Another Reason To Avoid High-fat Diet: It Can Disrupt Our Biological Clock, Say Researchers

Another Reason To Avoid High-fat Diet: It Can Disrupt Our Biological Clock, Say Researchers:

"In an article soon to be published by the journal Endocrinology, the researchers suggest that this high-fat diet could contribute to obesity, not only through its high caloric content, but also by disrupting the phases and daily rhythm of clock genes. They contend also that high fat-induced changes in the clock and the adiponectin signaling pathway may help explain the disruption of other clock-controlled systems associated with metabolic disorders, such as blood pressure levels and the sleep/wake cycle."

Supplements May Not Cut Cancer Risk

With apologies to the Four Tops, it is the same old song....

Supplements May Not Cut Cancer Risk:

"For the second time in two months, new research shows no signs of cancer prevention from taking certain vitamin supplements.

In November, scientists noted no cancer benefits in male doctors assigned to take vitamin C or vitamin E pills. Now, other researchers report similar results in women at high risk of heart disease who took vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene supplements.

The new study 'provides little or no evidence that such vitamin supplementation as tested offers any measurable preventive impact on cancer in women,' states an editorial published with the study in the Jan. 7, 2009, edition of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute."

As I have said before, I am really not sure what to make of all of these studies. The preponderance of recent evidence suggests that vitamin supplementation has little benefit. BUT how can we throw away earlier evidence? That said, maintain that eating fruits and vegetables appears (at least for now) to be the best advice we can get.

New BonaResponds Window Display

New BonaResponds Window Display
Originally uploaded by FinanceProfessor

If you are in the Allegany area, it is worth stopping in to see the new BonaResponds window display.

Sports Nutrition and TrainingExercise, Nutrition, and Healthy Bones

PowerBar : Sports Nutrition and TrainingExercise, Nutrition, and Healthy Bones:

"Studies suggest that higher-impact, weight-bearing sports and activities prior to and during puberty seem to be most effective at building stronger bones. Activities that involve jumping are particularly useful. Thus, a key strategy for helping to ensure a lifetime of strong bones is to maximize bone mineral density during the adolescent growth spurt and in early adulthood by encouraging regular participation in a variety of physical activities and sports."

And later:

"Fortunately, exercise seems to have a positive effect on bone mass throughout the adult years. Most studies of the relationship between exercise and bone mineral density have been conducted in women because they have a greater risk of suffering a bone fracture with age in comparison to men. The studies suggest that whether you walk, jog, or run, these weight-bearing exercises tend to have a positive impact on bone mass. And this seems to be true for women before and after menopause. Progressive resistance training using lifts that load the hip and back may be even more effective for building bone mineral density in premenopausal and postmenopausal women"

So get out there and go for a walk. Have no time? Combine walking with other activities. For instance, Walk to the store instead of driving. Or Walk to the post office. You will get more done, and help your bones at the same time!

How Certain Vegetables Combat Cancer

How Certain Vegetables Combat Cancer: "

"While it has been known for some time that eating cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, can help prevent breast cancer, the mechanism by which the active substances in these vegetables inhibit cell proliferation was unknown — until now.

Scientists in the UC Santa Barbara laboratories ......[the] paper focuses on the anti-cancer activity of one of these compounds, called sulforaphane, or SFN,' Azarenko added. 'It has already been shown to reduce the incidence and rate of chemically induced mammary tumors in animals. It inhibits the growth of cultured human breast cancer cells, leading to cell death.'

Azarenko made the surprising discovery that SFN inhibits the proliferation of human tumor cells by a mechanism similar to the way that the anticancer drugs taxol and vincristine inhibit cell division during mitosis. Mitosis is the process in which the duplicated DNA in the form of chromosomes is accurately distributed to the two daughter cells when a cell divides."

Chocolate, Wine And Tea Improve Brain Performance

From ScienceDaily: Chocolate, Wine And Tea Improve Brain Performance:

"Participants filled in information about their habitual food intake and underwent a battery of cognitive tests.Those who consumed chocolate, wine, or tea had significantly better mean test scores and lower prevalence of poor cognitive performance than those who did not. The team reported their findings in the Journal of Nutrition.

The role of micronutrients in age-related cognitive decline is being increasingly studied. Fruits and beverages such as tea, red wine, cocoa, and coffee are major dietary sources of polyphenols, micronutrients found in plant-derived foods."

BBC NEWS | Health | Skipping sleep 'hardens arteries'

BBC NEWS | Health | Skipping sleep 'hardens arteries':

"Calcified arteries were found in nearly a third of people who slept fewer than five hours a night.

This dropped to around one in 10 for those who slept an extra hour, the Journal of the American Medical Association study of 495 adults found....

Lead researcher Dr Diane Lauderdale, of the University of Chicago, said there were several possible explanations for the link that they found...Firstly, there may be some factor not yet identified that can both reduce sleep duration and increase calcification.

Or it might be down to blood pressure - high blood pressure increases the likelihood of calcification and blood pressure goes down during sleep. Alternatively, stress or a stress hormone like cortisol, which has been tied to decreased sleep and increased calcification, may play a role."

The Naughty List of Holiday Foods Slideshow

The Naughty List of Holiday Foods Slideshow:

"Tis the season of temptation – and evidence suggests most of us give in. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows the average person puts on a pound during the holidays and never loses it. This adds up to serious weight gain over the years. And for those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, landmines abound on the dinner table. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the holiday food trap. See WebMD’s list of foods that are naughty and nice.

"

Stand Up For Your Health -- Physiologists And Microbiologists Find Link Between Sitting And Poor Health

Can it really be this easy? Stand up!

Stand Up For Your Health -- Physiologists And Microbiologists Find Link Between Sitting And Poor Health:

"The existing data, by numerous studies, are starting to show that the rates of heart disease and diabetes and obesity are doubled or sometimes even tripled in people who sit a lot,' Dr. Hamilton explains. One reason, he says, is an enzyme called lipase. When it's on, fat is absorbed into the muscles, but when we sit down, lipase virtually shuts off.

'Instead, the fat will recirculate in the blood stream and go and be stored as body fat or it can clog arteries and cause diseases,' Dr. Hamilton says. And it's not a small amount of fat. Plasma samples were taken from the same person after eating the same meal. When they ate sitting down, the sample was cloudy, but when they ate while standing up, it was clear."

Wow. This is interesting. Can you imagine how wrong we might have been on so many things. For instance, and I have ZERO ZERO ZERO evidence of this, what if we could eat fats while standing without any problem, but the same fat taken while sitting is a problem. Time to throw away the chairs!

Not All Fats Are Created Equal

Yeah, yeah. We know that. We know that trans-fat lead to increased heart risk etc. SO what is new? The University of Montreal's Nadiah Moussavi's thesis on whether type of fat influences body weight. Lo and behold, the same types of fat that are bad for your heart, also pack on more weight.

From ScienceDaily:Not All Fats Are Created Equal:

"...in the countries where mono-unsaturated fats, found in olive oil, formed an integral part of the diet, no or few people were found to be overweight.

Countries where the obesity rate was high and the consumption of mono-unsaturated fat low included Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Peru. Countries such as France, Denmark and Italy showed an ideal portrait – low rates of obesity with a high consumption of mono-unsaturated fats."

and later:

"...37.8 percent of American women were obese, and ate 152.2 grams of fat daily, of which 45.9 grams were mono-unsaturated. Other factors, admits Moussavi, must also be taken into consideration, such as family history, amount of exercise, consumption of fruit and vegetables."

Selenium, Vitamin E Do Not Prevent Prostate Cancer, Study Concludes

Still more bad news for vitamin makers and takers. From ScienceDaily:

Selenium, Vitamin E Do Not Prevent Prostate Cancer, Study Concludes:

"Findings from one of the largest cancer chemoprevention trials ever conducted have concluded that selenium and vitamin E taken alone or in combination for an average of five and a half years did not prevent prostate cancer, according to a team of researchers coordinated by the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic."

Study: A Few Extra Pounds = Big Heart Risk, CBS Evening News: New Findings Show That Being Just A Little Pudgy Can Raise Heart Failure Risk By 49 Percent - CBS News

Study: A Few Extra Pounds = Big Heart Risk, CBS Evening News: New Findings Show That Being Just A Little Pudgy Can Raise Heart Failure Risk

"The findings of this major national study - analyzing two decades of data tracking the health of 21,000 middle-aged American men, all of them doctors - are a sobering jolt for all men.

'...but just being overweight increases the risk of heart failure by 49 percent,' said Dr. Satish Kenchaiah, a researcher for the study.

For example: take an average man of 5'10.' As the scale goes up, so does his risk of heart disease - even if he's only modestly overweight, between 174 and 208 pounds....

Morotti said: "The bottom line is you need to make time to work out." "

Healthy breakfast may mean healthier diet overall - Yahoo! News

On a day I had a cookie for breakfast, this reminder (in the form of a new study) crosses my desk...lol

Healthy breakfast may mean healthier diet overall - Yahoo! News:

"Breakfast may indeed be the most important meal of the day -- as long as that meal is not a doughnut -- a study suggests.

Using data from a national health survey of U.S. adults, researchers found that people who ate lower-calorie foods for breakfast tended to have a higher-quality diet overall.

Furthermore, men who ate a healthy breakfast generally weighed less. Among women, breakfast eaters -- regardless of the food involved -- tended to weigh less than those who skipped the morning meal.

The findings, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, give some support to past studies finding that breakfast eaters are less likely to be overweight -- and that eating a high-quality breakfast, rather than grabbing a pastry, is the key."

Low Dose Of Caffeine When Pregnant May Damage Heart Of Offspring For A Lifetime

Wow!! If confirmed, this is huge.

Low Dose Of Caffeine When Pregnant May Damage Heart Of Offspring For A Lifetime:

"A new study shows that the equivalent of one dose of caffeine (just two cups of coffee) ingested during pregnancy may be enough to affect fetal heart development and then reduce heart function over the entire lifespan of the child. In addition, the researchers also found that this relatively minimal amount of exposure may lead to higher body fat among males, when compared to those who were not exposed to caffeine."

Smoking Ups Colon Cancer Risk - washingtonpost.com

Remember it is my New Years' Resolution to rid at least the Allegany Store of all tobacco in 2009. Help me do it! Mention it to the managers when in any Park and Shop.

Smoking Ups Colon Cancer Risk - washingtonpost.com:

"Adding to the long list of cancers caused by smoking, Italian researchers report that the risk of getting colorectal cancer is higher in smokers, as is the risk of dying from that disease."

Study Boosts Low-Glycemic Diet - TIME

Study Boosts Low-Glycemic Diet - TIME:

"Dr. David Jenkins at the University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital and his colleagues report that a low-glycemic-index diet — including foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, flaxseed and quinoa — is better at lowering blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes than a high-fiber diet."

Doing good for our neighbors

In the best economic times, some people need a hand, but with the economy bad even more help is needed. Unfortunately it is when the help is often least forthcoming. So if we all do a little, things will be ok.

It is in that spirit that BonaResponds and the Allegany Park and Shop have teamed up to run collections to help the local community. All you have to do is to drop the items off at the collection boxes at the front of the store and BonaResponds will make sure the donations get to their proper spots.

1. Food for the Olean Food Pantry. Need I say any more. Direct food to those in need.

2. Pet food, towels, sheets, laundry soap, and cleaning supplies for the Cattaraugus County SPCA. The next delivery is planned for this Saturday so if you could drop off your items before

3. Change the world! Instead of having to empty your pockets of change before bed, donate your loose change to BonaResponds and help Change the world!

There is a small collection bucket at the service desk of the Allegany Park and Shop. Money collected goes directly to help fund BonaResponds (and it is used before any fees etc so 100% goes directly to help).

How do such small donations matter? They add up! For instance in the fall we had two local service days where all volunteers were fed from these small change donations.




This is being cross-posted on both the BonaResponds blog and the Park and Shop blog.

Mediterranean Diet Enriched With Nuts Cuts Heart Risks - US News and World Report

Mediterranean Diet Enriched With Nuts Cuts Heart Risks - US News and World Report:

"At the start of the study, 61.4 percent of the participants met criteria for metabolic syndrome. After one year, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome decreased by 13.7 percent in the mixed nut group, by 6.7 percent in the olive oil group, and by 2 percent in the control group.

There were no weight changes in any of the groups over the one-year study period. But the number of people with large waist circumference, high triglycerides or high blood pressure significantly decreased in the Mediterranean diet/mixed nuts group compared with the control group. This suggests that the Mediterranean diet with mixed nuts improves certain features of metabolic syndrome, such as oxygen-related cell damage, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, the researchers said."

A few new items worth mentioning

A few new items that definitely deserve mentioning:

Fiber One - Toasters Pastries

Like Pop Tarts, their more famous role model, these come six to a box and two in a small foil pouch. They have no trans fat, are high in fiber, and make a better snack items than most pastries.

Healthy Choice Mixers. These are in the pasta section but are great to keep in your desk or elsewhere for when you miss a lunch or can't get home for dinner.

The final one is Natural Directions Organic Cinnamon Applesauce. Wow is about all I can say for this one. VERY good. A bit more expensive than regular applesauce, but very good. I could not find a link to it, but will tell you that I ate almost the whole jar in one day. VERY good.

Drink Brewed Tea To Avoid Tooth Erosion, Study Suggests

Drink Brewed Tea To Avoid Tooth Erosion, Study Suggests:

"This study clearly shows that brewed teas resulted in dramatically less enamel loss than soft drinks and acidic juices,' says Dr. Ross. 'I would highly recommend patients choose tea as an alternative to more erosive drinks like soda and fruit juice."

Eating Eggs When Pregnant may be good for offspring

Interesting study. Short version: extra eggs (they contain choline) while pregnant MAY (can not stress that enough, MAY) influence the type of cancer (slow growth as opposed to fast growth) that offspring have. BUT very early study.

Eating Eggs When Pregnant Affects Breast Cancer In Offspring:

"Although animals in all groups developed mammary cancer, the daughters of mothers that had received extra choline during pregnancy had slow growing tumors while daughters of mothers that had no choline during pregnancy had fast growing tumors.

'Our study provides additional support for the notion that choline is an important nutrient that has to be considered when dietary guidelines are developed,' said Krzysztof Blusztajn, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology at Boston University and the study's senior researcher. 'We hope it will be possible to develop nutritional guidelines for pregnant women that ensure the good health of their offspring well into old age."

Too Little Vitamin D Puts Heart at Risk

Too Little Vitamin D Puts Heart at Risk:

"Researchers say a growing body of evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of heart disease and is linked to other, well-known heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

For example, several large studies have shown that people with low vitamin D levels were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related event during follow-up, compared with those with higher vitamin D levels.

'Vitamin D deficiency is an unrecognized, emerging cardiovascular risk factor, which should be screened for and treated,' says researcher James H. O'Keefe, MD, director of preventive cardiology at the Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Mo., in a news release. 'Vitamin D is easy to assess, and supplementation is simple, safe and inexpensive.'"

Well - Eating Only Organic Food for Three Years - NYTimes.com

Well - Eating Only Organic Food for Three Years - NYTimes.com:

"Dr. Greene said he was inspired to go all-organic after talking to a dairy farmer who noted that livestock got sick less after a switch to organic practices. He wondered if becoming 100 percent organic might improve his own health.

Three years later, he says he has more energy and wakes up earlier. As a pediatrician regularly exposed to sick children, he was accustomed to several illnesses a year. Now, he says, he is rarely ill. His urine is a brighter yellow, a sign that he is ingesting more vitamins and nutrients."

Which is a nice excuse to remind you that there is a new organic section in our Allegany store. Be sure to check it out.

More uncertainty with respect to anti-oxidants

Not sure what to make of this. For one it says that the previous studies of vegetables may or may not be true. Secondly it does not address quality of life. Thirdly, it may ignore interactions of mind, stress, and other things. For instance, suppose that taking vitamins gives you some sense of power over conditions. This lowers stress, which lowers depression, which lowers heart problems and the like. Is it then the vitamins doing it, or not? This cannot be studied in this test since it only looks at worms.

BBC NEWS | Health | Antioxidants 'cannot slow ageing':

"Using Nematode worms, scientists found even those given enhanced antioxidant powers to deal with tissue damaging 'free radicals' did not live longer.

The team from University College London said, in the Genes and Development journal, there was 'no clear evidence' they could slow ageing."

Another reason to be happy!

Depression leads to internal fat in 70-somethings - Yahoo! News: "

People with depression were twice as likely as others to gain visceral fat — the kind that surrounds internal organs and often shows up as belly fat. It raises the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Previous research has linked depression with those same health problems. Some researchers believe depression triggers high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which promotes visceral fat. The cortisol connection may explain the findings, Kritchevsky said.

The research, published in Monday's Archives of General Psychiatry, is the first large study to track people over time to see if those with depression were more likely to gain weight."

Women Smokers Lose 14.5 Years Off Life Span - washingtonpost.com

Women Smokers Lose 14.5 Years Off Life Span - washingtonpost.com:

"...smoking takes an average of 14.5 years off women's lives, almost one in five American women age 18 and older smokes.

'The damaging effects of smoking on women are extensive, well-documented, and can be observed from the cradle to the premature grave,' Dr. Sharon Phelan said in an organization news release. She helped develop ACOG's smoking cessation materials for health care providers.

'Smoking is a harmful habit that negatively affects nearly every organ in the body. There's just no good reason not to quit,' she said."

Please do me two favors: 1. Quit. 2. Next time you are in the Park and Shops, ask the manager to quit selling tobacco. Better yet, call the main office and tell them the same.

My new year's resolution is to have it out of at least one of our stores by this time next year.

Wal-Mart Employee Trampled to Death by Customers - NYTimes.com

Wal-Mart Employee Trampled to Death by Customers - NYTimes.com:

"A Wal-Mart employee in suburban New York died after being trampled by a crush of shoppers who tore down the front doors and thronged into the store early Friday morning,"

Are you kidding ? Folks, take a breath. Crazy. Why anyone would get up early to shop, let alone act in such an uncivilized manner for things they don't need, is totally incomprehensible to me.

A day late, but found a good article on the History of Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving Story - History of Thanksgiving:

"George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson opposed the idea of having a day of thanksgiving.

It was Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies' Magazine, and later, in Godey's Lady's Book. Finally, after a 40-year campaign of writing editorials and letters to governors and presidents, Hale's obsession became a reality when, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving"

Free RangeTurkeys from Portville!

Free range poultry and meat have several advantages over mass produced meats. In the Olean area we are lucky to be near Sprague's Turkey farm from Portville. The OTH ran the following:

"When he started, Mr. Sprague said, 'practically everything was free-range.'

Now, he said, 'we are probably one of the very few (raising) free-range turkeys in the state.'

Only two other vendors, Park N' Shop...and Mak's Meat in Cuba, offer free-range turkeys now. Both stores run orders directly through Sprague's Turkey Farm.

Many stores are wary of investing in the higher cost of free-range turkeys

and later:

"Mr. Sprague said that in part the increased cost comes from several production factors. One is a longer growing period. "It takes us a week or two longer to achieve the same results," Mr. Sprague said. More time equals more feed. Mr. Sprague uses a feed specially designed for turkeys. The feed begins at "28 protein feed, and gradually comes down to a 14 protein feed," he said.

They will also lose some of their turkeys due to the foxes, coyotes and bobcats that prey on the turkeys."

and later

"Some free-range proponents prefer the free-roaming bird for improved quality. Francis Mahar, manager of the Front street Park N' Shop said "They just have a different taste, or moisture, without having the junk." Mr. Sprague's turkeys are raised free of any hormones, steroids, or other enhancements.

"We don't use any additives at all. We don't use anything," Mr. Sprague said."

In addition to no additives, the birds are raised in a more humane manner, since they are raised to close to home less energy is used in their transportation, and they support the local economy.

Orders for Christmas turkeys will be taken at the service desks of all of our stores.

Go exercise!

Depression's Behavior Changes Linked to Heart Risks - washingtonpost.com:

"The researchers found that patients with depression had a 50 percent greater risk of cardiovascular events -- 10 percent among those with depression compared to 6.7 among those without depression. When the researchers adjusted for other existing conditions and cardiac disease severity, depression was associated with a 31 percent increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Whooley and her colleagues further adjusted for certain health behaviors, including physical inactivity, and found there was no longer a significant association between depression and cardiovascular events. They calculated that physical inactivity was associated with a 44 percent greater rate of cardiovascular events"

At Walmart, "W" is for "Wait"

Stumbled upon this from one of the blogs I regularly check for finance info:

Free Money Finance: At Walmart, "W" is for "Wait", At Costco, "C" is for "Come on Through":

"I was in Walmart a couple weeks ago and was again underwhelmed by their lack of checkouts operating. When I got up front at 11 am on Saturday morning, three checkouts were open -- one was the '12 items or less' line, one was the 'check yourself out line', and one was a regular line. Since I had more than 12 items and a few of those items were ones I knew would present a problem for the 'check yourself out' machines, I got into the regular line. Or, more accurately, I joined the line that the rest of the shoppers in the store also were in.

After we waited 10 minutes or so with the line backed up into the ladies apparel section (by this time, I was third in line), some genius at Walmart recognized the issue and opened another line. It was filled in seconds, and since I had moved up so far (now next in line), I stayed put. The only problem -- the person in front of me had some items that needed a price confirmed, she had to fumble for a method of payment, and so on. 15 minutes later I stumbled out of Walmart wondering if getting the best price was worth it any more. If I have to wait so long at the checkout counter each time I go to Walmart, I can tell you that my days as a Walmart shopper are limited."

Time, not money, is your most valuable resource. Wasting time is almost inexcusable. The stress, the aggravation, the anger. For a few cents? No way!

Monks' Bread: Holiday Bread

It is that time of year! The Monks Holiday Bread is in stores again. I bought some last night and is a nice "dessert" bread.

For those of you who don't know, Monks' Bread really is made by Monks. From their website:

Monks' Bread: Monks' Bread:

"The Trappist monks of the Abbey of the Genesee have been baking Monks' Bread since 1953. We do so to support ourselves by the work of our hands. A large portion of the proceeds goes to various charities. We thank you for your purchase.
No High Fructose corn syrup,
No Trans Fat and No cholesterol"

Drop That Cigarette, Today Is The Great American Smokeout : dBTechno

Drop That Cigarette, Today Is The Great American Smokeout : dBTechno:

"Today marks the annual Great American Smokeout hosted by the American Cancer Society, and is trying to get people all across the U.S. to drop their cigarettes for just one day.

It is estimated that 45 million Americans across the country still smoke."

Few things amaze me more than that anyone still smokes. Such a horrible habit. How can anyone still do it? PLEASE stop.

Health groups lash U.S. states over tobacco efforts - Yahoo! News

Health groups lash U.S. states over tobacco efforts - Yahoo! News:

"In the 10 years since the landmark deal, the states have received $79.2 billion of the settlement and another $124.3 billion from tobacco taxes, but have spent only about 3 percent of it -- $6.5 billion -- on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, the groups said in a report."

Hey want to do me a favor? When you are in the stores, ask the managers (or better ask one of my dad or uncles) to quit selling tobacco all together. It is not worth it. We want you around as a customer for a long time!

Vitamin C, E Supplements Won't Help Prevent Cancer - washingtonpost.com

More bad news for vitamin makers and takers.

Vitamin C, E Supplements Won't Help Prevent Cancer - washingtonpost.com:

"Coming on the heels of two studies discounting the usefulness of vitamin B, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium supplements for cancer prevention, U.S. researchers report that vitamins C and E supplements won't help prevent cancer, either.

The same team also recently reported that vitamin C and E supplements weren't helpful in protecting users against heart disease.

'At least in the context of two very common outcomes -- cardioprotection and chemoprevention -- we see no compelling evidence to take vitamin E or C supplements,' said one of the study's authors, Dr. Howard Sesso...."

Shopping Spree at Front St. Park and Shop

Shopping Spree at Front St. Park and Shop
From the Olean Times Herald

"Lindsey Coburn loads up her cart at the Service Store Park and Shop on Front Street in Olean Wednesday afternoon. She rounded up $341.75 worth of groceries in 180 seconds. The contest was a first-time effort of the Olean Rotary Club. Tickets to enter, which were sold throughout the last two months, were $5 each. Club President Melissa Meyers said the fundraiser generated more than $600 for the service club."

Butter, Heart Healthy Food, Recipes, Cooking Oil and more by Smart Balance

Butter, Heart Healthy Food, Recipes, Cooking Oil and more by Smart Balance--The SmartBalance site has some good nutritional info plus it even allows you to print out a coupon.

NCI: No prostate benefit from vitamin E, selenium - Yahoo! News

More evidence that vitamins alone are not a solution:

NCI: No prostate benefit from vitamin E, selenium - Yahoo! News:

"...government is stopping a major study of whether vitamin E and selenium prevent prostate cancer — because the supplements aren't working and there's a hint of risk.

More than 35,000 men age 50 and older have been taking one or both supplements or dummy pills for several years as part of a study called the SELECT trial.

But the National Cancer Institute announced Monday that they will be getting letters in the next few days telling them to stop: An early review of the data shows neither supplement, taken alone or together, is preventing prostate cancer."

Purple Tomato Extended Lives of Cancer-Prone Mice - washingtonpost.com

Good News!

Purple Tomato Extended Lives of Cancer-Prone Mice - washingtonpost.com:

"Tomatoes genetically modified to be rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins appeared to extend the life spans of cancer-prone mice, a European study finds.

The modified tomatoes were created by adding two genes (Delila and Rosea1) from the snapdragon flower. The anthocyanins, which belong to the flavonoid class of antioxidants, gave the tomatoes a peculiar purple color.

'The two genes we have isolated are responsible for flower pigmentation and, when introduced in other plants, turned out to be the perfect combination to produce anthocyanins, the same phytochemical found in blueberries,' study author Eugenio Butelli, of the FLORA project, said in a news release."

Warm Up to Someone New, Hold On to Something Hot - PakTribune

I knew there was a reason I disliked winter! ;)

Warm Up to Someone New, Hold On to Something Hot - PakTribune:

"It appears that the effect of physical temperature is not just on how we see others, it affects our own behavior as well,' Bargh says. 'Physical warmth can make us see others as warmer people, but also cause us to be warmer—more generous and trusting—as well.'

The researchers were able to conclude from the findings that holding a hot cup of coffee even for less than 30 seconds can alter the way you see others. The testers noticed that the students who held the hot cup of coffee on the elevator were more sociable and easier to talk to while the iced coffee holders had less interaction with others"

Park and Shop History

Store History:

"Francis J. Mahar was just starting out in the grocery business, working for the Market Basket Stores. Eager to venture out on his own, on his eighteenth birthday, October 13, 1923, he opened the first Service Store on Center Street in Olean. He continued working at Market Basket until 1936, when he decided to devote full time to his own business. By that time, in addition to the Center Street location, there was a Service Store at 1504 West State Street, another at 1020 North Union Street, and a fourth in Arcade. By 1942 the Center Street store had outgrown its building, and a new Boardmanville store was opened at the corner of Main and Front Streets.

By 1947, when Service Stores were formally incorporated, the 'home office' at 210 Coleman Street became too small, both because of increased business and because of the growing number of Mahar children. The company offices were then moved to 1602 West Henley Street. This was also the site of the company’s new warehouse, which not only supplied the Service Stores, but also served as a wholesale distributor to smaller independent stores in the area.

Even though Francis Mahar, Sr. was the founder and driving force behind the Service Stores, their growth and success would not have been possible without the help of many other people. His wife, Margaret, who began working ....."

The history is a bit dated (for instance Dan Mahar has died since the original publication), but most is still accurate. For the entire history, click here.

New study: Vitamin D reduces breast cancer risk

New study: Vitamin D reduces breast cancer risk:

"The study led by Blackmore KM and colleagues from Mount Sinai Hospital in Ontario, Canada showed that increased intake of vitamin D through diet and exposure to the sun was associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of estrogen-receptor- (ER) and progesterone-receptor- (PR) defined breast cancer.

The study compared 758 cases of breast cancer and 1135 controls without the disease and found those who had high intake of vitamin D were also found to have a 26 percent reduced risk of ER-/PR- breast cancer and a 21 percent decreased risk of ER+/PR- tumors.

The study published in the Oct 15, 2008 issue of American Journal of Epidemiology"

The science of candy and tooth decay

From Science Daily:

Never Fear: It May Be OK To Let Your Kids Gorge On Candy This Halloween:

"“The frequency of eating candy, and other refined carbohydrates, and their stickiness, are big factors in creating the risk of caries (cavities),” he said.

Eating carbohydrates can change the pH balance of the mouth, making it more acidic, which can increase the risk of cavities. Each time candy is eaten, the acid environment in the mouth can take up to an hour to dissipate.

“So, if I eat a piece of candy now, the pH in my mouth will become acidic, and it will take 30-60 minutes for it to become normal,” said Helpin. “If I keep eating candy throughout the day, there is acid in my mouth for a much longer period of time. The longer teeth are in an acid environment, the greater the risk they will become decayed.”

Helpin, the acting chair of pediatric dentistry at Temple’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry"

Medical Updates - Alcohol’s Effect on the Brain | Health News

Medical Updates - Alcohol’s Effect on the Brain | Health News:

"Both smoking and drinking has been shown to affect the brain, damaging cells and synapses (neural connections) and high alcohol consumption is known to result in shrinking of the brain and cognitive deficit. However, researchers have discovered that even modest amounts of alcohol have the same negative effect."

The researchers found no protective affect on the normal, age-related shrinkage in brain volume. To the contrary, the more a person drank, the more their brain volume diminished.

But the finding was much stronger for women than men:

"Interestingly, although men were more likely than women to report being moderate or heavy drinkers, the link between brain volume and alcohol wasn’t as strong in men. For men, only those who were heavy drinkers had a smaller brain volume than those who consumed little or no alcohol where women, even moderate drinkers, had a smaller brain volume than abstainers or former drinkers. The researchers note this gender difference could be due to biological factors, including women’s smaller size and greater susceptibility to alcohol’s effects."

More coverage of this is available from US News and World Report and CNN.

Kashi : Our food : Kashi U, Original

Have you tried the new Kashi U cereal? VERY VERY good, From tehir website:

Kashi : Our food : Kashi U, Original:

"The tasty combination of toasted Seven Whole Grain flakes, tangy black currants, crunchy walnuts, and acai oat clusters is packed full of nutrition:

* Cardio Nourishment – 350mg ALA omega 3 from walnuts and 100% of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid
* Immunity Boost – 50% of your daily value for vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and antioxidant super fruits black currant and acai
* Strengthen Support – More calcium & vitamin D than half a glass of milk* plus zinc to support bone health
* Thrive Inside – 7g of fiber and prebiotics to help the good bacteria grow
* Mental Sustenance – Over half of the daily recommended amount of whole grains"

But be careful around dogs. It has currants in it which are dangerous to their kidneys.

SportsGeezer: Lifestyle Triifecta: Exercise, Diet and Healthy Weight, Pays Off Big With Longer Life

SportsGeezer: Lifestyle Triifecta: Exercise, Diet and Healthy Weight, Pays Off Big With Longer Life:

"...people who exercise, watch their weight, eat healthful food, and don't smoke live longer than people who do not do all of the above. ...it's now documented by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health...For individual factors, the researchers found that 28 percent of deaths could be attributed to smoking, 14 percent to being overweight, 17 percent to lack of physical activity, 13 percent to an unhealthy diet and 7 percent to not having light-to-moderate alcohol consumption (one drink a day or less for women"

A candy bar a week?

Dark Chocolate Prevents Heart Disease:

"An Italian study shows that dark chocolate can significantly reduce the inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease. The ideal amount is 6.7 grams per day (0.23 ounces). A typical Hershey chocolate bar weighs about 43 grams. That means eating one dark chocolate bar over the course of 6 1/2 days to get 6.7 grams per day."

wow. That would take much patience! Unfortunately, milk chocolate does not seem to work.

Why Maple Syrup Costs So Much

Why Maple Syrup Costs So Much:

"Unfavorable weather in Quebec—the source of 80% of the world's maple syrup—have depressed output to a 10-year low. At the same time, demand for maple syrup, which is slightly lower in calories than cane sugar and corn syrup, has been growing in recent years"

Osteoporosis: Drink Less for Strong Bones

Osteoporosis: Drink Less for Strong Bones:

"Research shows that chronic heavy alcohol use, especially during adolescence and young adult years, can dramatically affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

What do doctors advise? Drink less for strong bones.

Calcium is an essential nutrient for healthy bones, and alcohol is its enemy. 'Alcohol has multiple effects on calcium,' says Primal Kaur, MD, an osteoporosis specialist at Temple University Health System in Philadelphia. 'The bones deteriorate because not enough calcium is getting into bones -- and the body is leaching it away from bones.'"

The Associated Press: Fish oil appears to help against heart failure

The Associated Press: Fish oil appears to help against heart failure:

"Fish oil supplements may work slightly better than a popular cholesterol-reducing drug to help patients with chronic heart failure, according to new research released Sunday....

Fish oils also are thought to increase the body's good cholesterol levels, as well as possibly stabilizing the electrical system in heart cells, to prevent abnormal heart rhythms.

In contrast, statins act on the body's bad cholesterol, which may not have a big impact on heart failure."

"

Good news. It would be interesting to see if this prevents problems in healthy people too.

Trans fats linked to pre-cancerous colon growths - Yahoo! News

If we didn't have enough reasons to avoid trans fats.

Trans fats linked to pre-cancerous colon growths - Yahoo! News:

"A high intake of trans fats could increase colon cancer risk, according to new research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.... People who ate the most trans fatty acids were more likely to have pre-cancerous growths or polyps in their colons than those who consumed the least, Dr. Lisa C. Vinikoor of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and colleagues found."

While it might be overkill, it is a pretty simple rule, if it says "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" put it back.

More Strawberries, More Antioxidant Absorption

Short version: the body seems to absorb the nutrients from Strawberries! :)

More Strawberries, More Antioxidant Absorption:

"...strawberries are the fifth most consumed fresh fruit in the United States, and consumption more than doubled in the past decade, according to experts. Strawberry's antioxidants come in the form of both long-established vitamins and newly defined plant chemicals. Berries are particularly well endowed with a series of compounds called anthocyanins--the source of the berries' blue, purple and red pigments....The study showed that the human body is capable of assimilating more anthocyanin pigments as intakes increase."

Part Of The In-group? A Surprising New Strategy Helps Reduce Unhealthy Behaviors

Part Of The In-group? A Surprising New Strategy Helps Reduce Unhealthy Behaviors:

"Authors Jonah Berger (University of Pennsylvania) and Lindsay Rand (Stanford University) found that linking a risky behavior with an 'outgroup' (a group that the targeted audience doesn't want to be confused with) caused participants to reduce unhealthy behaviors..."

All the more reason why movie stars and other celebrities should not smoke!

Breakfast time!

Team Beachbody:

" A study presented at the recent Endocrine Society's annual meeting showed that participants who consumed large breakfasts lost almost five times as much weight as the participants who followed a traditional diet. So what's the big deal about breakfast?.....The study supported the idea that when we wake up in the morning, our bodies want food. You've burned through all the fuel from the previous day, and now your body is ready to burn anything, like muscle, to get a jump-start on the day. And if you skip breakfast, muscle is indeed what your body will burn. Later in the day, your brain is still in starvation mode from breakfast (or lack thereof), so your body will store all the calories you eat as adipose tissue, or fat, to save up for the next day when you try to starve it again. The study also found that serotonin (the chemical responsible for controlling cravings) levels were much higher in the morning, which is why breakfast is the meal so many of us are willing to skip. But if our bodies are left unfed, our serotonin levels drop, and the cravings for sweets begin to rise throughout the day."

I have consistently been impressed with the material over at BeachBody.com. Check it out. A bunch of marketing stuff too, but it has good content too.

Parents Shape Whether Their Children Learn To Eat Fruits And Vegetables

Parents Shape Whether Their Children Learn To Eat Fruits And Vegetables:

"Providing fruits for snacks and serving vegetables at dinner can shape a preschooler's eating patterns for his or her lifetime....When parents eat more fruits and vegetables, so do their children. When parents eat and give their children high fat snacks or soft drinks, children learn these eating patterns instead.""

Takeaway: what you feed your children helps to form patterns that will last into later life.


So I guess Rodney Atkins had it right all along!

MSG Use Linked To Obesity

MSG Use Linked To Obesity:

"People who use monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as a flavor enhancer in their food are more likely than people who don't use it to be overweight or obese even though they have the same amount of physical activity and total calorie intake, according to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health study published this month in the journal Obesity."

Yet another reason to read ingredients and to not eat out as often.

Is Your Drinking Water Giving You Diabetes? - US News and World Report

Is Your Drinking Water Giving You Diabetes? - US News and World Report:

"...scientists have proved that chronic exposure to drinking water contaminated with arsenic can cause cancers of the bladder, lung, kidney, and skin, as well as a collection of other diseases. Now there's a new twist. Research published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association has linked the ancient poison to type 2 diabetes, a disease that has reached pandemic proportions and now accounts for 1 in every 10 American dollars spent on healthcare..."

The Science of Aphrodisiacs - US News and World Report

Given all of the recent talk about watermelon, this is noteworthy.

The Science of Aphrodisiacs - US News and World Report:

"They've been touted to increase sex drive, boost arousal, and put men and women in the 'mood' for hundreds of years. But the skeptical consider aphrodisiacs—foods, drinks, and now cleverly marketed extracts and supplements—to be more mental than physical. A brief look at some of the more notorious of these purported libido enhancers reveals both flimsy claims and some sound science."

The article looks at watermelon, chocolate, oysters, and other foods.

Vitamin B, Folate Supplements Won't Help Heart - US News and World Report

Vitamin B, Folate Supplements Won't Help Heart - US News and World Report:

"'This confirms what a lot of recent studies have found -- no benefit of taking vitamin B supplements to reduce the risk of heart disease, and it raises a few red flags,' said Alice H. Lichtenstein, Gershoff professor of nutrition at Tufts University, Boston.

In the new study, reported in the Aug. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, physicians at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, Norway, enrolled almost 3,100 volunteers. Three-quarters of them took various doses of vitamin B and folic acid (which is chemically a B vitamin), while the others got a placebo, an inactive substance.

The study was ended early, after an average follow-up of 38 months, because 'we could not detect any preventive effect of intervention with folic acid plus vitamin B12 or with vitamin B6 on mortality or major cardiovascular events,' the researchers reported."

Another one bites the dust.

Smoking doubles stroke risk in younger women | Health | Reuters

Smoking doubles stroke risk in younger women | Health | Reuters:

"Younger women who smoke have more than double the risk of stroke compared to nonsmokers, with the heaviest smokers among them having nine times the risk, according to a U.S. study published on Thursday."

Runners' High: Joggers Live Longer - TIME

Runners' High: Joggers Live Longer - TIME: "

"the data showed that exercise was a boon to health. Over the years, compared with the never-exercisers, people who exercised regularly — in addition to running, activities included biking, aerobic dance and swimming — showed improved aerobic capacity, better cardiovascular fitness, increased bone mass, fewer inflammatory markers, less physical disability, better response to vaccinations and even improved thinking, learning and memory. They also lived significantly longer."

BBC NEWS | Health | Hour's exercise 'to lose weight'

Better go workout for a bit longer...

From WebMD:

"A new study says that obese and overweight women need to cut calories and exercise 275 minutes a week more than their baseline physical activity -- or at least 55 minutes a day, five days a week to lose weight and keep it off.

The research was led by John M. Jakicic, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues."

BBC NEWS | Health | Hour's exercise 'to lose weight':

"Thirty minutes a day is good for general health, but if you want to lose weight, you need to be doing more, and if you want to sustain weight loss, you need to be doing even more than that"

Compound in Red Wine Fights Ravages of Age - washingtonpost.com

Compound in Red Wine Fights Ravages of Age - washingtonpost.com:

"...red wine is a good source of resveratrol,' he added. 'And, in this mouse study, we have shown that this particular compound has very strong positive effects on preventing cardiovascular disease, reducing heart inflammation, keeping bone health in terms of structure and function, and maintaining loco-motor and balance activity. So, if these effects translate into humans, it will have a very good impact on the standard of human health.'
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De Cabo conducted the research with David A. Sinclair, of Harvard Medical School. Their team is publishing its findings in the July 3 online issue ofCell Metabolism."

Study shows how broccoli fights cancer - Yahoo! News

Study shows how broccoli fights cancer - Yahoo! News:

"Just a few more portions of broccoli each week may protect men from prostate cancer, British researchers reported on Wednesday. The researchers believe a chemical in the food sparks hundreds of genetic changes, activating some genes that fight cancer and switching off others that fuel tumors, said Richard Mithen, a biologist at Britain's Institute of Food Research."

Lack of 'Good' HDL Cholesterol Linked to Memory Loss - US News and World Report

Lack of 'Good' HDL Cholesterol Linked to Memory Loss - US News and World Report:

"The study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association, underscores the dangers of allowing HDL levels to fall as you age, which often occurs with a sedentary lifestyle and expanding waistline;"

MedHeadlines - High-carb, high-protein breakfast for losing weight

MedHeadlines - High-carb, high-protein breakfast for losing weight:

"the big breakfast diet calls for a daily breakfast composed of foods high in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. What’s more, with this diet, breakfast is so big it provides approximately half of a full day’s calorie count.

The main trick to the big breakfast diet is to eat lots of whole-grain, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins, such as fat-free milk, yogurt, and eggs. Add fruits and veggies to round out a breakfast that controls appetite until lunchtime at the same time it will minimize cravings for sweets and starches of poor nutritional value."

Tracking Top Number in Blood Pressure May Be Enough - US News and World Report

Tracking Top Number in Blood Pressure May Be Enough - US News and World Report:

"'Rising systolic pressure is the most significant factor in causing strokes and heart disease,' he said. 'That's what we need to be focusing on.'

Using systolic blood pressure alone after age 50 should simplify treatment for doctors, policymakers and even drug companies by getting them to focus on ways to lower systolic pressure, Williams said....

For people under 50, the scenario may be different....For these patients, there needs to be a continued emphasis on both systolic and diastolic blood pressures...."

Read the whole article here.

WHFoods: Avocados

I have been jokingly saying that I may be able to live on avocados since my trip to Missouri where I decided they were close to perfect since did not need refrigeration, kept me full for a long time, and had good blend of nutrients and good fats. I found this when searching for more on the avocado:

WHFoods: Avocados: "

"Enjoying a few slices of avocado in your tossed salad, or mixing some chopped avocado into your favorite salsa will not only add a rich, creamy flavor, but will greatly increase your body's ability to absorb the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide.

A study published in the March 2005 issue of the Journal of Nutrition...adding avocado to a salad of carrot, lettuce and baby spinach or to salsa greatly increase study participants' absorption of carotenoids from these foods, but the improvement in carotenoid availability occurred even when a very small amount-as little as 2 ounces-of avocado was added."

3 tips for how to live to 100 - Healthy Living on Shine

3 tips for how to live to 100 - Healthy Living on Shine:

"Eating five servings of fruits and veggies a day, being active, not smoking, and drinking in moderation could add 14 years to your life, according to new British research. Too tall an order? Tackle just the exercise part: A recent study by the National Cancer Institute found that older people who got at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week were less likely to die over the next seven years than those who didn't.

Do something fun.

Women who are feeling “happy, excited or content” have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6—two markers of inflammation linked to heart disease,"

New Hints Seen That Red Wine May Slow Aging - NYTimes.com

New Hints Seen That Red Wine May Slow Aging - NYTimes.com:

"Red wine may be much more potent than was thought in extending human lifespan, researchers say in a new report that is likely to give impetus to the rapidly growing search for longevity drugs"

Ways to avoid plastic

Team Beachbody:

"...there is no best piece of advice to give out. But based on the latest science, along with some anecdotal lore and a dose of common sense, here are our recommendations for avoiding potential risks."

one look in:

"4. Don't put plastic in the microwave. Even "microwave safe" plastics may leach hazardous materials. Don't use plastic wraps, either. Phthalates, the last targeted elements in plastic wrap, were outlawed in 2006; but companies don't list what's in plastic wrap, so you're taking a risk by using it. Using glass containers with a paper towel covering is your safest option."

Study explains why vitamin D prevents prostate cancer

Study explains why vitamin D prevents prostate cancer:

"A study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center provides an explanation why vitamin D may prevent prostate cancer and maybe other types of cancer.

Many epidemiologic and laboratory studies have showed that vitamin D may protect against many types of cancer including prostate cancer and it may be used both as a preventative and a therapeutic agent. The Canadian Cancer Society has already recommended daily use of 1,000 IU of vitamin D to prevent cancer."

Vitamin D sure is on a roll. From its role in bone formation, to its seeming anti-cancer properties. It is a hot one! How can you get Vitamin D? Here is how from a previous post.

ABC News: Low Vitamin D May Worsen Breast Cancer

ABC News: Low Vitamin D May Worsen Breast Cancer:

"Researchers found for the first time that women who were vitamin D deficient at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis were 94 percent more likely to have their cancer spread, and 73 percent more likely to die from their cancer, compared with women who were not vitamin D deficient."

Where can you get vitamin D? Cod liver oil is very high in it. But many other foods (from milk to cereals) are supplemented.

Exercise when young may cut breast cancer : Booster Shots : Los Angeles Times

Exercise when young may cut breast cancer : Booster Shots : Los Angeles Times:

"Exercise — do it early and often.

Women who exercise regularly between ages 12 and 35 may cut their risk of breast cancer by 23%, according to information gleaned from 65,000 women enrolled in the Nurses Health Study II, a prospective study of registered nurses"

Quick Benefit to Smoking Halt, With a Caveat, Study Finds - New York Times

Quick Benefit to Smoking Halt, With a Caveat, Study Finds - New York Times:

"Women who stop smoking can enjoy major health benefits within five years, but it can take decades to correct respiratory damage and shed the added risk of lung cancer, researchers reported on Tuesday."

Please don't smoke. I have been trying for years to get the stores to remove them completely. It is a slow process, but you can help! Complain to the store manager and write to the main office!

Drinking Loads Of Water Does Not Seem To Improve Health

Drinking Loads Of Water Does Not Seem To Improve Health:

"There is little evidence that drinking loads of water, a recommended 8 glasses of 8 ounces (8x8) per day, improves your health, say scientists from the University of Pennsylvania. The two kidney experts explained that unless you are an athlete or live in a hot place, drinking extra water may be a waste of time.

You can read about this study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, April 2nd online issue. The Editorial will be published in the journal's June, 2008 issue."

Beet Juice Lowers Blood Pressure

I heard this on Paul Harvey today. 2 glasses a day seems like a lot, but....

Beet Juice Lowers Blood Pressure:

"Drinking two cups of beet juice a day may reduce blood pressure, a study shows.

The British researchers who conducted the study say the findings add even more weight to the importance of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

That's because beets (known as beetroot in Britain) are loaded with the nutrient nitrate. Spinach, lettuce, and other green, leafy vegetables also have high levels of nitrate.

Previous studies have shown that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables lowers blood pressure. Antioxidants often get the credit, but several recent studies have suggested that nitrates may play a much bigger role. How nitrates work to lower blood pressure has been more of mystery"

BBC NEWS | Health | Sedentary life 'speeds up ageing'

BBC NEWS | Health | Sedentary life 'speeds up ageing':

"Leading a sedentary lifestyle may make us genetically old before our time, a study suggests.

A study of twins found those who were physically active during their leisure time appeared biologically younger than their sedentary peers."

Please watch what you eat!

We want to keep our customers! ;)

From US News

"Western" diet heavy in meat, fried foods and refined grains puts people at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, the collection of risk factors for heart problems, stroke and type 2 diabetes, a new study found....This is a red-alert wake-up call," said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of Women and Heart Disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, who was not involved with the study. "I love that they call this a Western diet. It's the perspective that we, as Americans, cannot eat any worse."

The findings were published in the Jan. 22 issue of Circulation.

Watch caffeine if pregnant!

From the NY Times:

"Too much caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, a new study says, and it suggests that pregnant women may want to reduce their intake or cut it out entirely. "

No more plastic?

Plastic bags may be going the way of the dinosaur.

From the NY Times:

"The Whole Foods Market chain said Tuesday that it would stop offering plastic grocery bags, giving customers instead a choice between recycled paper or reusable bags.

A rising number of governments and retailers are banning plastic bags, or discouraging their use, because of concerns about their environmental impact. San Francisco banned plastic bags last year unless they are of a type that breaks down easily. China announced a crackdown on plastic bags a few weeks ago, while other governments, including New York City’s, are making sure retailers offer plastic bag recycling."

New item you have to try!

Just picked up Grape Nuts Maple and Brown Sugar Trail Mix Crunch. I usually am not a fan of Grape Nuts, but these are REALLY good!! And on sale this week too...