ONE FATTY MEAL MAY NOT KILL YOU, BUT
A study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress found that a single splurge on high saturated fat foods significantly restricted blood flow in the arteries for up to four hours afterward. Over time, repeating this effect can influence heart-disease risk, says study coauthor. But healthy fats like those found in olive oil, salmon, and nuts had no such effect.
HEALTH TIP
BPA (bisphenol-A) the chemical which mimics estrogen and contributes to Low T in men and hormone disruption in women is now showing up in recycled paper products like toilet paper and paper towels due to heavy concentrations found in newspaper, cash register receipts, and other recycled printed materials. Support efforts to remove BPA from these sources to minimize hormone disruption, and avoid BPA (plastics, cans) whenever possible.
FOR CARB LOVERS BREW THIS
A study in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research says that green tea could help blunt the ill effects starchy foods have on blood sugar. The study found that mice had about half the usual increase in blood glucose when their starchy food was spiked with green-tea compound. The reason: The compound, known as EGCG, seems to slow the digestion of starches, says study author. The reap similar benefits, drink a cup and a half of green tea when you eat starchy foods.
YOLK IT UP
According to a Time magazine report, eating eggs, especially the yolks, could raise help raise levels of HDL or good cholesterol. HDL is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Yolks contain a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats, along with vitamin E, and are rich in nutrients that can help eye health and protect against inflammation.
BEST WAY TO GET IN FIT: COMPETITION
A recent study reveals that a little friendly competition could be the answer to getting fit. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a key strategy to keep people active is competition. That beat out support groups or motivation through social media.
ENERGY DRINKS AND LIVER FAILURE
Doctor’s say, energy drinks could be just as bad for your liver as too much alcohol. Heavy drinkers have developed severe hepatitis. Energy drinks are high in vitamin B3, which is toxic to the liver.
GRAPEFRUIT + MEDS = TROUBLE
According to a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, a group of chemicals in grapefruit – called furanocoumarins – can prevent certain medications from being broken down in the body. Too much can increase the potency of some drugs by 330% and may cause acute kidney failure, cardiac arrest, or even sudden death. Currently, 85 meds are known to interact badly with as little as seven ounces of juice or one grapefruit a day – including some that treat cancer, infections, and cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if this citrus is off-limits.
MUSIC CAN MAKE THE WORKOUT EASIER
Canadian researchers say music can make the hardest workout easier. The studied followed 2 groups young, fit people doing high intensity interval training, one group listened to music and the other did not. The music group like the workout more and also more likely to continue doing it.
CANOLA OIL TRIMS BELLY FAT
Recent research shows that pouring on the canola oil may help you lose fat. Researchers tested 5 different vegetable oils in people with extra belly fat and found that canola oil helped them lose fat after just one month.
TRAINING TIP
Standing upper-body exercises activate your core, tone multiple muscle groups, and increase functional strength, which helps with everything from opening a heavy door to swinging a golf club.
GLUTES BLAMED FOR RUNNER’S KNEE
A report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine blames your glutes as the likely culprit if you have runner’s knee. Researchers found that in people with knee pain, butt muscles didn’t fire properly while running or walking up and down stairs, which may place greater stress on the knee.
HEALTH TIP
Replace starchy carbohydrates and sugar with healthy fats or lean protein to reduce insulin response and sugar cravings. Also, consider consuming Dandelion Tea 2 or 3 times per day to help moderate hypoglycemia and reduce sugar cravings while transitioning to a reduced carbohydrate diet.
VERBAL SUPPORT
According to several studies, having a supportive training buddy or class instructor can increase your workout’s effectiveness. Receiving verbal praise can actually help you perform exercises even better next time. It seems to activate the same reward circuits in the brain as major incentives (like cash) and to help solidify your muscle memory for that particular skill, says researchers.
DID YOU KNOW
As a person ages, the diameter of each hair on the head shrinks. Hair is thickest in the early 20s, but by age 70, it can be as fine as a baby’s. Aging also causes hair to grow where it is not wanted, such as in the nose and ears, and to fall out where it is desired.
FITNESS SALVATION 