-to-day living without forfeiting daily exercise and healthy eating. These practical tips will help you stave off the extra pounds without needing to give up festive foods and unforgettable fun.
The purpose of going on vacation is simple—to take a break from the rigors of day-to-day living. However, we also tend to take a break from daily exercise and healthy eating as we launch into local cuisine with little, if any, mind to the damage it's doing to our diets.
Why should you make your own baby food? Let's see, it's generally more nutritious, less costly, and it takes hardly any effort to get started.
Food, glorious food! If your baby is sitting up on her own—and grabbing for your snacks—it may be time to introduce solids. Between the ages of 4 to 6 months, most babies are developmentally ready to get their first taste of big kid food!
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Whole or separated, in recipes or on their own, eggs are an important part of most people's diets. But if you're concerned about heart disease, shouldn't you worry about the fat and cholesterol in eggs? Not when you know which parts of the egg to use, and when to use them.
Whole or separated, in recipes or on their own, eggs are an important part of most people's diets. But if you're concerned about heart disease, shouldn't you worry about the fat and cholesterol in eggs? Not if you know which parts of the egg to use, and when to use them.
New research suggests you can lose weight—and keep it off—just by spending a week in the mountains.
Weight loss is a natural phenomenon for anyone who travels from sea level to extreme altitudes. The amount of weight lost depends on how high you go and how long you stay, and has always been thought to be temporary. In addition, high-altitude weight loss has always been associated with active people who spend time hiking and skiing in mountainous areas.
Have you thought about how your digestive system actually converts the meals you eat into fuel? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients to keep your body in motion.
Have you ever thought about how your digestive system—a complex network of hollow organs and long, twisting tubes—actually converts your meals into fuel to keep your body functioning well? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins, to keep your body in motion.
If you have asthma and find yourself struggling with your weight, you may wonder if asthma is to blame. And according to many researchers, there could be a link.
If you have asthma and find yourself struggling with your weight, you may wonder if asthma is to blame. And according to many researchers, there could be a link.
The Facts About Asthma and Weight
There's been a growing awareness in recent years that many asthmatics are overweight.
For a growing number of families (couples and singles, too), personal chefs are becoming as common and indispensable as housekeepers. They're the answer to "What's for dinner?"
The benefits of sitting down to a home-cooked meal with family are well established: Better nutrition, closer bonding, and even better behavior and school performance. The challenge is how to get it on the table while juggling work and kids' schedules.
If you're looking for a "healthy" beer, unfortunately, you won't find one. But that doesn't mean you should skip out entirely. If you choose to indulge in a beer, make the best choice for your health.
If you’re looking for a “healthy” beer, unfortunately, you won’t find one.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one of the best ways to avoiding weight gain is to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods have a high micro-nutrient (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
Here's how a food diary can help you and your doctor. Plus tricks to make keeping one easier.
Suppose your blood sugar is running high on a particular day, and you're not quite sure why. You think back to the morning: did walking rather than driving to work play havoc with your numbers? Or could it have been the cinnamon bun that had your name on it at the local bakery? But you didn't eat the whole thing.
Keeping safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize exposure.
Keeping children safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days.
The current offender: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used to make plastic clear and hard. It also keeps bacteria from contaminating foods and prevents cans from rusting.
Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable water bottle to a reusable one is among the best things you can do for the planet.
Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable to reusable water bottle is among the best things you can do for the planet. How do you choose the best water bottle? Check out our tips before you go shopping.
This nutrient-powerhouse can aid an assortment of digestive woes, and there are many ways you can enjoy it. Whether you cook it, eat it raw, or put it in a smoothie, incorporate papaya into your healthy digestion plan.
Papaya is a super food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
Additionally, this tropical fruit contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme that helps promote digestion. In fact, in laboratory studies, papaya extract was shown to alleviate induced gastric ulcers in rats, leading researchers to believe that the fruit may be useful in treating gastric ulcers in humans.
Numerous studies have linked the consumption of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and processed meats to an increased risk for a wide range of cancers.
Backyard barbeques are the quintessential American summertime activity. They're a great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy fresh, seasonal food cooked outdoors. However, it pays to be cautious when grilling meat. Scientists have linked barbequed meat to an increased risk of developing cancer.
The fruit of the olive tree has a long, rich history as a symbol of peace, new life, hope and honor. These days, it is best known as a symbol of good health.
The fruit of the olive tree has a long, rich history as a symbol of peace, new life, hope and honor. These days, it is best known as a symbol of good health.
The cultivated olives we know today had wild ancestors that go back hundreds, if not thousands, of years B.
Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it also provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb.
Following a balanced diet can help you lower your blood sugar and cholesterol, and it ensures you'll enjoy lots of delicious and healthy options. Here's how to do it.
If the thought of following a "balanced diet" has you so confused you're a bit, well, off balance, not to worry. The June issue of Diabetes Forecast, the magazine of the American Diabetes Association, outlines some simple steps for adopting a diet that's not just balanced, but tasty and easy to follow, too.
Many factors go into the decision to start composting but, as a project, it doesn't have to be any bigger than you want it to be.
Instead of filling up landfills with food scraps and lawn clippings you've tossed into the trash can, you can compost, or recycle them into an organic fertilizer for your garden and lawn. Sounds great, but is it really worth the time, effort and, in some cases, money, it takes to get it started?
Simply put, compost is decomposed waste.
To make the most of your restaurant experience while making sure you're not undoing a week's worth of exercise, follow these tips.
Let's face it. Dining out is wonderful. A server is there to cater to your every whim. You're provided with a delicious meal with all the upside and none of the work.
What's more, you're given options: healthy and otherwise. Do you opt for the grilled chicken with asparagus and winter squash mash? Or do you go with the risotto cakes and polenta? While you may think you've chosen the healthier chicken dish, studies find that this isn't the case.
Live it up at all the backyard barbecues and casual al fresco get-togethers this season has to offer, but keep these eight tips in mind so your blood sugar and your waistline won't reflect poor choices later.
Between the backyard barbecues, pool parties, and alfresco cocktail soirées, it can seem like summer is just one continuous and tempting opportunity to feast. But if you don't want to see your blood sugar go sky-high and your weight creep gradually upwards when you get together with friends, resolve now to party with care.
Should you throw out a container of yogurt if you notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it? Well, it all depends on these factors.
You take a container of yogurt from your refrigerator and notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it. Should you throw it out?
Well, it all depends on the type of date stamped on the container and how well the product was handled, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it.
Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it.
Celiac Disease
Perhaps the most often misdiagnosed chronic digestive problem is celiac disease, which affects as many as 1 in 133 people in the U.
One research team studied older people on the small Greek island of Ikaria, a place where fully one-third of residents live to at least 90, and found that the residents share many healthful habits.
Now that your working life is behind you, it's time to pay attention to the rest of your life. You've got extra time now, and you want to make the most of it. Whether you've dedicated yourself to living healthily all these years or put your health on the back burner, it's never too late to form good habits.
Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight.
Your stomach produces a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite and encourages you to eat. That's a good thing for some people, not so good for others. Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight.
Your body naturally produces digestive enzymes to help your body break down food. So if you have a shortage of those enzymes and you experience not-so-pleasant symptoms, it might be time to turn to these common supplements.
If you've ever experienced indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain, or diarrhea, it may be because you have a shortage of digestive enzymes, which assist the body in breaking down food. Enzymes are secreted along the gastrointestinal tract where food is broken down, allowing nutrients to be absorbed by the blood.
What and how you eat could be hazardous to your health.
When Canadian physician Kevin Patterson worked as doctor at the Canadian Combat Surgical Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, he came to realize that the Afghans he treated had very different body types from the Canadians he typically cared for back in his homeland.
This juicy little fruit contains a substance that may help prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.
No medical expert's going to advise you to eat a tangerine a day to keep the doctor away. But the juicy little fruit could turn out to have awesome health benefits. It contains a substance called nobiletin, which may protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.
Omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids confer a variety of health benefits when consumed on a regular basis and in the right amounts.
Three-six-nine, the goose drank wine...or was it fish oil? If it was fish oil, or certain vegetable oils, that would be one healthy goose because the omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids found in these oils confer a variety of medical benefits when they are consumed on a regular basis and in the right amounts.
Oats take many forms, but all are beneficial to your health and help reduce your risk of disease.
With oats, you have choices: whole, cut, or rolled. No matter what shape it takes, a hearty bowl of oatmeal in the morning gives you a wholesome start to your day.
Oat Groats Groats are whole oat kernels that have had their hard hull removed but are otherwise intact.
What could be more convenient for lunch on the go than a quick stop at the salad bar? But the choices you make can make the difference between a fat-laden, calorie-heavy meal and a satisfying, good-for-your-heart lunch.
In these busy times, grabbing a quick meal from the salad bar of your local deli or fast-food restaurant chain may not only help you shave off precious minutes from your busy day, it may also provide all the ingredients you need for a healthy heart-if you know what to choose.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing nutritious foods easier for Americans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing healthful foods easier for all Americans. The icon, which replaces the old food pyramid, is a colorful graphic image of a plate divided into separate sections and is intended to provide a visual reminder of the appropriate balance between the different food groups.
Buying local helps cut down on the cost and environmental impact associated with packaging, transporting, and shipping food across the country (or the planet, for that matter).
Environmentalists say that when you shop for food that is locally grown or produced, you contribute to your own health and the health of the planet. You also contribute to the economic well-being of your local community. That's what it means to be a locavore.
It's not just for salad anymore. This astringent condiment may actually help lower blood sugar.
You may want to consider using a liberal hand with the vinegar bottle next time you make salad dressing.
Consuming apple cider vinegar at bedtime may have a positive effect on the waking blood sugar for those with type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
Building a salad can be one of the best things you can do for your heart, or one of the worst. Here's how to construct a cardio-friendly creation, without sacrificing great flavor.
In these busy times, grabbing a quick meal from the salad bar of your local deli or fast-food restaurant chain may not only shave precious minutes from your day; it may also provide all the ingredients you need for a healthy heart—if you choose well.
Here's how to prepare delicious food that works for the diabetic in your life and doesn't leave anyone feeling deprived.
As the family chef, you get to choose the menu and exercise a certain amount of control over what everyone else eats. But if your spouse or significant other gets diagnosed with diabetes, you may suddenly need to modify your menus and shopping choices.
There's good news for people looking to lower their risk for heart disease.
A new study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition reveals that taking a daily dose of safflower oil—about 1 2/3 teaspoons—might help keep heart disease at bay. The findings come from a study of obese, postmenopausal women who have type 2 diabetes and were given the safflower oil for 16 weeks.
Taking care of your health is the single most important way to extend your life. And even though, in general, men tend to have a lousy track record, there are simple ways you can turn that around.
According to the Agency for Health Care Quality and Research (AHRQ), men are:
24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the past.
22% more likely to have neglected their cholesterol tests.
28% more likely than women to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure.
Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water each day, and refraining from doing things that can worsen digestive problems could be all you need to ease your digestive woes.
If you occasionally suffer from mild heartburn, bloating, or constipation, you're not alone. Approximately 70 million Americans are plagued by digestive disorders. And it's easy to see why. Your digestive system is a highly sophisticated process that converts foods into smaller molecules of nutrients before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to cells throughout your body.
The formula behind body mass index (BMI) can be tricky. It can help you know if the number on the scale is where it's supposed to be. However, BMI can't provide useful information about this.
In 2004, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labeled obesity as the number one health risk facing Americans. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity affects 32 percent of adult men and 35.
We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes.
We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. The study, which was funded...
From aiding in digestion to raising a red flag about potential diseases, your saliva plays a pretty big role in your health.
What exactly is saliva, and what is its purpose? Could your saliva reveal secrets about your health? We've got your "saliva basics" (and beyond) right here.
Saliva is the watery, sometimes frothy liquid that forms in your mouth. Salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw produce between two and four pints per day.
What difference does it make if you stand at a counter to eat, sit down at a table, or grab a bite on the run? Well, when it comes to your physical and mental health, it might make all the difference in the world.
What difference does it make if you stand at a counter to eat, sit down at a table, or grab a bite on the run? Well, when it comes to your physical and mental health, it might make all the difference in the world.
Whether you're trying to lose a few pounds, maintain a healthy weight, or simply adopt healthier habits, mindful eating—or eating with awareness—can be a helpful approach.
Without adequate protein, your muscles can't properly grow and thrive. Keep in mind, however, that over-indulging can be just as damaging to your health as under-indulging.
Protein is essential for healthy muscle, cell, and organ growth. Simply put, it helps replenish broken down muscle and tissue that comes as a result of exercise or disease. Without adequate protein, your muscles will not achieve the balanced growth they need.
Mexican, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian: All are delicious, to be sure, but they can also be potential minefields in terms of blood sugar control. So does this mean you should stay home? Definitely not!
It's enough of a challenge to manage your blood sugar when you're eating at home and cooking with familiar ingredients. But when you eat in a restaurant, you may suddenly realize you have no idea what's in the food set before you.
Mexican, Thai, Italian, Japanese - all are delicious, to be sure, but they can be a potential minefield in terms of blood sugar control.
The right kind of salad mix can help you stay healthy, fight aging, stave off chronic disease, and keep your weight in check.
It's quite possible that no food that has more potential to pack so much good nutrition into one bowl than a creatively tossed salad. Salads are open to a wide variety of ingredients, and the more you add, the more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients you get from your salad bowl.
The right kind of salad mix can help you stay healthy, fight aging, stave off chronic disease, and keep your weight in check.
It's quite possible that no food that has more potential to pack so much good nutrition into one bowl than a creatively tossed salad. Salads are open to a wide variety of ingredients, and the more you add, the more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients you get from your salad bowl.
You may have seen the word "probiotics" trumpeted on the packages of various products on supermarket shelves. Manufacturers want you to believe their foods are good for you, and in fact probiotics do have numerous health benefits. But sorting through what's fact and what are merely inflated claims can be confusing.
You may have seen the word "probiotics" trumpeted on the packages of various products on supermarket shelves. Obviously manufacturers want you to believe their foods are good for you, and in fact probiotics do have numerous health benefits. But sorting through what's fact and what are merely inflated claims can be confusing.
New research suggests that a particular plant oil might be a powerful weapon in the fight against obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Abdominal fat is more hazardous to your health than the fat that accumulates in other parts of the body. The reason? "Belly fat is more harmful because it's so close to your vital internal organs," says Jerome Tolbert, MD, of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.
Not all bacteria are bad: They can positively contribute to the digestive process. But too much good bacteria can also be unhealthy. That's why, when your bacteria balance gets out of whack, you can develop dysbiosis. Discover the symptoms, causes, and treatments for this condition.
Your digestive system is a complex mechanism made up of hollow organs that begins in your mouth and continues to your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (also called the colon), rectum, and anus. When you eat, food is not in a form that your body can use as nourishment.
A new study shows that there may be added heart benefits to including these foods in your daily diet.
You already know that leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, K, and nutrients like calcium, folate, and iron and that eating plenty of lettuce, arugula, broccoli, collard greens, kale, and spinach can help reduce high blood pressure. Now a new study is showing that there may be added heart benefits to including these foods in your daily diet.
Nowadays, it's easy to find great-tasting chips made from taro root, sweet potatoes, soybeans, black beans, pinto beans, adzuki beans, pita bread, rice, or even apples.
Every body loves chips! And the good news is: Your choices are no longer restricted to potato or corn. Now it's easy to find great tasting chips made from taro root, sweet potatoes, soybeans, black beans, pinto beans, adzuki beans, pita bread, rice, or even apples.
Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, following the Mediterranean diet may keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Following a Mediterranean diet has been shown to benefit heart health as well as reduce the incidence of cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of whole grains, legumes (beans), fruits, and vegetables-which are all fiber-rich-following the Mediterranean diet may also keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Taking stock of the kinds of foods in your pantry and refrigerator and replacing the ones that increase your risk for cardiovascular disease with nutritious, flavorful whole foods, will help you and your family make heart-smart food choices and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women. But making just a few simple changes to your diet can make a big difference in keeping you and your family heart-healthy. And the first place to start is in the kitchen.
Start Your Heart Healthy Kitchen Makeover Here
The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods every day.
This condition is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, which allows larger-than-normal particles such as undigested food, microbes, wastes, and toxins to get into the lymphatic system or bloodstream, triggering an immune response that causes inflammation.
Although leaky gut syndrome (also known as intestinal hypermeability) isn't generally recognized by conventional physicians as a real medical condition, there is increasing evidence that the problem is genuine. Leaky gut syndrome is the result of damage to the intestinal lining.
If you've been experiencing stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, you may have an intestinal parasite. Intestinal parasites are fairly common and can be serious, especially in the elderly, people living in undeveloped countries, and those who have other health problems.
If you've been experiencing stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, you may have an intestinal parasite. There are two main types of intestinal parasites: helminths, which are worms (tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms are the most common), and protozoa, which have only one cell and can multiply inside the body, allowing serious infections to develop.
If you've had surgery to remove part of your stomach or had gastric bypass surgery to help you lose weight, you may be susceptible to this condition.
If you've had surgery to remove part of your stomach or had gastric bypass surgery to help you lose weight, you may be susceptible to a condition called dumping syndrome. The problem occurs when the undigested contents of the stomach get "dumped" into the small intestine too quickly, causing excess fluid to build in the small intestine.
The importance of a nutritious breakfast can't be overstated and that means you might need to get creative.
Do your kids jump-start their day with a heaping helping of carbs followed by a dose of high fructose corn syrup? Do they refuse cereal that isn't sugar coated? Or do they skip breakfast all together feeling too rushed or tired to send anything down the hatch? If their morning routine has you concerned, read on for insight and advice to get your picky eaters heading for healthy food before darting out the door.
The American Heart Association has some specific recommendations when it comes to getting heart healthy nutrients.
Although the shelves of your local pharmacy or health food store may be lined with dietary supplements claiming to provide a heart health benefit, there is little scientific evidence to support those claims.
To the contrary, one recent large, placebo-controlled randomized study of vitamin E actually failed to show any benefit on heart disease.
Looking for a healthy meal? Look no further than your local fairgrounds.
Looking for a healthy meal? Look no further than your local fairgrounds. That's because if you want to see just how good a fresh vegetable or wholesome grain dish can taste, it sometimes helps to experience the cuisines of other countries. And where better to do that than at an ethnic or international food festival? There, if you choose right, you have an opportunity to think globally, eat locally, and try some above-average "street food.
Overloading on vitamins and minerals is easy to do and can be dangerous.
Can taking extra vitamins be too much of a good thing? Yes. In fact, overloading on vitamins and minerals is easy to do and can be dangerous.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping your body strong, fit and healthy. Most of us run the risk of not getting enough if we don't eat the right foods.
Whether it's an egg, a loaf of bread, or a type of sugar, brown foods somehow seem healthier, more natural. But are they?
Whether it's an egg, a loaf of bread, or a type of sugar, brown foods somehow seem healthier, more natural. But are they?
If a baked good is brown because it is made with whole-grain flour, rather than all-purpose white, then brown is usually better.
Experts warn that our national eating habits come at a price. Here, a guide to healthy eating on the go.
In today's fast-paced world, most Americans rely on fast food every now and again. But for many U.S. citizens, these foods are more than just an occasional indulgence--at least 25 percent eat from popular chain restaurants every day, according to Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation.
Since 1994, foods that have been genetically modified have been sold in supermarkets all over the United States and, whether you know it or not, you've probably been eating them.
Since 1994, foods that have been genetically modified have been sold in supermarkets all over the United States and, whether you know it or not, you've probably been eating them.
Genetically engineered food crops have been a subject of debate since they first appeared on the market in the early 1990's.
Nearly 2,000 people were evaluated against seven heart-healthy criteria set by the American Heart Association. The results may surprise you.
Just one out of 1,900 people evaluated in a study published in Circulation, met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health set by the American Heart Association (AHA).
The study, initiated by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, evaluated 1,933 people, ages 45 to 75, through surveys, physical exams, and blood tests.
The evidence is overwhelming that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, in particular, deliver compounds that help prevent the transformation of normal cells into cancer.
When former president George H.W. Bush publicly proclaimed his dislike of broccoli, he wasn't doing himself any favors. This ubiquitous vegetable is part of a family of vegetables that is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to cancer prevention.
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which is part of the cabbage family.
No meat, no poultry, no eggs, no fish, no dairy, no animal products of any kind. For some, a vegan diet is unimaginable; for others it is a path to good health.
No meat, no poultry, no eggs, no fish, no dairy, no animal products of any kind. For some, a vegan diet is unimaginable; for others it is a path to good health.
You may like the idea of a Meatless Monday or a No-Face Friday, taking one day out of every week to skip meat and eat only plant foods, no food from anything that ever had eyes, ears or a nose.
You know that an unhealthy lifestyle can eventually show up on your skin, but what if a simple, painless test could reveal the physical evidence? Would it encourage you to change your habits? Some scientists believe that it will.
You know that an unhealthy lifestyle can eventually show up on your skin, but what if a simple, painless test could reveal the physical evidence? Would it encourage you to change your habits? Some scientists believe that it will.
Until recently, doctors would need to biopsy skin in order to get a picture of a patient's health and habits.
It's hard to find time for fitness, a sensible diet, and health screenings, especially when you work full time. That is, unless health and fitness opportunities come directly to you.
It's hard to find time for fitness, a sensible diet, and health screenings—especially when you work full time. That is, unless health and fitness opportunities come directly to you. Employee fitness and health programs are par for the course at many large companies.
Cirrhosis is the final phase of chronic liver disease when the liver begins to function poorly due to scarring. Get familiar with how this disease affects your liver, know the symptoms, and learn what you can do to treat and prevent this incurable disease.
Cirrhosis is the final phase of chronic liver disease when the liver begins to function poorly due to scarring. The liver is a large organ that carries out essential functions such as detoxifying harmful substances in your body, purifying your blood, and manufacturing nutrients vital to your health.
Sample these dozen healthy ideas that will help your family lead a healthier life for the long haul.
Parents may hold the key to turning the nation's obesity problem around, suggest the findings of a new study conducted by GfK MRI, a leading media and consumer market research company. Five thousand children aged 6-11 were surveyed as part of the 2010 American Kids Study and found that parental impact and behavior greatly influences their kids' attitudes toward food and nutrition.
Meet your tongue: the organ of taste and home to thousands of tiny taste buds that help you enjoy the foods you love and avoid those you don't.
Meet your tongue: the organ of taste and home to thousands of tiny taste buds that help you enjoy the foods you love and avoid those you don't.
Bitter, sour, salty, sweet. While these could just as easily describe personality traits, they are actually your four basic tastes.
Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?
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Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function.
If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation.
Are you trying to lose weight? Begin an exercise program? Give up junk food? If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation.
Here are the solutions you need to add to your menu before you pick up your knife and fork.
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The waiter hands you a menu, a basket of warm bread magically appears on the table, and you sit back, unfold your napkin and prepare to savor a restaurant meal. But keep in mind that dining out can be dangerous to your health if you're not careful.
This tasty, nutritious little seed has become a favorite among natural food lovers everywhere.
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Once considered a mere provision for people in third world countries, this tasty, nutritious little seed has become a favorite among natural food lovers everywhere.
Quinoa—pronounced keen-wah, with an emphasis on keen—is a high-protein seed that is eaten like a grain.
In spite of the marketing claims, are protein powders really necessary for the typical weekend warrior or average guy who can't get to the gym more than a few times a week?
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Judging from the variety of products on the market promising bigger, stronger muscles and better performance on the field (or at the gym), it appears that exercise alone just doesn't cut it anymore.
Your teen's daily consumption of what seems like a bottomless pit of sugar might seem harmless now, but that very behavior can put her heart at risk later on in life. Thankfully, you can put a stop to this.
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Teenagers who eat too much sugar may be putting their hearts at risk. A new study found that teens who consume a lot of sugary foods and beverages are more likely to have an increased risk of heart disease later in life.
While it's true that as kids get older you have less influence on them as parents, don't discount your role in modeling good (and bad) behavior. While what you say to them may sometimes fall on deaf ears, what you do will certainly be noticed.
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While it's true that as kids get older you have less influence on them as parents, don't discount your role in modeling good (and bad) behavior. While what you say to them may sometimes fall on deaf ears, what you do will certainly be noticed.
It turns out that these sweet little berries may play a key role in preventing colon cancer. And there are creative ways you can incorporate this super fruit into your daily menu.
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Next time you make a fruit salad-why not toss in some black raspberries? It turns out that these sweet little berries may play a key role in preventing colon cancer, according to a University of Illinois at Chicago study that was reported in a recent issue of Cancer Prevention Research.
Nuts are good for you, and so are their butters. And they're even better if you make them yourself.
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Nuts are good for you, and so are their butters. And they're even better if you make them yourself.
Nuts for Nutrition
No doubt about it, nut butters are high in calories and fat.
Loose, bagged, home-brewed, or instant out of a bottle, tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. And, depending on the form it takes, it can also be good for you. Or not.
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Loose, bagged, home-brewed, or instant out of a bottle, tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. And, depending on the form it takes, it can also be good for you. Or not.
Chances are you've experienced that unpleasant feeling of a sour, acid-like taste in your mouth. And what's worse is that it can happen at the most inconvenient times. Learn how this happens and what you can do to get rid of that sour taste in your mouth.
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Chances are you've experienced that unpleasant feeling of a sour, acid-like taste in your mouth. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, but is most common upon waking up in the morning and after eating fried, fatty, and greasy foods.
Cider. Malt. Balsamic. White. With so many vinegars on the market, it can be difficult to discern between them all. This basic primer will help it all make sense.
If ever a food could literally tingle your taste buds, it would be vinegar. Like many fermented foods—cheese, yogurt, wine, and pickles—vinegar's distinctive flavor is the result of a process called alcoholic fermentation, in which sugar is converted to alcohol (similar to wine or ale).
This alternative diet is held up by some as an effective method for managing cancer. Here are the principles so you can decide for yourself.
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When Christine Pirello was diagnosed with an acute form of leukemia, her physician gravely told her she had three to six months left to live. She was only 26. A friend introduced her to Robert Pirello, who claimed he had a diet that could cure cancer.
Are you the kind who, during lunch break, forgoes the trip across the street to the local café and plow through lunch at your desk while never diverging from work? If so, you could be harming your health. Here's four ways you can get back on track.
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You've seen them: the coworkers who, during their lunch break, forgo the trip across the street to the local café and plow through lunch at their desks while never diverging from work.
When it comes to foods such as cheese, many live by the motto, "The stinkier, the better." And then there are wine connoisseurs. They'll wait decades before corking a bottle of red or white. So what's the secret behind this graceful aging process?
Why do some foods get better with age? Because humans help them along.
Connoisseurs of fine food say that ripening, or aging, of some types of cheese enhances both the flavor and texture of the finished product. Although not everyone agrees—especially when the result is a "stinky"or musty-flavored cheese—it is true that the basic nature of cheese changes as it ages, until it becomes an entirely different food.
You've heard about the health dangers of tanning booths: skin cancer and eye damage, to name just two. But if you simply can't get the desire for bronze out of your head, it's time to walk away from the tanning bed...and over to your fridge.
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Over and over again, you've heard about the dangers of tanning booths—skin cancer and eye damage, to name just two. But what if you simply can't get the desire for bronze out of your head? Then, it's time to walk away from the tanning bed.
Researchers have a hunch that antioxidants—long touted to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease—may also help fertility-challenged couples to conceive.
Researchers in New Zealand and Australia have a hunch that antioxidants-long touted to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease-may also help fertility-challenged couples to conceive.
Cochrane Library lead researcher Marian Showell, who works in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Aukland in New Zealand, recently reported the results of a small study of 2,876 couples and the effects of oral antioxidants on "subfertile" males.
Ever eaten something you knew would ignite heartburn or acid reflux, but afterwards were surprised to find that you didn't experience symptoms? If so, don't be relieved, the burn can plague you within hours or even days.
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Even though you shouldn't have had that spicy Mexican enchilada or that extra cup of coffee, you actually don't feel too bad afterwards-at least not right away. But hours or even a day or two later, you feel those familiar and terrible symptoms of reflux coming on and heartburn brought on by reflux is plaguing you once again.
Is it possible to live with diabetes, eat meat-free, and be healthy? Here's what's essential to keep in mind.
Trade your T-bone for tofu? If you're considering giving up meat in the interest of health, you may be wondering if you can you be a healthy vegetarian and have diabetes?
Diabetics are constantly told to limit their intake of carbohydrates, which is exactly what's contained in fruits and vegetables.
All-you-can-eat buffets. Unlimited soda refills. Burgers the size of ball fields. When it comes to food, America serves it up. It's no wonder one-third of our children and two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. Here's what you need to know to help your family eat better.
In an effort to improve the overall health of our nation, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released new dietary guidelines (January 2011). The revised guidelines place a stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.
What's the story behind the crunchy snack that's good for your heart?
Nuts about nuts? Good for you! They make everything from brownies to cookies taste better, they're delicious in stir-fries, and they add texture and crunch to salads. Best of all, nuts are good for your cardiovascular health, so feel free to work them into your daily meal plan.
If your calorie-burning workouts are often followed by calorie-crazed binges, you might as well not be exercising at all. So, how do you put an end to this vicious cycle? We've got eight effective ways.
One of the easiest ways to sabotage your weight loss goals is with the Post-Workout Food Binge. We've all been there. You burn a bunch of calories in the gym, then, an hour later you're starving. Next thing you know, you're gobbling up everything in sight (or maybe just a few particularly delicious donuts).
Fiber supplements have become all the rage, helping weight-conscious people to feel fuller so they eat less. And fiber is also an efficient stool softener and eases irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)and constipation. But keep in mind: It’s possible to misuse fiber supplements.
In the last few years, fiber supplements have become all the rage, helping weight-conscious people to feel fuller so they eat less. Fiber is also an efficient stool softener, and sufferers of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation have used it to help manage their symptoms.
Genetics play a significant role in mental health disorders. Individuals who have one or more family members with a mental health disease are more likely to develop a brain disorder than those without a family history. This link holds true for eating disorders as well.
Genetics play a significant role in mental health disorders. Individuals who have one or more family members with a mental health disease are more likely to develop a brain disorder than those without a family history. This link holds true for eating disorders as well.
The processes involved in metabolism are going on all the time, in every cell of your body. It's a complicated process, the success of which is determined, in part, by the way you eat.
When you talk about "your metabolism" you are actually talking about your metabolic rate. That's the rate at which your body breaks down the larger or "macro" nutrients you get from the food you eat-mostly carbohydrates, but also fat and sometimes protein-and uses them to create energy.
Can diet, stress-reduction, and change of lifestyle be our only hope to remedy IBS or can charcoal capsules be the next cure?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects more than 55 million Americans-mostly women-and can cause a vast array of symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and excessive gas. One potential IBS remedy that's gained some recent attention is charcoal.
Do diabetics need more vitamins than non-diabetics?
It's easy to think of vitamins as a form of no-hassle health insurance: pop enough of them and you won't fall victim to colds or the flu, plus you'll have extra energy even if you're not eating right or sleeping enough, right? And if you've got diabetes, you may be tempted to pop some extras.
Sleep deprivation is a growing epidemic in this country, and neither gender has a lock on it. But there are a few behaviors of which men seem to be particularly guilty.
Sleep problems seem to be a national emergency, and neither gender has a lock on bad sleep habits. But there are a few behaviors of which men seem to be particularly guilty. Check out this list and see if any of these unsound practices sound familiar:
Overdoing the caffeine.
Is it true that you are what you eat? Your body odor may provide the answer.
Is it true that you are what you eat? Your body odor may provide the answer.
Most of the time, off-putting body odors and bad breath are normal conditions that clear up once you take a shower or brush your teeth. Some smells that emanate from within signal a medical problem, however, while others simply reflect the contents of your last meal.
Trying to lose weight but can't? Well, before you place the blame on this or that, it may be time to take a good look at what you've been doing.
Trying to lose weight but can't? Before you blame it on this or that, it may be time to step back and take a good look at at your actions. Are you taking any of these missteps?
Following the Wrong Diet. There is no "one size fits all" diet, so you may not be doing yourself any favors by following a diet that is too low in calories, or the latest fad diet, unless it is somewhat in line with the way you normally eat or want to eat for the rest of your life.
In recent years, scientists have recognized a link between asthma and obesity, but understanding which problem comes first hasn't been quite as clear.
In recent years, scientists have recognized a link between asthma and obesity, but understanding this which problem comes first hasn't been quite as clear.
Researching the Asthma and Obesity Link
Some experts believe that asthmatics find it difficult to exercise and as a result make sedentary lifestyle choices that lead to becoming overweight.
Many people consider kiwis to be their favorite fruit. Sweet and juicy, these delicious picks are high in fiber, potassium, and handful of essential vitamins. Yet as the popularity of kiwis grow, so do the number of people who are allergic.
Do you enjoy the sweet taste of kiwi? This popular fuzzy-skinned fruit (which originates from China) is high in potassium, vitamins C, A, and E, and fiber. A growing number of people consider kiwis to be one of their favorite picks. Yet as the popularity of kiwis grow, so does the number of people who are allergic to this tart, Eastern fruit.
What should you reach for and what should you avoid when it comes to living a healthy life with diabetes? It’s easier than you think.
If you have diabetes, choosing the right foods can help keep you healthy and keep your blood sugar in the normal range.
"Diabetics are more at risk for heart disease," says Adee Rasabi, RD, CDN, CDE, of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Medical Center in New York City.
If you drink too much sugar-sweetened soda, particularly cola, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing muscular weakness and a host of other problems as well.
If you drink too much sugar-sweetened soda, particularly cola drinks, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing muscle fatigue and a host of other problems as well.
In spite of numerous reports of health issues linked to drinking soda pop, most people are not giving it up.
Harvard School of Public Health scientists, along with colleagues from other institutions, have discovered a natural substance in dairy fat that could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Harvard School of Public Health scientists, along with colleagues from other institutions, have discovered a natural substance in dairy fat that could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The substance, a fatty acid that's present in butter, cheese, and milk, is called trans-palmitoleic acid.
When food replaces personal relationships or when overeating is a response to stress or depression, a potentially life-threatening situation can occur.
When food replaces personal relationships or when overeating is a response to stress or depression, a potentially life-threatening situation can occur.
"We all engage in over eating at times," says Melissa Katz, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist who specializes in eating disorders.
Lurking in the foods you love, these nutritionally bankrupt bad guys are well worth avoiding.
They lurk in many of the foods you love: movie theater popcorn, commercially made doughnuts, even coffee "creamers." And trans fats, also called trans fatty acids are so unhealthy that there's really no "safe" level—it's best to avoid them at all costs, particularly when you have diabetes.
You've heard it a million times, but the next time you hear "you are what you eat," you can be sure that the statement has been validated by numerous studies.
You've heard it a million times, but the next time you hear "you are what you eat," you can be sure that the statement has been validated by numerous studies.
While the phrase has earlier origins, it didn't emerge in the English-speaking world until nutritionist Victor Lindlahr published his book You Are What You Eat: how to win and keep health with diet in 1942.
Before you take another capsule, here's what you need to know about how Vitamin E supplements are tied to risk of stroke.
People who take Vitamin E supplements to prevent stroke may be doing themselves more harm than good. Recent research suggests that while taking Vitamin E may offer a smidge more protection from ischemic strokes, it actually significantly increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke-a particularly deadly type of stroke.
Women simultaneously give their best as professionals, mothers, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, and more. They work inside and outside the home and somehow find time for everyone...except the one person who is most important: Herself.
What if Superwoman were overweight, depressed, anxious, and crabby? What if she was forgetful, distracted, and downright unhappy? Would we still consider her a superhero? That's what millions of women worldwide experience when they try to do it all; simultaneously giving their best as professionals, mothers, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, and more.
Juicing is a practical way to get in your vitamins and minerals in a tasty and easy-to-digest way. See if this will be what it takes to finally get the amount of fruits and vegetables your body needs to function at its best.
Getting plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet is critical to maintain good health, and juicing can provide you with a quick and easy way to get your daily requirement of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.
Other pluses include the juice you prepare yourself will taste better than its store-bought counterpart because it doesn't need to be heat-treated to kill germs to make it safe for storage.
Here's how to keep an eye on the (sometimes hidden) salt you consume, while maintaining the flavor you crave.
Salt is good for some things.
Sodium, or salt, is essential to enhancing flavor and inhibiting the growth of food-borne pathogens, especially in luncheon meats and cheese products. It also helps to maintain the right balance of fluids in your body, but in high doses, salt increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Eating the right foods can ward off a cold or, at the very least, help you feel better faster.
Eating the right foods can help prevent a cold or, at the very least, help you feel better and get well quickly.
More than 500 million cases of the common cold and similar non-flu respiratory infections are reported every year in the United States and, in fact, the rhinovirus that causes colds is the most common infectious disease in humans worldwide.
Cancer treatment side effects can make it difficult for cancer patients to consume sufficient calories and adequate nutrition, but there are ways to make it easier to get the nutrition you need.
Chemotherapy alters the smell and taste of some foods, making the idea of eating very unappealing. You may have trouble swallowing, especially if you have cancers of the head and neck. Chemotherapy side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation also make it tough to eat.
Packed with protein and fiber, but low in fat, this pantry must-have delivers a lot of nutrition at an affordable price.
Legumes, or beans, may just be nature's wonder food. Loaded with protein and fiber, they deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a cheap price.
They're versatile—you can boil, stew, puree, roast, or pan-fry them—and for people who choose to or need to avoid animal products, they can be a great entrée alternative.
The National Eating Disorders Association estimates that about 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders.
It's the rare child who doesn't turn up his nose at certain foods, or who goes through stages of eating only a limited number of foods. While most picky eaters outgrow this behavior, some children carry it into adulthood. Mental health experts are beginning to recognize picky eating as a serious eating disorder.
Drinking soda and other carbonated beverages (think: beer, champagne) can take a toll on your tummy and your teeth, but only if you overdo it.
Drinking soda and other carbonated beverages (think: beer, champagne) can take a toll on your tummy and your teeth, but only if you overdo it.
When research statistics showed that American teenage girls were short on calcium, scientists looked at their eating habits and found out (surprise!) that teens drink a lot of soda and other carbonated beverages and not enough calcium-rich milk.
When it comes to mercury exposure from fish, what do you need to know to make the healthiest choices?
According to a Swedish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the benefits of eating fish may outweigh the potential negative impact of mercury exposure from fish.
The study analyzed responses from more than 900 Swedish adults about the amount of fish in their diet and then examined the subjects' red blood cells for levels of mercury and selenium.
Trying to drop weight? Skip the pills, potions, and fad diets. Instead, drink water. That's right, plain water—the healthiest and most effective weight-loss elixir around.
Trying to lose weight? Skip the pills, potions, and fad diets. Instead, drink water. That's right, plain water-the healthiest and most effective weight-loss elixir around.
Drinking water helps you lose weight two ways: by encouraging the release of excess water in your body and by helping you feel fuller so you don't overeat.
Grilled, steamed, sautéed. Poached, boiled, baked. With so many ways to prepare food, it can be difficult to decide what's best. Well, here's a primer on various cooking techniques and the reasons why some are better than others.
Fried, sautéed, roasted, grilled. Here's how various cooking techniques stack up and why some are better than others when it comes to keeping you healthy.
While some cooking styles are considered more or less healthy than others, that often has as much to do with your skill level in the kitchen and choice of ingredients as the technique itself.
The spices that "warm up" winter foods may also play a big role in fighting off disease. Here, discover the benefits of these tasty treats from the earth.
They smell wonderful, they taste great, and they're available everywhere. But there's even more good news: The spices that "warm up" winter foods are also used to treat a variety of ailments and, in some cases, fight off chronic disease.
One of the...
It probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list if you drink a cup of coffee a day. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for.
If you only drink one cup of coffee a day, it probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for.
Do they or don't they? The question of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer has been hotly debated in the medical community.
Do they or don't they? The question of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer has been hotly debated in the medical community. The conclusion: scientists don't think so. At least, the data collected so far is inconclusive, and does not point to a link.
Which veggies promise to reduce age-related memory deficits?
You may have heard of salmon and blueberries being referred to as "brain foods" for their specific properties that keep the brain healthy. Now a new study proves that certain vegetables qualify as brain foods as well.
Veggies--specifically crunchy, colorful ones such as celery, peppers, and carrots--contain a plant compound called luteolin, which works to tamp down inflammation in the brain that causes problems with memory.
Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables can feel a bit daunting, especially for busy families on the go. The good news is that it's a lot easier than you might imagine.
Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients that keep you healthy and help prevent cancer. Furthermore, since obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, a diet that emphasizes plant-based foods helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Here are a few tips for adding healthy fruits and vegetables to your diet:
Learn what a serving looks like.
Vitamins keep your body in top working order. And while everyone needs a variety of vitamins, there are a few nutrients that are particularly necessary for men.
Not all nutritional needs are equal between women and men. To give the man in your life a healthy advantage, make sure he eats a colorful variety of healthy foods to get enough of these essential vitamins:
Vitamin C
Taking C in large doses can help men fight urinary-tract infections.
You may be able to change your frame of mind by eating foods that are rich in vitamin C.
If your mood is not as good as it could be, and you can't figure out why, take a good look at your diet. You may be able to change your frame of mind by eating foods that are rich in vitamin C.
Past research has shown a link between psychological disorders and Vitamin C deficiencies.
Do you live for the satisfying taste of a decadent treat? Here are four safe gluten-free foods that can add some extra flavor into your week.
Do you live for the satisfying taste of a decadent treat? If you have celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten, the protein in wheat), you know there are lots of limits on what you can eat. But the options for delicious wheat-free foods have also greatly increased in recent years.
Facing the upcoming holiday celebrations and the inevitable food frenzy can be difficult if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Facing the upcoming holiday celebrations and the inevitable food frenzy they provoke can be difficult if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (or colon)-and more than 20 percent of U.
You can look great without wearing uncomfortable, constricting clothing. Here's how you can be stylish and still stay comfortable.
Even if your daily wardrobe consists of loose jeans and sweatshirts, chances are you'll be attending at least one holiday party this season. And that means getting out of your comfort zone and dressing up. Perhaps you've got a slinky number hanging in your closet from last year.
This little root vegetable is rich in powerful nitrates that boost the flow of blood throughout your body and even help prevent cognitive decline.
Add the humble beet to an ever-growing list of fruits and vegetables that are packed with protective substances that guard your good health. This little root vegetable is rich in powerful nitrates that boost the flow of blood throughout your body.
You already know that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps keep you healthy by supplying many of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally and fight disease.
What if you could head off your next allergy attack by simply adding black rice to your daily menu?
When you're sneezing or suffering from excessive itching, you probably rely on antihistamines and other allergy medications to bring you relief. But what if you could head off your next allergy attack by changing what you eat? Scientists now believe that adding black rice bran into your diet can be a potential allergy treatment.
You've probably heard the expression, "you are what you eat." It may be a cliché, but it's true. What you eat plays a direct role on your brain's cognitive (thinking) abilities, and may influence your risk of developing mental illness, age-related cognitive decline, or Alzheimer's disease.
You've probably heard the expression, "you are what you eat." It may be a cliché, but it's true. What you eat plays a direct role on your brain's cognitive (thinking) abilities, and may influence your risk of developing mental illness, age-related cognitive decline, or Alzheimer's disease.
One antioxidant touted for lowering blood pressure and reducing heart disease risk offers no heart benefit.
In the largest study of its kind, researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine have found that pine bark extract, a powerful antioxidant, has no effect in lowering blood pressure or in reducing other risk factors for heart disease. Pine bark extract has been thought to be heart beneficial because it was believed to have an antioxidant mechanism that interferes with several biological mechanisms that cause blood pressure to rise.
Lose weight! Feel more energetic! Fight aging! Improve your sex life! Can one little purple berry do this much good?
Lose weight! Feel more energetic! Fight aging! Improve your sex life! Can one little purple berry do this much good? Some say its super-high antioxidant count makes the tropical acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry a true superfruit; others are not so sure.
Breaking up your daily calories into small plates has its advantages over sitting down to the traditional three square meals. But a recent study revealed a big disadvantage to "grazing."
Grazing, or breaking up your daily calories into five or six small plates of food throughout the day, has its advantages over sitting down to the traditional three square meals. But a recent study found a big disadvantage to this style of eating-it leaves you hungry for more.
Resveratrol, a plant compound found in red wine and red grapes, has for some time been touted as a key to longevity.
Resveratrol, a plant compound found in red wine and red grapes, has for some time been touted as a key to longevity. Now, scientists have discovered that the compound may indeed prevent the inflammation responsible for so many diseases of aging.
The Study
A team at the University of Buffalo recently conducted a small study of resveratrol's benefits on a group of 20 subjects.
Cryolipolysis, a new technique for eliminating unwanted body fat, is quickly becoming popular. But before you rush to set up an appointment, here's what you should know.
Fitness experts tell you to "feel the burn," but others may soon be telling you to "cool it." That's because Cryolipolysis, a new technique for eliminating unwanted body fat, is quickly becoming popular. The Food and Drug Administration only recently approved it, but many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons have been performing cryolipolysis "off label" for a while.
Condiments help simple, everyday foods rise above the ordinary to become extraordinary. And as it turns out, some great-tasting condiments also do great things for your health.
Spreading a little horseradish-flavored mustard on your sandwich will give it some extra zip-and a whole lot more! Here's why some condiments are better for you than others.
Condiments help simple, everyday foods rise above the ordinary to become extraordinary.
The As (apples), Bs (Brussels sprouts), and Cs (cabbage) of cooking the season's best for nutrition and balanced blood sugar.
If you're diabetic, autumn is a fabulous time to enjoy the fresh treats from the field and the orchard.
Picture tawny pumpkins piled high at farm stands, bushels of crisp, juicy apples, hearty greens, crunchy cabbage, and all kinds of colorful hard-shelled squash.
Both types of fiber are good for your health, but each serves a distinct purpose and can be found in specific foods. So, are you getting enough of each?
By now, most of us have heard that eating fiber is good for our health, especially in maintaining bowel regularity and in the prevention of constipation and other digestive ailments. But there are many other health benefits to adding fiber to your daily diet.
Take advantage of the bounty of autumn with these healthy, hearty, heart-smart foods.
Good nutrition is essential in your fight against heart disease, and autumn offers some of the most colorful-and healthful-foods. To stay heart healthy, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you stick to a diet that includes:
At least 4.
The key to effective supplementation is to know what you're taking and why you're taking it.
Whether you're trying to get fit or to enhance your sex life, taking supplements can be of great help. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, 53 percent of American adults take a multivitamin supplements, and 50 percent of adult men 18 and older take a multivitamin.
New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S.
Red meat is making headlines again. This time, new research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S.
The Study In the National Institutes of Health and AARP's Diet and Health...
There's new evidence that fructose, a type of sugar, is associated with pancreatic cancers.
For some time the medical community has warned us about the well-established link between diet and the risk of developing cancer. Every day, it seems, new studies contribute yet another piece to this complex puzzle.
Now there's evidence that fructose, a type of sugar, is associated with pancreatic cancers.
Blood in the stools can be a frightening to see. Some causes of bloody stools are harmless, while other causes can lead to colon cancer. If you notice blood or color changes in your stool, it might be time to see a doctor.
Blood in the stools can be a frightening to see. While some causes of bloody stools are harmless such as hemorrhoids, other reasons for bloody stools can mean a more serious illness like colon cancer. If you notice blood or color changes in your stool, see your doctor immediately to rule out a serious problem.
Can the same seeds that sprouted hair on your childhood chia pet also promote weigh loss, suppress appetite and provide a host of health benefits?
The same seeds that sprouted hair on your childhood chia pet are now being promoted as a weight loss tool that suppresses appetite and provides a host of health benefits on the side. But are they really more than just a novelty item?
Chia seeds, also known as Salvia hispanica, are similar to flax seeds in terms of their nutrient composition and how they can be used in food.
If your allergy symptoms just keep getting worse, your relief could be in one vitamin supplement away.
Did you know that vitamin D could be the secret to helping you get some relief? Researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU) in New Orleans shed important light on how this vitamin can help patients manage common allergies. LSU scientists pinpointed vitamin D deficiencies in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis (both of which can affect the lungs).
Already a nutritional superstar, Vitamin K may be even more beneficial than we think. Find out how to get your daily dose.
The role of Vitamin K in helping the blood clot normally has been well established. Now, there is mounting evidence that Vitamin K is also crucial in improving bone health with studies showing that not only does Vitamin K increase bone mineral density in people with osteoporosis, it also reduces the number of fractures associated with osteoporosis, including hip fractures.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. But the way in which produce is handled from the time it's harvested to the time it actually reaches your kitchen, has an enormous impact on how many of those nutrients end up on your plate.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential to good health, as well as phytochemicals and antioxidants that help fight chronic disease. How fresh produce is handled between when it is harvested and when it actually reaches your kitchen, has a great impact on how many of those important nutrients actually end up on your plate.
The perfect post-work snack is simple, light, and takes the edge off your hunger without ruining your appetite for dinner.
The perfect after-work snack is light, easy, and takes the edge off your hunger without ruining your appetite for dinner. Here are 10 great ideas.
First, decide if you're really hungry. If you haven't eaten since lunchtime, and you're still a couple of hours away from dinner, then a snack is certainly in order.
Maintaining a fiber-rich diet is a great way to shed unwanted pounds, lower your cholesterol, and keep your bowels functioning normally. Unfortunately, foods high in fiber can also cause increased gas (flatulence). Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate this problem without eliminating the fiber from your meals.
Maintaining a fiber-rich diet is a great way to shed unwanted pounds, lower your cholesterol and keep your bowels functioning normally. Unfortunately, foods high in fiber can also cause increased gas (flatulence), which can be not just embarrassing but painful as well.
How has Top Chef Season 2 Finalist Sam Talbot flourished in the culinary arts with diabetes? How does he manage his condition on a personal level? Was competing on Top Chef difficult, given his health issues? Seth Czarnecki sat down with Sam to ask him these questions and more.
If you're a diabetic, you know what a predicament food can put you in. For most, finding meals that are diabetes-friendly is difficult enough-let alone finding meals that are both diabetes-friendly and delicious.
Well, tell that to Sam Talbot, Top Chef Season 2 Finalist and Executive Chef of the Surf Lodge in the Hamptons, and the soon-to-be Mondrian in New York City's Soho.
Although dairy foods have long been associated with heart disease because of their high content of saturated fat, a new study from Sweden suggests that they may actually help maintain heart health.
Although dairy foods have long been associated with heart disease because of their high content of saturated fat, a new study from Sweden suggests that eating dairy foods may actually help maintain heart health by lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Now more than ever, coffee and tea are being linked to good health. And recently, researchers have found that there's something in these brews that may help prevent diabetes.
For years, researchers have tried to figure out if drinking coffee is bad for your health, but study after study has shown just the opposite. In fact, time and again, both coffee and tea have been linked with good health. Now we know there's something in these brews that may help control insulin production and that, in turn, can help prevent diabetes.
It’s three hundred times sweeter than table sugar, it doesn’t add any calories, and it doesn’t cause a lot of unpleasant side effects. So is Stevia a sweet dream come true for people with diabetes?
It's three hundred times sweeter than table sugar, it doesn't add any calories, and it doesn't cause a lot of unpleasant side effects. So is Stevia a sweet dream come true for people with diabetes?
"There have been pros and cons about it over the years," says Daniel Baxter, MD, chief medical officer of the Ryan Community Health Center in New York City.
Here are some tips to help you indulge in a little bit of cheese from time to time without suffering even a twinge of guilt.
There's no getting around the fact that the best-tasting cheeses are high in fat, so here's how to get around that.
If you're a cheese lover, chances are you're not madly in love with low-fat cheeses. Sure, there may be a variety or two that passes the taste-test, but a true cheese addict is looking for the rich, creamy flavor and texture associated with full-fat varieties.
Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support.
Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support.
Researchers found that dietary fiber and the density of fiber consumed (fiber intake density) are inversely associated with risks for colorectal and colon cancer.
Here, what you need to know to fend off type 2 diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you join the estimated 60 million Americans (about 30 percent of the population) who have this condition. But rather than despair that you're now destined to develop fullblown type 2 diabetes, take action.
It can be difficult to keep track of which foods you should avoid that worsen asthma symptoms. Thankfully, these are super foods that are not only common in what you eat, but also relieve asthma.
You probably have a list of foods to avoid because they can worsen your asthma symptoms. Fortunately, there are foods you should eat that will help to alleviate your asthma.
Foods for Asthma Benefits
There's no magic recipe to reverse this chronic condition.
These nine foods may help you achieve your naked ambitions.
Whether your goal is to look better naked or look better with your clothes on, eating the right foods is key. According to the book, Look Better Naked! The 6-Week Plan to Your Leanest, Hottest Body -- Ever!, written by Women's Health magazine editor-in-chief Michele Promaulayko, certain foods can help you lose weight, burn belly fat, tone muscle, and make your hair and skin glow.
Having diabetes doesn't equate with a lifelong sentence to a punitive and restrictive meal plan. Just know how and when to find the proper diet.
"What should I eat?" That's the most common question that newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics ask when they visit Adee Rasabi, RD, CDN, CDE, senior dietitian of the Ambulatory Care Network at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
Her answer?
"A diabetic diet is all about healthy eating," Rasabi says.
With few exceptions, diet-wise frozen desserts get their low-cal count from artificial sweeteners and fats. So, while commercial brands are good in a pinch, there's really nothing like the natural taste of frozen treats you can make yourself. Here, 5 recipes that fit the bill.
These simple, "homemade" frozen treats will cool you off without killing your diet.
You can find plenty of diet-wise frozen fruit pops and other frozen desserts at the supermarket that contain no more than 100 calories per serving. With few exceptions, however, these goodies get their low-cal count from artificial sweeteners and fats.
Enzyme supplements sold in health food stores and through online retailers claim to help ease digestion and fight disease. Here's what you need to know.
Enzyme supplements sold in health food stores and through online retailers claim to help ease digestion and fight disease. Here's what you need to know.
In the body, the pancreas produces digestive enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from food into smaller parts that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
It can be difficult to keep track of which foods you should avoid that worsen asthma symptoms. Thankfully, these are super foods that are not only common in what you eat, but also relieve asthma.
You probably have a list of foods to avoid because they can worsen your asthma symptoms. Fortunately, there are foods you should eat that will help to alleviate your asthma.
Foods for Asthma Benefits
There's no magic recipe to reverse this chronic condition.
Studies show that lowfat milk is a better choice than sports drinks or soy beverages for replacing lost fluids and repairing muscles after endurance exercises and strength training.
We all know, "milk does a body good," but how about chocolate milk? Good news: Chocolate milk is good for you too, especially after you work out.
Low-fat chocolate milk is being hailed as a world-class sport drink. Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, advertised the benefits of drinking chocolate as a way to boost workout benefits and aid muscle-recovery after exhaustive exercise.
Nutritionally speaking, eggs are a near-perfect food, naturally rich in high-quality protein and containing almost every essential vitamin and mineral. Still, eggs enriched with extra vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are available in just about every supermarket.
Nutritionally speaking, eggs are a near-perfect food, naturally rich in high-quality protein and containing almost every vitamin and mineral known to be essential for human health. Still, eggs enriched with extra vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are available in just about every supermarket.
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the produce available at your local farmers' market or green grocer.
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the bounty of seasonal produce available at your local farmers' market or green grocer. Not only are the fruits and vegetables now in the marketplace good for lowering inflammation and cholesterol, both important for cardiovascular health, the nutrients they provide can also slow down age-related changes that can lead to a variety of chronic diseases, improve your skin and help you maintain a healthy weight.
The color of the food you eat really matters, especially if you suffer from asthma. Research now points out that starchy white foods may make asthma symptoms worse over time, but it's not for reasons you'd expect.
What color is the food you eat? If you suffer from asthma, it could really matter. That's why researchers stress that asthmatics steer clear of starchy white foods, which may make asthma symptoms worse over time. Although, it's probably not for the reasons you'd expect.
Agave nectar is sweeter than table sugar, so even though it contains about the same number of calories—about 16 per teaspoon—you use less to get the same sweetening power.
A natural sugar by any other name is still just another form of sugar. What's so great about this one?
Agave nectar is a sweet, sticky syrup made from the sap of a large, spiky-leafed Mexican succulent plant that is sometimes also used to make tequila.
You’ve probably heard of anorexia and bulimia, two widely recognized eating disorders. However, binge eating disorder is far more prevalent.
You've probably heard of anorexia and bulimia, two widely recognized eating disorders. However, binge eating disorder is far more prevalent. It affects roughly 3.5 percent of American women and 2 percent of men, and occurs more frequently in minorities.
While the danger of swallowing small objects certainly exists for young kids, food, from hot dogs and candies to certain fruits and raw vegetables, is one of the biggest choking risks for kids.
While the danger of swallowing small objects certainly exists for young kids, food-—from hot dogs and candies to certain fruits and raw vegetables—is one of the biggest choking risks for kids.
When Foods are Choking Hazards People of all ages can be at risk for choking on food, but children under the age of 5 are especially susceptible.
The word on the street is that a gelatinous colony of micro-organisms (known as kombucha) can do wonders for your health. In addition to boosting immunity and increasing energy, it may also help improve digestion, relieve pain, and prevent damage caused by environmental pollutants.
The word on the street is that a gelatinous, mushroom-shaped colony of micro-organisms, known as kombucha, produces a tonic that boosts immunity and energy levels, improves digestion, prevents liver toxicity, repairs kidney damage caused by environmental pollutants, relieves arthritis pain, and fights underarm odor.
Olive oil has always been known to be protective for heart health, but here is another added benefit.
Most of us are aware of the health benefits of using olive oil, including the protection it offers against heart disease by helping control LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Now, new study is showing that increasing your intake of olive oil may also help protect against ulcerative colitis.
New Harvard Study shows a potential link between pesticide exposure in children and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but more research is still needed.
As a result of growing concern about the impact of pesticides on the central nervous system in children, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health recently took a closer look. Their findings were published in the May 2010 issue of Pediatrics journal.
Just because your party hat is on, it doesn’t mean your diet should be off. With the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the season, it’s the perfect time to make some healthy food substitutions.
Eating right can be difficult during the summer, especially with the amount of picnics, barbecues, and celebrations occurring almost every weekend. But just because your party hat is on, it doesn't mean your diet should be off. With the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the season, it's the perfect time to make some healthy food substitutions.
Here, the five most common causes of hunger--and a foolproof plan to keep those pangs away.
Despite your best efforts to lose weight, hunger can strike at any time. For instance, do you find yourself living for your next meal? Are you dissatisfied just moments after clearing your plate?
Here, the five most common causes of hunger--and a foolproof plan to keep those pangs away.
The day-to-day grind often leaves us with little time to accomplish the things we'd like to do. Here, five tips to help you eat healthily during a day in which every minute counts.
It goes without saying that the day-to-day grind often leaves us with little time to accomplish the things we'd like to do. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employed American between the ages of 25 and 54 spends almost 16 hours a day either asleep or at work.
They’ve gotten a bad rap, but not all carbs are created equal. If you think that carbohydrates are a dieter’s demise, it’s time to retrain your brain.
They've gotten a bad rap, but not all carbs are created equal. If you think that carbohydrates are a dieter's demise, it's time to retrain your brain.
Here, Sapna Lalla, MS, RD, CDN-a registered dietician and co-founder of New York City-based wellness boutique Poshan Complementary Nutrition-weighs in on how certain types of carbohydrates can actually help you shed extra pounds.
No matter how dedicated you’ve been to your diet and exercise routine, bloating can still strike. Here, seven ways to banish it.
No matter how dedicated you've been to your diet and exercise routine, bloating can still strike. According to the National Institutes of Health, it's more common among people who have intestinal disorders-such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome-but it can affect anyone.
Many of the products marketed as nutritious involve more hype than health. How can you weed through the claims to separate fact from fiction? Read on to uncover six "health foods" that really aren't that healthy after all.
Nutrition bars and low-fat cookies must be good for you, right? Well, just because something sounds healthy doesn't mean it actually is. Many of the products marketed as nutritious involve more hype than health. How can you weed through the claims to separate fact from fiction? Here, six "health foods" that really aren't that healthy after all.
Although garlic may not ward off evil spirits, it may be instrumental in warding off a variety of health problems, including heart disease.
Although scientific studies showing a heart-protective benefit are not conclusive, they are showing promise in the use of garlic to help prevent heart disease, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries that can prevent blood flow and possibly lead to heart attack or stroke), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Bloating is never pleasant, but uncomfortable and irritating. Not only is bloating caused by foods and stress, but can also be induced by hormones. Find out how this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Abdominal bloating-that uncomfortable feeling of tightness or fullness in the stomach caused by either a buildup of gas or fluid retention-is very common affecting about 30 percent of people. Bloating is especially common and bothersome in sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome and is the result of gas trapped inside the bowel.
Is caffeine good or bad for your health? Get the truth here.
That the morning cup of coffee to get your day started is a hard thing to imagine letting go of—especially if you've been in the habit for years. But the question on many people's minds is if injesting caffeine is good or bad for their health.
Caffeine today is considered the most commonly used mind-altering drug in the world.
Does eating processed meat increase your risk of diabetes? Find out here.
If you want to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, you may be better off cutting into a steak than grilling sausages for dinner. Research shows that processed meat bumps up your risk of diabetes more than red meat. In fact, in some U.S. studies, for each serving of processed meat that was consumed, there was a 53 percent increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
It used to be that every type of pasta was made with high-gluten durham wheat or semolina flour. But not anymore.
Italian, Chinese, German, Japanese-almost every cuisine has its own signature style of pasta or noodle, usually made with refined wheat or rice flour, and formed into traditional shapes. But pasta is also made from several lesser-known, alternative grains and vegetable fibers.
Moderate drinkers have better overall health than non-drinkers, a recent study shows.
If you've been thinking about quitting drinking because you want to be healthier, you may want to reconsider. A recent study found that light and moderate drinkers (both men and women) had better general health than those who never drank or drank large amounts.
We all know we shouldn't overdo it when it comes to some foods and beverages—like French fries, corn chips, and sodas. But some junk foods are just so over-the-top unhealthy, they could be downright dangerous for you.
We all know we shouldn't overdo it when it comes to some foods and beverages-like French fries, corn chips, sodas and milkshake-style coffee drinks-because they're high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt and low in essential nutrients. But some "junk" foods are just so over-the-top unhealthy, they could be downright dangerous for you.
Six artificial sweeteners are currently approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But many are steeped in controversy due to questions about their safety. Here's a rundown of each one.
Six artificial sweeteners are currently approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are all controversial because of questions about their safety and effectiveness. Information and misinformation abounds. Here's what you need to know to decide if sugar substitutes are right for you.
You probably know that fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. To get enough of this essential nutrient every day, however, it's not enough to "go bananas".
If you pay attention to the nutrients in your food, you probably know that fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. To get enough of this essential nutrient every day, however, it's not enough to go bananas.
A banana a day is a great way to get some potassium in your diet, but you need a lot more than a piece of fresh fruit each day to provide your body with all it needs to stay healthy.
While fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are the building blocks that keep our bodies running smoothly, the precise formula that works best for one person is not exactly what someone else needs. The reason? A gene called the APO E gene.
Did you know that when it comes to eating as healthfully as possible, one size doesn't necessarily fit all? While fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are the building blocks that keep our bodies running smoothly, the precise formula that works best for one person is not exactly what another needs.
If you keep up on the latest headlines in nutrition, you're probably familiar with the health benefits of blueberries and strawberries. You may even have flirted with goji, pomegranate, and acai berries. But have you heard about what maqui berries can do for your health?
If you keep up on the latest news in berries high in antioxidants, you're probably familiar with the health benefits of blueberries and strawberries. You may even have flirted with goji, pomegranate, and acai berries. But have you heard of the latest...
If your plumbing is clogged and you don't know why, take a good look at your diet. If it's low in fiber and fluids, or high in dehydrating ingredients like salt and alcohol, you may have found your answer.
If your plumbing is clogged and you don't know why, take a good look at your recent diet. If it's low in fiber and fluids, or high in dehydrating ingredients like salt and alcohol, you may have found your answer.
Although constipation is often the result of what you're not eating, rather than what you are, some foods should go on your "limited" list until things start moving again.
Work through the fallacies to get the diet truth you need.
Dieting presents its own special set of challenges to people who have diabetes. And while there's no magic weight loss regimen that will effortlessly melt away the pounds while keeping your blood sugar in the ideal range, clearing up misconceptions may help you shed unwanted pounds for keeps.
Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a stomach disorder. Find out the causes, symptoms, and signs and what you can do to treat it.
Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach doesn't function normally, taking too long to empty its contents. Under normal circumstances, strong stomach muscle contractions, which are controlled by the vagus nerve, propel food through the digestive tract.
Read these tips on how to prevent food poisoning from ruining your barbecue. Find out how these precautions can help you avoid food borne illnesses.
Eating outdoors as the weather heats up is one of the hallmarks of summertime activity, but before you fire up your barbecue grill or send out invitations to the family picnic, there are some precautions you should take to avoid a common occurrence: food poisoning.
Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat—unless they're contaminated with dirt, pesticides, or harmful bacteria. So before you take your first bite, make sure you follow these six steps.
Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat—unless they're contaminated with dirt or harmful bacteria. Since foodborne illnesses have sometimes been linked to fresh produce, it's important to wash what you eat.
The first rule for washing fresh produce is to wash your own hands.
Meals high on fat can worsen your asthma symptoms. Fatty foods increase respiratory inflammation and asthma related symptoms.
Do you indulge your cravings for a burger and fries every once in a while? If so, it's important that you know that such a high fat meal is not only bad for your cholesterol and your waistline, but it could also worsen your asthma symptoms. If you're puzzled about the connection between high-fat food and asthma, read on to find out how and why scientists now believe these two unlikely factors could be related.
41 million people are exposed to estrogen in their water supply, study says.
While drinking plenty of water has been touted as essential for living a healthy life, several studies over the past couple of years have shown that our water supply may also present some health hazards.
A paper published in 2008 by researchers from...
You know the saying, "Milk does the body good." But do you know how this fact can best translate into your own child's meals and snacks?
Calcium is essential for building strong and healthy bones. Yet despite those essential health benefits, studies show that the majority of children today don't get enough calcium-rich foods on a regular basis.
The Need for Calcium
Whatever your child's age and stage, you need to be aware of her calcium needs for healthy bones and teeth.
Smoking, drinking, poor diet and inactivity can age you by 12 years, study shows.
Most of us want to look and feel young for as long as possible. While we can't turn back the clock on our chronological age, a recent study shows that we can make lifestyle choices to prevent ourselves from aging too quickly.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo and published in Archives of Internal Medicine, tracked nearly 5,000 British adults over a period of 20 years to look at how physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption were related to mortality.
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition is adding to a growing body of scientific evidence showing a connection between a diet rich in fat and low in fiber and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Eating a diet high in animal fats has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and several types of cancer. Now, a new study published in The Journal of Nutrition is adding to a growing body of scientific evidence showing a connection between a diet rich in fat and low in fiber and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Health-promoting substances in this berry can help manage pain and inflammation, keep your vision clear, and protect against many chronic conditions.
Health-promoting substances in this tiny berry can help manage pain and inflammation, keep your vision clear and protect against the development of chronic diseases. With so much medical potential, it is no wonder cassis is being touted as the next super fruit.
They sweeten your favorite foods without adding extra inches to your waistline, but now, researchers are finding that sugar substitutes may have another surprising benefit.
Oligofructose, or OFS, a sugar substitute derived from plants, typically used as a sweetener in high-calorie foods like ice cream, dairy products and baked goods to help people lose weight, may have some other important heart health benefits as well. In a study of 96 adults, ages 32 to 63, all with mild to borderline high blood pressure, participants were given either 20 grams of OFS or a placebo every day for 12 weeks.
If you want to get the junk out of your diet once and for all, commit to eating as many fresh, local, unprocessed foods as possible. It may take a little extra effort on your part, but it can be done.
If you want to get the junk out of your diet once and for all, commit to eating as many fresh, unadulterated foods as possible. It can be done.
You play a much bigger role than you may think in the control of the American food supply. Your shopping choices are like a vote.
Looking to boost your longevity? Bring these drinks into your diet̬and you just may put the brakes on the aging process.
The beverage aisle in the supermarket is loaded with bottles, cans, and containers of every kind, making it difficult to choose wisely. Here are some of the best drinks you can consume to keep yourself healthy and youthful. So grab a glass and enjoy—you just might be putting the brakes on aging in the process:
Tea.
When you consider some of the outrageous deep-fried concoctions available—fried cookies, fried ice cream and batter-fried bacon, for example—you may think there's no such thing as healthy fried food. Well, think again.
When you consider some of the more outrageous deep-fried concoctions available-fried cola dough, fried cookies, fried ice cream, and batter-fried bacon, for example-standard fare, like French fries and fried onion rings, starts to sound downright healthy.
You may have heard that sea salt is healthier than regular table salt because sea salt isn't as heavily processed. So are the benefits real, or is it just a matter of taste?
You may have heard that sea salt is healthier than regular table salt, but most experts say it's simply a matter of taste.
The main difference between sea salt and table salt is that table salt is mined from the earth and refined before it's sold, whereas sea salt is produced by evaporation of sea water and rarely undergoes further processing.
In response to the male muscular ideal, research suggests that male muscle dysmorphia is on the rise.
We often hear about body image disorders in women, but male body image disorders are not commonly discussed. However, male body image disorders do exist and are on the rise. One in particular, muscle dysmorphia, has been reported to be more common in men, and in particular, male body builders.
Not in the mood? Those fries you had with lunch may be dampening your desire. Read on for a list of foods that are most likely to take a toll on your libido.
Not in the mood? That cheeseburger and fries you had for lunch today may be dampening your desire. Believe it or not, your sex drive is affected by many of the lifestyle choices you make from day to day, including what you eat and drink. Some of these choices, like eating gassy foods or drinking too much vino, can affect you the very same day (or night).
Not all yogurt is created equal. Some types don't contain enough of the bacteria you need for a healthy digestive system. To be sure that you're getting plenty of the good stuff, be sure to take certain information into consideration.
The health benefits of eating yogurt, from helping build stronger bones to warding of infection, have been touted for years. Now, there's even more reason to reach for that container of yogurt from your grocer's shelf. Studies are showing that the probiotics ...
If you’re committed to sticking to a healthy diet, don’t let the current economic climate throw you off course. There are plenty of ways to watch your waistline, health, and budget at the same time.
So you think eating healthy means emptying your pockets on grass-fed meat and organic vegetables. Well, think again. There are many ways to work around a budget and still be able to provide your family with wholesome cuisine.
Jeff Yeager, author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Roadmap to True Riches, says he tries to only spend $1 per pound on food.
If you're most people, you start your day with some java—and probably have a cup or two before the day is done. So are you helping your health or harming it?
Caffeine boosts your energy, lifts your spirits and improves your physical and mental performance. But is it bad for you?
Caffeine is considered a drug because it acts as a mild stimulant on the central nervous system. Because of its drug-like action, caffeine has been studied for many years for potential side effects.
Studies suggest the mango may be effective in preventing the growth of colon cancer cells. An added benefit? It may ward off breast cancer, too.
It may be time to add mangoes to the growing list of superfoods. This delicious tropical fruit has long been known for its high fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content. Now, a laboratory study is showing that it may also be effective in preventing or killing certain colon and breast cancer cells.
Here are tips for becoming a vegetarian while responsibly managing your blood sugar.
If visions of verdant vegetables, nutty whole grains, and fresh fruit are tempting you to give up meat in favor of a healthy, plant-based diet, you may well wonder if a vegetarian diet can work for a diabetic. After all, carbs comprise the bulk of a vegetarian eating plan, and when you're diabetic, they have to be carefully tallied up in order to keep the blood sugar as close to normal as possible.
As the weather heats up, so will your child's desire for ice cream and other fattening treats. But you don’t have to forgo his balanced diet in order to incorporate some appealing foods and drinks. The key is to help your family choose wisely from an array of yummy and nutritious things to eat.
DIY Healthy Kids Snacks
When it's hot outside and your little one is very active, you may find he has a hankering for popsicles and other frozen treats. While many of the items on display in the supermarket aisles can be high in sugar and low in nutrients, you can make your own desserts that look just as appealing and are good for him, too.
There are some foods and beverages that not only interfere with sleep; they work hard to keep you awake.
If you're having trouble falling or staying asleep, staying asleep, it may have something to do with your eating (and drinking) habits.
A heavy meal eaten too close to bedtime can make you feel uncomfortably full or cause indigestion, both of which can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
If you're a chocoholic who also happens to have a chocolate allergy, you may feel cursed. But there are ways to get your fix—without risking your health.
Who doesn't love chocolate? Most of us do, but if you have a chocolate allergy, you've probably got a whole list of desserts that look and smell good but are completely out of reach. However, the good news is that these days, you may be able to find other safer, but equally tempting, treats.
Eating a low-cholesterol, low-saturated-fat diet can go a long way in helping you manage your blood cholesterol levels—and it doesn't have to be boring.
Eating a low-cholesterol, low-saturated-fat diet can go a long way in helping you manage your blood cholesterol levels (aim for a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL) and reduce your risk of having a heart attack and stroke—and it doesn't have to be boring.
For years, corn syrup has been maligned as one of the most dangerous food ingredients to come along since refined white sugar. But are we making a bigger deal than we should?
In 2004, researchers at the University of Louisiana hinted that an increase in the use of high-fructose corn syrup in the United States since the 1970s coincides with an increase in obesity rates in this country. Ever since then, the sweetener has been maligned as one of the most dangerous food ingredients to come along since refined white sugar.
Eating the right foods before your workout can maximize your efforts and results.
Eating something before you hit the gym seems logical because you want to feel strong and energized for your workout. However, eating the wrong foods or eating too much can leave you with a case of indigestion, nausea, or make you feel more tired than before you started.
Does giving up treats for Halloween make you want to scream? Then try these easy (and healthier) swaps.
The costumes aren't the only frightening part about Halloween-some seasonal favorites will make your scale shudder. And with Halloween kicking off the season of splurging, it's good to get started the smart way. Does giving up treats for Halloween make you want to scream? Then try these easy (and healthier) swaps.
If you adhere to the following tips, you can construct a salad that's both nutritious and delicious.
Salad bars present an interesting challenge. They provide a cornucopia of the most healthful foods, but they're also chockful of dietary pitfalls. Load up on cheese, bacon bits, croutons, and creamy salad dressing, and your salad will become as calorie-drenched and fatty as a burger and fries.
Don't let your afternoon get sidelined by illness or an accident.
Mosquitoes, weight gain, E. coli, oh my! With barbecue season in full swing, you may be wondering how it's possible to make your next outdoor feast safe and healthy without sacrificing flavor and fun. If you heed the following tips, you'll find that taking the proper precautions and having a good time needn't be mutually exclusive.
Here, a rundown of the many milk options—from goat and soy to almond and rice.
Cow's milk is one of the best sources of bone-building calcium and also an ideal way to get extra protein and essential vitamins. But what if you don't like to drink it? Or can't? There are plenty of milk alternatives on the market, but when it comes to similar taste and nutritional benefits, they're not all perfect substitutes.
Many of the foods that you eat may be making your pain worse. Knowing what foods to avoid and what other dietary changes you can make to eliminate your pain could be the key to changing the quality of your life.
Those suffering from chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis patients, have reported a worsening of their pain and stiffness after eating certain foods. While it is agreed upon by medical experts that there are a variety of causes contributing to chronic pain, there is growing evidence that diet it one of these factors.
You may turned to grass-fed meat because you've heard it's better for you—or you simply think it tastes better. But is it really worth shelling out the extra cash?
Grass-fed meat is an old-fashioned idea that's making a comeback. It is a slow return, however, because the price of grass-fed meat can be more than twice that of grain-fed. The difference in cost, and many say in quality, between the two comes down to...
The consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication, according to the FDA. Furthermore, mixing certain foods with medications can cause serious side effects.
Some medications should be taken with food, and some should not. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication.
If you try to make sure your child eats a balanced diet but feel like you’re always fighting a losing battle, new legislation that would ban junk food at school might make your ears perk up.
Do you try to make sure your child eats a balanced diet but feel like you're always fighting a losing battle? If so, then you may be interested in learning about some new legislation that would ban junk food at school. This could be an important step toward improving your child's nutrition, while and securing his health and wellbeing, too.
While most fruits have low to moderate values, there are some exceptions.
After you eat, your blood sugar (glucose) levels rise. This signals the need for insulin to be released into the blood to carry that sugar to individual body cells where they will be used for energy production and other activities. The amount and type of food you eat can have a dramatic effect on your blood sugar levels.
In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age.
In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age.
Depression affects 10 to 25 percent of population in the United States and often goes hand in hand with anxiety and other mental health disorders.
Scientists have found that beer may have a more bone-protecting effect than wine or liquor.
Researchers have known for quite some time that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can help stabilize the bones of older men and women. But after digging a little deeper, scientists found that beer has a more protective effect than wine or liquor.
In the earlier part of your life, your goal is to pump lots of calcium into your growing bones so that you build a strong skeletal structure.
Help your kids enjoy the year's spookiest night without sacrificing nutrition.
For children, October 31 is one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year. And is it any wonder? Not only is Halloween an excuse to dress up in scary costumes; it's also an opportunity to snatch up massive amounts of sugary treats.
According to the National Confectioner's Association, 93 percent of U.
How can you be sure that the foods you eat are free from your biggest allergens? Thanks to federal food allergen labeling laws, food manufacturing plants are required to step up to the plate and tell you in advance what their pre-packaged foods contain.
How can you be sure that the foods you eat are free from your biggest allergens? Thanks to federal food allergen labeling laws, food manufacturing plants are required to step up to the plate and tell you in advance what their pre-packaged foods contain.
Obesity may wipe out the benefit of the anti-smoking effort.
Public-health programs and rising cigarette taxes reduced smoking rates from 37 percent in 1970 to 21 percent in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the declining number of smokers has resulted in health improvements in U.
When you're trying to lose weight, seemingly innocent weekend indulgences could be just enough to undo a week's worth of willpower.
If you feel like you're always dieting but never losing weight, take a closer look at what you eat (and drink) on weekends. Grabbing meals at malls and fast-food stands, going to parties and other social events, or indulging in a little bar food while having a few drinks, are all sure ways to sabotage a diet.
Read on for a list of six drinks that are most likely to burn a fire in your chest.
If you suffer from heartburn, you're not alone. At some point, nearly everyone will experience a painful, burning feeling in their chest or throat caused by acid or other stomach contents backing up into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Which varieties pack the biggest nutritional punch? Find out now.
Take a tip from the British and start drinking tea on a regular basis. Why? Tea has numerous health benefits, costs little to make, and does a superb job of warming you up on a chilly day. Plus, you can enjoy it with a small scone for a satisfying afternoon snack.
Staying away from certain foods and adding others might help your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in a person's muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as multiple tender points and fatigue. The condition affects about two percent of the population in the U.S., with women more likely to develop the disorder than men, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Whether your a healthy eater who has fallen off the wagon or someone who has never dieted a day in your life, there's no reason resign yourself to extra pounds. With a mind to improve your eating habits and a few tips to boost your willpower, you can tweak your diet enough to make a significant difference.
Whether you're a healthy eater who has fallen off the wagon or someone who has never dieted a day in your life, there's no reason resign yourself to extra pounds. With a mind to improve your eating habits and a few tips to boost your willpower, you can tweak your diet enough to make a significant difference.
Having fat on the lower portion of your body, such as on the thighs, hips and backside, may protect against diabetes and heart disease, a recent report suggests.
Most people are working hard to keep off fat, but new research published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that the more fat individuals have in their hips, thighs and hind area, known as gluteofemoral fat, the less likely they are to develop diabetes and heart disease later in life.
Swedish researchers have made a discovery that may turn conventional wisdom on its head.
Conventional wisdom tells us whole grains are healthier than refined grains, because an intact kernel of wheat, barley, rye or oat still harbors the fibrous bran and vitamin-rich germ in its outer layers. When grains are milled to make refined white flours, the outer layers come off and these valuable nutrients are lost.
Researchers are saying this sweet treat may be hurting some of the same people it's supposed to help.
Diet sodas have long been encouraged as a "free food" on many weight loss plans and are a staple for many people with diabetes. Now researchers are saying this sweet treat may be hurting some of the same people it's supposed to help.
Since 1976, more than 200,000 female nurses have volunteered to participate in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) at Brigham and Women's University in Massachusetts.
Read on for 10 ways to help ensure your cravings don't get the best of you.
When you crave carbs, you probably don't yearn for a crisp, juicy apple or a plate of steamed green beans, both of which are actually chock full of carbohydrates. No, carb cravings are usually reserved for the calorie-dense, doughy stuff-bread, bagels, cookies, and doughnuts-that are loaded with sugar and often with fat, too.
Vitamin C works hand-in-hand with other nutrients to keep your body functioning at its very best.
You may have heard that vitamin C cures colds, protects your skin from aging and even prevents heart disease. Unfortunately, years of scientific research have not been able to confirm any of these benefits. What vitamin C does do, however, is work hand-in-hand with other nutrients to enhance your health by strengthening your bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood vessels.
How your kitchen is organized can affect your weight, according to recent research.
According to research in the Annual Reviews of Nutrition, everything from the size of your plates to the wattage of your light bulbs has a direct effect on what and how much you eat. Whether you're struggling to lose weight or just want to eat healthier, the first step is to make your kitchen work for you, according to Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.
Certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can make eating and nutrient absorption difficult. People with this disease need to pay particular attention to their diets to avoid becoming malnourished.
While many people may associate inadequate nutrition with third-world countries, it can and does occur in developed countries such as ours. Certain conditions can make eating, along with the absorption of nutrients, difficult. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of those conditions, and people with this disease need to pay particular attention to their diets to avoid becoming malnourished.
While eating junk food might be quick, easy and pleasurable in the moment, it can be dangerous for your future. There are some junk foods, however, that are better for you than others. Knowing what junk foods are good for you may make all the difference in your life.
The prevalence of obesity in the US has more than doubled over the last 30 years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Today 72 million Americans (more than one-third of US adults) are obese, and two-thirds of Americans are reported to be overweight.
You probably knew that too much salt can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. But were you aware that a sodium-laden diet can also up your chances of developing kidney stones and osteoporosis?
Table salt is our primary source of the mineral sodium, which our bodies use to help regulate blood volume and cellular fluids, transport nutrients, facilitate nerve impulses and muscle contractions, and maintain a normal acid-base balance. To keep all of these functions running smoothly, adults need no more than 1,500 mg, sodium, or less than a teaspoon of salt, daily.
You probably know that fiber is important to your health. But did you know that this is true for your children, too? Everyone needs to eat an adequate amount of fiber to keep their bodies and digestion functioning at their very best. But the recommended amount for best results can vary, depending on age and gender, too.
Dietary fiber is a substance contained in plants, grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and is necessary for a number of important functions that contribute to good health. For instance, eating enough fiber is essential for reducing your child's risk of certain cancers, heading off heart diseases, preventing blood sugar swings and even helping maintain a healthy weight.
If you're caught up in a cycle of binge-eating and vomiting, you could be seriously damaging your health.
If you're caught up in a cycle of binge-eating and vomiting (or other methods of quickly eliminating food from your body, such as overuse of laxatives), you could be seriously damaging your health.
Vomiting and overuse of laxatives can result in dehydration with symptoms that include dizziness and weakness.
If you're feeling weak, shaky, and irritable you may be lacking this essential vitamin.
Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient that people need for the production of red blood cells and DNA and for the maintenance of nerve health. Found in meat, fish, poultry and dairy, B12 is widely available, and as our bodies stockpile several years' worth, it's difficult to be deficient in it.
Learning about the glycemic index can help with your meal planning.
You may have heard the term "glycemic index" (GI) tossed around by your healthcare provider, but not know exactly what it is. The GI measures how foods that contain carbohydrates raise your blood sugar, according to the American Diabetes Association. Foods with a high GI raise the blood sugar more than foods with a low or medium GI.
The health benefits of orange juice may exceed what you thought you knew.
The health benefits derived from eating oranges are well documented. Rich in vitamin C, which offers antioxidant protection and helps boost the immune system, oranges are also a good source of fiber and other important nutrients like folate, thiamine, potassium, vitamin A and calcium, crucial for maintaining strong bones.
Read on for tips on what to eat in order to ward off macular degeneration and other serious eye diseases.
Will a carrot a day keep the ophthalmologist away? It just might, especially if you include tomatoes, sweet peppers, dark leafy greens, blueberries, papaya, and other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet as well.
A variety of problems can affect your eye health and eyesight as you age.
Smart and delicious options that will fill you up and keep your blood sugar down.
If you've got diabetes, the ideal midday meal should contain protein to fill you up, and carbs (but not too many) to give you energy.
Delicious as they taste, carbs should be restricted to 45 to 60 grams at lunch, recommends Adee Rasabi, RD, CDN, CDE, senior dietitian in the Ambulatory Care Network Nutrition Wellness Center at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.
Fiber is essential to your overall health. But how can you tell if you're getting enough? Find out here.
You know you should eat more fiber. Your doctor has told you so, the articles you read say so, and the health experts you see on TV definitely want you to. But do you actually need more fiber in your diet, and are there ways to tell? Fortunately, your body is quite good at letting you know if it needs more fiber.
While most vegetables have low GI values, there are some exceptions.
The glycemic index (GI), a numeric rating system that measures one food's ability to raise blood sugar against another's, is a handy tool if you are concerned about sugar in your diet and how it affects your health. All foods on the list are measured against pure sugar, or glucose, which has a GI value of 100.
Winter brings with it delicious and hearty meals. The downside, however, is that much of this fare is high in carbs and fat. Read on to find out how you can lighten some winter favorites.
Everyone has their cherished cold-weather foods that warm the soul and feed the body. Unfortunately, many popular wintertime meals are heavy, laden with calories and fat that offer a "stick-to-your-ribs" quality. If you don't want a little something extra sticking to your ribs once spring arrives, try lightening up your favorite eats with a few easy swaps.
If you're going to do some late-night nibbling, your best bet is to eat light. Here, we've got some suggestions.
Like any type of snacking, late night nibbling may or may not be good for you, depending on what you choose to eat. Your best bet under any circumstances is to eat light: Stick to a100-calorie snack pack or, better yet, choose a midnight munchie that combines just enough protein and carbs to satisfy your hunger and soothe you back to sleep.
If you have diabetes, these terrific treats will satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you love to reward yourself at the end of the meal with something sweet, you don't have to deny yourself the pleasure. By carefully calculating your carbohydrate intake, you can eat dessert, says Adee Rasabi, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Before you put down that mug for good, there's something you should know: This caffeinated beverage may actually be a boon to your health.
The next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, enjoy the fact that it may be protecting your health.
If you're sensitive to caffeine, there's no doubt that drinking coffee, especially multiple cups of coffee, may have some adverse effects, such as nervousness, restlessness, stomach upset and insomnia.
If you have diabetes, it's important to plan between-meals with care.
Who doesn't like to snack? It's fun, it's social and it's a great diversion from boredom. Besides, sometimes snacks just taste better than regular meals. Despite how wonderful snacking can be, when you've got diabetes, it's crucial that you eat for nutritional benefit and the ability to help keep your blood sugar in control.
Find out what's good and bad about salmon, so that you can make an educated decision.
When you shop for seafood, you'll probably find a variety of salmon types to choose from—some caught in the wild and some raised on fish farms. With fish, "farm-raised" means utilizing the now decades-old but ever-improving science and technology of aquaculture.
Sure, how we eat affects us physically. What you may not know, however, is how your eating habits can affect your mood.
Most people understand that there is a strong relationship between eating habits and physical health. Many, however, often overlook the connection between mood and eating habits. Our eating habits are affected by our moods and our moods are in turn influenced by our eating habits in a continuous cycle.
While iron is plentiful in many foods, some people don't get enough. This can lead to fatigue, paleness, and problems concentrating.
Everybody needs iron, a mineral that performs many functions. Iron disperses oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies, produces red blood cells, and aids in digestion, among other things. While iron is plentiful in many foods, some people still don't get enough.
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Science has confirmed what folk medicine has pretty much already proven: Honey heals.
Honey, one of nature's most natural and intense sweeteners, has been used for centuries as a home remedy for various ailments. In more recent years, science has confirmed what folk medicine has pretty much already proven: Honey heals.
The color of honey, which ranges from pale amber to deep, dark brown, depends on the source of nectar.
This essential nutrient is famous for creating healthy bones, but recently has been in the spotlight for other benefits.
Known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body naturally manufacturers the vitamin after exposure to the sun, vitamin D is crucial in helping the body absorb calcium-critical in maintaining strong bones-and in keeping normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
Sure, eating too much of the wrong fats can lead to weight gain and a host of serious diseases. But that's not reason enough to eliminate it from our diets.
We all know what's bad about dietary fat; we hear it all the time. Sure, eating too much fat will cause weight gain and can eventually make you sick, especially if you regularly eat too much of it over the course of a lifetime. But that's not the end of the story.
While it may relieve stress, give you a few hours away from the kids, and help you stay in touch with good friends, an evening out with the girls could also turn your diet on its head.
One night out on the town-what harm could it do? While it may help relieve stress, give you a few hours away from your kids, or just help you stay in touch with good friends, a night out with the girls could do more harm than good when you're trying to stick to a healthy diet or lose a few pounds.
Menu labeling laws are popping up across the country in chain restaurants in effort to improve public health and curb obesity. But is it working?
Healthcare spending on obesity has nearly doubled in the last 10 years as more and more Americans are becoming overweight. In an effort to curb this spending and improve public health, health care experts and government officials have teamed up to pass legislation that requires chain restaurants (with more than 20 restaurants under the same name) to post calorie counts on their menus.
Researchers have stumbled onto some real physiological benefits to the popular dieting distraction of chewing gum.
Losing weight is hard work. It's all about eating less, exercising more and, at least initially, latching on to any tip or trick that will help make the process easier. Any method or distraction that helps you buy time (or kill time, depending on how you look at it) between meals can be especially helpful early on, while you are trying to train yourself to eat less and to eat less often.
If you overeat or routinely have negative feelings about food or your body, neither of these relationships can be healthy or happy. The good news: you can take steps to change that.
Did you ever notice that you have two different relationships with food? One is physical, and it is based on the type of diet you follow and the different types of foods you choose to eat to satisfy hunger. The other relationship you have with food is psychological, or emotional, based on how you think about food and how your thoughts affect your weight, health, and body image.
Think that your children will only eat what isn't good for them? With a little extra planning, your kids can get the nutrients they need--and the yummy taste they crave.
Top 8 Healthy Snacks and Treats
Please review the following suggestions, which are adapted from the American Dietetic Association's website, for simple recipes you can make together. Better yet, when it comes to helping to fill your child's daily quota of protein, calcium, fiber and other essential nutrients, these recipes are sure to make the grade.
Surely being overweight can't be nearly as bad for you as a smoking habit. Well, think again.
New research from Great Brittan and the United States is showing that being severely obese—80 pounds or more above a normal weight—can reduce your lifespan by up to 12 years, similar to the effect of a lifetime of smoking. And even moderate obesity can cut life expectancy by about three years, according to the British study, which analyzed data from nearly one million people from around the world.
Research shows that eating carbohydrates can provide an instant mood lift because they trigger the release of serotonin, the “feel-good hormone”.
If you reach for the potato chips, pastries, cookies, candy or ice cream when you are feeling down, you're not alone. People tend to crave certain foods when they are feeling blue. Research shows that many people eat (or overeat) carbohydrates in an attempt to try and make themselves feel better--and there is a reason for it.
Learn more about the dangers of a diet filled with burgers, steaks, and lunch meat.
Over the years, red meat has been linked to many serious medical conditions, including heart disease, cancers and even age-related macular degeneration, a condition that leads to blindness. Research shows again and again that the more red meat you eat, the higher your risk of developing a chronic disease and the greater your risk of dying an early death.
It's possible to make sensible selections at a Mexican restaurant. Here's a rundown of the best bets and the poorest picks.
Often fresh, never boring, but infamously high in fat, Mexican food has a built-in fun factor that might make all those extra calories seem worth it. But one look at the nutrition profile of most south-of-the border fare, and you know you're also in for a fiesta of fat and salt.
Experts are now beginning to link excess sugar intake to higher incidences of heart disease.
Before you down that next can of soda, consider this: A 12-ounce serving (one can) of soda contains a whopping eight teaspoons of sugar (about 130 calories), putting you over the limit for your recommended daily sugar consumption, according to new guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA).
There's more reason than ever to get your daily five servings.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to good health. Now, women have more reason than ever to make sure they get their daily five servings. Folate-rich diets have been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancers.
Citrus fruits, peas, beans and leafy green vegetables are all high in folate; a water-soluble B Vitamin that plays a key role in copying DNA.
How much do we really know about these "fake fats"?
Chips, cheese, muffins, and mayonnaise. If these are a few of your favorite things, then you're probably one of millions of Americans trying to keep a little indulgence in your diet by using food products made with fat substitutes.
Fat substitutes, or fat replacers, as they are known in the food industry, are used to make reduced-fat baked goods, dairy products, bread spreads, salad dressings, snacks, gravies, chocolate chips and even lunch meats.
A recent study shows a link between a Mediterranean diet and a decrease in depression.
Research has proven many times over that what you eat can have a major impact on your mood. Now research is showing that eating a Mediterranean diet--a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and fish--can reduce the risk of depression. ...
A recent study found that some of what we consider our healthiest foods actually top the list of the 10 riskiest foods in the U.S.
Most people don't think of fruits and vegetables as being hazardous to their health. We tell our kids to eat their leafy greens and juicy fruits so they can grow up to be healthy and strong. But did you know that the "healthiest" foods are on the list of the 10 riskiest foods to eat in the U.
Looking for new ways to factor some greenery into your diet? If so, read on.
Low in calories, packed with vitamins and minerals, and essential for good health--vegetables are a powerhouse food! Nutrition experts say you can never have too many veggies in your diet but most of us aren't eating enough to reap their benefits.
In addition to simple side dishes, there are many familiar and easy ways to enjoy all kinds of vegetables, including soups, salads, pastas, stir-fries and even desserts.
Start the day off right with a nutritious eye-opener.
Your mom was right. Breakfast is the day's most important meal, especially for those with diabetes.
"Metabolically and nutritionally, breakfast can help with blood sugar control," says Ericka Arrecis, diabetes educator and registered dietitian at the Naomi Berrie Center for Diabetes at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
It dresses up your salads, puts the pucker in your pickles and now, researchers say, vinegar may help you fight body fat.
It dresses up your salads, puts the pucker in your pickles and now, researchers say, vinegar may help you fight body fat.
Japanese scientists found that laboratory mice who followed a high-fat diet but were also given vinegar grew up to develop less body fat, than mice who were fed a high-fat diet that didn't include vinegar.
Find out what links your diet and your risk for developing this form of cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the number of cases worldwide is growing. In 27 of 51 international cancer registries, colon cancer cases increased between 1983 and 2002. This rise is more pronounced in areas that are advancing economically, such as countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and South America.
Keep these items around, and you'll never need to order take-out again.
After a long day at work, the drive-through may look mighty welcoming. But don't give in to the call of fast food just yet. With a little planning and know-how, you can have on hand all the pantry staples you need to put a healthy meal on the table. Keep these items around, and you'll never need to order take-out again:
Sweet potatoes.
Here, simple ways to get the most needed nutrients—without having to rely on the bottle.
Look around any drugstore or health-food emporium, and you're likely to find a world of dietary supplements. Not just restricted to the world of power lifters and the vitamin obsessed, supplements have gained a foothold in the senior community. Since the elderly often have reduced appetites and difficulty eating, adding supplements can be a good idea.
A cereal that lowers cholesterol? A tea that prevents heart disease? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
You've seen it all: Health claims made on food packaging that include everything from how to lower cholesterol to how to ward off heart disease. But how accurate are these claims?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food labeling...
Don’t ignore safflower, olive, and fish oils if you have diabetes.
The much touted Mediterranean diet has practically elevated olive oil to the status of super food. But there are other oils out there that have health benefits, too. Safflower oil, for instance, appears to reduce blood sugar levels by 11 to 19 points, says Kelly A.
Read on to find out where you're skimping—and how you can get more disease-busting power into your meals.
Many women aren't getting enough of five essential nutrients that could make a big difference to their health. While all are readily available through a healthy diet, many of us don't eat as well as we could. Read on for why we're skimping and what to do about it.
Cooking when you have food allergies is difficult, but our tips help make it easier.
If you or someone in your family suffers from food allergies, you probably go to great lengths to cook up allergy-free meals and treats. This can pose quite a challenge, though, since many popular recipes contain ingredients that could trigger allergy symptoms.
For flatter abs, bring these foods and drinks into your daily diet.
While certain foods can make bellies appear bloated and flabby, there are several selections that can give virtually any stomach a leaner, more toned look. To get started, stock your fridge with this ab-flattening fare.
1. Turkey. A lean cut of turkey offers the protein your body craves without the additional calories that come with many processed foods.
Here, get tried-and-true advice that really works.
Don't eat your favorite foods. Never snack between meals. Always avoid the scale. When it comes to shedding pounds, you've probably heard it all. But unfortunately, these tiny tidbits could end up doing you more harm than good. Want tried-and-true advice that really works? Here, we reveal the five most effective diet tips of all time.
With a handful of tried-and-true tips, you can best manage your child's condition.
You hear all of the time about how important it is for your child to get enough calcium from milk and other dairy products, as it's essential for healthy and strong bones. But if your child has a lactose intolerance—the inability to digest lactose or milk sugars—getting enough calcium can pose quite a challenge.
Apples have long been touted for their numerous health benefits--and they just may help you reduce your asthma symptoms as well.
Can an apple a day keep the doctor away? If you suffer from asthma, you may find that eating apples on a regular basis can indeed offer protective benefits against asthma symptoms. In fact, the apples and asthma connection is so strong that pregnant women who eat apples even find that their unborn children will ultimately reap some of the positive effects on their lungs.
Follow these tips to make smart snacking a part of your daily routine.
The snack choices you make really can lead to weight-loss success or sabotage. Potato chips, doughnuts, and candy bars, for example, can add hundreds of empty calories to your daily intake. Fortunately, there are healthier options. Follow these tips to make smart snacking a part of your routine.
Learn how more fruits and veggies in your diet can significantly improve your game.
Antioxidants have been credited with helping to slow down the aging process and even prevent cancer. Now, studies are suggesting they may even increase your ability to work out for longer.
Antioxidants are phytochemicals (produced by plants), vitamins, and other nutrients usually found in fruits and vegetables.
Here are some quick and easy breakfast ideas to help stave off mid-morning hunger pangs and keep your energy levels going strong.
"What's for breakfast?" The manner in which you address this age-old question will either make or break your morning. Here are some quick and easy breakfast ideas to help stave off the mid-morning-and keep your energy levels going strong. For example, a muffin with your coffee may give you a quick charge .
That daily java habit may help you avoid Alzheimer’s disease as you get older.
Here's another item to add to the growing list of caffeine's health benefits: That daily java habit may help you avoid Alzheimer's disease as you get older. Not only that, a recent study of caffeine consumption reveals that drinking the brew actually may reverse any age-related memory loss you already experience.
What you eat—or don’t eat—can have a huge impact on how long you live.
If you believe that longevity can be attributed to good genes, regular exercise, and perhaps a dose of plain old luck, you're only partly right. It turns out that what you eat-or don't eat-can have a huge impact on how long you live. The best way to dress your dinner table? With foods from the Mediterranean diet.
Here, 10 ways to sneak veggies into your diet—including the ones you wouldn't eat on a bet.
How many times have you heard the advice to eat your veggies? Is it really that important? Absolutely! Veggies are high in beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients. They're naturally low in calories, sodium and fat.
Four muscle-building foods that help you refine your physique and boost your energy during your workouts.
Trying hard to avoid being that infamous 98-pound weakling? Pumping iron will only get you so far. First, you need to increase your total intake of calories. The biggest returns come from filling up on muscle-building foods--those packed with proteins or amino acids, carbohydrates and other nutrients that are particularly beneficial to muscle development.
Find out how lactose intolerance works, and how it can be managed.
Do you find that whenever your child has milk or other dairy products, a stomachache follows? If this is a reoccurring problem, you may want to learn more about a condition called lactose intolerance. This ailment, which is more common in adults than in children (although it can still occur at a young age), occurs when the body is unable to digest lactose or milk sugar.
With so many choices, from whole grain to whole wheat, it’s hard to know what all the labels mean. Here, we help make sense of the confusion.
Grains are any foods made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or another cereal grain product. Examples of grain products include pasta, oatmeal, breakfast cereals, tortillas, grits, and rice. All grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and they are naturally low in fat.
For better health and weight control, serving size really does matter.
For better health and weight control, serving size really does matter. Even if you eat healthy foods all day long, you may still gain weight if you don't pay attention to how much you're consuming. Too many people fall into the trap of portion distortion: accepting extra large portions as normal.
Here, simple ways to ensure you're getting enough of the good stuff into your diet.
Proteins are important parts of muscles, blood, skin, and most body structures. They act as antibodies, enzymes, and hormones. They carry nutrients and other molecules and provide calories. Protein foods require more calories to be metabolized then carbohydrates or fats, therefore, they burn more calories to be processed and used by the body.
Read on for creative ways to get more of the good stuff.
Are you confused about fruit? Because many in the media have lumped fruits into the same nutrition category as candy, this has left some people unsure about fruits.
Eating fruit provides many health benefits including:
Reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
These dangerous ingredients could be lurking in the most unexpected places.
Are you confused about trans fats? If so, you're not alone. Trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids, have received a lot of press, but many people still don't understand exactly what they are or where they're hiding.
You might be more familiar with another name for trans fats, which is "partially hydrogenated" oils or fats.
The dangers of energy drinks keep piling up. Maybe it's time to find ways to get a healthier energy boost — especially one that has staying power.
Red Bull may give you wings, but apparently, it also increases your risk of several health problems including heart attack and stroke, according to an Australian study. The proliferation of booster beverages such as Red Bull, Rock Star and Monster on the market has health professionals and organizations calling for more warning labels about the dangers of energy drinks.
What your dinner plate looks like plays a big role in what your skin looks like.
Generally, if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, it will show on your face. Scientists have argued for years over the link between diet and skin problems, though there are some things that everyone agrees can negatively impact your skin's appearance and aggravate existing problems.
Drinking milk isn't the only way to strengthen your bones. Check out these calcium-rich foods.
Nearly 10 million Americans are living with dangerously fragile bones that are susceptible to breaks and fractures, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. But as it turns out, osteoporosis is preventable. The first step is incorporating the recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D into your diet.
Is a meat-free existence the answer to a slimmer shape?
Vegetarians eat plant-based diets that eliminate meat, poultry, fish, or other animal-derived foods. There are several types of vegetarians, including:
Lactovegetarians - include milk and milk products, but exclude meat, poultry, fish, seafood and eggs.
How can you make the best choices for you and your family? Here, we help make it easier.
Fish has a reputation as one of the most healthful foods you can eat. But given that there are so many types of fish in the world's waters, how can you wade through all of your choices and make the best ones for you and your family? What makes one fish more healthful than another?
First, know that simply by choosing fish over beef or other animal products, you're giving your health a boost.
Antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods can help combat the negative effects of pollution and a poor diet.
We all know what happens when we slice an apple and leave it out--it turns brown due to oxidation, or the interaction of the molecules in the apple with oxygen, which breaks the apple down. But savvy cooks know that a little lemon juice on the apple slices halts the oxidation process and stops the slices from discoloring, at least for awhile.
Is it possible to do damage to your body by overdoing it on H20?
Drink more water. That seems to be standard nutrition advice for consuming a well-balanced diet. Why is water so important? More than half of the weight of the body is water. The body loses about 2-3 quarts of water every day. If you're exercising or doing physical work in the heat, the loss can be much more.
Not all beef is created equal. Read on for a list of the leanest cuts.
Lean beef is a nutrient-dense food. In other words, it is a nutritionally rich food that provides a substantial amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients with relatively few calories.
It also has many nutritional benefits. It is a rich source of high quality protein and an excellent source of vitamin B12 and selenium and a good source of vitamin B6 and iron.
The next time you head to the grocery store, follow these tips to save money and make healthier choices.
The average American family spends $4,300 per year on food, according to the National Grocer's Association (NGA). This may seem like a lot, but don't worry: There are ways to cut down on spending and make healthier choices when grocery shopping.
First, you need to be prepared.
You may think you’re doing all you can to keep your metabolism going strong, but chances are, you’re missing a few key steps.
You may think you're doing all you can to keep your metabolism going strong, but chances are, you're missing a few key steps. Here, Nicki Anderson, a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer and president of Reality Fitness Inc.
Green tea has been hailed as a health hero recently, credited with speeding metabolism, warding off colds, and even protecting against heart disease. So, is this popular beverage the key to living longer?
Green tea has been hailed as a health hero recently, credited with speeding metabolism and promoting weight loss, warding off colds and flu, and even protecting against tooth decay. But its greatest value, according to doctors and researchers, is its powerful punch against serious diseases, most notably cardiovascular disease.
Numerous studies have confirmed that people who eat nuts several times a week enjoy better heart health and protection from some serious diseases.
Nuts, those reliable old standbys for vegetarians and bar patrons, are much en vogue these days. And for good reason. Numerous studies have confirmed that people who eat nuts several times a week enjoy better heart health thanks to nuts' bountiful monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Read on for 10 ways to cut down on salt. The result? A healthier heart.
Our taste for salt is an acquired taste and the more you eat, the more you desire. Conversely, the less you eat, the less you desire. A high salt diet has been linked with an increased risk for high blood pressure. There have been many published studies, looking at various populations that have shown that a high salt diet is associated with high blood pressure.
These days, many health gurus are touting raw food diets, claiming that food cooked at a high temperature loses its key nutrients.
While experts don't suggest going 100 percent raw, they do acknowledge the amazing health benefits of uncooked and unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Five reasons to include raw foods in your diet include:
1. Raw foods are nutrient-rich.
Here, five staples your kitchen shouldn't be without.
When it comes to your health, the old saying "You are what you eat" really applies. You can't expect to inhale a junk-filled diet of empty calories and live a long, vibrant life. To stave off disease and reach a ripe old age, you have to incorporate good-for-you foods into your diet on a regular basis.
Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a frozen treat. Here, some healthy options to help you keep cool.
Summer heat inspires cool, summer treats. But if you're not careful, your summer treats could contribute to unwanted weight gain. One vente mocha frappuccino from Starbuck's provides a whopping 500 calories. Just one of these every day would promote one pound of weight gain every week.
In our fast-paced world, life seems to move at super speed. Unfortunately our waistlines are paying the price. Read on for ways to slow it down.
In our fast-paced world, life seems to move at super speed. And since the dawn of fast food, many spend less time purchasing, preparing, eating and enjoying food. How is all this fast-paced eating affecting us? Unfortunately, eating quickly may lead to being overweight.
Should you cut out all sugar and processed foods and focus on eating lean protein and veggies? Or is it better to allow yourself some treats and simply reduce portion sizes?
With an ever-increasing number of books and articles touting the "right" way to shed pounds, it's hard to know which is the best way for your body. Should you cut out all sugar and processed foods and focus on lean protein and veggies? Or do you allow...
The next time you’re in the produce aisle or the local farmers’ market, don’t pass the following fruits by.
There's a world beyond the same old apples and oranges you've been buying forever. For starters, certain fruits have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and even ward off certain cancers. So, the next time you're in the produce aisle or the local farmers' market, don't pass the following fruits by.
Here, 10 ways to sneak this disease-busting ingredient into your diet.
Fiber is found in all plant foods. Foods high in fiber can help reduce your risk of heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels, help keep your digestive tract healthy, prevent and treat constipation, and help you control your weight by helping you feel full on fewer calories.
Quick and convenient, vending machines offer an array of food choices that may make or break your healthy diet. Being prepared with your own healthy options can help you save money and steer clear of vending machine pitfalls, but if vending machines are your only option, here are some tips:
Best Choices:
1.
If you're choosing your meals carefully and exercising on a regular basis but still not seeing the scale move, there's something you may not have considered: Some foods and beverages carry a lot of hidden calories-so you could be consuming hundreds of extra calories a day without even knowing it.
See how far the benefits of this disease-fighting protein can go besides promoting bone health and rich nutrition.
Soybeans are legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils. They are one of the world's most important crops. Soybeans are consumed many different ways including edamame (young green soybeans), soy milk, soy nuts, soy yogurt, soy cheese, tempeh, miso, tofu and in a variety of meat substitutes such as veggie burgers.
Olives are fruits that grow on trees. They contain a pit, and their flesh is filled with oil. Fresh olives, taken right off of the tree, taste bitter and are therefore cured for eating or pressed to extract the olive oil. Green and black olives come from the same tree and are actually the same olive at different stages of ripeness.
Study finds the traffic light system is the best at helping consumers select the healthiest foods.
Credit to the Food Standards Agency
There's no question that healthier food choices are priority for many Americans, and they want to know how to make more nutritious choices. Next month consumers will get their first chance to take advantage of the new front-of-package Smart Choices food labeling program.
If you know how to recognize your hunger signals, you’ll be able to tell when your body is physically in need or food—or when it’s craving a quick emotional fix.
Hunger is the feeling that prompts thoughts of food and initiates eating. It is influenced by many factors, including the presence or absence of nutrients in the bloodstream, the size and composition of the preceding meal, customary eating habits, climate, exercise, hormone levels, and illness.
Eating vegetarian is a great way to improve your health, slash your budget and help the planet. But it's important to shop for food carefully since a meat-free diet may lack certain key nutrients such as Vitamin B12, iron and protein. Want to get the most out of your meals? The Vegetarian Resource Group has the scoop on what you need to look for when cruising the supermarket aisles or your local farm stand:
B12.
Vacations seem to conjure up thoughts of feasting on rich foods such as ice cream, caramel corn, taffy, fresh cut French fries, and pizza. But can you enjoy vacation foods and indulge without gaining weight? You certainly can.
Indulgences are important for any good vacation and should actually be part of your regular healthy eating habits.
Eggs are back. According to the Egg Nutrition Center, more than 30 years of research has shown that healthy adults can eat eggs without significantly affecting their risk of heart disease or stroke.
The most commonly eaten eggs are chicken eggs, but quail, duck, and turkey eggs are also eaten worldwide.
It's summertime and the living is easy. But this hottest of seasons can bring with it special health risks, including food poisoning and insect-borne diseases.
It's summertime, and the living is easy. But this hottest of seasons can bring with it special health risks, including sun damage, food poisoning, and insect-borne diseases. Follow these five tips to have your best, healthiest summer yet:
1. Practice good pedicure hygiene.
What you eat is one of the most important aspects of managing your diabetes and a new diet trend might be what the doctor ordered.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, grains, cereal, fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol. Olive oil is used as the cooking medium of choice in this diet as well. So how does this diet compare to what The American Diabetes Association recommends? Below are the basic guidelines to follow and what you'll notice is that the Mediterranean is strikingly similar.
How would you like to fix meals at home in less time than it takes to go out for fast food? With this easy guide, you can.
How would you like to fix meals at home in less time than it takes to go out for fast food? By planning ahead you can prepare quick and easy meals at home. Being prepared is the key. If your kitchen is well-stocked you will always have the ingredients for a healthy meal.
Here, a multitude of ways to reduce your sugar intake.
The average American consumes an estimated 1/4-1/2 pounds of sugar each day. That's the equivalent of 30 - 60 teaspoons of sugar each day.
The Food Guide Pyramid and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people should limit added sugars to less than 10% of total calories.
Is all that protein really necessary, or is it just a bunch of hype?
Protein is the power player in athletic nutrition. Bodybuilders, professional athletes and those looking to streamline their physique all know, protein provides the building blocks for muscle. The more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism is, the stronger you are and the better your athletic performance will be.
Whether you're a young woman or a golden girl, nutrition is essential for your ever-changing body.
Whether you're a young woman, pregnant woman, or golden girl, nutrition is essential for women's ever-changing bodies. Read on for five important nutrients, essential for women's nutrition.
1) Vitamin D - "the sunshine vitamin," is an essential nutrient that promotes calcium absorption for healthy bones, heart and metabolic processes.
Before you take another sip, you may want to think twice.
A study in the journal Pediatrics found that 84% of teens consume sugar sweetened beverages every day. These contribute about 356 calories extra to their daily diets. Consuming just 500 extra calories a day, one would gain about one pound a week.
Follow these tips to enjoy your outdoor meal without sabotaging your diet.
What do you think of when you think of picnics? Fried chicken, mayonnaise-y salads and sandwiches, sweetened lemonade...right? But it doesn't have to be that way. A picnic is simply a meal you eat outdoors. You choose what to bring, and you choose whether to make it healthy or not.
With careful planning and a well-stocked kitchen, you can prepare healthy meals in no time at all.
Keeping a well-stocked pantry, refrigerator and freezer helps make healthy meal planning quick and easy. Imagine preparing healthy meals in as little time or less than it would take to run through a drive-through. With careful planning, you can.
Find out why drinking water is essential to your health.
Ever wonder why it seems like nothing can quench your thirst quite like water? Well, more than half our weight comes from water. The body actually loses about 2-3 quarts of water every day. And if you're exercising or doing physical work in the heat, the loss can be much more.
How do you determine the body weight that's right for you? And how do you maintain it?
Determining a healthy weight that's right for you is an important key to feeling your best and living a healthy life. Achieving and/or maintaining that weight involves a lifestyle that combines healthy eating and regular exercise. Over the years, there have been many different ways to determine ideal body weight for adults.
These foods can help curb hunger and cut your calorie intake.
Foods that are filling are said to have a high satiety value. Satiety is the feeling of fullness at the end of a meal. It's the feeling that tells you that you aren't hungry anymore. Feeling full also helps control how much you eat at each meal and throughout the day.
Follow these tips to eat smart around all that good food.
Buffets offer a seemingly endless array of food choices and by paying one price you can eat all you want or all you're able. While this may sound great, it can also be a recipe for disaster! In order to get more for your money (and who doesn't want that?), you eat more than you normally would, which may mean more calories, more fat, more salt and more sugar.
Planning meals does not have to be a complicated or onerous task.
The key to meal planning being armed with information about what you should eat, and incorporating Crohn's-friendly recipes into your repertoire.
When planning meals, think balanced. Select foods from the four major food groups: meat, fish or other protein source; diary; cereals and grains; and fruits and vegetables.
There's a world beyond the same old apple and grape juice you've been buying for your family forever.
There's a world beyond the same old apple and grape juice you've been buying for your family forever. Why not break out of your beverage rut and experiment with some of the more exotic flavors out there? Besides being tasty, many unusual juices are said to offer protection from disease.
There's no better time than now to take control of your family’s health.
Every parent wants to do their best to raise healthy, happy children. More and more, we're discovering that the key is fitness--that winning combination of healthy eating and exercise that keeps our body, mind and spirit working at full capacity.
Feeling fatigued? If you have Crohn’s disease, you’re not alone.
If you have Crohn's disease, chances are you suffer from fatigue from time to time. Although it's common, fatigue is disruptive and can negatively affect your quality of life. There are many causes of fatigue; however, there are steps you can take to manage it.
There's a lot to learn--and love--about this fantastic food.
They may not be nature's most beautiful creation, but they're nutritional powerhouses and a great addition to a healthful diet. We're talking about mushrooms, which come in many varieties, are extremely versatile, and are popular in many different cuisines.
Some foods have no nutritional value, and the only thing they add to your diet is extra calories. Learn more about these caloric culprits, so you can avoid them at all costs.
Empty calorie foods are just what their name describes: foods that provide calories but no nutrients. Soda is an example of an empty calorie beverage. A typical soda provides about 150 calories per can and that's it. The calories come from sugar and there are no other nutrients provided.
Iced tea, coffee, Red Bull. When is it too much?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), caffeine is a substance that exists naturally in certain plants. It is found in the leaves, seeds and fruits of more than 60 plants, including cocoa beans, coffee, tea leaves, and kola nuts.
It can also be produced synthetically and used as an additive in foods and beverages and is currently showing up almost everywhere in products ranging from gum to water to candy bars.
Get tips on what to eat and when to eat in order to rev up your metabolism.
What is metabolism? Scientifically, metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions that go on in the living cells that make up your body. Energy metabolism includes all the reactions by which the body obtains and spends the energy from food. In other words, the process your body uses to convert the calories from food into energy.
Is salt detrimental to your diet? Here, the truth behind salt and why you need some in your daily intake.
Salt is made up of sodium and chloride. Both are essential nutrients needed by the body. Sodium maintains the body's fluid balance, helps with nerve impulse transmissions and muscle contractions. The adequate intake for sodium is 1500 milligrams for adults 19-50 years old and 1300 milligrams for adults 51-70 years old.
Learn about key foods to eat once you hit the big 4-0.
Remember those pizza-and-margarita binges you went on in your single-girl-about-town days? Or all the peanut butter and jelly sandwich crusts you inhaled when your kids were picky toddlers? You might have been able to eat that way regularly and still fit into your pants the next morning.
Check out our suggested meals and snacks to get the most out of every bite.
Did you know that you can actually give yourself a health boost by pairing up particular foods? Some foods, while okay on their own, become nutritional powerhouses when eaten in combination with other foods. And some foods can actually cancel out others' negative effects.
Have a hankering for chocolate? Or chips? Find out the secrets behind your cravings?
You're engrossed in your a movie and suddenly have a serious craving for chocolate chip cookies. They're all you can think about and can almost taste it in your mouth. But why do cravings such as these happen to begin with?
When talking about cravings, it's first important to differentiate between biological food cravings and emotional food cravings.
Now is the time to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good health.
Your thirties can be a chaotic time. Often this decade is filled with the dueling demands of work and family, with the result that it's tough to make time for good nutrition. Grabbing chicken nuggets from the drive-thru after daycare pickup often seems like the easiest dinner option.
The next time hunger strikes at the mall, heed the following advice.
There's nothing like a few hours of shopping to make you work up an appetite. But while malls aren't usually known for their nutritious cuisine, they have more healthful options than they used to. In addition to fast food, mall food courts are expanding their offerings to include calorie-friendly meals and snacks to tide you over between stores.
See how your local grocery store measures up
When you're picking out fresh ingredients to prepare a home-cooked meal for your family, you think you have control over the quality of the food. But due to some supermarkets' poor health and safety standards, you may be getting more than you bargained for.
Find out the latest in food safety regulations and how they’re working to protect you and your family.
The recent barrage of food recalls has many consumers wary. From salmonella-tainted pistachios that affected hundreds of products, to spinach contaminated with e-coli, many of us are wondering what's next.
However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that Americans did not suffer more food poisoning in 2008, despite the many high-profile food recalls.
If you suffer from a range of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms every time you eat foods containing wheat, rye, malt, barley and oats, a gluten allergy could be to blame for your distress.
Is it a Gluten Allergy?
Do you think you could have a gluten allergy? Or do you have a digestive problem called celiac disease? Both conditions are caused by eating things containing gluten and both have very similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate.
Whether you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you can still enjoy a delicious meal at any restaurant.
Right after receiving a diagnosis of hypertension or high cholesterol, you might feel as if all the new restrictions and requirements will mean that you’ll never be able to dine out again.
And though it’s safe to say that most fast food is now forbidden fruit for you, with an attitude adjustment and a greater nutritional awareness, you can score a heart-healthy meal even at the greasiest restaurant.
Find out what foods can relieve or aggravate your asthma symptoms.
Do you crave chicken soup when you are sick? If so, you are not alone. This is a common remedy to soothe the discomforts of the flu and the common cold. But did you know it can also help ease your asthma symptoms by thinning your mucus and helping you to breathe better?
Experts have long understood that diet plays an important role in your overall health.
Learn the best ways to fuel yourself during this important decade.
A woman in her twenties often has the best of all worlds—getting to dip a toe into the "adult" world of jobs, relationships, and responsibilities while still kicking up her heels like a teen from time to time. But while twentysomethings can bounce back from an evening spent with too much pepperoni pizza more easily than older women, it's never too early to start building health habits that will last a lifetime.
You might want to think twice before steering towards the drive-thru of your favorite take-out restaurant.
It's no secret that most take-out food is dangerous for your waistline, but it can also be downright disgusting. From rats to food stored in unsanitary locations, some restaurants have served up more than just convenient, tasty food. Beware, what you're about to read might make your stomach turn.
Genetically altered food is causing many people to worry about the impact on the food supply and unknown health consequences
The term "frankenfoods" couldn't be more appropriate. It's the nickname given to genetically modified foods. And many Americans are scared and worried that bioengineered food is causing more problems than it's solving.
To create genetically altered (GA) or genetically modified (GM) foods, scientists change the genetic structure of plants and animals to increase production and resistance to natural elements, such as bad weather or pests.
How this tasty fruit helps to fight inflammation and repair cartilage damage
It’s difficult and messy to eat. Its juice can stain your clothes or countertops. But these are minor nuisances to put up with so you can reap the benefits of the pomegranate fruit. A native fruit of the Middle East, it’s becoming increasingly popular in North America since gaining superfood status.
Trying to lose weight, save money, or help the environment? Putting a stop to the pop can help with all of these goals and more.
Whether you call it soda, pop, Coke, or a soft drink, one thing is standard: it's not good for you. Even so, Americans, on average, drink more than 43 gallons of the stuff each year. That's over 5,500 empty calories a year. No wonder that drinking soda is connected with weight gain.
Learn why keeping plenty of frozen produce on hand is such a good idea.
Is fresh produce always better? In the summertime, when peaches, plums, tomatoes and berries of all kinds are at their peak, there’s nothing like hitting the local farmers market and bringing home salad fixings picked just that day or the day before.
Learn quick tips to beat the odds.
You’ve probably discovered that shedding extra flab becomes harder to do once you roll past 40. In fact, just keeping your weight steady is now a challenge. Gone are the days when you could inhale four slices of pizza and a large soda and still slide into your skinny jeans the next morning.
Is dieting a thing of the past?
Are you always on a diet? More to the point, does your constant food restriction lead to long-term weight loss? There’s a good chance it doesn’t. According to dietitian Frances M. Berg, diets are actually counterproductive. People who watch every morsel they eat and count every calorie become obsessed with food, which can lead to binge eating or other eating disorders.
Learn more about the science behind the surgery.
Obesity is a major epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), two thirds of adults in the United States are obese. If you’re among these two thirds, your risk factor for type 2 diabetes is great—and in fact, you may have diabetes and be unaware.
Early studies of the effectiveness of fish oil in maintaining remission in Crohn's patients have been quite promising. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains—and Crohn's is an inflammatory disease.
Crohn’s is characterized by alternating periods of flare-ups and remission. The first goal of intervention is to control symptoms and bring the disease into remission. Once in remission, the goal of treatment is to keep the patient in remission for as long as possible.
Environment, eating habits, and genetics all play a key role.
There are risk factors associated with every disease, and Crohn’s is no exception. You can’t change the genetic hand that nature deals you, or your family history. Recognizing you are at greater risk for developing Crohn’s (or any disease) is invaluable.
Have you hit the wall lately? If you can’t find energy to do routine tasks, have problems concentrating or keeping your temper in check, you could be suffering from fatigue. And you’re not alone.
In a 2008 Stress in America Survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 53 percent of people reported feeling fatigue. Several factors can be to blame, including some medical conditions, a lifestyle issue such as chronic stress, being overwhelmed with work, or bad nighttime habits such as eating late or sleeping in a lumpy bed.
Vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients must be included
Crohn’s disease affects the intestines, which absorb food that produces energy for your body. When inflamed, it cannot adequately perform this essential function. Furthermore, when patients aren’t feeling well, they may not eat enough to support their body’s increased nutritional needs.
Learn more about the important role that glucose plays in brain function.
Scientists are only beginning to uncover the brain’s role in normal insulin and glucose control as it relates to diabetes. Likewise, the cognitive deficits associated with the disease are just recently being understood. So what has been discovered so far? Research has revealed that diabetes is associated with impaired cognitive function and an increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
You love your pet. So why would you feed her food that may be dangerous to her health?
Your pet as been loyally by your side for years. You take the time to walk, feed, and bathe your dog. Or you pamper your cat with gourmet food and fun toys. You put real time and energy into caring for and loving your pet. So, how would you feel if you were feeding your cat or dog hair and bone from decomposing animal carcasses? Would you be glad to hear your pet is ingesting human pain killers?
Food safety is as important to the health of your pet as it is for you and your family.
You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family's health history.
Why is it important to know what maladies your relatives have suffered from? Certain diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia, are inherited, passed down from generation to generation in the form of DNA abnormalities. Others, such as cancer or heart disease, may strike seemingly at random.
From the corner Italian restaurant, to the Chinese takeout joint, to Applebee’s, there are many restaurant choices serving every type of cuisine. As heartburn sufferers, we need to be selective in what we eat.
When eating out be aware of what you are ordering, ask the waiting staff what ingredients are included in the dish. By knowing what aggravates your heartburn, select and order your meals based on what you enjoy that will not trigger any discomfort.
Some simple dietary changes can help ward off heartburn symptoms.
Cooking in the comfort of your own kitchen should be a painless process: you make and eat what you want. Those who suffer from heartburn need not be sidelined by symptoms—so long as they know which foods are safe.
Abiding by a few standard rules limits the chance you will experience heartburn when reaching for a recipe.
A big part of managing your condition is avoiding certain trigger foods.
When a meal must adhere to specific dietary guidelines, a single phrase should sum up the guideline’s essence. Those who suffer from GERD should, above all, remember this: go easy on the fat.
The GERD Information Resource Center suggests making a number of lifestyle changes for those with the disease.
Choosing organic products for your little one isn’t about being chic or getting a green award. It's simply another way to keep her safe and healthy.
Choosing organic products for your little one isn’t about being chic or getting a green award. It’s simply another way to keep her safe and healthy. Babies and toddlers take in more pesticides than adults do; opting for organic products can significantly reduce their exposure.
Learn how diet and lifestyle changes help eliminate this common problem.
Power saws and car horns, at 110 decibels each, are jarring noises that cause you to cover your ears. They’re annoying and obnoxious. Yet neither of them is louder than what an Englishman did in 2001—burped at 118 decibels, the loudest belch ever recorded.
Too much of a good thing can spell disaster for athletes, dieters, and health nuts alike. Read on to find out how.
You’ve read it on health blogs, diet websites, and fitness magazines: Drink eight glasses a day—every day. For the majority of us, we struggle just to make this mark, let alone exceed it. But could you actually ingest too much water? The answer is simply: Yes.
Can changing how you eat help ease arthritis symptoms? The jury is out.
If you suffer from arthritis, you are in good company. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about one out of every five Americans today have some form of this condition, which causes inflammation of the joints and can make it painful to complete your activities, depending on the severity and type of your symptoms.
Learn simple strategies to prepare meals at home that won’t aggravate your condition.
The most satisfying aspect of cooking is when all the time you've put into shopping for ingredients, preparing the ingredients, sneaking the samplers, ruining the kitchen, watching the oven, and working up an appetite finally comes together-because you get to eat it.
In 2008 at least six infants in China died and 300,000 other babies became ill after drinking milk that contained melamine. Traces of the chemical were found in infant formula, milk powder and soy products exported from China.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) came under fire after initially hiding the fact that melamine was found in infant formula sold in this country. Eventually, the extent of the problem became apparent: Melamine was present in 90 per cent of the infant formula on the market, including brands from Enfamil, Mead Johnson and Nestlé.
They may be small, but they have big benefits.
Seeds—they're for the birds, right? Sure, but they're also great for you. Whether you're a vegetarian, a vegan or a meat-eater, seeds have a place in your diet. You can eat them in larger quantities as a main course, grind them into butters, or use them in smaller quantities as garnishes for other foods.
Which cooking oils are actually healthy for you and which ones you should steer clear of?
Let's face it: We need oil—cooking oil, that is. It makes food flavorful and moist, and without it, we couldn’t sauté or fry or whip up a cake from a store-bought mix. But it’s our insatiable desire for fried foods and baked goods that has given oil a bad name, one associated with type-2 diabetes, clogged arteries, and hearts strained by love handles gone wild with excess fat.
Learn more about the undeniable relationship between the two.
The Link
In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) held a conference addressing the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes-due to the rising numbers of both in the United States. And as recently as the summer of 2008, Congress heard testimony from the American Diabetes Association on the same topic.
Learn more about the undeniable relationship between the two.
The Link
In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) held a conference addressing the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes-due to the rising numbers of both in the United States. And as recently as the summer of 2008, Congress heard testimony from the American Diabetes Association on the same topic.
Can your diet turn your brain into a lean, mean intelligence machine? Read on to find out.
The human body is exceedingly receptive to your diet. From your eyesight to your energy, from your weight to your motor skills, what you eat affects all facets of your body. A healthy diet can give you energy, help develop lean muscle, and enhance your sex life.
Children learn what they live. Here are tips on how to teach your children well.
We all want our kids to grow up eating nutritiously, getting plenty of exercise, and having a good outlook on life. How can you make that happen? Live healthfully yourself! You are a powerful influence on your children. If they see you "walking the talk" instead of just telling them what they should do, there's a great chance they'll grow up copying your good behaviors.
With some careful planning and moderation, the pleasure of something sweet can be yours.
If you're like most people, you crave something sweet after a meal. But if you're a diabetic, grabbing a cookie or a slice of cake certainly isn't a good idea. Fortunately, with some careful planning and consideration, you can enjoy a delicious dessert with the best of them.
Stay beautiful while being good to your body.
If you've been carefully reading nutrition labels and making an effort to put healthier, more natural foods into your body, it stands to reason that you also may be rethinking the things you apply to the outside of your body-namely, your makeup, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and other cosmetics.
Stay beautiful while being good to the earth.
If you've been carefully reading nutrition labels and making an effort to put healthier, more natural foods into your body, it stands to reason that you also may be rethinking the things you apply to the outside of your body-namely, your makeup, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and other cosmetics.
Learn simple strategies for controlling your condition while away from home.
If you spend enough time going from home to office to home, soon you'll find yourself dying for a long weekend, or even a month-long vacation. Anything to change the routine. But as we all know, travelling can come with a host of headaches. There's bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway.
When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack.
Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.
Learn how the famous deal with their condition.
What do Halle Berry, Dick Clark, David Crosby, Jay Cutler, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Garcia, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nick Jonas, B.B King, Larry King, Elizabeth Taylor, and Neil Young have in common? They're all famous actors, actresses, musicians, or politicians-and they all had or have diabetes.
Follow these tips on how to start a food diary so that you can increase your weight loss potential.
Many studies show that journaling can help you lose weight. From writing down what you eat to expressing your feelings. According to a 2008 Kaiser Permanente study, keeping a food journal can help dieters double the number of pounds they lose. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine agrees, stating that according to their research, those who wrote down their meals six times per week lost twice as much weight as those who didn't.
Follow these guidelines to solve the multivitamin mystery.
You probably know that taking a multivitamin can be good for your health, but do you know which one is right for you? According to Dr. Ann G. Kulze, author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality, "there is perhaps no area of wellness that evokes more confusion and questions amongst consumers than what supplements they should or should not take.
These good eats get the thumbs-up for heartburn sufferers.
When heartburn sufferers talk about food, they usually talk about what they can't eat, not about what they can eat. That's because the worst trigger foods-fats, spices, citrus-can lead to painful symptoms. When determining foods that won't aggravate your symptoms, the first thing to do is to assess their ingredients.
Follow these tips to prevent alcohol from aggravating your condition.
Heartburn and alcohol have a unique relationship. A study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that those who drank 12 ounces of red wine with lunch or dinner had higher-than-normal levels of acid in the esophagus. Other studies have shown that of those people who suffer from heartburn, roughly 6 in 10 said alcohol led directly to heartburn symptoms on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
It's best to steer clear of the following fare.
If you have diabetes, you may be thinking: why do I have to avoid certain foods while other can eat whatever they want? Remember, though, that the two food groups diabetics should avoid are the same that food pyramids tell everyone else to use sparingly.
Not all fats are created equal. Choose those that are best for your heart.
Fat has gotten a pretty bad rap, and in all fairness, much of it is well deserved. Consuming too much saturated fat can up your LDL (or bad cholesterol) level, while trans fat, once considered to be a healthy alternative to animal fat, not only raises your LDL level, it also lowers your HDL, or good, cholesterol level.
The next time you have a craving for deli meats, think twice. There could be health dangers lurking behind that deli counter. Here is the information you need to know before you make or buy your next sandwich.
Meat Menace
Your seemingly harmless deli meat may have a secret that could harm your health according to a growing number of health officials and researchers.
Processed meats can be bad for your heart according to the American Heart Association due to their high levels of sodium and fat.
Providing the sample was so easy; it was just a small saliva sample. Then off it went to the lab, where my DNA would be analyzed. Soon I'd have a window into the future of my health.
I took the NavigenicsTM test around holiday time, during the hustle and bustle of the season. Providing the sample was so easy—it was just a small saliva sample. Then off it went to the lab, where my DNA would be analyzed. Soon I'd have a window into the future of my health.
Can eliminating or adding certain foods relieve arthritis symptoms?
Many health professionals and respected medical institutes dispute that there's any such thing as an "arthritis diet." Some arthritis sufferers, however, claim that eliminating certain foods from their diet sent their condition into remission. What should you believe? To be healthy in general you need a balanced diet.
Your home is the perfect place to build a foundation of healthy food choices, ongoing physical activity, and regular blood glucose testing.
Sir Edward Coke is credited with the famous phrase "et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium" or "A man's home is his castle." Hundreds of years later, we can apply that same principle to diabetes care. Your home is your diabetes castle, a place where you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge, support, and supplies you have to successfully manage your condition.
A few simple changes can make a big difference.
It may not be dinner-table conversation, but sometimes what we eat at the dinner table can affect us in negative ways. If you've ever left a meal feeling bloated, or suffered from heartburn or pain, your digestive system may not be operating at top capacity.
Now may be the perfect opportunity to jump on the organic bandwagon.
If you haven't yet jumped on the organic bandwagon, now may be the right time. More supermarkets than ever are carrying organic products, many under their own labels, and the selection of organic foods and other items has expanded greatly. But the array of products and labels can be confusing.
It's the number one killer of women, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Even if heart disease runs in your family, getting it is not inevitable. There are many steps you can take to minimize your risk and live a long, healthy life, from making smart food choices to bumping up your exercise. So ditch the excuses, and check out this list:
Burn as many calories as you take in.
Certain foods really can enhance your memory and overall cognitive function. Are they part of your diet?
In general, any food that's good for you is good for your brain. That's because nutritious foods that lower your risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes naturally encourage blood flow to the brain. Your brain, like the rest of your body, needs quality nutrients to work at its highest level.
Sometimes medication isn't the only answer.
Some of us are obsessed with medicine. We get a stomach ache and rush to the doctor, screaming for a prescription; our throat hurts so we down an over-the-counter (OTC) syrup, all the while carrying on with our everyday lives as if the meds will miraculously cure us.
Incorporating certain foods into your daily regimen could do wonders for your bones.
Osteoporosis, or bone fragility, is of particular concern as we age. It affects millions of Americans, most of them women in midlife and older, causing fractures and loss of height. But this disease is not an inevitable part of aging-what you eat can make a huge difference in keeping your bones strong and able to support you throughout your life.
Not feeling yourself? Your eating habits could be the reason.
We all have them at times-days when life really tests us. Your car gets a flat on the way to work, you flub an important report, you can't help your child with his math homework, and to top it all off, you burn dinner. Your mood? Lower than this week's stock market, and understandably so.
It's best to abide by the Boy Scouts motto: Be prepared.
An emergency for a person with diabetes can be as simple as a hypoglycemic episode or as complicated as a natural disaster in which the person has no access to his or her supplies. Whatever the case, it's important to be ready for any and all eventualities.
A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean sugar is out of the question.
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, you may be thinking to yourself, "I can never eat sugar again." But that's usually not the case. The pleasure of something sweet can be yours by using moderation and creativity.
Dining out doesn't have to be difficult. Just follow these simple tips.
Sharing meals is at the heart of most social activities with family and friends. If you have Crohn's disease, you know firsthand that dining out can be difficult. However, there's no reason your social life should take a back seat. The key to dining out successfully is to plan carefully and be mindful of what you eat.
Incorporate these habits into your daily routine, and your body will reap the benefits.
Living well doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition-and it shouldn't be. The little things you do every day, like topping your bread with olive oil instead of butter or taking five minutes to stretch, are what add up to a healthy lifestyle in the long run.
There's no need to abandon carbs completely. It's all a matter of selecting the right ones.
In the wake of popular protein-heavy diets such as South Beach and Atkins, some people still consider carbohydrates to be the enemy. But it's important to remember that there actually are two types of carbs: complex carbs and simple carbs, otherwise known as good carbs and bad carbs.
By taking certain precautions, you can enjoy your time away from home in a safe and healthy manner.
Whether you're leaving on a jet plane or just taking a road trip for the weekend, it's important to remember that wherever you go, your diabetes goes with you. The good news is that, if you're diligent about managing your disease, you can go almost anywhere and do almost anything.
Learn more about different types of treatment options.
If you suffer from heartburn, one of the first things to determine is how you wish to treat it.
When it comes to treatment, there are three over the counter medications available: antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors. While each is effective in controlling heartburn, each treats the condition differently.
Beware: the following foods may exacerbate your condition.
One way to minimize heartburn is to alter your diet. Unsurprisingly, this means healthier eating. Sugars, chocolates, and citrus products are bad for heartburn, and as a rule, fatty foods, by stimulating the over-production of stomach acid, are more likely to lead to heartburn.
With the right knowledge and preparation, you can properly care for your condition while on the job.
If you think you're the only person with diabetes in your workplace, odds are you're mistaken. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) shows that diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people, or 8 percent of the population, in the United States.
With some simple modifications, you can greatly improve your quality of life.
It makes sense that we think of heartburn as a pain that results from food. After all, the first step to treating the pain is to identify and reduce your consumption of "trigger foods." These are foods that bring on heartburn symptoms; they include chocolate, citrus, dairy, and anything high in fat.
Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself.
There's nothing wrong with the occasional post-dinner sweet. In fact, some studies suggest that, in moderation, chocolate can be beneficial. One study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) found that the natural nitric oxide in coca can help lower blood pressure and aide in overall heart function.
If you're leaving carbs out of your diet, you may be losing more than just a quick pound.
Few would argue the fact that no-carb diets work in the short run. What no-carb dieters may not realize are the effects on other parts of their body. A study conducted at Tufts University in Massachusetts found that diets that eliminate carbohydrates can have a negative effect on memory.
Be savvy on how supplements can (or cannot) help your heart.
A slew of research has emerged about the efficacy of nutritional supplements in combating various illnesses, and the overall verdict is not good. In December 2008, a study of almost 15,000 male physicians across the U.S. concluded that vitamins E and C showed no preventative effects on prostate or other cancers.
It's essential for your health, but are you meeting your daily needs?
Something we all remember from childhood is our mom, our doctor, and even our teachers telling us to eat more fiber. But how many of us really knew what they were talking about? Dietary fiber refers to carbohydrates that cannot be digested, which means that when consumed, they fill you up and provide you with energy.
Long known to help your digestive system, fiber is good for your heart health, too. Find out why, and how you can incorporate more of it in your diet.
As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." And for those who have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, this may very well be true. Apples are good sources of fiber, and experts believe that the more fiber you eat, the less likely you are to develop heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack.
Consumed in moderation, salt is essential to our health. But be careful—too much can wreak havoc on your body.
Salt plays numerous roles. Among other things, it helps balance electrolyte levels and transmits nerve impulses. Unfortunately, a majority of Americans take in too much salt, ingesting an average of 3,500 milligrams each day-1,200 milligrams above the maximum recommended daily intake.
"Fast food" and "healthy": Is it possible for these two things to go together?
If you've seen the movie Super Size Me, chances are, you may not have had a Big Mac since. In his 2004 documentary, Morgan Spurlock, inspired by troubling statistics on American obesity, relied on the shock value of a thirty-day McDonald's diet to show audiences what they already knew about fast food: that it's not healthy.
Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart.
By now, you probably know that salmon and blueberries are good for your heart. In fact, you're probably sick of hearing that salmon and blueberries are good for you. Fortunately, you can keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and still enjoy a more varied diet.
When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack.
Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.
Feeling sluggish? These good eats will give you the perfect pick-me-up.
Being tired is no fun at all. You can't concentrate at work, you exercise less, and getting out of bed takes a lot of effort. It's a miserable way to trudge through life. But did you know that having more energy may be as simple as choosing the right foods? Overall, the key is to focus on low-glycemic foods (because they release energy slowly) that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in excess fats.
New research may be changing the way we view fat's relation to diabetes.
Think fatty foods are bad for diabetics? A new study suggests that the opposite may be true: that extra fat in the buttocks and thighs may actually help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that injecting subcutaneous fat (fat just below the skin) into the abdomens of mice helped improve sensitivity to insulin.
Spice up your diet with these foods that you might not have known are good for your heart.
By now, you probably know that salmon and blueberries are good for your heart. In fact, you're probably sick of hearing that salmon and blueberries are good for you. Fortunately, you can keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and still enjoy a more varied diet.
Think these foods are safe? Think again.
Whether you've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, monitoring your blood glucose levels is extremely important. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), what you eat is a key factor in keeping glucose levels in check and managing diabetes.
With these helpful tips, you can enjoy restaurant food while still being good to your body.
What should you eat when you go out to a restaurant? Or when you're a guest at someone's house? How about when you stop for fast food with the kids?
If you have diabetes, these are questions that might plague you. Diet is a key component to successfully managing diabetes, and eating out can make it difficult to control ingredients and portion sizes.
Sometimes the way to real savings is no more than making a quick swap.
In 2008 it may have seemed like most of your monthly budget was spent on astronomical fuel costs. However, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average American spends approximately 10 percent of his or her yearly income on food.
Poor diet and lack of exercise aren't the only factors that can damage your heart. Your stress levels also play a huge role.
In the movies, traumatic news is enough to trigger a heart attack. On TV shows, a dramatic mother tells her rebellious teen son that he's going to give her a heart attack.
As it turns out, these situations may not be too far from the truth. Research shows a direct link between stress and an unhealthy heart.
Before you pop open a can, consider these more nutritious choices instead.
As John Pemberton brewed up a batch of the first formulation of Coca-Cola in 1885, he probably never dreamed just how popular his drink would become. According to current company estimates, every day, distributors worldwide sell more than 1.4 billion servings of Coke, which Pemberton originally marketed as a health tonic capable of curing everything from headaches to morphine addiction.
Who would have thought that a few simple foods could change the course of history?
If we are in fact what we eat, it would logically follow that food would hold significant sway over the course of our history. Without access to Egypt's vast stores of grain, the Julio-Claudian emperors and their successors might have failed in currying the Roman public's favor.
Clean teeth and healthy gums might be your first line of defense against other diseases. Learn more.
As a kid, brushing your teeth may have seemed like a hassle, but as an adult, you should be aware of how important healthy teeth and gums really are. Oral health goes hand in hand with your overall health. Think of your mouth as a window to your body's health.
This decadent dessert does more than just please your taste buds; it could benefit your health as well.
It may be hard to believe that something as delicious as chocolate could actually be good for you, but it's true. According to a growing body of research, America's favorite sweet treat comes with a host of surprising health benefits: from regulating your blood pressure to reducing your risk of dementia.
When cutting back to lose weight, is it smarter to reduce fat or carbohydrates? Find out.
Low-carbohydrate, high-carbohydrate, low-fat, high-fat, low-fiber, high-fibe—and the list goes on and on. Who can keep track of all these diet plans? It seems as though new diet plans, weight-loss promises, or "miracle drugs" are introduced each day.
How can you make sure the food you order doesn’t come with a side of gross-out? Follow these eight tips.
Dining horror stories abound. Rats falling out of the ceiling, a deep-fried mouse found in a bucket of chicken, chewing gum discovered in a taco, employees not washing their hands after using the restroom. It seems everyone has a tale of something revolting that has happened at a restaurant.
Keep your waistline in check this holiday season by choosing the cocktails that are least offensive to your diet.
Whether you're toasting at midnight on New Year's Eve, topping off a filling holiday meal, or simply raising a glass to good health, there's a good chance you'll imbibe a cocktail or two this holiday season. If you're washing down sinful treats with equally delicious beverages, you may have to worry about more than just tomorrow's hangover.
Disgust is a powerful emotion shared by all people across all cultures, yet its triggers are very different. Where did the sense of disgust come from, and why do we have it?
We people eat some very disgusting things. Fish heads in Scotland, ox penises in China, pig intestines the American south, spiders in Cambodia, field rats in North Korea, cow kidneys in England, hog brains in the Ohio River Valley, cow tongue in Mexico, and even duck fetuses in the Philippines.
Balut, or duck fetus, is an everyday food in the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and other southeast Asian countries.
Return to article Disgust: Can't Live Without It
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Return to article Disgust: Can't Live Without It
If you're having trouble shedding extra pounds, the stresses of daily life could be the culprit.
If you've ever polished off a pint of ice cream when you were under pressure or consumed a whole bag of chips when you were worried, it will come as no surprise that stress can lead to weight gain. And according to new research, stress puts people at increased risk for obesity because it not only prompts them to eat more, but also because it releases certain hormones that encourage the body to store fat.
With these simple subtractions, you won't even notice the calories are gone.
Rather than making drastic adjustments to your diet, you may be more successful at losing weight—and keeping it off—by making smaller changes. If you cut 100 calories a day, for example, you could lose a pound a month. It sounds simple enough, but where do those 100 calories come from? Follow these 10 easy suggestions to get started.
Do you find it difficult (and sometimes impossible) to skip dessert? If so, you're not alone. Obesity is on the rise in America, and the following ten desserts may have something to do with this national epidemic.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than 66 percent of U.S. adults are currently overweight, and 32 percent are obese. In fact, in 2007, Colorado was the only state that had a prevalence of obesity under 20 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Your bellyaching over your bellyache may be caused by some of your favorite foods. Find out which foods are common offenders.
Stomachaches, indigestion, gas, bellyache, agita, heartburn, upset stomach: Whatever you call it, digestive problems can be inconvenient and sometimes downright painful. Indigestion can be caused by a variety of reasons, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a physical condition in which stomach acid flows backward up into the esophagus.
These daily behaviors may be seriously damaging your diet.
Relying on fast food. Eating when we're upset. Bingeing until we're full. When it comes to bad eating habits, Americans sure have a lot of them. Fortunately, these no-good behaviors could be doing a number on our waistline and our health. Read on for a list of the five worst eating habits of all time-how many are you guilty of?
Eating in front of the T.
Sure, breakfast is a great way to start your day, but stay away from the cereals loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. Here, the cereals that are good and bad for your health.
Half of all Americans start their day with a bowl of cereal for breakfast, according to the National Cereal Council. And while it is typically a healthy breakfast choice (better than sugary doughnuts, giant muffins, even carb-loaded bagels), your favorite cereal might not be as healthy as you think.
When it comes to these seemingly healthy foods and beverages, don't believe the hype.
Sports drinks, power bars, and natural sweeteners must be good for you, right? Well, just because something sounds healthy doesn't mean it actually is. In fact, according to experts, many of the products currently marketed as nutritious are more hype than healthful.
Forget fad diets. Instead, follow these tips to boost your metabolism and watch the pounds melt away.
You want to lose weight—and fast. But most speedy slim-down plans are not only ineffective, but they can be downright dangerous. How can you shed pounds quickly without compromising your health? According to experts, the key is following a moderate diet and exercise plan and revving up your metabolism to burn more calories.
You may be drinking yourself fat. Check out these seven hefty beverages.
The number of people who are obese is itself becoming a rotund figure, and America ranks as the ninth fattest country in the world. Foods high in calories, fat, sugar, and carbohydrates contribute to weight gain, but beverages are often forgotten in America's perpetual weight gain.
If you want to slim down and stay healthy, don't indulge in these seasonal treats.
It's summertime, and the living is easy-but eating healthfully can be hard. Some of the season's most popular foods, like potato salad and fried chicken, contain massive amounts of calories and fat, while others, such as hot dogs, boast ingredients that may be downright dangerous.
In a hurry? Don't forget about nutrition. Here, the seven worst convenience snacks and their good-for-you alternatives.
When you're time-crunched and starving, pre-packaged foods may seem like a tempting solution. But according to experts, these speedy snacks often come with a high price. Some are loaded with so much sodium that they could send your blood pressure sky high, while others are packed with preservatives, artificial flavorings, and empty calories.
Here, eight foods that are definitely not a part of a balanced breakfast.
You'd probably think twice about having an ice cream sundae for breakfast, but it's doubtful you'd question having a bacon and egg sandwich with hash browns to start your day. For many, breakfast is a forgotten meal. While there's plenty of evidence to show that eating breakfast everyday is good for your health and your weight, the bad news is, if you start your day off with the wrong meal, you may be destined for a midday crash.
It may seem counterintuitive, but eating more of some foods can actually help you lose weight. Find out how.
Eat more food, feel full all day long, and lose weight. It sounds too good to be true, like one of those fad diets that promises to help you shed 10 pounds while you watch TV. But this one is real. It's not that you can eat more Snickers, more pizza, or more sour-cream-and-onion potato chips.
When you want to indulge, find out which junk foods are the worst and which are not so bad.
You ran an extra half-mile today and want to reward yourself with one of your favorite junk foods. You're craving pizza or ice cream or candy. You know none of these foods are good for you, but do you know which ones would do the most damage to your diet? Keep reading for the best and worst junk foods of all time.
How healthy are you? The answer may depend partly on where you live.
There are certain things you can do to take control of your health: eat right, exercise, quit smoking (or better yet, don't start). Getting health insurance helps, too. But according to experts, living a healthy lifestyle can be harder in some parts of the country than others.
Get the inside scoop on how certain countries manage to stay so slim.
When it comes to obesity, it might seem as if America is tipping the scales-and for good reason. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States is the ninth fattest country in the world (second only to Kuwait and some South Pacific isles).
Tired of fad diets and bad weight-loss advice? These little-known secrets can help you shed big pounds.
Your sister fasts on grapefruit, your coworker guzzles caffeine, and your best friend eats nothing but soup for an entire week. When it comes to losing weight, silly strategies abound. And according to experts, these techniques are not only ineffective; they can be downright dangerous.
We all feel a little bummed from time to time, but could your diet be the cause? Find out here.
In our modern American society, anxiety, stress, and depression can play a large role with respect to work, relationships, and money. In fact, 33.9 percent of adults report having poor mental health, according to the Kaiser Family Health Foundation. Many people eat when they're depressed, but few realize that what they eat may be at the cause of their woes.
You may be taking unnecessary supplements at a financial and nutritional expense. Read on to find out why.
For strong bones and teeth, you need calcium. To boost your immune system, experts recommend iron. Potassium is good for healthy kidneys. These and other nutrients are necessary to help your body function at its best. But if you were to try to take them as supplements everyday, you'd need a bigger medicine cabinet.
When you turn to these fruits and veggies for a healthy snack, you might be getting more than you bargained for.
You'll see it at any major supermarket and its prevalence has been increasing drastically the past ten years: "Certified Organic." The organic movement has been on the upswing, partially due to the health concerns associated with pesticides. Pesticides have long been used by local and commercial farmers to prevent crop losses due to insects and other pests.
Take heed—these common foods could ruin your dinner by making you sick.
If you've ever been struck with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal cramps after dining out (or in), chances are that you were just one of the millions of "dirty food" victims that this country sees every year.
Foodborne illness, or food poisoning, is the result of consuming food or beverages contaminated with parasites, viruses, or bacteria.
A diet rich in whole grains can help lower the risk of some serious health conditions.
Numerous studies continue to reveal the many health benefits of eating whole grains. While the benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least three servings daily, according to the Whole Grains Council, some studies show reduced risks of certain conditions from as little as one serving daily.
Here are a few of the most common myths concerning food, and the truths or fictions behind them. What you read will surprise you.
Urban legends have long been a part of American culture. We've all heard about George Washington chopping down the cherry tree, the hitch hiker who vanished, and the gang members who strike when a car flashes its lights at them. Tall-tales and exaggerations are common—and legends about food are no exception.
These nine foods simply aren't fair to your diet.
A day at the fair conjures up ideas of friends, family, fun...and very possibly, fried foods. Although the fair has much to offer in the way of rides and activities, the truth is, many people come mostly for the food. Some stands may offer healthy choices, but they're often overshadowed by the seemingly endless supply of funnel cakes and corn dogs.
Think eating healthy means eating pricey? Guess again.
At fast-food restaurants, dollar menus are plentiful. Choose wisely, and you can probably eat lunch for less than $3. But what happens when you want something healthier than a burger and fries? Can you eat well and eat cheaply? As it turns out, you can.
Who knew two tablespoons could be so costly to your diet?
Few meals are worse than a dry turkey sandwich or a bland hamburger. Condiments can be a great way to spice, flavor, or moisten otherwise flavorless fare. They can also destroy an otherwise healthy meal. Choosing healthy condiment options can be the difference between nutritious and diet disaster.
The reasons for ending the bottled water addiction are just as transparent as the liquid itself.
Americans' addiction to bottled water has exploded. In 1976, only 350,000 bottles of water were sold. Today, more than 9.4 billion bottles are sold each year, equaling more than $12 billion in sales. However, more people are beginning to question the need for and benefits of bottled water.
When you're searching the frozen food aisle at your grocery store for fast and easy meals, avoid these diet disasters at all costs.
For those watching their waistlines and their wallets, frozen versions of popular restaurant foods are tempting solutions. But think twice before replacing your favorite take-out with its frigid counterpart--the swaps aren't always so diet friendly. Here, a look at the frozen foods that don't do your body good.
Snacking at the movies may not be as innocent as it seems.
A movie theater provides a place to cool off when the temperatures spike in summer and a shelter from the cold during winter, but perhaps most importantly, it allows us an escape from the daily grind, if only for a few hours. Since childhood, many of...
Do you want fries with that? How about a side of E. coli? Find out which fast-food restaurants have the longest lists of health violations.
When you grab a burger and fries from the local drive-through, you know you're probably not getting the healthiest meal. But if you think trans fats are your biggest concern, you might want to inspect those fries a little more closely. At some fast-food restaurants, the hygiene habits are appalling.
Find yourself dozing off at 3 p.m.? These foods may be the cause.
Ask your friends to name a food that makes them tired, and there's a good chance they'll say turkey—citing the lethargic feeling associated with the Thanksgiving meal. But is there any truth to the allegations? While certain foods do make us tired, the ones you suspect may not be the most common culprits.
The packaging of some of your favorite foods may be hiding crucial information from you.
What do you look for when you check a food label? Some people may check for fat content, while other may want to see if the product contains whole grains or meat byproducts.
Companies have been required to list the nutritional information on the packaging of food products since 1994; however, what's written on the package may be presented in an intentionally misleading way.
Knowing the basics about foodborne illness can help keep you and your family free from harm.
People aren't the only ones who love cookouts. Because of their unfettered access to outdoor feasts, insects and microbes of all varieties often enjoy them, too. And while you may see no harm in sharing a bit of your bounty with the earth's smallest creatures, you should know that their participation can come at a price-sometimes a rather high one-to your health.
As imports continue to rise, so, too, do safety concerns. Here, what every American should know.
Imagine if your toothpaste made you deathly ill or if your dog died because his pet food made him sick. Recent headlines have been littered with stories about unapproved antibiotics in seafood, pet-sickening wheat gluten, and tainted toothpaste imported from China, causing many Americans to raise an eyebrow about the quality and safety of imported food.
Want younger-looking skin? Try incorporating these six foods into your daily diet.
Yes, aging is inevitable, but looking older than you are isn't. Smooth skin can take years off your appearance, and there are several things you can do to keep yours looking young and healthy. Start by avoiding activities like tanning and smoking, which can cause skin to age more quickly.
Chemicals, contaminants, trace amounts of pharmaceuticals. Find out if you should rethink what you drink.
It's often said that water is the essence of life, and is it any wonder? Seventy percent of the earth's surface is covered in water, and the human body is composed of approximately the same percentage of H2O. Along these lines, millions of Americans rely on tap water every day to quench their thirst, regulate their body temperature, and stay hydrated.
What really goes into your burger and fries? The answers may astonish you.
A hamburger, fries, and a large strawberry shake. It's the recipe for an all-American meal—one on which we spend a whopping $124 billion dollars a year, according to the National Restaurant Association. In addition to contributing to the country's obesity epidemic, our penchant for fast food may be negatively affecting our health in other serious ways.
Not all mushrooms and martinis are created equal. Discover the secrets behind these ultra-pricey indulgences.
One thousand dollars for an ice-cream sundae? Sixteen grand for a cocktail? Believe it or not, there really are foods and drinks that sell for this much--and there really are people who are willing to pay for them. Here, 10 of the world's most expensive indulgences.
Are French fries dangerous? Can popcorn make you sick? Find out which foods may cause cancer.
Don't smoke. Always wear sunscreen. Maintain a healthy weight. These types of preventative measures can protect you from approximately half of all cancers. But what about your favorite foods, like popcorn, French fries, and bacon? According to a growing body of research, what you're eating could put you at a higher risk of developing the disease.
You might not have known it when you were young, but according to health experts, Mom was right all along.
Remember all those times your mom told you to go to bed early and eat your veggies? You might not have wanted to admit it back then, but as it turns out, she was right--about almost everything. Here, the 10 best pieces of advice that moms give:
1. Wash your hands.
Research suggests that certain foods can help reduce your cancer risk.
While there's no single food that can protect you against cancer completely, a growing body of research suggests that certain edibles can help to reduce your risk. Some of these foods and spices may thwart the onset of the disease, while others can help to limit the spread of cancer cell growth.
Who says you have to eat rabbit food to lose weight? Check out these tasty low-cal treats.
For many people, the hardest part of dieting is dealing with feelings of deprivation. And is it any wonder? In an effort to cut calories, most weight-loss plans restrict or eliminate your favorite foods—leaving you stuck with snacks that taste more like cardboard than the savory treats you once enjoyed.
Sure, your diet and exercise schedules can contribute to your weight. But who knew that your job could, too?
Ever-improving technology has replaced manual labor at many American jobs, making sedentary lifestyles commonplace. A whopping 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese, and occupations that require little or no movement certainly haven't helped.
Concerned about high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Avoid these foods at all costs.
You probably already knew junk food is bad for your waistline, but did you ever stop to think about what it's doing to your heart? In particular, watch out for foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol—all of which can raise the risk of heart disease and heart attack, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
No one goes to a baseball game to eat healthfully, but some stadium foods are more diet-deadly than others.
There was a time when the national pastime was synonymous with peanuts and cracker jacks. Now, the ballpark menu has expanded-to include one fattening item after another. Stadiums often serve foods made famous by their hometowns (such as cheesesteaks in Philly, crabcakes in Baltimore, or pierogies in Pittsburgh), but many of them should come with an exercise plan on the side.
Will you live to a ripe old age? Read on to calculate your odds.
We've split the atom, spliced the gene, even sent a spacecraft to Mars. But finding a reliable way to predict a person's life span? That's proven a bit more difficult. In recent years, however, scientists have begun to crack the code-identifying 22 genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors that can estimate life span with a surprising amount of accuracy.
Follow these tips to start cutting food costs without compromising nutrition.
With dollar menus aplenty, feeding yourself cheaply is rather easy, but finding food that is both nutritious and inexpensive is a lot harder. According to a study published last year in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers at the University of Washington found that at major supermarkets in the Seattle area between 2004 and 2006 the price of fruits and vegetables rose about 20 percent, while the cost of certain junk foods actually decreased.
Stuck in a diet rut? By asking yourself five simple questions, you may just be able to break the cycle.
You've tried every diet in the known universe. You've switched from people food to low- or no-calorie everything. You're eating so many salads that you're convinced you could sprout bunny ears. And yet, you're no closer to your goal weight than when you started.
Learn how to minimize wrinkles, diminish age spots, and reveal a more youthful you.
The battle against aging is one of the longest wars we humans have ever waged. From ancient explorers who searched tirelessly for the elixir of life to innovative cosmetics that stock the drugstore shelves today, we've been on an eternal quest to stave off the ravages of old age-or at least its outward signs.
These ordinary foods might have extraordinary effects on your love life.
Most likely because they're rich in the right vitamins and minerals, these foods have been known to help spice things up in the bedroom. Incorporate them into your daily diet or a romantic dinner, and watch the sparks fly.
1. Oysters
Considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac since ancient times, these mollusks contain high amounts of zinc, which is essential for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm.
Buyer beware: These six weight-loss products promise big results but don't live up to their hefty claims.
In the world of weight loss, there are plenty of reputable products and plans. But there are also lots of schemes, scams, and swindles-programs that promise amazing results overnight or pills that claim they can melt away fat with no side effects. How can you cut through the hype and keep from being a victim? Read on as we expose the six most outrageous diet rip-offs of all time.
Keep your teeth in top condition by steering clear of these dental offenders.
Nothing conveys confidence like a bright smile, but if your teeth aren't as white and healthy as you would like, you probably aren't grinning as widely as you could be. While you'll find a variety of teeth-whitening products at your local drug store and can ask your dentist about professional services, the best way to keep your teeth pearly is by not staining or eroding the enamel in the first place.
You probably already know that food can give you energy, but can it help you fall asleep, too? Here, six that can help you catch your z's.
Your eating habits can have a direct effect on your day—emotionally, mentally, and physically. A healthy, balanced breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, giving you energy for the rest of the day. Skipping meals can result in tiredness and irritability.
When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits.
One of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages, beer has served many roles since it was first brewed nearly 7,000 years ago. It's been featured in religious ceremonies, praised in literature, and prized for its medicinal properties. What the ancients suspected about the health benefits of beer, modern-day science continues to prove.
Add some spice to your life--and to your diet. These flavorful ingredients could help you shed pounds.
Looking for an easy way to burn calories? Well, there's good news: You needn't resign yourself to eating bland foods. Studies have shown that the same spices that add zest to your meals can also boost your metabolism. In fact, many of these metabolism-revving spices can be found right in your own cupboards.
Tired of apples and almonds? Check out some of the healthy new munchies hitting store shelves.
Hours have passed since your lunch meeting, and it'll be several more until you can sit down for dinner. It's 4 p.m. and, no surprise, you're hungry for your "fourth meal" of the day--your daily snack.
If you're hoping to curb your hunger without losing control of your waistline, you're in luck.
Think you're having a bad day? If you've made it out of bed and through breakfast without injury, you're doing pretty well.
If you don't wrestle alligators for a living or spend your free time doing daredevil stunts, you probably think you live a relatively low-risk existence. Perhaps an average morning consists of hitting the snooze button, taking a warm shower, eating a quick breakfast, and then driving to work.
Contrary to popular belief, your intelligence quotient (IQ) isn't set in stone. Follow these tips to boost your brainpower.
Intelligence quotient may be one of the greatest predictors of human potential. And for years, scientists believed IQ was fixed (so the score you earned in grade school determined whether you'd be an Einstein or have the mental capacity of a spoon). But new research suggests that by flexing your gray matter, it is possible to up your score.
Want to fall off the weight-control wagon? Just a few of these fattening foods are all it takes.
You watch your weight. You cut back on snacks. You even hit the gym twice a week. But no matter how hard you try, the pounds come creeping back. The culprit? It could be one of these inflationary foods. Each is so fattening that just the occasional indulgence could result in major weight gain--even if you do everything else right.
All too often, people lose weight only to gain it back again. Follow these tips to stop the maddening cycle.
For many people, losing weight is a source of great pride and accomplishment. After all, dieting can be a grueling endeavor, and the pounds you've shed represent a lot of hard work. Once you've lost the weight, you have both a slimmer body and improved health to show for your efforts.
More and more Americans are living to 100. Here, the secrets to their longevity.
Imagine blowing out 100 candles on your birthday cake. If the idea appeals to you, you're not alone—two out of every three Americans say that they want to live for a century, according to a survey sponsored by the Alliance for Aging Research. What's more, a growing number of studies suggest that many of them just might get their wish.
Learn about the symptoms and methods of diagnosing this gastrointestinal disorder.
Every year, an estimated 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with Crohn's disease. However, many people are uninformed about the disease and, as a result, may go undiagnosed. Here, find out about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments of Crohn's disease, so you can have a better understanding of the condition.
Nearly six million people live with diabetes, but are unaware that they have the condition. Could you be one of them?
While the exact cause of diabetes remains unknown, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play major roles. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Follow these tips to help protect your children from this degenerative bone disease.
Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become less dense and more prone to fractures, is often thought of as an older person's disease. But experts are beginning to refer to this degenerative condition as a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences.
New research and real results show the surprising benefits of this practice.
Americans expect results, and they expect them fast. Perhaps that's why fad diets and home gyms that promise miracle weight loss are so popular. With all the hype surrounding food diaries, they might seem as though they're just another fad. So the question remains, does recording your food intake actually help you lose weight?
Americans spend almost $35 billion on weight-loss products, but studies show that logging your food intake may be one of the most effective methods.
You've got a financial plan for your golden years. What about a fitness plan?
Odds are, if you're 50 or older, you know you should be exercising. But in all likelihood, you're probably spending more time on the couch or in the car than on the treadmill or hiking trail.
Only just over one-fourth of the 50-plus crowd are engaged in some type of physical activity in their leisure time, including 29.
Snacks to skip and healthier options when eating at the game.
If you've been to a baseball game lately, you know that an afternoon at the ballpark doesn't mean you have to derail your diet.
In recent years, major-league ballparks across the country have begun selling lighter fare, including fruit skewers, sushi and vegan dogs, at their concession stands.
Reduce your risks by understanding your condition and the problems that can arise.
Although diabetes is a serious disease, it can generally be managed through a combination of diet, exercise, self-care techniques, and sometimes medication. In fact, with proper care, many patients lead long and fulfilling lives. When diabetics stray from their treatment guidelines, however, a variety of problems can result.
Every year, more than 100,000 people undergo this popular weight-loss procedure. Is it right for you?
Over the past decade, a slew of celebrities including singer Carnie Wilson, talk-show personality Star Jones, and NBC weatherman Al Roker have elected to undergo gastric bypass surgery to help manage their weight. The procedure, which involves stapling...
From head to toe, we explore symptoms and solutions for some of the most awkward health conditions.
At one time or another, an embarrassing malady is bound to fall on everyone. Although some are more debilitating than others, all are at least conquerable, if not curable, with a combination of diligence, patience, and a doctor's supervision. Here, we...
Eating breakfast? Absolutely. Sunbathing? Not so much. Read on as we uncover the best and worst health advice.
When it comes to health, good advice abounds. But there are also lots of misconceptions, silly old wives' tales, and even dangerous ideas about everything from UV exposure to treating a common cold. Which suggestions should you follow, and which ones should you kick to the curb? Follow our guide to discover the best and worst health tips of all time.
Afraid weight lifting will make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger? It won't. Here, we debunk other weight-lifting myths.
Trying to lose weight? Put down the cookbook, and pick up some dumbbells. Some common misconceptions deter women from lifting weights, but the truth is weight lifting can help eliminate body fat. One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrated that women who strength trained twice a week for two years decreased their body fat by 3.
Get the scoop on these supposed weight-loss wonders.
According to research conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 66 percent of Americans are overweight, and we're on track to see that figure reach 75 percent by 2015. In the midst of this troubling epidemic, diet pills have rushed to the marketplace-some promising fairly reasonable results, others claiming they can create bathing-suit bodies in weeks or even days.
As you age, your body doesn't stay the same. Neither should your diet.
When you think about aging well, wrinkle creams, exercise programs and even plastic surgery probably come to mind. But if you really want to make sure you're able to enjoy those later years, experts say you've also got to know something about fine-tuning your diet.
Tired of flabby abs or love handles? If diet and exercise haven't worked for you, abdominoplasty may be the solution.
Who doesn't want a trim, flat stomach? Millions strive for tighter tummies, usually starting by improving their diet and exercise routines. However, these changes often aren't enough to achieve desired results. While body fat can be reduced through a healthy diet and workout plan, the loose muscles and skin that frequently result from extreme weight loss, pregnancy, and even aging and heredity aren't as easily eliminated.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. adult population, and the disorder has no known cause. Here, a look at IBS, from symptoms to treatment.
Imagine not being able to make dinner plans with your friends or not eating your favorite foods for fear that it will send you running for the bathroom. For people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), these scenarios may sound all too familiar.
The holiday season offers a cornucopia of choices when it comes to food. Do you make smart selections or pick nutrition nightmares?
Let's face it, completely maintaining a guilt free diet is like climbing Everest--next to impossible. Smart holiday dining relies on two factors: eating in moderation and making good choices. Anyone can cut back on second, third, and forth helpings, but can you make the diet-wise decision between pumpkin pie or apple? Here's some assistance to help you choose.
Learn how to pinpoint and fix the seven sneakiest diet blunders.
Dieting is a bit like walking a tightrope: easy to start but hard to stay on. And according to experts, the most common diet missteps are caused by things that might surprise you--your schedule, your friends, your shopping habits, even your clothes. While these sneaky saboteurs could derail your efforts, the good news is that you can stop them from undermining your long-term weight-loss goals.
These speedy strategies can trim and tone your body in 12 weeks or less.
Maybe you're getting married in a few months. Maybe your high-school reunion is right around the corner. Or perhaps you just want to look and feel better than ever. No matter what your motivation, you need to shape up and the clock is ticking. Although there's no diet or exercise program that can change your body overnight, these six tips can get you slimmer and sleeker in only 12 weeks' time.
Follow these tips to keep minor slip-ups from becoming major setbacks.
You started your diet with the best of intentions, but then the inevitable occurred. You went to a party and polished off a plate of hors d'oeuvres. You took a trip to new city and splurged on the local fare. You woke up in the middle of the night and ate a whole pint of ice cream.
Some studies suggest our favorite foods might be as habit-forming as controlled substances.
Whether you're constantly craving chocolate or have an uncontrollable urge for French fries, you probably think your food impulses are simply the result of hunger, boredom, or a lack of willpower. And some experts would agree—ultimately, you're in control of what you're eating.
Follow these tips to prevent complications and keep your disease under control.
Although diabetes can lead to a host of health problems, you can prevent most complications by keeping your blood glucose levels under control, eating healthy, and being physically active, reports the Centers for Disease Control. What's more, diabetics should work with their health-care providers to keep their blood pressure in check.
Can a candy bar improve your skin? Can you lose weight and still eat Oreos? Here, we separate reality from hype.
Lately, food seems to do a lot more than just provide nourishment. Many products claim to help you concentrate, stay awake longer, or lose weight--but can you believe the hype? Here, a look at some of the new foods being marketed and their claims.
Weight-Loss Snacks
The products: Special K Bliss bar, Hershey's Sticks, Nabisco and Hostess 100-calorie packs The claim: In addition to the popular 100-calorie packs, other products are promoting a limited amount of calories in their sweets.
If you really are what you eat, your health could be paying a serious price.
What did you have for lunch today? If you ate a turkey sandwich and low-fat potato chips, you may have consumed a few unexpected ingredients, too. Perhaps some potassium bromate in your bread or sodium nitrite in your turkey. And those chips, were they made with olestra? The foods currently lining U.
Along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, certain medications can help get cholesterol levels in a normal range.
It seems as though medications for lowering cholesterol are constantly being developed, tested, and enhanced. As a result, it can be difficult to keep them all straight, especially as new research comes out to show that drugs once thought effective don't actually work the way doctors had hoped.
Are you really satisfying your hunger or just feeding your feelings? Learn how to identify and control emotional eating.
When you're feeling sad, angry, or stressed, do you turn to certain foods to soothe your feelings? When you're eating, do you feel a sense of comfort that turns to discomfort after you're done? Do you eat when you're not really hungry, consume certain foods in secret, or binge when you're having a bad day?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are, you're an emotional eater.
Are you consuming lots of calories after dark? Learn how to beat late-night binges.
You finally get home from a stressful day at work. You're looking forward to eating dinner and watching your favorite TV show. After dinner, you sit down in a comfortable spot on your recliner or couch. Without even thinking, you grab some snacks and polish them all off before you head to bed.
Losing those last few pounds can be a challenge, even for the most dedicated dieters. Here, five ways to reach your goal weight.
When you've got a lot of weight to lose, you may see noticeable, even dramatic, results within a matter of months. But when you want to shed five or 10 vanity pounds, that's when dieting can get tricky. Have you been stuck at the same weight for weeks? Follow these tips to outsmart the scale, conquer that plateau, and shed those stubborn pounds for good.
A diagnosis of diabetes can seem overwhelming. Follow these tips to accept and cope with your condition.
Nearly 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), most of them have experienced feelings of denial somewhere along the way. In fact, denial is so common among diabetics that some doctors believe it's a natural part of eventually accepting the diagnosis.
Looking for a speedy way to slim down? These quick tips can jump-start your diet in 60 seconds or less.
It may seem like the road to weight loss is more like a never-ending journey--fraught with temptation, filled with detours, and paved with sacrifice. And while it's true that there's no eating plan that can make you shed excess pounds overnight, discouraged dieters should take note: You can get on the fast track to a slimmer you by incorporating these quick, painless tips into your daily routine.
Maple syrup? Green tea? Grapefruit? Can these things really help you lose weight fast? Here, the diet advice to avoid.
Maybe you want to lose weight for your class reunion. Or perhaps you're getting married in a few months and want to look your best for the big day. Or maybe you just want to wear those skinny jeans again. Whatever your reason, it can be tempting to believe the get-fit-quick diets that promise you'll lose 20 pounds in two weeks.
These simple switches can get you on the road to long-term weight loss.
You start every diet with high hopes--and maybe you even lose a few pounds--but in a few short weeks, the weight comes creeping back. Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. An estimated 95 percent of dieters gain back any weight they initially lose.
Pizza and doughnuts and burgers, oh my! These all-American treats top the nutritional hall of shame.
Fried chicken, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, candy bars--these tasty treats are as American as, well, apple pie. Unfortunately, so, too, is obesity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than 66 percent of U.S. adults are currently overweight, and 32 percent are obese.
A healthy diet is essential to managing diabetes. Here, a complete guide to diabetic-friendly nutrition, including shopping tips, quick recipes, and more.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor has most likely stressed the importance of eating right to help keep your disease in check. Most experts agree that although there's no one correct diet for diabetes, people with the disease should follow the nutritional guidelines outlined in the USDA Food Pyramid.
Follow these tips to enhance your recall and make your mind more nimble.
Have you ever lost your reading glasses and then found them on top of your head? Have you ever gotten your kids off to school, only to find their lunches still in the refrigerator? If so, you're not alone. According to experts, many of us have minor problems with recall as we age.
Have you ever wondered why certain people manage to stay so slim? Here, we expose their six best-kept secrets.
Are you sick of drinking diet soda with your salad while your skinnier girlfriend gulps down supersize colas and cheeseburgers? You could blame your waistline on bad luck or bad genes, but the difference in your body shapes is more likely the result of your eating patterns.
Most Americans aren't getting enough Z's. Learn how to get the sleep you need.
Today, the average American gets about seven hours of sleep on weeknights and seven and a half hours of sleep on the weekends, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, most experts recommend that adults get a minimum of eight hours' sleep a night.
These delicious superfoods can help to lower your levels.
If you have high cholesterol, that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a bland diet. In fact, a tasty salmon entree, a handful of sweet berries, or even a glass of red wine can all help to lower your levels and improve your heart health. The next time you go grocery shopping, look for these cholesterol-lowering treats recommended by the American Heart Association.
It's often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Find out why it's so important to get off to a good start.
When you're hitting the snooze button for the third time, breakfast is probably one of the last things on your mind. After all, you still have to shower and then race to work in time to make that presentation. But according to experts, letting a hectic schedule force you to skip breakfast could compromise your health.
Rich and creamy seasonal foods can quickly pile on the pounds. Check out these delicious, low-fat alternatives.
When temperatures drop, it's tempting to stay indoors, bundled up in cozy blankets, surrounded by satisfying comfort foods. But along with these foods come extra pounds, which can be tough to lose once the weather warms up. Fortunately, there are alternatives to winter's most fattening fare.
There are many simple ways that parents can help kids get their weight under control.
Parents can help control their children's weight by fixing their lunches as often as possible and keeping tabs on their eating habits at school, nutritionists say.
In fact, kids who have lunches prepared by their parents are 25 percent less likely to be overweight than children whose lunches aren't prepared at home.
Plan ahead to properly transition your baby from breast milk to formula.
Deciding when to stop breastfeeding your baby is a very personal decision, and it varies by mother. Some babies make the transition more easily than others. After your baby has switched to formula, another question will surface: When is it OK to introduce cow's milk?
Because the choices surrounding breast-feeding and supplementing with formula are very personal ones, pediatricians and doctors usually preface their answers by stating that everyone is different.
Learn how to tell the difference between a healthy weight-loss plan and the latest craze.
Have you heard about the latest diet trend? You drink nothing but cranberry juice for seven days and drop 10 pounds. The next week, you go back to your regular eating habits, and the weight miraculously stays off. It sounds too good to be true, right? That's because it is.
The first weeks after your baby is born can be exhausting. Find out how to take care of your baby and yourself.
It seems like there's so much to do when your newborn baby first comes home. You've got to learn how to care for the baby, handle sleep disruptions, and adjust to life with a bigger family. You want to make sure your baby is healthy and happy, but don't forget to look out for your own health and happiness.
Some foods that seem healthy can be just as fattening as their obviously indulgent counterparts. Here are six that may be sneaking up on your waistline.
Perhaps you've tried to cut calories by replacing regular soft drinks with diet sodas or by switching from subs to salads, but you haven't noticed any weight loss. You might be surprised by how quickly sneaky extras, such as lattes loaded with whip cream and bleu cheese salad dressing, can add up.
Weight gain is about more than just what you eat and drink. These surprising influences could be making you fat.
You might know that certain foods and drinks are loaded with hidden calories, but other unexpected factors such as your friends or your zip code could cause you to gain weight. Here are a few surprising things that might contribute to an expanding waistline.
The demand for organic food continues to grow every year. But is it worth the extra green?
The organic food movement got its start in the 1960s, when increasing environmental awareness and concern about pesticides sparked a new demand for "green" products. Over the past 20 years, the market has grown exponentially, as more and more consumers are seeking safer, more eco-friendly food alternatives.
Follow these guidelines to prevent heartburn after dark.
If you've ever had heartburn, you know how uncomfortable it can beand how difficult it is to treat once symptoms have kicked in. Not surprisingly, experts confirm that preventing heartburn is often a lot easier than trying to deal with it, especially at night.
Long hours, a heavy workload, and the office candy jar can all take a toll on your waistline. Follow these tips to stay slim on the job.
You worked hard to land that dream job, and now you're looking forward to watching your bank account grow. But instead, it's your dress size that's been growing. Quick doughnuts on the way to work, snacks between meetings, and late-afternoon trips to the vending machine are all taking a toll on your waistline.
Are you really aware of what you're eating? Learn about the psychology behind mindless munching and start taking control of your food choices.
You've just finished a pasta dinner, and you're stuffed. So you put on your sweatpants and plop down in front of the TV to relax for the night. But before you know it, you've finished half a bag of potato chips. Welcome to the world of mindless eating.
Following these simple tips can help you lower your cholesterol levels and your health risks.
Everyone needs a basic amount of cholesterola waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body to function. But if your cholesterol is at an unhealthy level, it could mean you have an increased risk of developing heart disease. What can you do to keep your cholesterol at or reduce it to healthy levels? Try these nine tips:
Eat a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.
'Tis the season for family, fun, and excess. Learn how to enjoy yourself without overindulging.
It's that time of year again—and for most Americans, the holidays are the hardest time to maintain healthy eating habits. The good news? There are healthy options, according to Mary Fay, assistant director of patient services at Olean General Hospital in Olean, New York, and a 28-year registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association.
Heartburn—or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), if it occurs regularly—is a common digestive disorder that affects about 15 million Americans. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
The symptoms are all too familiar: a burning sensation just under the breastbone startles you awake in the middle of the night, or an unbearable acidic or sour taste in your mouth. Your stomach feels bloated, full. This scenario repeats itself for several nights, possibly over several weeks and months.
