Daily dose of Vitamin D can help stave off diabetes

A daily dose of vitamin D can be used in the battle against Type 2 diabetes, experts have revealed.

Researchers are carrying out a major clinical trial to confirm whether taking vitamin D can prevent or delay the condition, the Daily Express reported.

They believe that the “sunshine vitamin” may reduce diabetes risk by 25 per cent.

The study led by Professor Philip Raskin, from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, is a four-year trial across America which will track 2,500 people age 30 or older who have pre-diabetes.

They will be given daily doses of vitamin D about five times higher than usually recommended

 

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Learning challenging skills keeps an ageing mind sharp

A new research has shown that learning only certain activities, such as photography, may help elderly improve their cognitive functioning.

These findings reveal that less demanding activities, such as listening to classical music or completing word puzzles, probably won’t bring noticeable benefits to an aging mind.

Lead researcher Denise Park of the University of Texas at Dallas, said that it seems it is not enough just to get out and do something-it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially.

She asserted that when people are inside their comfort zone they may be outside of the enhancement zone.

For their study, Park and colleagues randomly assigned 221 adults, ages 60 to 90, to engage in a particular type of activity for 15 hours a week over the course of three months.

Some participants were assigned to learn a new skill – digital photography, quilting, or both – which required active engagement and tapped working memory, long-term memory and other high-level cognitive processes.

Other participants were instructed to engage in more familiar activities at home, such as listening to classical music and completing word puzzles. And, to account for the possible influence of social contact, some participants were assigned to a social group that included social interactions, field trips, and entertainment.

At the end of three months, Park and colleagues found that the adults who were productively engaged in learning new skills showed improvements in memory compared to those who engaged in social activities or non-demanding mental activities at home.

The study has been published in Psychological Science.

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Obese Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Have Shorter Survival

A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer usually carries with it a poor prognosis, and the news may be even worse for those who are obese: It could mean dying two to three months sooner than pancreatic cancer patients of normal weight, new research shows.

Prior studies have tied obesity to a higher chance of getting pancreatic cancer, but the new study asked whether the disease affects the tumor’s aggressiveness and the patient’s overall survival.

“[The new research] adds to the growing body of evidence that obesity is linked to cancer,” said Dr. Smitha Krishnamurthi, an associate professor of medicine at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

The study was published Oct. 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Krishnamurthi was not involved in the new study, but did write a related journal commentary.

Because it is so often asymptomatic and is detected late, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most deadly tumor types. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 45,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and it will claim over 38,000 lives.

In the new study, a team led by Dr. Brian Wolpin, an assistant professor of medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, collected data on more than 900 patients with pancreatic cancer who took part in either the Nurses’ Health Study or the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. These patients were diagnosed during a 24-year period, the researchers said.

After diagnosis, the patients lived for an average of only five months. Normal-weight patients, however, lived two to three months longer than obese patients, the researchers found.

This association remained strong even after the researchers took into account factors such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, smoking and the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. The study did not, however, prove a cause-and-effect relationship between weight and length of survival.

In addition, obese patients were more likely to have more advanced cancer at the time they were diagnosed compared with normal-weight patients. Overall, the cancer had already showed signs of spreading in 72 percent of obese patients at the time of diagnosis, compared with 59 percent of normal-weight patients.

It also seemed to matter how long the patient had been obese — the association between weight and survival was strongest for the 202 patients who were obese 18 to 20 years before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Krishnamurthi said the reasons for the link aren’t clear. She said the study can’t tell us whether shorter survival in obese patients “was due to biologic changes that can occur in obesity, such as increased inflammation in the body, or whether the obesity caused other conditions that interfered with the treatment of pancreatic cancer.”

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Know the Signs of a Hip Strain

The muscles supporting the hip may become strained from overuse or an injury. You’re more likely than the average person to develop a strained hip if you’ve already had a similar injury, if you don’t warm up before exercise, or if you overdo it and injure your hip.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says warning signs of a hip strain may include:

  • Pain in the hip area, which is the most common symptom.
  • Pain during use of the hip muscles.
  • Swelling, a symptom of a more severe strain.
  • Weakness in the hip muscle.

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Develop Healthy Habits at Any Age

No matter your age or physical condition, it’s never too late to make healthy lifestyle changes.

The U.S. Government’s Weight-Control Information Network suggests these preliminary steps:

  • Imagine yourself as a healthier person who feels better, looks better and has more energy. Then ask yourself how you can make healthier food choices and get more exercise.
  • Devise a plan to overcome any roadblocks. For instance, squeeze in exercise after dinner or on your lunch break, or create a healthier version of your favorite meal.
  • Participate in fun physical activities, enlist support from loved ones and treat yourself to appropriate rewards.
  • Once you’re in a healthy routine, keep yourself motivated by maintaining a positive attitude, even if you backslide.

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Enjoy the goodness of tomatoes

TOMATOES are widely available, people of all ages and cultures like them, they are cost-effective, and are available in many forms. Tomatoes and tomato products are one of the most familiar vegetables in the many people’s diet. They are heaven on a burger and superstars in a sauce and a plate of rice served in the northern Nigeria is not complete when it is not garnished with slices of tomatoes and onion.

Most people tend to assume that tomato is more for making stews and soups to enjoy a bowl of boiled rice, amala, tuwo or fufu, but these fruits are definitely foods that contain a myriad of health benefits for the body because of its essential nutrients.

One serving of raw tomatoes (about 150 grams) contains vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium. Tomatoes are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Tomatoes also contain thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper as well as natural oxidants such as lycopene. All are needed to support a healthy body.

In addition, a portion of tomato provides two grams of fiber, which is seven per cent of the recommended daily fiber intake. Tomatoes also have relatively high water content.

More than that, there are a few more benefits of tomatoes for health that many individuals need to be aware of and maximize: Here are a few:
Protects from stroke

Researchers in a report published in the journal, Neurology, has linked lycopene levels in the blood to stroke protection. Lycopene is what gives tomatoes its red color. They made this connection after following more than a thousand middle-aged men for 12 years.

Men with the greatest amounts of lycopene in their blood had a 55 per cent lower chance of having any kind of stroke. The lycopene connection was even stronger (59 per cent) when it came to protecting against strokes due to blood clots (the most common type).

The researchers suggested taken lycopene-rich meals, in addition to its ability to attack free radicals, may also reduce inflammation and cholesterol, improve immune function, and prevent blood from clotting. All of these may help reduce ischemic strokes, which are caused by clot-caused blockages in blood flow to the brain.

The health benefits of tomatoes are

1. Beauty Skin
2. Fights cancer
3. Supports healthy hearts
4. Supports good blood pressure control
5. Battles bad cholesterol
6. Boosts bone health
7. Promotes healthier sleep
8. Helps relieve back pain, arthritis

Source: tribune.com

The health benefits of almonds

You may have heard ‘almonds are healthy’ from your parents and eaten them, knowing that they are great sources of vitamins. But do you know the exact health benefits of these tasty nuts?

We enlighten you with a few…

– Did you know, almonds provide you with brain power? They contain many essential nutrients, which can actually help you improve the way you think!

They are great for the skin. If you add almond oil or almond milk to your skincare regime, it will make your skin softer, more supple and flawless. You can also massage almond oil into your skin.

– Almonds contain minerals like potassium, folic acid, protein, mono-saturated fats and vitamin E. Hence eating them can significantly reduce your chances of heart diseases.

– If you are in the habit of consuming cups of coffee and energy drinks to get a boost of energy, try eating almonds instead! Riboflavin, copper and manganese in the nuts will give you stamina.

– Like blueberries and pomegranates, almonds are super foods that can help reduce weight significantly. Drink unsweetened almond milk for faster weight loss.

– Last but not the least; almonds regulate your blood pressure because they are high in potassium and low in sodium. They also help in keeping your cholesterol levels in check.

Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

No more chicken nuggets! 5 healthy alternatives

You probably saw the news last week about what’s really in chicken nuggets.

Researchers at University of Mississippi Medical Center performed what they called an “autopsy” of nuggets from two different national fast food chains and found that chicken meat was not the predominate component–in fact, fat made up an equal or greater portion of the nuggets, in addition to bone, nerve, and connective tissue. Lovely, huh? If you’re grossed out enough to say sayonara to fast food all together (virtual high five!), I have several still quick, but much healthier alternatives.

Supermarket smorgasbord

Grocery stores are generally in the same vicinity as fast food joints. So rather than pulling into a drive-through, pop into the supermarket and stroll through the express line. Most chains now have prepared food sections, with ready-to-eat options like chilled vegetable salads and grilled salmon. Other healthy items that don’t require prep include baby carrots and hummus, mini bananas, and nuts.

Fast casual

The concept of fast casual is ‘fresh food fast,’ and establishments that fit the bill, including Chipotle, Panera Bread, and Pei Wei are popping up all over. Many of these restaurants serve up freshly prepared dishes, made-in-house, with ingredient lists that read like a recipe from a healthy cookbook. For example, the chicken at Chipotle is made from hormone and antibiotic free chicken, water, chipotle chili, rice bran oil, cumin, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt. (Note: according to the web site, some cities use soybean oil.) To be sure of what you’re getting, hop online, check out the nutrition facts, and always read ingredient lists. One of my favorite go-tos is a Chipotle salad, made with Romaine lettuce, fajita veggies, black beans, mild salsa, and guacamole. Super satisfying, and about as quick and clean as it gets.

Pack a meal

If you tend to be stuck with lesser-of-various-evil options, invest in an insulated lunch sack, and toss in a meal you can whip up in a jiffy. For example, in a sealable container, combine a few handfuls of veggies, like grape tomatoes, chopped red onion, baby spinach leaves, and sliced mushrooms, and a small scoop each of quinoa and chickpeas. Sprinkle with Italian herb seasoning, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, close the lid, give it a shake, and toss it in the bag. Easy peasy.

Whipped up options

Smoothies aren’t just for breakfast. Whipping one up and taking it with you can be a great way to sidestep processed alternatives. For the best nutritional balance, and to stay full and satisfied, include a combination of good carbs, lean protein, and healthy fat. Reach for: frozen fruit and a handful of leafy greens; organic skim milk or almond milk and a plant-based protein powder like pea protein; a dollop of almond butter; and a small scoop of old fashioned rolled oats. To add flavor, aroma, and an extra dose of antioxidants, season your smoothie with spices, like cinnamon or ginger. For convenience, make a few smoothies at a time, stock them in the freezer, then transfer to the fridge to thaw a bit before you head out the door.

Make ahead re-heats

Many of my clients have time to cook on weekends, but not so much during the week. To resist the temptation to grab fast food or order take-out Monday through Friday, I recommend making “homemade frozen dinners” that can be re-heated when needed, from soup or chili to stuffed peppers. Simple stews are another great option. For a single serving, sauté a few cups of veggies in a saucepan, in a little extra virgin olive oil, along with minced garlic and herbs. Add low sodium organic vegetable broth, bring to a quick boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add a small scoop of a healthy starch, like wild rice or cubed baked sweet potato, and a cooked lean protein, such as lentils, cubed chicken breast, or extra lean ground turkey. Ladle into a BPA free freezable container, and your future meal will be ready in minutes.

Source: http://www.airingnews.com

Halloween candy: Is it worth it?

Before you reach for another piece, consider how much exercise it will take to burn off those calories.

Starbursts

8 pieces = 160 calories

They may be flavored with real fruit juice, but these chewy candies are mostly just corn syrup and hydrogenated oils—AKA sugar and fat. Because of that, one or two pieces isn’t likely to satisfy your hunger. Since each Starburst square is 20 calories, to burn off a recommended serving of eight pieces, you’d have to do about 50 minutes of Pilates.

York Peppermint Patties

3 miniatures = 150 calories
They may be a low-fat food, as their package claims, but each miniature Peppermint Pattie still contains about 50 calories.

“The dark chocolate on the outside isn’t so bad, but that creamy filling is all sugar,” said Karen Congro, R.D., C.D.N., director of the Wellness for Life Program at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. “It’s easy to overdo it when you think it’s a healthier choice.”

To burn off a serving size of three pieces, you’d need to do about 17 minutes of biking at a moderate (12 to 14 mph) pace.

Brach’s Candy Corn

19 pieces = 140 calories
For every kernel of this addictive Halloween treat you pop, think about tacking on an additional minute to your tennis game. That means 19 extra minutes of play to burn off the suggested serving size of 19 pieces. Of course, that’s not even taking into consideration the fact that the body won’t burn 140 calories of pure sugar as effectively as it would a balanced 140 calories of protein and fats, says Congro.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins

2 cups = 350 calories
The seasonal, Jack-o-lantern-shaped version of this PB and chocolate staple is larger (and more caloric) than the plain old circles sold year-round—350 calories in a “King Size” pack of two, versus just 210 for one. Eat them both and you’ll need to run about 33 minutes at a 10-minutes-per-mile pace to cancel them out.

“Candies with nuts or peanut butter have more protein, so they may satisfy you a bit more—but they’ll also have more fat and still plenty of sugar, so you shouldn’t really think of them as healthy options,” said New York-based dietitian Rachel Meltzer Warren, R.D.N, author of, “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian.”

Caramel Apples

1 apple = about 250 to 350 calories
It depends how thick you pour on the caramel coating and whether it’s dipped in extras like nuts or sprinkles, Congro said, but most caramel apples will run you about 300 calories or more. (An apple itself is about 100, but the real damage comes from the sugary extras.)

To burn it off, you’re looking at about 40 minutes of moderate effort—no breaks!—on the rowing machine at the gym. Try not to think of caramel apples as one of your daily servings of produce, Meltzer Warren said; just enjoy them for the sweet treat that they are, and get your eight-a-day elsewhere.

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate

3 Snack Size bars = 190 calories
The iconic candy bar is sold in a smaller “snack size” great for trick-or-treaters, but that won’t necessarily stop you from eating more than one. Perhaps that’s why the suggested serving size is three bars, or 190 calories—a snack that will take about 59 minutes of light to moderate weight lifting to burn off.

If your Halloween spoils include larger chocolate bars (or lots and lots of miniature ones), avoid overindulging by helping yourself to a small portion—and then putting the rest out of reach.

“Instead of leaving the candy where you can mindlessly munch all day, move it to an area where you actually have to get up and make an effort to serve yourself,” Meltzer Warren said. “You’ll eat less, and enjoy the candy you do eat more.”

Smarties

1 roll = 25 calories
They seem so small and harmless—and sure, an entire roll of Smarties is only 25 calories. But they’re little more than pure sugar (6 grams, or a sugar cube and a half each), and it’s easy to eat several packs without batting an eyelash. Just keep in mind the crash that’s sure to follow your fleeting energy high—or the fact that for each roll, you’d have to tread water for six minutes to burn off those calories.

Snickers

2 Fun Size bars = 160 calories
Gooey caramel and peanuts make Snickers one of the most caloric candy bars, ounce for ounce. Two Fun Size bars—somewhere between miniature and full-size—will run you 160 calories, or 22 minutes of vigorous Vinyasa yoga. Even though 160 calories is about right for a between-meal snack, candy shouldn’t be your go-to.

 

“Eating right is about so much more than calories; it’s about getting the right vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help your body thrive,” Meltzer Warren said. “It’s okay to have a treat once in a while, but you don’t want to miss out on too many opportunities to nourish your body by choosing candy over whole foods like fruits and nuts.”

Tootsie Rolls

6 pieces = 140 calories
Each tiny Tootsie Roll (they’re called “midgees”) is about 23 calories—that goes for both the chocolate and fruit flavors. It may only take a seconds to devour the recommended serving size of six pieces, but you’ll need 40 minutes of moderate walking (at 3 miles per hour, or a 20-minutes-per-mile pace) to burn them off.

 

Skittles

1 package (61 g) = 250 calories
What will it really cost you to “taste the rainbow”? If you eat an entire pack of Skittles, about 27 minutes of step aerobics using a 6- to 8-inch step. (Each individual candy contains about 4 calories, but who stops at just one?) A much better way to snack on a wide variety of colors is to stick mainly to whole fruits like berries, grapes, cut up melon and even raisins, Congro said, and enjoy the fruit-flavored stuff as an occasional treat.

Source: ivillage.ca

 

10 surprising home remedies you already own

When minor medical issues crop up (nosebleeds, insect stings, dandruff!), chances are your medicine cabinet already contains some effective—and surprising—fixes for what ails you. Here are 10 common household items that do double duty, saving you a trip to the pharmacy—and cash in the process!

1. Antacid tablet

It’s for: Heartburn

The effervescent type with sodium bicarbonate helps neutralize the acid that causes painful heartburn symptoms.

But try: Soothing insect bites

“Antacid formulations such as Alka-Seltzer contain aspirin, an anesthetic that can help ease the sting and itch of insect bites,” says Dr. Howard Sobel, a clinical attending physician in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

He recommends making a paste with a crushed antacid tablet, a pinch of oatmeal (also a skin soother), and water and applying it to the skin. Results are immediate—and this DIY formula has a healing bonus that other anti-itch salves lack. “Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, which can be drying to the skin,” Sobel explains. “Effervescent antacid tablets provide quicker relief from pain and itching—without the dehydrating side effects.”

2. Mouthwash

It’s for: Freshening breath

“Both types of mouthwash—with and without alcohol—contain antimicrobial properties that reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth,” explains Edgard El Chaar, a clinical associate professor of periodontology and implant dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry.

But try: Preventing athlete’s foot

If you’ve switched to an alcohol-free version (such as Tom’s of Maine or ACT Fluoride), don’t throw away the old bottle: Use the alcohol mouthwash to keep your feet and toenails pristine. To prevent athlete’s foot, soak a cotton ball with the liquid and swab the bottoms of your feet and between toes after every shower. According to Sobel, the high alcohol content of traditional mouthwash helps ward off fungal infections.

3. Baking soda

It’s for: Tooth whitening

Many dentists recommend baking soda to help remove superficial stains from enamel, making teeth appear whiter. It also prevents bad breath and gets rid of plaque embedded in the area between the teeth and gums.

But try: Calming irritated skin

Used topically, baking soda takes the sting out of sunburn and minimizes the itch and discomfort caused by a variety of skin conditions (including eczema, prickly heat, and poison ivy). “Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkaline compound that can help neutralize the pH balance of your skin,” says Dr. Linda K. Franks, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University. “This ‘buffering effect’ may help quell the inflammation that occurs at the skin’s surface, easing your soreness.”

To get relief, place a cup of baking soda under a running bath tap so it dissolves completely, and then soak in the water for about 30 minutes.

4. Nasal spray

It’s for: Easing congestion

The decongestants in it shrink blood vessels and swollen mucous membranes in your nose, making it easier for you to breathe.

But try: Stopping nosebleeds

Most nosebleeds can be stopped by simply pinching the nose for 10 to 20 minutes, but if yours persists, nasal spray may do the trick. According to Amy Sutton Peak, director of Drug Information Services at Butler University, about two-thirds of people who visit an emergency room for a persistent nosebleed are successfully treated with oxymetazoline, the decongestant found in common drugstore nasal sprays such as Afrin and Mucinex.

To stop the bleeding, she recommends tilting your head forward and clearing your nose by blowing out any clots (this may increase bleeding for a few seconds). Next, inhale through your nose while spraying oxymetazoline into the affected nostril(s), and then pinch the soft part of your nose closed. Maintain pressure for 10 full minutes. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped, continue pinching for another 10 minutes. If none of these measures works, see a health care provider for further treatment.

5. Witch hazel

It’s for: Treating acne

This plant extract helps fight acne by drying out excess oil in the skin. Because it contains alcohol, witch hazel can help kill the bacteria that cause infection and lead to breakouts.

But try: Shrinking hemorrhoids

“Witch hazel is a natural astringent,” says Sobel. “It works to contract the skin and surrounding blood vessels back to normal size.” That’s why it is a primary ingredient in many OTC hemorrhoid wipes and medicated pads, such as Tucks and Preparation H. “Alone, witch hazel may dry out delicate tissue, so also apply a cream, such as Vaseline or A+D original ointment, to moisturize the area,” says Sobel.

6. Aloe vera

It’s for: Soothing burns

Topical application of aloe gel can speed the healing of first- and second-degree burns.

But try: Eliminating canker sores

“Aloe vera contains vitamins as well as amino acids that help repair damaged tissues,” says Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. “Several compounds found in aloe vera work together to decrease or prevent inflammation and control pain.” A research review found that canker sore sufferers who applied aloe vera gel healed about 50 percent faster than those who didn’t.

7. Tea tree oil

It’s for: Treating skin infections

Well-known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is often applied topically for acne and athlete’s foot.

But try: Getting rid of dandruff

People who used a shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil reduced their dandruff 41 percent and significantly improved the itchiness and greasiness of their scalp, according to a study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. “You can safely add a small amount of tea tree oil to your own shampoo to get a similar effect,” says Sobel. “Just use sparingly, no more than a few teaspoons per bottle, to prevent overdrying of your scalp.”

8. Yogurt

You eat it for: Digestive health

The probiotic bacteria it contains help foster healthy digestion and keep you regular.

But try: Preventing gum disease

Adults who consume 55 grams of yogurt per day have significantly fewer markers of periodontal disease than those who don’t include this food in their diets, according to scientists at Kyushu University in Japan. That’s because the lactic acid in yogurt helps protect their gums from the harmful bacteria that cause this chronic condition.

9. Extra virgin olive oil

You eat it for: Lower cholesterol

Subbing it for butter keeps your cholesterol (and belly fat) in check.

But try: Boosting your vision

Studies show that the omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil help prevent age-related macular degeneration. People who ate the most olive oil (at least 100 mL, or nearly 7 tablespoons, per week) were about half as likely to develop late AMD as those who consumed less than 1 ml per week, according to researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia.

10. Dark chocolate

You eat it for: Heart health

A few ounces weekly reduces risk of cardiovascular disease (and satisfies a sweet tooth).

But try: Protecting skin from sun damage

Dark chocolate may help protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, finds a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Researchers say minimally processed versions of the sweet treat are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that could prevent wrinkles and cut the risk of skin cancer caused by exposure to sunlight.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com