Health Archives - Page 84 of 125

July 24, 2016

EWG Reveals 16,000 Foods That May Contain BPA

WASHINGTON––For consumers who want to avoid bisphenol A, EWG today unveiled an easily searchable database of more than 16,000 food and beverage items that may come in cans, bottles or jars containing the hormone-disrupting chemical, better known as BPA. The list was compiled from a little-known food industry inventory and is now available at EWG’s Food Scores database. BPA acts like estrogen in the body and is especially dangerous for pregnant women and children in critical stages of development. Independent scientific studies link it to cancer, infertility, diabetes, obesity and brain, nerve and heart disorders, and it’s just been listed […]

July 24, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Fiber and Vitamin A May Prevent Peanut Allergies

The key to pumping up the immune system to prevent allergies could be as easy as eating a bowl of bran and dried apricots, researchers in Australia suggest after a recent study. Researchers at Monash University found in experiments with mice that increasing levels of dietary fiber and vitamin A may prevent or reduce allergies to things such as peanuts. The study suggests the immune system’s interaction with bacteria in the gut prevents allergic reactions, the researchers report, and that boosting gut bacteria using either prebiotics in the form of dietary changes or probiotics to encourage beneficial bacterial development could […]

July 8, 2016

Published by Life Extension

What Are Processed Foods Anyway?

We hear the term “processed foods” all of the time. “Don’t eat processed foods; eat whole foods” is what is commonly touted by nutritionists, fitness experts, and wellness coaches, including me. But, what are processed foods anyway? Technically, any food that has been changed from its natural state is a processed food. Read on for some critical distinctions you may not have considered that will help you pick the healthiest options for you and your family. Minimally Processed Foods Even fresh foods are processed. Let’s take lettuce, for example. There are two categories of lettuce: head lettuce and leaf lettuce. […]

July 6, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Blueberry Diet Linked To Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Women might be able to reduce the risk of breast cancer by eating more blueberries, according to a New Zealand research out Tuesday. A Massey University study in which blueberries were fed to animals as part of their diet found they had a 50-percent lower incidence rate of mammary tumors. “Blueberries contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which may be responsible for the health benefits of blueberries,” Dr Janyawat Vuthijumnonk said in a statement. “They reduce free radicals in our system, decrease new blood vessel formation and increase the number of beneficial bacteria – all elements which help in the fight against […]

July 3, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Millions May Be Moved To Tears By Omegas

Omega-3 fatty acids may wipe out dry eye syndrome, according to new research. Dry eye syndrome affects up to one-third of the world’s population, causing itchy, stinging eyes and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, it can impair vision, and in extreme cases, cause blindness. Researchers in India found that a daily dose of omegas improved the symptoms of dry eye syndrome by as much as 105 percent. They presented their data at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium in San Diego. Their research supports the finding of several previous studies that suggested the power of omega-3 fatty […]

June 14, 2016

Published by FoodTrients

In Kids’ Cereals, Mini-Servings Hide Mountains Of Sugar

WASHINGTON- Kids who eat a bowl a day of the most popular pre-sweetened cereals could consume five to nine pounds more sugar a year than parents might think from reading nutrition labels, according to a new analysis by EWG. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that cereal makers must update the Nutrition Facts labels on packages to reflect larger, more accurate serving sizes. Because the FDA gave cereal companies more than two years to comply EWG is calling on General Mills, Kellogg’s and Post to update the information on their websites as soon as possible and to expedite changes […]

June 13, 2016

Published by FoodTrients

EWG Releases 2016 Guide To Sunscreens

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 WASHINGTON – Almost three-fourths of the 750 sunscreens evaluated for EWG’s annual Guide to Sunscreens, released today, offer inferior protection or contain worrisome ingredients like oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor, or retinyl palmitate, which may harm skin. “There have been some improvements in sun protection, but there is still a lot to be done to improve the quality of sunscreens,” said Sonya Lunder, EWG senior analyst. “Most of the products sold in the U.S. aren’t as good as they should be and don’t offer enough protection against ultraviolet rays.” With melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer […]

June 12, 2016

Published by Life Extension

How Taurine Boosts Brain Function

There is an undeniable link between the head and the heart. Cardiovascular function is associated with brain disorders, and vice versa. Not surprisingly, taurine’s major benefits also involve both the heart and brain. Taurine is listed as a “nonessential amino acid” because since it’s manufactured in the body, it theoretically doesn’t need to be consumed in the diet. However, “nonessential” shouldn’t imply “inessential.” As you’ll soon learn, taurine is quite essential. One of its earliest identified roles involves protection against dilated cardiomyopathy. Insufficient intake of taurine has been linked to the development of this condition, which prevents the heart from pumping […]

June 11, 2016

Published by FoodTrients

How To Be Your Own Herbalist

Herbs don’t have television or magazine ads touting their benefits and yet, in many instances, they perform just as well as(and sometimes better than) the pharmaceuticals we constantly hear and read about. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM, who is an herbalist and the bestselling author of The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, agrees. In her new book, Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking, she has compiled a complete guide to 31 common and easy-to-grow herbs, and includes ways to incorporate them into your daily life. While pharmaceuticals can be life saving, neglected herbal remedies can […]