Did You Know? Important Health Info for the Healthy Lifestyle ConsciousDID YOU KNOW THAT: (241) eating a handful of nuts (approximately 1-1/2 ounces) on a daily basis can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes according to scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)?
(242) the temperature inside your refrigerator should not top 40 degrees fahrenheit? (This is according to Tennessee State University researchers. Cold temperatures prevent bacteria from growing. And it is bacteria that causes food to spoil. The researchers suggest placing and keeping a thermometer inside your refrigerator. This is necessary because the 'coldness' dial is inadequate for this purpose. The temperature should be checked on a daily basis. The coldest area in the refrigerator is the top shelf. This where perishables such as dairy should be kept.) (243) one out of 4 of the estimated 45,000 items the average American supermarket stocks contain corn-mostly in the form of high fructose corn syrup? (244) low levels of vitamin D significantly increases a teenager's risk of developing heart disease and diabetes? (Twenty-five percent of the more than 3,500 teens studied with the lowest vitamin D levels had: (245) that March is national nutrition month? (246) that the fiber in papaya can attach cancer-causing toxins to it thus preventing them from binding to colon cells? (247) the reason your hair grays and whitens is because of a large buildup of hydrogen peroxide caused by stress on hair follicles? (Your hair's pigment is the result of the synthesis of melanin which is blocked by hydrogen peroxide; all hair cells contain hydrogen peroxide, but the amount increases as you age.) (248) according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), over a third of the common cancers affecting adults could be prevented? (By eating a nutrient dense diet, keeping body fat under control, and exercising daily, the following cancers can be prevented: (249) the pectin in fresh raw apples deceives the body into believing that it is actually getting a dose of nicotane? (Great for people who are attempting to stop smoking!) (250) the ability of the body to produce enzymes diminishes to the point where 1/3 is lost by the age of 40? (enzymes are proteins--catalysts that speed up and facilitate reactions in the body.) (251) nature has provided us with a fool-proof mechanism against the dangers of mercury? (Specific sequences of the genetic code allows most people to eject the metal in 30 to 40 days. However, a minority carries a genetic mutation that causes the body's cells to hold onto the metal longer-sometimes up to 190 days. The longer retention rate increases the risk of cellular damage.) (252) the redder your blood, the more oxygen it carries? ("All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen - a rule without exception," Dr. Otto Warburg. Healthy cells require oxygen. If a cell is deprived of 60 percent of its oxygen, it becomes a cancer cell.) (253) quinoa, buckwheat, hempseed, soybeans (which should only be eaten fermented), and blue green algae (spirulina, chlorella and others) contain all nine essential amino acids, and are therefore complete proteins? (These are the only vegetarian sources which offer complete protein, and can be the primary protein in any meal. See...) (254) it has been estimated that 1 out of 4 seniors in their 80s and 1 out of 3 seniors over 90 years old has dementia? (255) 1 out of every 3 diabetics over 50 years old have peripheral artery disease? (256) lamb is almost always grass-fed? (257) the body makes about 2,000 milligrams of cholesterol daily? (a typical American eats around 200 to 400 milligrams daily.) (258) a recent study found that the morbidly obese are sedentary for more than 99 percent of the day? (259) A&W Restaurants was America's first fast food chain? (White Castle (1921) was America's first hamburger fast food chain.) (260) stroke is the number one killer of Americans after cancer and heart disease? (Approximately 780,000 Americans suffer from strokes every year with about 150,000 succumbing to them.) (261) the lifetime risk for American men developing cancer is 1 in 2? (it is 1 in 3 for women.) (262) nearly 1 in 5 American four-year olds is obese? (almost 13 percent Asian children are obese, 16 percent white children are obese, almost 21 percent black children are obese, 22 percent Hispanics are obese, and 31 percent American Indian children are obese.) (263) people who eat their meals fast until they are full are three times as likely to be overweight as those who eat slow? (264) people who drank fruit and vegetable juices more than 3 times a week were 76 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who drank juices less than once a week? (265) the ideal ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria is 85% to 15%? (266) according to a double-blind study performed by researchers at Creighton University and Medical University at South Carolina, vitamin D3 is 300 times more effective than vitamin D2? (267) more people are addicted to smoking than to heroin? (268) contrary to the claims of sports drinks manufacturers, fresh coconut water is one of the greatest source of electrolytes known to man? (In some remote areas of the world, coconut juice is given intravenously to assist in hydrating critically ill people.) (269) untested and potentially dangerous genetically modified ingredients are so prevalent in the United States that you have a 75 percent chance of buying a product that contains them every time you go shopping? (270) although women live longer than men, a study shows that women over 65 suffer two and a half times the disabilities of men the same age? (The study which was featured in the Science Daily included about 6,000 men and women. Women had greater rates of arthritis and obesity which accounted for approximately 48 percent of the gender gap. Results of the study also showed that the women were more likely to experience fractures, vision difficulties, and bronchitis than men. Men on the other hand were likely targets for emphysema, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes and hearing problems.) (271) the Chinese have known for centuries what Main Street America is in the dark about? That mushrooms and green tea (known as super foods) are potent fighters against cancer. (272) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the second leading cause of absenteeism from the workplace after the common cold? (273) colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths for men and women over 50 years of age? (274) of all the cancers that are rising in the United States, the thyroid cancer rate is growing faster than any other - over 6.5 percent a year? (275) sunlight which passes through windows - whether car, home, or office - has its UVB rays filtered out and UVA rays lower your vitamin D levels? (Your body manufactures vitamin D from UVB radiation from the sun.) (276) according to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), American use of high fructose corn syrup increased a staggering 10,673 percent between 1970 and 2005?! (277) nutrition labels first appeared on packaged food 23 years ago, in 1986? (278) one out of every four American adults is deficient in vitamin B-12? (279) due to China's rapid industrialization program, mercury contamination in the Pacific waters is increasing at a phenomenal pace? (Mercury is produced by coal-fired power plants, cement kilns, and certain mining activities. Once air-borne, mercury is carried by the winds and rains upon bodies of water. Methylmercury is created when this mercury is converted by bacteria decomposing algae. Methylmercury is a very dangerous form of mercury. Canned tuna and sushi tuna are very popular in the United States. As a matter of fact, a 2007 survey found that canned tuna was the second most eaten form of seafood with the average American eating almost 3 pounds in that year [See tilapia.]) See how much mercury you can safely eat, and what fish to avoid. (280) if you do not eat a healthy diet you will lack important metals, forcing the body to utilize toxic metals in their place? (Calcium will be replaced by lead. Lead deposits mostly in the bone which can lead to osteopenia or osteoporosis. Zinc is replaced by cadmium, magnesium by aluminum, and manganese by nickel--a carcinogen.) (281) because of its importance and its deficiency in many people, the following are recommended maintenance doses of vitamin D: (282) 2 percent of the American population is underweight? (282) after processing, juices in general keep less than 50 percent of the bioactive compounds found in the fruit (some studies found as little as 20 percent)? (283) one-third of the body's toxins are removed only by sweat ? (284) a slow digestive system is common for women over 40? (A slow digestive system can cause a woman's midsection to appear puffy. This puffiness can be confused for fat instead of bloat which it is.) (285) according to statistics, 7.5 percent of 40 year old women will develop breast cancer over the next 30 years, and that 1 percent of women have BRCA1 and BRCA2, genes which are known to cause breast cancer? (286) women who slept 5 or less hours per night are two times as likely to suffer from hypertension as women who slept 7 hours or more? (287) according to Dr. David Stensel, PhD, of the University of Loughborough in the United Kingdom, running increased the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin and made runners feel less hungry for approximately an hour after running while weight training lessened the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin and slightly reduced hunger? (288) people who undergo weight loss operations such as gastric by-pass or banding double their risk of suffering fractures? (289) a deficiency of essential fats can slow down your metabolism and calorie burning mechanism? (290) 10 to 15 percent of American adults will be diagnosed with a kidney stone sometime in their lifetime? (Largely due to unhealthy lifestyles, kidney stones are on the rise, including children too. Risk factors for kidney stones are: The standard American diet (SAD) is saturated with sugar, especially in the form of high fructose corn syrup. The main culprit is soft drinks. Unfortunately, high sugar diets disturb the mineral relationships by interfering with calcium and magnesium absorption. The over-consumption of soy is also a factor in the rising rates of kidney stones. Many varieties of soybeans contain high levels of oxalate. This does not apply to fermented soybeans. (291) vitamin C helps in fighting infections by making hydrogen peroxide? (Mother's milk has a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide.) (292) cellulite is not fat, but rather connective tissue between fat? (293) chlorine (think of our water supply and swimming pools) displaces iodine? (294) pasteurized milk is the leading allergic food in the United States? (Allergic reactions and symptoms of cow's milk include diarrhea, cramping, gas,osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, recurrent ear infections and colic in babies and children, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, leukemia, and autism.) (295) eating your food slowly could lead to weight loss? (There have been several studies which indicate that by eating slowly will allow fewer calories being ingested. Up to 20 pounds a year could be saved by implementing slow eating without any other change in the diet. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize that it is full. Eating at a fast pace allows more calories to be eaten before the brain realizes that the stomach is full.) (296) the centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service anticipate through mathematical projection that by 2016, health care spending will exceed $4.1 trillion or $12,782 per citizen? (297) Whole Food Market's private label brand "365" does not contain organic ingredients, but many have pesticide residues, GMOs, and carcinogenic synthetic chemicals and additives? (298) anecdotal evidence suggests that obesity is a risk factor for severe illness and even death from the swine flu virus? (299) pregnant women who eat at the very least seven servings of fruit and vegetables a day have a reduced risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection? (Upper respiratory tract infections include colds and sinus infections. Respiratory tract infections can lead to lower respiratory problems such as asthma and pneumonia.) (300) nine out of ten victims of the swine flu at a Michigan hospital were obese? (301) according to consultant pharmacist and author Richard Harkness, colon detoxification products and the practice itself are dangerous? (Colon cleansing methods are based on the theory that fecal matter and toxins accumulate and stick to the wall of the colon. Researchers have discovered that this is not true. Colon cleansing has associated health risks. These risks include dehydration, impaired bowel function, and the interruption of normal protective intestinal flora. Research has found that even some laxatives can worsen heart failure or cause kidney failure. Colonic irrigation or enemas could potentially tear the rectum.) (302) India has the lowest rate of Alzheimer's disease (1 percent of adults over 65) in the world (it is about 10 percent in America)? (The reason seems to be the spice turmeric (with active ingredient curcumin.) Turmeric is used extensively in Indian cuisine.) (303) the hula hoop is great for chiseling your midsection? (The hula hoop was invented in 1957; instead of attempting to move your midsection in a circle, move it from side to side or from front to back. Keep your upper and lower body still, and move only your hips.) (304) not only does yogurt have more calcium than milk, but is easier to digest too? (305) according to a newly released government report, one in seven preschoolers coming from low-income families are obese? (from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the July 24 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.) (306) the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has authorized the natural sweetener stevia to be used in commercially prepared foods and beverages? (The FDA banned stevia from commercially prepared foods in the early '90s.) (307) preliminary research has shown that the mineral magnesium may help to prevent noise induced hearing loss? (308) if you are a man, and live long enough, the risk of you developing prostate cancer if you do nothing approaches 100 percent? (308) rather than being just a frame, research has shown that your skeleton helps control sugar metabolism and weight? (309) unfermented soy products such as Silk soy milk contain natural phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein which can change a woman's menstrual cycle after drinking two glasses for two months? (310) the rise in cancer rates is not due to people living longer lives thereby having a greater chance of developing it? (Cancer has dramatically increased in all age groups. It is now the leading cause of death by disease for Americans under the age 0f 85. Population studies have linked cancer to dietary and lifestyle choices which promote the particular forms of cancer predominant in that age group.) (311) LDL cholesterol, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol, has the important function of transporting cholesterol to your tissues for repair and creation of new cells? (It is actually the LDL particle size which is important; since the particles are sticky, very small ones can lodge in different areas of your body. When these small LDL particles accumulate, they cause inflammation and subsequent damage. The ever popular and vastly overrated statin drugs do not regulate LDL particle size! The only way to ensure that your LDL particles are large enough to be beneficial is through your diet! When diet and exercise are used to make large LDL particles, LDL transports cholesterol to your tissues and HDL takes it back to your liver. When LDL and HDL work in harmony like this, no plaque is ever formed.) (312) the optimal balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria in the gut is 85 percent good to 15 percent bad? (313) we lose oxygen from the atmosphere due to ozone depletion every year, and cancer rates increase? (An oxygen-rich environment is deadly to cancer. Earth's atmosphere was 37 percent oxygen at the first; now it is down to 20 percent.) (314) in 2008, consumers spent $23 billion on organic food? (The organic market grew by 16 percent in 2008.) (315) expanding waistlines leads to a decline in brain function? (316) cholesterol (See #311 above) affects the metabolism of serotonin which plays a part in the regulation of your mood? (Dutch researchers who performed a large study found that men with chronically low cholesterol levels had a greater risk of experiencing depressive moods. Canadian researchers discovered that people in the lowest quarter of cholesterol concentration had over six times the risk of committing suicide as did those in the highest quarter. There are many other studies which link low cholesterol levels with violent behavior.) (317) eating tropical fruit may inhibit the buildup of mercury in your body? (Tropical fruit include bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and quavas. Researchers studied the natives of the Brazilian Amazon who eat tropical fruit at least once a day. They had 80 percent less mercury buildup in their bodies. Read this article and its references concerning fish and mercury.) (318) brain cancer has overtaken leukemia as the number one cancer killer of children? (Many scientists believe that this alarming statistic is due to the exponential increase of cell phone use and other wireless devices.) (319) ordinary tap water can effectively remove pesticide residue from nonorganic fruits and vegetables? (Research has shown that detergents and products designed specifically to remove pesticide residue are no more effective than tap water. Rinse your fruit and/or vegetable under running water for at least a minute rubbing the produce with your fingers. Afterwards dry the produce with a paper towel.) (320) eating nuts more than 4 times a week will lower your risk of developing heart disease by 37 percent? (321) you can lose 8 pounds in a year by simply walking 15 percent faster? (322) sweet potatoes can safely be eaten by diabetics? (Although sweet potatoes are 'sweet', they cause a gradual rise in blood sugar. This is opposed to the quick spike caused by white potatoes. Sweet potatoes fall into the slow glycemic range of foods.) (323) the annual cost to the state of California for its overweight and obese citizens is $21 billion? (324) according to virologists (the true experts on viruses), the H1N1 virus (swine flu) is no more dangerous than the seasonal flu, and in reality, seems to be much weaker? (Why do some people die from the flu [seasonal as well as H1N1]? They all have an underlying medical condition. Immune system suppressing illnesses such as diabetes, direct immune dysfunction, dietary deficiencies of critical immune-supporting nutrients, chronic pulmonary disease, heart disease or cancer all increase the odds of not surviving a flu attack. Smoking also severely weakens the immune system. Extreme amounts of omega-6 fatty acids [soy, corn, canola, safflower, sunflower] such as found in the American diet compromises the immune system. In addition, the EPA part of omega-3 fatty acids weakens the immune system. According to the CDC's own study, 32 percent of the children who have died from H1N1 had asthma. And two-thirds of the children who died had neurological disorders such as seizures and cerebral palsey. ) (325) vitamin B12 is vital to stopping breast cancer? (A variety of studies show that women who are chronically low in B12 tend to develop more breast cancer. Seafood, poultry, and meats are high in this essential vitamin.) (326) Selenium is essential for a healthy thyroid? (About 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid problem. Brazil nuts are chock full of selenium. Two a day are all you need in order to ensure a problem-free thyroid.) (327) protein is one of the best cures for depression? (Protein is necessary for the manufacture of neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that make communication between your brain cells and nerve cells possible. A protein source should be a part of every meal.) (328) anticonvulsant drugs reduce vitamin D levels? (329) the seasonal flu vaccine does not work? (Independent studies as well as master studies [those compiled from several studies in order to get a more objective result] consistently show zero protection. Death directly attributable to the flu vaccine is very rare. The majority of deaths that do occur are due to bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia as a consequence of the flu results in compromised or weakened immune systems. The elderly and people with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease are at a high risk of developing pneumonia after coming down with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) blatantly exaggerate the annual number of flu deaths. On their primary influenza web page, the CDC states that 36,000 people die annually from the flu. Careful research will show that in 2005 only 1,806 people died directly from the flu. In 2004, the number was 1,100. The others in both years was caused by pneumonia. Remember, these people either had severely weakened immune systems or a preexisting medical condition.) (330) your muscles require 3 times the energy of fat for maintenance and re-building even while at rest? (A simple weight training program will make your body a mean and lean fat-burning machine! You can begin by downloading my free eBook How to Lift Weights Intelligently and by reviewing this web page.) (331) L-arginine increases nitric oxide just like ED (erectile dysfunction) drugs like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra? (L-arginine works without the side effects of the common drugs. Nitric oxide is a compound that opens blood vessels which increases blood flow.) (332) a daily dose of alpha lipoic acid of 300 mg has been demonstrated to reduce blood sugar levels by increasing the efficiency of your body's energy cells, the mitochondria? (333) 16 percent of all deaths can be associated to poor fitness levels according to research from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study? (334) when you eat high fiber carbohydrates (such as whole-grain cereal), the less carbohydrates are stored as a source of fuel and your body is forced into using fat for energy? (335) there was a 110 percent increase in the number of sports drinks marketed between 2004 and 2009? (336) according to one study, between the ages of 20 and 60 the odds quadrupled of developing Alzheimer's disease if people were not active in their leisure time? (It has been projected that 1 out of every 8 people will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050. There are three steps you can take to prevent developing Alzheimer's as well as other chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease: (1) exercise (2) eat nutritious, organic food and (3) increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.) (337) a study of 17,500 people found that if sweets and chocolates are eaten daily beginning at age 10, they are more likely to be violent as adults? (338) your body loses the ability to make amino acids (the building blocks of protein) as you age? (339) a new and validated study has found that the Hepatitis B vaccine more than triples the risk of new born boys developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? (340) physical activity decreases brain cancer risk? (Glioma is the most common and often deadly form of brain cancer. It accounts for 80 percent of nervous system and brain cancers. Researchers discovered that men and women who were physically active during their adolescent years had a 36 percent decreased risk of developing brain cancer than those who were not active. Individuals who were obese in adolescence incurred a greater risk of developing brain cancer too. This risk translated into three to four times more than active individuals.) (341) Jack LaLanne, fitness pioneer and guru, turned 95 recently? (342) Alzheimer's disease is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States? (343) according to a new study, low levels of vitamin C, and to a lesser extent, vitamin A, may increase both the risk and severity of asthma? (344) 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer sometime in their lifetime? (345) more and more kindergarteners are showing up to their first day of school overweight or obese? (While 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese, nearly 1 in 5 four year olds are already obese. According to new research, there are only a handful of states that require health care providers provide adequate nutrition and activity for children under the age of 5. Almost 3/4 of children ages 2 to 5 spend time in a child care facility. Approximately half of these are enrolled in day care centers.) (346) the dangers of smoking were known 400 years ago? (A letter written by Dr. Eleazar Duncon in 1606 was discovered by the library staff of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) as they prepared for an exhibition. Professor Sir Neil Douglas says that the letter gives a fantastic insight into the dangers of smoking, and its effect on young people. Dr. Duncon wrote, in part that tobacco, "is so hurtful and dangerous to youth that it might have the pernicious nation expressed in the name, and that it were as well known by the name of Youths-bane as by the name of tobacco.” (347) grass-fed beef is more nutritious than corn-fed beef? (USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and researchers from Clemson University teamed up to study grass-fed cows versus grain-fed (notably corn) cows. Their findings are as follows; grass-fed beef is higher in: Grass-fed beef is also lower in inflammation causing omega-6s and saturated fats. ) (348) the three nutritional deficiencies prevalent in the United States are: (1) iodine (2) magnesium and (3) vitamin D? (Contributing factors may be declining levels of iodine in the American diet. According to he FDA (Food and Drug Administration, iodine intake among 2 year-olds between 1974 and 1982 was 621 mcg; between 1982 and 1991, that level had dropped to 373 mcg. Between 1982 and 1991 the baking industry replaced iodine-based anti-caking agents with bromine-based agents. The widespread fluoridation of our water supply contributes to iodine deficiency too. Other factors contributing to America's declining iodine levels are: (349) Part of an official government proclamation says, "...To optimise Ireland’s competitive advantage as a GM-Free country, we will introduce a voluntary GM-Free logo for use in all relevant product labelling and advertising, similar to a scheme recently introduced in Germany.") (Source: The Organic Consumers Association, October 13, 2009)(351) the abuse of antibiotics, especially the broad spectrum antibiotics, are very harmful to your overall health? (Gail Cresci, a dietitian and researcher, says that food, not supplements is your best way to keep the bacteria in your gut healthy. Increasing scientific evidence shows that healthy gut microbiota helps you to keep a healthy weight. Laboratory studies show that when bacteria is removed from a genetically fat mouse and placed in a lean, germ-free mouse, that mouse puts on weight without any change in diet. According to Gail Cresci, a good, healthy diet includes adequate fiber and enough high quality protein. According to Gail, high quality protein should come from dairy too. I would just caution that the source should be raw organic milk and eggs from free-range and organically fed chickens.) Source: ScienceDaily
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the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cracking down on food companies' misleading nutrition claims? (ABC news reported a news article this morning (October 21, 2009) about food companies misusing the Smart Choice label. They cited as an example Kellogg's using the Smart Choice label on their Froot Loops cereal product! As you may know, cereals like Froot Loops are nothing but sugary candy masquerading as food contributing to nutritious eating.)