Antioxidants, so called because they work to counter free oxygen radicals that can damage cells, take many forms, from familiar vitamins and minerals to lesser-known phytochemicals. Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods are rich sources. Research shows that the best way to obtain antioxidants is through food, not dietary supplements. This may be in part […]
The “most important meal of the day” might just mean extra calories for people watching their weight. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials suggests that the addition of breakfast might not be a good strategy for weight loss. The findings were published online in 2019 in The BMJ. Participants who were assigned to skip breakfast
Olive oil has a deservedly good reputation as a healthful oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (specifically oleic acid) and compounds called polyphenols. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, notably improved cardiovascular health, are attributed in part to the inclusion of less-processed, high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil–the highest grade. Following are the key differences
The landmark VITAL study tested the ability of vitamin D and omega-3 (fish oil) supplements—two of the top-selling dietary supplements—to protect against a wide array of diseases. The Harvard-run trial included more than 25,000 generally healthy adults ages 50 and older who were randomly assigned to take vitamin D (2,000 international units, or IU, a
As medical and public health experts around the world continue to warn about the dangers of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, one message is abundantly clear—if you’re an older adult, you’re at increased risk of severe disease and death if you contract it. That’s because your immune system doesn’t function as well as you grow
CBD—short for cannabidiol—is a compound extracted from the marijuana plant that’s touted in ads as a way to relieve everything from chronic pain to anxiety to insomnia. Seemingly overnight, a dizzying array of products that contain CBD is now on sale in convenience stores and other retailers or online. They come in the form of
Most people have never heard of the psoas muscles, much less know where they are or how to pronounce the name (“SO-as”). Yet problems with these muscles often play a role in hip, groin, and low back pain. There are two of them, one on each side of the body. Each of these long, thick
The start of a new decade brings with it new resolutions to improve one’s life, including a healthier lifestyle. Here are 20 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2020. 1. Eat a healthy diet Photo: FAO/J. GreyEat a combination of different foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.
Esophageal cancer, classified as either esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is the seventh leading cause of death in men in the United States. Two-thirds of esophageal cancers in the United States are EAC. To gain a comprehensive understanding of esophageal cancer, researchers analyzed data from the United States Cancer Statistics registry,
Back pain is by far the most common complaint among golfers. That’s no surprise, considering the unusual stress on muscles and ligaments created by a golf swing: You bend over and your shoulders turn 90, while your pelvis moves only a little as you forcefully twist your spine to produce an explosive rotational downswing (powering