A new analysis appears to refuel the debate about the nutritional value of organic versus conventional foods, by finding that organic crops and crop-based foods contain up to 69% more of certain antioxidants, are four times less likely to contain pesticide residue, and have significantly lower levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium. Led by Newcastle University in the UK, the international team of experts reports its findings in the British Journal of Nutrition. In what is thought to be the largest study of its kind, the researchers describe how they pooled and analyzed data from 343 studies … [Read more...] about Organic and non-organic foods are compositionally different, says new study
Statin use associated with less physical activity
One of the longest studies of its type has found that use of statins in older men is associated with less physical activity, a significant issue for a population that is already sedentary. The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, raise concerns about a decline in much-needed physical activity among men who take some of the most widely prescribed medications in the world. Almost one-third of older Americans take statins, usually to reduce their cholesterol levels. The research did not identify why men who took statins exercised less -- it just confirmed that they did. Possible … [Read more...] about Statin use associated with less physical activity
Best gift ideas for Mother’s Day
As we approach Mother's Day, there will be a few individuals who are left scrambling the day before or the day of this holiday. Some of the more common items purchased for Mom are gift cards, flowers, cards, jewelry, and clothing. There are some traditions that some families follow such as going out for lunch or dinner, possibly a trip to the movies or something. Every one searches for that perfect gift for the woman who has such an influential role in your development into an adult. I'm sure by now you are saying to yourself, "Just tell me what the best gift is already". Well, that is not … [Read more...] about Best gift ideas for Mother’s Day
Ready for Easter? You might not be ready for all those calories
With Easter quickly approaching, many families will be hustling out to buy their children an Easter basket filled with non-nutritious goodies. Many of the favorites that might end up in the coveted basket can be peeps, chocolate peanut butter eggs, Dove chocolate bunny, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, jelly beans, chocolate marshmallow bunnies, and many others. Even a modest basket like the one pictured can consist of well over 1,000 calories and 250 plus grams of sugar. If your children are like most, they will try to devour the entire basket if they are given the opportunity to. If you consider … [Read more...] about Ready for Easter? You might not be ready for all those calories
Fruit causing you weight gain?
Now that the post New Year's resolutioners have gone back to their normal lifestyle, many individuals are trying to lose a few pounds before summertime rolls around. Most people when trying to lose weight go to some type of extreme diet to achieve their temporary success. They might cut out all carbohydrates or protein sources, they might eat nothing but fruit and smoothies for a few weeks. Whatever the extreme diet that someone chooses, there is ALWAYS one problem, it is not a sustainable lifestyle choice. This means that in the end, they will always gain the weight back because there is no … [Read more...] about Fruit causing you weight gain?
Valentine’s Day Death by Calories?
With less than a week away, many individuals are fretting about what to get their significant other. Most women already have an idea of what they may be getting their other half, while a good portion of the fellas will be waiting til the day before or the day of to pick from the last of the cards and scramble to come up with a last minute gift. The media will have you believe that this is the only day that you need to worry about showing your spouse how much you love and appreciate them, however if you have been in a long term relationship you know that this day should be like EVERY other day … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day Death by Calories?
Desk Exercise – The importance of staying active at work
If you are like many employees, you spend a good deal of your work day sitting at a desk or cubicle. In recent studies, sitting has been compared to the health risks of smoking. Researchers have linked that sitting for long periods of time can cause a variety of health concerns from increased blood pressure, excess body fat, and high cholesterol levels. Too much sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. One recent study compared adults who spent less than two hours a day in front of the TV or other screen-based entertainment with those who … [Read more...] about Desk Exercise – The importance of staying active at work
How to survive the Holiday weight gain?
Tis the season of family gatherings, holiday parties, and usually quite a few additions to the belt buckle. At the end of the Thanksgiving holiday are you saying, "Thanks for giving me an extra 5lbs" ? Or maybe it's after Xmas that you that you take on the role of the jolly ole' fat guy or woman to be correct. This leads to the typical individual who will start with a New Year's resolution to lose the weight gained over the holidays. This resolution usually lasts a month or so and then they revert back to the same habits. Humans are creatures of habit and until you start doing some things that … [Read more...] about How to survive the Holiday weight gain?