How many steps should you take in a day? The standard answer has been 10,000 steps per day, but even if you’re hitting that mark, you may want to up it a bit. The latest study found that walking 15,000 steps or more each day may be key to maintaining a healthy weight and… Continue Reading
cholesterol
What are Prebiotics?
By David H. Rahm, M.D. Q: I’ve been taking a probiotic for years but lately I’m hearing more about prebiotics. What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? And, should I be taking a prebiotic supplement? Emerging research over the past decade, has given us a greater appreciation for the role that probiotics –… Continue Reading
3 Ways to Heart Health: Beans, Weight Loss & Exercise
Beans, beans, the miracle food, the more you eat, the lower your cholesterol and risk of heart attack? According to recent research, yes! Coupled with a little weight loss and exercise, you can really reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that a… Continue Reading
Top 5 Tips for a Healthy Heart
Think you’re too young to worry about heart disease? Think again! From not smoking to exercising on a regular basis, the habits you develop now have a big impact on your cardiovascular health later in life. Do you also believe that heart disease is not a women’s disease? This is a common misperception. Cardiovascular… Continue Reading
Oats
(Avena sativa) Oats are one of the hardiest cereal grains. Unlike most other crops, this plant is able to withstand poor soil conditions and thrive. The oats we eat today originate from the wild red oat in Asia. Before being consumed as food, oats were used for medicinal purposes and are still used… Continue Reading
Niacin/Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
(Vitamin B3) Niacin is known as vitamin B3 because it was the third of the B-complex of water-soluble vitamins to be discovered. Niacin is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat and as a result, plays a role in energy production. This B-vitamin is involved in DNA repair, is required to synthesize… Continue Reading
2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released
Although somewhat belated, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released late last month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Since 1980, the Guidelines have been updated and issued every 5 years. The 2010 Guidelines don’t represent a significant departure from government recommendations made… Continue Reading
Living a Heart Healthy Lifestyle
To recognize the Go Red Campaign, this month we offer a series of articles to increase your understanding of heart disease. In this article, we offer tips on how to improve your lifestyle to support a vital cardiovascular system. The companion article, Eating a Heart Healthy Diet reviews the foods to eat and supplements to… Continue Reading
Fit College Students Reduce Risk for Chronic Disease
Several metabolic risk factors are already evident in a young college students, according to a new study published in the June issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Both increased body fatness and decreased physical fitness were associated with metabolic risk but gender impacted the effect. Studies estimate that one third of… Continue Reading
Whole Flaxseed, not Oil, Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Flaxseed significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels but did not substantially affect HDL or “good” cholesterol levels or triglycerides, a new study says. The meta-analysis, which combines results from multiple studies, was reported in the August issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A number of foods including… Continue Reading