Inactivity is a big health threat, perhaps accounting for 2.5 million deaths over the next decade. Labeled as Sedentary Death Syndrome (SeDS), inactivity has health risks beyond obesity. Staying active can downsize your risks of chronic disease. Heart health. Regular aerobic exercise boosts HDL- (good) cholesterol, may slow atherosclerosis, and may help control blood pressure.
Easy kitchen tip? Cut calories when you cook today by barely changing your recipe. Just make a simple substitution or two. If a recipe calls for 1/2 cup sour cream Use 1/2 cup regular plain yogurt 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice Saved in recipe calories (rounded) 140 125 If a
Wonder what size jeans you’ll wear 10 years from now? Even if your weight is healthy today, the way that you eat now may foretell your weight in another decade, notes a Boston University 12-year study of 700 women. Try to predict your future figure. Are you a … □ Heart-Healthy Eater: more nutrient-dense fruits
Are you among the nearly 100 million or so Americans with higher than normal blood cholesterol? If so, a butter like spread made with plant stanol or sterol esters may help bring your LDL- (bad) cholesterol down, without affecting your HDL- (good) cholesterol level. Plant stanol and sterol esters, also found naturally in small amounts
Remember when you ran through the sprinkler on a hot summer day, played Frisbee with a frolicking pet, or ran simply for the joy of it? Bring out your playfulness, and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits. Research shows that most children stay active into their ‘tweens. After that, activity levels decline sharply as
Looking for an easy, low-calorie, yet sweet snack? Grab a handful of grapes now, during peak season. So easy: no preparation—just wash them under cold water. Nutritionally speaking, grapes supply vitamin C, but less than other fruit. Depending on their variety, they have varying amounts of flavonoids: resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanins, and catechins. Found mainly in
Was there a “startling” headline with the “latest” nutrition research? Take heed before accepting it as new advice. Even results from well-devised research aren’t necessarily facts—and may not apply to you. In the past, health professionals had time to interpret study findings and come to scientific consensus before research became public knowledge. Health experts still
Buying fish for dinner? These clues can help you judge its freshness and safety: Fresh fish fillets and steaks: mild scent; firm, moist flesh; translucent appearance; no browning around the edges; if wrapped, tight undamaged packaging Fresh, whole finish: ocean-breeze scent; firm to the touch; stiff ins; tight scales; shiny-“metallic” skin; pink to bright-red gills;
True or false? Since they’re “natural,” herbals are safe and effective. False. Herbal supplements are neither well tested nor well regulated. “Natural” doesn’t mean “effective,” “mild effect,” or “safe” as you may use them. Some herbals may be more harmful than healthful! A lot of unknowns surround herbal supplements and their use. We don’t know
Unopened packaged foods: is what’s inside fresh? Read the label! Many have dates you can read: “Best if used by” date: not a safety date, but when the food is at top quality Pack date: when the food was manufactured, processed, or packaged “Sell by” date: last date a food should be sold so it’s