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...

Fish oil capsules pack same omega-3 punch as fish - Yahoo! News

Fish oil capsules pack same omega-3 punch as fish - Yahoo! News:

"Fish oil capsules and fatty fish do an equally good job of enriching the blood and other body tissues with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, new findings suggest.

But the findings can't be interpreted to mean that capsules and fish are equally good for the heart, Dr. William S. Harris, who was involved in the research, told Reuters Health."

I am surprised at the headline....I have to agree with Dr. Harris.

Studies show yoga has multiple benefits - Yahoo! News

Studies show yoga has multiple benefits - Yahoo! News:

"Yoga induces a feeling of well-being in healthy people, and can reverse the clinical and biochemical changes associated with metabolic syndrome, according to results of studies from Sweden and India. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar."

And later in the same piece:

"In the second study, published online December 19 in BioMed Central Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Dr. Anette Kjellgren from the University of Karlstad, Sweden and colleagues evaluated the beneficial effects of yoga-like breathing exercises on healthy volunteers.....At the end of the study period, feelings of anxiety, stress and depression were significantly lower and levels of optimism significantly higher in the yoga group compared to the control group...probably due to an increase in antioxidants and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, they suggest."

High Meat Consumption Linked to Heightened Cancer Risk

High Meat Consumption Linked to Heightened Cancer Risk:

"Red and processed meats have been associated with an elevated risk with colorectal cancer. We investigated whether this association was also evident for cancers at other anatomic sites,' explained lead author Amanda Cross, an epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). 'This is the largest study to look at the effect of red and processed meat on multiple cancer sites, including rarer cancers, such as laryngeal and liver cancer.'"

Stockton Athletic Training: Sports Nutrition Newsletter: 12-02

Stockton Athletic Training: Sports Nutrition Newsletter:

"10 Foods Every Athlete Should Eat! By Nancy Brinch, MS, RD, LSW
1. Whole Grain Bread"

High Quality Walnut Crop Moves Into Market: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

High Quality Walnut Crop Moves Into Market: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance:

"Walnuts are high on the radar because over 14 years of clinical research has increasingly shown walnuts to be good for the heart, bones and even aid in weight management and the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Unique among nuts, with high concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and important polyunsaturated fats, research is showing that a handful of walnuts a day can provide very important health benefits,” says Dennis Balint, executive director of the Walnut Marketing Board."

Bolthouse Farms "C-Boost Fruit Smoothie"

You just have to try this. It is delicious!!

Bolthouse Farms "C-Boost Fruit Smoothie":

"You'll find that our C-Boost not only helps promote a healthy Immune System but that it's also incredibly delicious. It tastes like a smoothie that you might find while on vacation in the Caribbean. It's thicker, smoother and fresher tasting, almost to the point where it tastes like is was just blended. This delicious flavor is likely to be new to your palate. That's because it's blended with Acerola Cherries and Camu Camu; fruits primarily grown and enjoyed in the tropics. We hope you find the taste as enjoyable as we have."

Cholesterol and Exercise - Watch WebMD Video

Cholesterol and Exercise - Watch WebMD Video: " You don’t have to sweat buckets to lower your cholesterol. We hit the gym to find the best way to lower your numbers."

Dark Chocolate Fights Heart Woes

Dark Chocolate Fights Heart Woes: From WebMD

"There'€™s more good news for chocolate lovers. A Japanese study suggests that dark chocolate can improve blood flow to heart muscle. That'€™s important because improved coronary blood flow mitigates the risk of chronic chest pain, or angina, and heart attacks, says Yumi Shiina, PhD, of Chiba University in Chiba, Japan."

Medical News: AHA: Energy Drinks Amp Up Blood Pressure - in Meeting Coverage, AHA from MedPage Today

Medical News: AHA: Energy Drinks Amp Up Blood Pressure - in Meeting Coverage, AHA from MedPage Today:

"Energy drinks boost blood pressure in even the young and healthy people and may leave hypertensive adults more charged up than they bargained for, researchers said here. Consumption of two energy drinks a day increased systolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg and heart rate by five to seven beats per minute, according to a small study reported at the American Heart Association meeting."

A very important point late in the article:

"...the main compounds implicated in the cardiovascular alterations -- caffeine and taurine -- are consistent ingredients across brands. This suggests the findings are likely generalizable across energy drinks, though not to sports drinks, which typically do not have caffeine, Dr. Kalus said."

This is an early study (in fact it is not yet published) but definitely an expected result.

High-fat Atkins diet damages blood vessels: study - Yahoo! News

High-fat Atkins diet damages blood vessels: study - Yahoo! News:

"The high-fat Atkins diet can cause long-term damage to blood vessels, as well as some of the inflammation linked with heart and artery disease, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.

In contrast, low-fat regimens such as the South Beach and Ornish diets lowered cholesterol and appeared to benefit artery function, they said.

"

Boiled Peanuts Whip Other Peanuts

From WebMD:
Boiled Peanuts Whip Other Peanuts:

"Boiled peanuts may be the cream of the crop, besting raw peanuts or roasted peanuts in terms of nutrition. That news comes from food scientists in Alabama, who ought to know about boiled peanuts, which are a Southern snack. The researchers -- who included graduate student Yvonne Chukwumah and Lloyd Walker, PhD, of Alabama A&M University -- bought peanuts at a grocery store. Their shopping list included raw Virginia peanuts in the shell, raw peanut kernels, and commercially boiled peanuts."

Boiled peanuts are also great tasting!

10 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

10 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds: "This Halloween, don't forget to save those pumpkin seeds"

Thanks to SportsGeezer for this link.

BBC NEWS | Health | 'Clear smoking link' to cot death

BBC NEWS Health 'Clear smoking link' to cot death:

" The risk increased if the baby was exposed once born Almost nine out of ten
mothers who lose a baby to cot death smoked while pregnant, say researchers. The
Bristol University team said the risk also increased with every hour babies were
exposed to passive smoke after birth. The risk increased if the baby was exposed
once born Almost nine out of ten mothers who lose a baby to cot death smoked
while pregnant, say researchers. The Bristol University team said the risk also
increased with every hour babies were exposed to passive smoke after birth. "

Home Spray Cleaners Could Raise Asthma Risk

Home Spray Cleaners Could Raise Asthma Risk: "

Using household cleaning sprays and spray air fresheners just once a week can increase your risk of developing asthma, new research suggests. Whether or not the cleaning products are a direct cause of asthma, or simply a trigger for people who already have the disease, isn't clear from this epidemiological study."

ScienceDaily: Potatoes Chock Full Of Phytochemicals

ScienceDaily: Potatoes Chock Full Of Phytochemicals: "

Using a new analytical method, ARS plant geneticist Roy Navarre and colleagues in Washington State and Oregon have identified 60 different kinds of phytochemicals and vitamins in the skins and flesh of 100 wild and commercially grown potatoes. The team's analysis of Red and Norkotah potatoes, for example, revealed that the spuds' total dietary-phenolics content rivaled that of broccoli, spinach and brussel sprouts. These phenols included the flavonoids subgroup, which may play a role in helping diminish cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems and certain cancers, notes Navarre, at the ARS Vegetable and Forage Crops Research Unit in Prosser, Wash."

ScienceDaily: Red Wine And Grape Juice Help Defend Against Food-borne Diseases, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily: Red Wine And Grape Juice Help Defend Against Food-borne Diseases, Study Suggests:

"Researchers Azlin Mustapha, associate professor of food science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Atreyee Das, a doctoral student in the food science program, are conducting on-going studies examining the inhibitory effects of numerous types of red wines, as well as grape juice, against pathogens and probiotic bacteria, which naturally reside in the intestinal tract and can be beneficial in combating, among other things, high cholesterol and tumors. They found that red wines – Cabernet, Zinfandel and Merlot in particular – have anti-microbial properties that defend against food-borne pathogens and don’t harm naturally useful bacteria like probiotic bacteria."

CTV.ca | Too much sleep as harmful as not enough: study

CTV.ca | Too much sleep as harmful as not enough: study:

"Lack of sleep can more than double the risk of death from heart disease, according to a large British study, among the first to link duration of sleep and mortality. But too much sleep can also be harmful, according to the study, which was released on Monday."

Sun basking to add years to life-Health/Science-The Times of India

Sun basking to add years to life-Health/Science-The Times of India:

"In an intriguing new study, a team of European researchers have found that intake of Vitamin D supplement every day could make you live longer. The conclusion, published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine on Tuesday, was reached after studying the impact of Vitamin D on 57,000 people. Till now, Vitamin D was known to be good for bones and teeth."

Wow!

Citrus sodas' caffeine content tops cola - Yahoo! News

Citrus sodas' caffeine content tops cola - Yahoo! News:

"I don't really take a stand on whether caffeine is good or bad, but I do think the consumer has a right to know what they're getting,' said Leonard Bell, one of two food researchers who conducted the study at Auburn University."

Well said.

Doctor warns consumers of popcorn fumes - Yahoo! News

Doctor warns consumers of popcorn fumes - Yahoo! News:

"A pulmonary specialist at Denver's National Jewish Medical and Research Center has written to federal agencies to say doctors there believe they have the first case of a consumer who developed lung disease from the fumes of microwaving popcorn several times a day for years."

Zero trans fat doesn't always mean zero - Yahoo! News

Zero trans fat doesn't always mean zero - Yahoo! News:

"Federal regulations allow food labels to say there's zero grams of trans fat as long as there's less than half a gram per serving. And many packages contain more than what's considered one serving. 'The problem is that often people eat a lot more than one serving,' said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Harvard School of Public Health."

I stand by my advice: if it says hydrogenated anything, avoid it :) (Sorry manufacturers!)

Whole grains may lower odds of high blood pressure - Yahoo! News

Whole grains may lower odds of high blood pressure - Yahoo! News: "

Women who consumed the most whole grains had an 11-percent lower risk of high blood pressure than those with the lowest intakes. But the findings add to evidence of the cardiovascular benefits of whole grains such as oatmeal, bran and brown rice."

Household chemicals may be causing cat disease | Reuters

Household chemicals may be causing cat disease | Reuters:

"Although hyperthyroidism was a relatively rare disease 35 years ago, it has become a leading cause of death among U.S. pet cats. Symptoms include weight loss despite increased appetite, hair loss and irritability. Dye, a veterinarian, tied a spike in this disease to the introduction of PBDEs into homes as a flame retardant about 30 years ago. 'The increased use of these chemicals tracked the increased recognition of this syndrome in kitties,' Dye said. She believes dust from the chemicals may be ingested by cats as they groom themselves."

In case anyone needs a reason not to get new furniture.

Parents Are Warned on Cold Medicines - New York Times

Parents Are Warned on Cold Medicines - New York Times:

"...the Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory Wednesday warning parents never to give cough and cold medicines to children under the age of 2 unless instructed to do so by a doctor. The warning is part of a broad reassessment by the agency of the safety of the popular medicines, which have been blamed for hundreds of adverse reactions and a handful of deaths in children under the age of 2."

BBC NEWS | Health | Craving for junk food 'inherited'

BBC NEWS | Health | Craving for junk food 'inherited':

"Mothers who eat junk food during pregnancy may be condemning their children to crave the same diet, according to animal tests. Royal Veterinary College researchers found that when pregnant rats were fed a diet of biscuits, crisps and sweets, their babies ate more unhealthy food."

Red meat diet linked to colon cancer recurrence - Yahoo! News

Red meat diet linked to colon cancer recurrence - Yahoo! News:

"Colon cancer survivors with diets heavy in red meat and fatty foods are more than three times as likely to suffer a recurrence of their disease or die from it than those who avoid such foods, a study found."

and later:

"This study, published on Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was the first to show how diet affects whether colon cancer returns in people previously treated for it, the researchers said."

"Healthy" fast foods not easier on the heart - Yahoo! News

"Healthy" fast foods not easier on the heart - Yahoo! News:

"So-called 'healthy' fast-food alternatives to the classic burger, fries, and soft drink, appear to have similar effects on the cardiovascular system, new research suggests...."

"...Dr. Tanja K. Rudolph....and colleagues measured the initial endothelial function and other markers of cardiovascular disease in 24 healthy volunteers (average age of 32 years) ...The 14 women and 10 men then ate one of three readily available fast food meals during one week, a different meal the second week and the remaining meal the third week."

While not a professional in anyway, if I were a reviewer I would ask for more than 24 data points (although the fact that it is the same person 3 times does help). With that small of sample, standard errors likely dwarf the differences that would be visible from a single meal (a study that looked at the cumulative effects might be more interesting, albeit more difficult.

The perils of a pot belly | the Daily Mail

The perils of a pot belly | the Daily Mail:

"Many experts now want waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, which indicates levels of abdominal fat, adopted as a more accurate guide than body mass index, which relates weight to height. Fat packed around the organs in the abdomen is more dangerous than fat on the hips because it's 'metabolically active', releasing more of the acids that raise heart disease risk."

Antioxidants Don't Appear To Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Events Among High Risk Women

Antioxidants Don't Appear To Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Events Among High Risk Women:

"Nancy R. Cook, Sc.D., of Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and team wrote that 'Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and limit the damage they can cause. Diets high in fruit and vegetable intake, and thus rich in such antioxidants, have been associated with reduced rates of coronary heart disease and stroke...."

BUT

"They detected no additional side effects among the women who took the active pills compared to those on a placebo, except for a slightly raised risk of stomach upset among the active beta carotene takers. The writers concluded "Overall, we found no benefit on the primary combined end point for any of the antioxidant agents tested, alone or in combination. We also found no evidence for harm"

Study: Early diet advice for kids sticks - Yahoo! News

Study: Early diet advice for kids sticks - Yahoo! News:

"The study of children in Finland found that those who were taught to focus on
healthy fats — those found in fish, nuts, seeds and oils from plants — had
slightly lower cholesterol levels compared to those who ate an unrestricted
diet. The researchers have been following the 1,062 children since the age of 7
months. "

WHFoods: Can you tell me more about chlorophyll, including what foods it can be found in and the effect that cooking has upon it?

WHFoods: Can you tell me more about chlorophyll, including what foods it can be found in and the effect that cooking has upon it?:

"Research on the health benefits of chlorophyll has focused on the area of cancer (including treatment and prevention). This research got underway when damage to genes (or more precisely, to the genes' DNA) by carcinogenic substances called aflatoxins (or more precisely aflatoxin B1, or AFB1), was found to be prevented by chlorophyllin. Chlorophyllin is a derivative of chlorophyll in which the magnesium in its center is removed (usually by placing it in an acid bath in a science lab) and replaced with copper.

Research studies in humans have found that damage to DNA by aflatoxin can be decreased as much as 55% through supplementation with chlorophyllin at 100 milligrams, three times a day, for four months. This amount of chlorophyllin, 300 milligrams per day, is the same amount of chlorophyll found in one weighted ounce of spinach (a little over 1/2 cup of chopped raw spinach). Although research is still in the early stage, prevention and treatment of liver cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer are all being investigated in relationship to intake of chlorophyll-containing vegetables and supplementation with chlorophyllin.

Interesting. Maybe chlorophyll is more important than most had thought. Stay tuned.

Caffeine Protects Thinking And Memory In Older Women

Caffeine Protects Thinking And Memory In Older Women:

"New research by scientists in France and Portugal suggests that drinking caffeine may help protect thinking and memory skills in older women.

The study is published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

Study author Dr Karen Ritchie, of INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, in Montpellier, France, said:

'Caffeine is a psychostimulant which appears to reduce cognitive decline in women.'"

Marginal Revolution: Twinkie, Deconstructed

Marginal Revolution: Twinkie, Deconstructed:

Yeah I know twinkies get a bad rap, but sort of deserved too! From a very cool econ blog the Marginal Revolution.

Caffeine And Exercise May Prevent Skin Cancer

Caffeine And Exercise May Prevent Skin Cancer: "

A new US study based on laboratory mice suggests that drinking low to moderate amounts of caffeine and exercising regularly protects the skin from damaging ultraviolet rays known to cause skin cancer. The caffeine and exercise appear to work together to kill off precancerous skin cells whose DNA has been damaged by ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The discovery is yet to be tested in humans."

Which is consistent with finding of tea and skin cancer as well.

1 Daily Soda May Boost Heart Disease

1 Daily Soda May Boost Heart Disease:

"Drinking just one soft drink a day -- whether diet or regular -- may boost your risk of getting heart disease, a new study shows.

That is because a soda habit increases the risk of developing a condition called metabolic syndrome, according to the new research, and that in turn boosts the chance of getting both heart disease and diabetes."

I am a bit skeptical. Sure pop (soda) is not good for you, but I guess I would like to see more research on it before I say more.

Top Heart-Healthy Foods: Best Foods for Cardiovascular Health

Top Heart-Healthy Foods: Best Foods for Cardiovascular Health:

"'There really is an abundance of fruits and vegetables in many colors, shapes, sizes that are good for your heart,' says Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, a dietitian with the Preventive Cardiology Center at The Cleveland Clinic. 'You can definitely reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by eating these foods every day.'

Indeed, fresh produce provide the cornerstone for a heart-healthy diet because they help wipe out free radicals in the bloodstream, protecting blood vessels.

It's what Zumpano calls 'the whole-foods diet. You want everything to be in its natural form, as it comes from the ground, the less processed the better"

Given all the recent studies, maybe we should add "we hope" to this ;)

Key to a long life -- less insulin in the brain - Yahoo! News

Key to a long life -- less insulin in the brain - Yahoo! News:

"Good, old-fashioned diet and exercise might keep you young by reducing the action of insulin in the brain, researchers reported on Thursday."

Very interesting! And it does seem to make good sense...once again the Barry Sears Zone Diet (and really any diet tied to the Glycemic Index) seems to be quite prophetic.

Low-fat, high-produce diet doesn't cut breast cancer return - CNN.com

Over the past year we have seen studies suggest that vitamins do or do not work. That tomatoes may or may not help. That tea is good for you or not. So while not unexpected, I was somewhat disappointed when I read the following:

Low-fat, high-produce diet doesn't cut breast cancer return - CNN.com:

"...study found no benefit from a mega-veggies-and-fruit diet over the U.S.-recommended servings of five fruits and vegetables a day -- more than most Americans get....

The study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.

It sends us back to the drawing board,' said Susan Gapstur of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, who wasn't involved in the new study but co-wrote an accompanying editorial in the journal.

'Should we really have focused on dietary components like fruits, vegetables and fat?' Gapstur asked. 'Or should we be focusing, in addition to diet, on lifestyle factors including physical activity and weight?""

From Time.com:

"Appearing in this week's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the study, called the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Randomized Trial, found that diets very high in fruits and vegetables do not appear to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. This latest paper is one of several recent inquiries into the role of diet in cancer risk. Despite the widely held belief that the right diet can help fight cancer, recent findings have failed to definitely prove that."

It does get frustrating. What do we know? Sometimes it seems like we are not much better than we were centuries ago. I was thinking that when reading the tea study yesterday (specifically does that open up the whole mess of it not only being what you eat/drink, but also when, with what other foods, etc. Talk about a research nightmare!).

Tea research: good,bad, or neutral?

The Washington Post has a well-written piece on tea. It comments on both sides of the issue (namely tea is good for health or tea has no benefits other than great taste).

Sally Squires - Tea -- Plenty of It -- May Do the Body Good - washingtonpost.com:

"Tea has big possibilities,' says Bukowski, who has spent 15 years studying the ancient beverage. 'But we have a long way to go before we can confirm the health benefits....One substance in tea, the tongue-twisting epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG), appears to reduce psoriasis, prostate cancer and colon tumors (at least in animals) and is now an ingredient in a growing number of foods, beverages and dietary supplements. But that's just one of the components of tea that may have health benefits."

On the other hand, once again there is more evidence that mixing milk with your tea may cancel at least some of the health benefits. (This is from FreeMarketNews but he is quoting a story I could not find, so ???).

""In a study published in the European Heart Journal, subjects were given either a pint of black tea or the same amount of hot water. Of those who were given tea, half drank it straight, while the other half had it with milk. The researchers discovered that blood flow to the forearms increased noticeably in those who drank the tea straight, but those who had either hot water or tea with milk saw no such benefit."

FTR, Chai Soy Milk in tea is unreal good, and most likely would not have the same issues with casein.

Tomato study yields confusing results

Tomato study yields confusing results:

"'(The) review found no evidence that tomatoes reduced the risk of lung, colorectal, breast, cervical or endometrial cancer. However, there was very limited evidence for associations between tomato consumption and reduced risk of prostate, ovarian, gastric and pancreatic cancers.'

That's faint praise."

It really has been a bad time of late for vitamins and even vegetables. Hard to say much with certainty, well except that all seems uncertain.

WHFoods: Blueberries

With fresh blueberries in stores this week, it is a great time to remind everyone of the benefits of blueberries.

WHFoods: Blueberries:

"Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. Recently, researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability. Blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals"

CTV.ca | Low fruit intake may cause asthma problems: study

CTV.ca | Low fruit intake may cause asthma problems: study:

"Teenagers who are not eating fruit and fish may be making themselves more susceptible to asthma and other respiratory problems, according to a new study.

The study, published in the July issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), was based on work by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and Health Canada."

NRDC: Too Good To Throw Away - Chapter 1

I have wanted to do this for a while, so will take Live Earth as the excuse to post it today.

NRDC: Too Good To Throw Away - Chapter 1:

"...using recycled materials reduces the need to extract, process, refine, and transport timber, crude petroleum, ores, etc., into virgin-based paper, plastics, glass, and metals, recycling lessens the toxic air emissions, effluents, and solid wastes that these manufacturing processes create. It is virtually beyond dispute that manufacturing products from recyclables instead of from virgin raw materials -- making, for instance, paper out of old newspapers instead of virgin timber -- causes less pollution and imposes fewer burdens on the earth's natural habitat and biodiversity"

Organic food 'better' for heart

BBC NEWS | Health | Organic food 'better' for heart:

"Organic fruit and vegetables may be better for you than conventionally grown crops, US research suggests.

A ten-year study comparing organic tomatoes with standard produce found almost double the level of flavonoids - a type of antioxidant."

Wow! or double wow!

Study: Chocolate reduces blood pressure - Yahoo! News

Study: Chocolate reduces blood pressure - Yahoo! News:

"Here's some good and bad news for chocoholics: Dark chocolate seems to lower blood pressure, but it requires an amount less than two Hershey's Kisses to do it, a small study suggests. The new research from Germany adds to mounting evidence linking dark chocolate with health benefits, but it's the first to suggest that just a tiny amount may suffice."

How we can stop stress from making us obese

How we can stop stress from making us obese: "

“We have known for over a decade that there is a connection between chronic stress and obesity,” saidProfessor Herzog. “We also know that NPY plays a major role in other chronic stress-induced conditions,such as susceptibility to infection. Now we have identified the exact pathway, or chain of molecular events, that links chronic stress with obesity.”

“There is not much we can do about the increased levels of NPY caused by stress, but we can do somethingabout the da mage it causes. If we can interfere before it causes fat to amass, it could have a major impacton cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer (which all have links with obesity).”"

Omega-3s May Help Prevent Blindness, Early Tests In Mice Show Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Curb Unhealthy Blood Vessel Growth In Eye - CBS News

Omega-3s May Help Prevent Blindness, Early Tests In Mice Show Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Curb Unhealthy Blood Vessel Growth In Eye - CBS News: "

WebMD) Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent blindness by thwarting the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

That news appears in the advance online edition of the journal Nature Medicine."

Wow, I did not see this one coming. (sorry I couldn't pass up the pun ;) )

United Press International - Consumer Health Daily - Briefing

United Press International - Consumer Health Daily - Briefing:

"- A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids might improve the prognosis of men who are genetically prone to developing prostate cancer, says a U.S. study.

In mice that were engineered with a genetic defect that caused prostate cancer, a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids beginning at birth reduced tumor growth, slowed disease progression and increased survival, according to the study published online in the Journal of Clinical Investigation."

Look for Omega 3 on many products including SmartBalance Peanut Butter.

globeandmail.com: Vitamin D: Will it fight disease where others have failed?

globeandmail.com: Vitamin D: Will it fight disease where others have failed?:

"In the four-year study of 1,179 postmenopausal women published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that those taking 1,110 IU of vitamin D a day were 60 per cent less likely to get cancer than their peers taking placebos. The women took vitamin D along with calcium.

Earlier studies suggested that the vitamin protects from breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers as well as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. But the recent study is the first randomized, controlled trial - the most reliable form of clinical evidence - to substantiate that vitamin D is an important tool in fighting cancer."

Maybe, but before we jump in too deep, remember that vitamins in general have had very limited success. So???

ScienceDaily: Pesticides Choke Pathway For Nature To Produce Nitrogen For Crops

ScienceDaily: Pesticides Choke Pathway For Nature To Produce Nitrogen For Crops:

"a team of scientists reports that artificial chemicals in pesticides -- through application or exposure to crops through runoff -- disrupt natural nitrogen-fixing communications between crops and soil bacteria. The disruption results in lower yields or significantly delayed growth"

Interesting!! So the more they use, the more they need to stay even.

SportsGeezer: Yoga Boosts Leveling Neurotransmitter

SportsGeezer: Yoga Boosts Leveling Neurotransmitter:

"the L.A. Times tells us that yoga may boost levels of a neurotransmitter associated with regulating depression and anxiety disorders. The paper reports that researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass., used magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging to measure levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, levels in the brains of eight regular yoga practitioners"

SportsGeezer is an awesome site!

China scientists "prove" tea can help fight obesity - Yahoo! News

China scientists "prove" tea can help fight obesity - Yahoo! News:

"Researchers spent five years studying obesity, with the focus on children, the China Daily said.

'They found that the polyphenol compound in tea -- especially Oolong tea -- can help obese people battle the bulge,' the newspaper said. 'Scientists have proved that drinking tea can help people lose weight.'

Guo Xirong, director of the Nanjing Institute for Paediatrics, particularly recommends Oolong tea, the newspaper said."

I have a tough time with the word "prove", but....

Study backs up warnings over second hand smoke - Yahoo! News

Study backs up warnings over second hand smoke - Yahoo! News:

"Even small amounts of secondhand tobacco smoke can damage a child's arteries, researchers reported on Monday, adding to the growing body of evidence on the harmful affects of exposure to smoking"

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressure: study - Yahoo! News

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressure: study - Yahoo! News:

"A diet with liberal servings of fish, nuts and seeds rich in nutrients called omega-3 fatty acids can help lower a person's blood pressure, according to a study released on Monday.

'A large percentage of people between ages 20 and 60 have a rise in blood pressure, and by middle age many have high blood pressure,' said Dr. Jeremiah Stamler, professor emeritus of preventive medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, who worked on the study."

Nutty Perk for Women's Blood Pressure

Nutty Perk for Women's Blood Pressure:

"The study doesn't show why soy nuts were linked to lower blood pressure. But the researchers write that diets that include soy foods 'may be a practical, safe, and inexpensive' way to reduce blood pressure.

Larger studies should be done to confirm the findings, write the researchers, who included Francine Welty, MD, PhD. Welty is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, preventive cardiologist at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Specialized Center of Research in Vascular Injury, Repair, and Remodeling."

Exercise May Boost 'Good' Cholesterol

Exercise May Boost 'Good' Cholesterol:

"Chalk up another health benefit of aerobic exercise -- it may boost HDL ('good') cholesterol levels.

But brief bouts of exercise may not be enough.

It may take at least two hours per week of aerobic exercise such as walking, biking, or swimming -- preferably in sessions lasting for more than half an hour -- to get the HDL benefit."

Flaxseed, ginseng show benefit in cancer treatment - Yahoo! News

Flaxseed, ginseng show benefit in cancer treatment - Yahoo! News:

"Flaxseed slowed the growth of prostate tumors in men, while ginseng helped relieve the fatigue that cancer patients often feel, U.S. researchers reported on Saturday in two of the first scientifically rigorous looks at alternative medicine."

Interesting....Not definite yet, but interesting.

BBC NEWS | Health | Folic acid 'reduces stroke risks'

BBC NEWS | Health | Folic acid 'reduces stroke risks':

"Adding folic acid to their diet can cut a person's stroke risk by a fifth, cumulative evidence suggests."

Finally some good news for vitamins!

Study confirms heart benefits of whole grains - Yahoo! News

Study confirms heart benefits of whole grains - Yahoo! News:

"In a review of seven major studies, the researchers found that higher whole grain intake was consistently linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. On average, adults who ate 2.5 servings of whole grains per day were nearly one-quarter less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than their peers who rarely consumed whole grains."

Study: More households forbid smoking - Yahoo! News

Study: More households forbid smoking - Yahoo! News

: "Smoking is forbidden in nearly three out of four U.S. households, a dramatic increase from the 43 percent of homes that prohibited smoking a decade ago, the federal government reported Thursday."

YEAH!!!

Do Microwave Ovens Kill Bacteria? - New York Times

Do Microwave Ovens Kill Bacteria? - New York Times:

"...microwaves heat food from the outside in, not from the inside out. That can result in those all too familiar cold spots, which act as small pockets where bacteria can thrive. A number of studies have linked this phenomenon to small outbreaks of food poisoning."

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Wow, who knew?

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich:

"Next time you have one you'll reduce your carbon footprint by saving the equivalent of 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over an average animal-based lunch like a hamburger, a tuna sandwich, grilled cheese, or chicken nuggets.

That's about forty percent of what you'd save driving around for the day in a hybrid instead of a standard sedan.

If you were going to have a ham sandwich or a hamburger, you save the equivalent almost 3.5 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions."