Body mass index-, or BMI, is a tool for estimating a person’s body composition. High percentages of body fat can indicate higher risks for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and other weight-related conditions. But BMI is just one of several numbers to consider when looking at a person's health. Consider: a person is relatively thin, their BMI is normal, and yet they have high blood pressure....
Their deep, saturated red will make you sweat. Their thick stems are seductively plump. Their green, leafy tops are vibrant and tasty. What vegetable could we possibly be talking about? - The beet - Beets certainly don’t have a rep as the coolest of all vegetables, but when you take their health benefits into account, they begin to look more and more attractive. These root vegetables have been around...
Silicon is atomic number 14 on the periodic table. It is a metallic-like substance and is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen. Are you getting enough of it, though? You should, because it plays an active role in the prevention of atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), insomnia, cholesterol , dementia and more... Health Benefits of Silicon - A 12-week study was...
High blood pressure is no joke. Nearly -one in three- U.S. adults suffer from hypertension, and only about half are able to keep theirs controlled. Several factors, such as obesity, tobacco use, inactivity and high alcohol intake, can contribute to higher readings, but diet is one of the biggest offenders. Check out this yummy list of foods that might help turn the tide. Diet plays a role in blood...
If you are diagnosed with hypertension don’t be too quick to accept the DASH diet as a nutritional model to lower your blood pressure. This diet is not necessarily the most effective. While the DASH diet would be a marked improvement for most Americans because it includes more vegetables and fruits, fewer sweets, more whole grains and a smaller amount of oil than the typical Western diet, if you want...
When a stroke hits, so begins a race against the clock to restore circulation and normalize fluid pressure in the brain. Brain damage can begin if the problems aren’t resolved -within minutes-, and severe damage can be long-lasting and even permanent, if not deadly. A new treatment may be able to normalize brain pressure and reduce potential damage. Ischemic strokes cause brain damage because of two...
For over two centuries, people have used vinegar for its health benefits. It’s long been celebrated for its - antimicrobial properties - , with claims it can combat skin infections, fight ear and throat infections, and disinfect around the home. Now, enthusiasts are using apple cider vinegar to help with diabetes and aid in weight loss. But how safe and effective is it, really? - Apple cider vinegar...
Most people know that high blood pressure is a health risk and that blood pressure that drops too low can also be a problem. But what about when it bounces back and forth between the two extremes? It turns out that’s not good for you, either. And when it happens at a younger age, it may signal an increased risk of other health problems later in life. Why is Fluctuating Blood Pressure a Problem? - The...
The brain is, without a doubt, our most valuable asset. It houses our personality, defines who we are and allows us to navigate the world. We want to preserve as much of it as possible, but we may also have multiple hurdles working against us. Genetic issues and neurodegenerative diseases can significantly affect our mental functioning. We still have more power than we may realize, though, and some...
The first avocado may have been eaten by a Mayan Princess and was considered "The Fruit of Royalty." You've heard it time and time again, "Avocados are a superfood!" And you do not have to be a member of a royal family to eat them. Even fast food restaurants like Subway have jumped on board (Yes, sorry. Subway is a fast food restaurant). Pre-mashed avocado at fast food restaurants often contains manufactured...