Sunday, November 15, 2009

Expert exposes 11 belly busters

Experts say it is impossible to trim belly fat just by doing more sit-ups and eating certain foods, but Diet Detective Charles Stuart Platkin has identified 11 dietary changes that can decrease unwanted pounds around the middle.

Dietary changes suggested by Dr. Platkin range from the obvious, “avoid certain sugar,” to the obscure, “eat tart cherries,” and are a compilation of research studies conducted throughout the world.

Long associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancers belly fat becomes more difficult to trim after the age of 40.

Pamela Peeke, M.D. and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Maryland explains this phenomenon.

“Up until about age 40, estrogen in women controls fat allocation, keeping it away from the abdomen,” Dr. Peeke says, “Once these hormones decline, it becomes easier for excessive calories to be stored deep inside the belly.”

Read 11 tips to trim belly fat by Dr. Charles Platkin

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Sunday, November 8, 2009

Junk food may feed depression

Many factors can lead to increased risk of depression, but a new study suggests those who eat more processed and fatty foods are at greater risk.

The study, published in the November issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, included 3,486 people with an average age of 55.

Researchers found people with the highest intake of ‘whole food’ were less likely to have symptoms of depression and people with a high intake of processed food were more likely to be depressed.

While depression is not only a women’s disease, according to the Epigee Women’s Health Organization, women are more likely to experience symptoms than men and between 8 and 15 percent of menopausal women experience some type of depression.

Experts suggest maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general, including exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, can help stave off depression. But, the study suggests women can further decrease risk of depression by choosing a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit and fish.

Read more


Omega-3s found in fish and more

11 tips for trimming belly fat

Sunday, November 1, 2009

How Sweet It Is

The average American woman consumes more than 3 times the recommended 6 teaspoons of sugar a day, and most women don’t even know it.

Hidden sugars are responsible for a large part of the excess intake, which the American Heart Association says can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“Some sugary foods are pretty obvious. But even a frozen turkey entree can have as much as 7 teaspoons of sugar, and a half-cup of canned baked beans or bottled spaghetti sauce can have 3 teaspoons of sugar,” according to Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietitian whose new book — “Eat Your Way to Happiness” — includes a chapter on sugar smarts.

To combat hidden sugars, limit sodas to one a day, and when shopping, choose whole foods in their most natural state, recommends Lona Sandon, a registered dietician with the American Dietetic Association.

Read more

Raw or Processed: The Great Milk Debate

Cholesterol: Finally Defined and Simply Stated

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Fight flu with food

Health departments around the country are reporting a shortage on the H1N1 vaccine and are recommending the elderly, children under 18 and pregnant women have first access to the vaccine.

This means women between the ages of 40 and 65 will be among the last to receive the vaccine, so it might be smart to look at alternative methods to fight the flu this season.

Medical experts at The Cleveland Clinic say strengthening your immune system can help fight off illness including the flu, whether you are exposed to the H1N1 strain or the regular seasonal flu.

Some ways to boost your immune system include exercising, getting plenty of sleep and eating a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

Nutritionists at the clinic suggest starting off slowly and striving to make healthier choices continuously. Some suggestions for incremental improvements include replacing red meats with healthier seafood options, using only olive oil in cooking and eating more fruits and vegetables.

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Alzheimer’s risk slashed with heart healthy diet

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Diet Right

As women age and their metabolism slows many seek to maintain a healthy weight with the latest fad diet, but experts warn not all diets are created equally.

Some of the most popular diets disregard proper nutrition guidelines, and some are just difficult to follow.

"Diets are just that,” said Stella Volpe, a registered dietitian and research associate with the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, “They are fads that people typically can't stick with.”

Although studies show maintaining a healthy weight can decrease incidents of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says 67% of adults in the United States are overweight.

In an attempt to make sense of the many diet options available, dieticians and weight loss experts weigh in on the 10 most popular diets to see how they stack up practically and nutritionally.


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Scientists explore the Pacific Northwestern diet for secrets to longevity

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Got Veggies?

Typically women reach for calcium supplements or dairy foods to help fight osteoporosis, but proponents of a low-acid diet suggest fruits and vegetables can be more effective in fighting the disease.

A diet high in protein can change the alkaline/acid balance in the blood, which causes the body to eliminate needed minerals including potassium and calcium, experts say.

“The primary virtue of a low-acid diet may be its emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains,” says Joan Salge-Blake, a nutrition professor at Boston University and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Assn. "A plant-based diet is not only good for bones, it's good for a lot of other things too, including lowering the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart disease.”

Some studies suggest following a low-acid diet could reduce the risk of fractures in old age by as much as 30 percent.

Additional research is required, but if proven, the low-acid diet theory could change the way doctors counsel women over 40 years old regarding calcium intake and bone loss due to aging.

Read more...

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