A new study suggests olive oil could be integral to the Mediterranean diet's brilliance.

The diet, which US News & World Report ranked the best diet of 2019, has been linked to good health and longer lives.

According to new research by the University of Minnesota Medical School, olive oil alone, a staple ingredient of the diet, appears to have properties that promote longevity and decrease the risk of age-related disease like diabetes and heart disease.

Doug Mashek, the lead researcher, said that studying the way olive oil affected human cells in petri dishes indicated that the fats in olive oil activated cell pathways in the body that are linked to longer life.

"We found that the way this fat works is it first has to get stored in microscopic things called lipid droplets, which is how our cells store fat," Mashek said in a press release. "And then, when the fat is broken down during exercising or fasting, for example, is when the signaling and beneficial effects are realized."

This isn't the first time the Mediterranean diet has been found beneficial for long-term health.

The concept of the Mediterranean diet comes from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, where people historically ate mainly vegetables, oily fish, nuts, and healthy fats. The Harvard School of Public Health and a think tank called Oldways created a diet based on the general eating principles of these places, according to US News.

Unlike highly restrictive diets like the keto diet or the Atkins diet, the Mediterranean diet allows people to eat a wide variety of foods in moderation. In fact, the diet is safe for most people, including children and older people.

Foods including whole-grain pita bread, fresh fruit, salads, nuts, beans, olive oil, and salmon are Mediterranean diet staples and promote a variety of health benefits.

When people fill their diets with the fresh, unprocessed foods found in the Mediterranean diet, they may lose weight, improve their heart health, and prevent diabetes, according to US News.

Since the diet focuses on heart-healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and salmon, it also couldlower bad cholesterol, a major cause of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. "The Mediterranean diet discourages saturated fats and hydrogenated oils (trans fats), both of which contribute to heart disease," the Mayo Clinic said on its website.

The diet could also help prevent cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as breast cancer.

Original post:
There's evidence that exercise after consuming olive oil could trigger changes linked to longevity - Insider - INSIDER

Its no secret that Kim Kardashian has a fabulous figure & her trainer, Melissa Alcantara, shared with HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY, the best at-home workout you can do to get in shape!

Kim Kardashian, 39, has an amazingly toned figure and its all thanks to her personal trainer, Melissa Alcantara. Luckily, Mel, Celebrity Trainer, All-Natural Athlete & Fitplan Trainer, shared with HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY, what workouts the pair do together and how you can try the same workouts at home. Mel gushed about working with Kim admitting, Kim and I share a special bond, we constantly motivate each other to train harder and see the world with fresh eyes. Kim is more than just my client-athlete, shes a mentor.

As for what workouts they do together, Mel revealed, It changes depending on current physique and performance goals, but in general were looking for strength gains over time and a 100% sustainable approach to living a fit and active lifestyle. But you bet were always doing squats, deadlifts, and thrusts for good measure and leg day gains. There are certain workouts that Kim excels at and Mel admitted, She loves anything that has to do with jumping, and shell crush a bunch of walking lunges like its just regular walking.

Mel revealed the specific workout that will whip you into shape, and the best part is, you can do it in the comfort of your own home. You can start with doing HIIT bodyweight workouts at home so that you can learn to use your body and get into performance shape, in the comfort of your own house where its just you vs you, Mel said. I have my Built at Home training program on the Fitplan app for this specific reason, itll be the most rewarding ~25 minutes of sweat and burn you ever experience. Now get to work!

If youre looking to get in shape before spring, Mel shared the ideal workout you should try. Ideal really depends on factors like your particular goals, age, lifestyle, time, etc. That being said, if you make working out 3-4 times per week and eating a nutrition-based diet a habit, then youre on the fast track to getting in shape and staying in shape. The fastest way to get in shape is staying in shape. If working out isnt your thing, Mel explained that there are other ways to get in shape. You dont have to do a particular exercise or program, but you do have to be active. If you have specific goals, find a program that supports them and allow yourself to follow through to the end before you say something doesnt work for you. Finally, whatever you decide to do in order to get in shape, if you cant keep training and eating according to that program for at least 3-6 months then this approach is not sustainable. You want to be able to sustain your approach to really get the benefits from living that healthy lifestyle and being strong af.

Getting in shape doesnt just mean working out, it also means maintaining a healthy diet, and Mel shared her nutrition tips. 1. Drink water. How much? More than you think you need. 2. Cook for yourself. By cooking for yourself, and your family, you can gain tremendous control over your nutrition and maximize the work you put in the gym. 3. Take time for yourself. A big part of being healthy is being mentally healthy. Spend time with yourself and learn to enjoy your own company so that you can enjoy the company of others having a strong sense of boundaries and respect.

Continue reading here:
Kim Kardashians Trainer Reveals The Best Workout You Can Do At Home To Get In Shape Like The Star - HollywoodLife

Weight loss is achieved in the kitchen - and eating the right foods can boost success. The NHS have their own 12 week diet plan, with a specific food advised at breakfast time.

Kicking off week one of their plan, the NHS tell dieters to make sure there is plenty of fibre in their meals.

This is particularly true at breakfast time - often thought of as the most important meal of the day.

They said: "Adding some fibre to your breakfast can help you stay feeling full until lunch and reduce the urge for a midmorning snack.

"Eating food with lots of fibre will help you feel full for longer, so youre more likely to stick to your calorie limit."

READ MORE:Adele weight loss: Expert claims 'easy' diet plan behind incredible 7st transformation

So, what exactly should dieters prepare in the morning to get the right amount of fibre in their meals?

The NHS suggest two easy ways to modify popular breakfast foods to make them fibre-rich.

Swap white bread for wholemeal or wholegrain varieties.

Swap sugary cereals for high-fibre cereals such as wholegrain wheat cereals, unsweetened muesli, or porridge oats, and dont forget to check the salt content.

They also remind dieters that eating the skin on fruits such as apples and pears adds in natural fibre, and eating fruit and vegetables is a healthy, low-calorie way to fill up.

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The NHS suggestions are a good way to get started - but more those with more confidence in the kitchen might want to prepare food from scratch. Some of the best high fibre breakfast foods include:

Best high fibre cereals

The NHS suggests a list of the best wholegrain cereals to choose. They also recommed chopping up a banana to add on top for extra sweetness.

Exercise is also a key part of losing weight, and eating the right foods to fuel a workout is key to success.

Personal trainer and TV guru Jessie Pavelka explained what foods you should eat before training to get the best results.

He said: Whether it be running, cycling, yoga, that short and fiery HIIT session, or readying yourself for a weight session at the gym, were all guilty of failing to take a second to pause and think about how were fuelling our body pre-workout.

What slimmers eat depends on the type of workout they are about to do and it can make a huge difference to the results.

Link:
Weight loss: NHS advise this is the best breakfast food to add to your diet plan to slim - Express

While it didn't enjoy the same spotlight this January, the DASH diet was crowned as one of the best diets in the United States in 2019 by U.S. News and World Report, putting it on the fast-track to cause buzz on Instagram feeds all year long. In fact, the DASH diet had earned this distinction for most of the 2010s, but unlike many of the other diets we've seen percolating in our social media feeds for the last few years, the DASH diet actually has overwhelming support from the medical community largely in part because it was developed in the 1990s by a team of researchers funded by the National Institute of Health.

Believe it or not, scientists first created this diet plan in response to the rise of cardiovascular disease in the United States, and many doctors only speak about the specifics of the DASH diet with their patients if high blood pressure is a factor for them. The DASH diet targets high sources of sodium and artery-clogging sources of fat to empower dieters to better their own heart health, but in the process, it targets some ingredients that some experts may find controversial.

Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, a registered dietitian within the Good Housekeeping Institute, says that while the Mediterranean diet is worthy of it's "best" title this year, the DASH diet remains one of her favorite picks of all time. If you're dealing with elevated blood pressure or other cardiovascular risks, there's no question about it; but even if you're looking to lose weight before hitting the beach this summer, the DASH diet may be safer for you compared to the keto diet or Whole30.

Here's everything you need to know about the DASH diet, including what you can (and can't eat), how it could help you eat healthier and lose weight, and how to get started.

Sassos has a clinical background in treating cancer patients in the New York area, but also has found herself thrust into understanding the ins-and-outs of the DASH diet as heart disease is actually the number one killer in the U.S., she says. "I had quite a few patients who passed away from heart disease rather than their actual cancer," she explains. "There's a huge sodium issue in America, and the DASH diet is specifically known to fight this trend."

Ginger Meyer, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian specializing in sports dietetics within the University of Missouri Health Care system, says the DASH diet successfully lowers blood pressure in patients with hypertension by targeting dietary sources of fat and largely scaling back or eliminating red meat and sugar altogether. In studies since its inception, the DASH program can further lower blood pressure if sodium is also targeted, she says.

"Some may experience lowering of blood pressure in a few weeks," Meyer explains. "Other important lifestyle factors include achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight, participating in two hours and 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity each week, and limiting alcohol consumption."

This diet, unlike others, isn't truly designed to be used for the short term. Results vary on a case by case basis, Meyer says, but this approach to eating is often recommended for many years before true results are seen and doctors relax on restricting certain items.

Those following the program aren't given a particular meal plan, but follow general guidelines. Here's everything you'll be able to enjoy on the DASH diet:

Sassos says this diet plan is most in-line with what a regular, healthy lifestyle should look for most a dietary routine that consists of 2,000 calories each day (or a higher or lower caloric intake recommended by your healthcare provider) consisting of wholesome ingredients. She says the diet recommends an adequate intake of non-fat and low-fat dairy products, two to three servings a day, as well as the appropriate servings of whole grains each day.

She believes that the best DASH diets are those that restrict sodium, as high-sodium diets can cause issues for otherwise-healthy patients. "When you go out to a restaurant, so many of us are drowning in salt, but this approach fixes that," she says.

Here's what you should avoid and limit as much as possible:

These items shouldn't come as too much of a shock: they're all high in fat, sodium, and calories. Not to mention, they're often highly calorically dense, but not in actual nutrients. "The DASH plan is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and limits saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol," Meyer explains.

Here's the catch the DASH diet wasn't actually created to promote weight loss. Some health experts believe that asking those that don't suffer with elevated blood pressure levels to restrict their sodium intake could promote unwarranted restrictions elsewhere (why restrict something if you're consuming normal levels, right?).

But pro-DASH-diet supporters like Meyer and Sassos acknowledge that the average meal plan based on this diet inevitably promotes weight loss for most people. "Although the DASH diet was not designed to promote weight reduction, this eating plan can be followed at a lower calorie level for weight loss, and as you replace high-calorie, high-fat foods with low-calorie vegetables and fruits, weight will likely trend down," Meyer explains.

For the best weight loss results, both experts agree: you'll need to incorporate exercise into your routine. Plus, a 2010 clinical study found that, in a trial, people who exercise while enjoying the DASH diet were more likely to lower their blood pressure compared to those who didn't.

You'll need to consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before you make any radical changes to your diet. If you've determined that you should work on your blood pressure levels, don't jump to change everything just yet. "Keep a food diary for several days and identify ways you could gradually increase servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains," Meyer says.

If you're looking for particular meal plans or more tips for crafting DASH-friendly meals, both Sassos and Meyer recommend resources provided by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which include an illustrated guide of the recommended number of servings on each food group by calorie level and serving size.

See the rest here:
What Is the DASH Diet? - Here's What You Can and Can't Eat on the Dash Diet - GoodHousekeeping.com

Many of the important benefits of a plant-based diet particularly for climate health and animals are well known. Yet despite the science being very clear, there remains confusion about the impact on human health.

We have long known for example, that a diet centred around whole plant-foods fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, beans, nuts and seeds significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain cancers. In fact, a low fat plant-based diet is the only diet to have been shown to actually reverse established coronary artery disease. It has also been seen to reverse type 2 diabetes, enable effective and sustained weight loss without portion control or exercise, and arrest the progression of early stage prostate cancer.

Here are five additional benefits of a plant-based diet that may surprise you.

Diet choices can have a major impact on mood and mental health, and there is a very good reason for this. Diet affects the health of our gut bacteria, which produce many of the hormones active in the brain. Gut bacteria thrive on fibre, which is only found in whole plant foods. So it is no surprise to find that a plant-based diet can benefit mental health.

In one US study conducted at a large insurance company, participants who were overweight or had a history of type 2 diabetes were either prescribed a low-fat vegan diet or asked to continue their usual diet for 18 weeks. The results showed a significant improvement in mental health, wellbeing and work productivity in those on the vegan diet, as well as lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Osteoarthritis, the painful breakdown of cartilage in the joints, appears to be an inevitable consequence of ageing. It is not reversible but it is manageable, usually with pain medication and sometimes surgery.

So what role could a plant-based diet play here? One small study looking at the diets impact showed a significant improvement in self-reported pain and functioning in people with osteoarthritis. One reason for this could be the anti-inflammatory properties of the micro-nutrients present in plant foods, as inflammation is the main cause of pain in arthritis. Meat-based diets have the opposite effect and, in general, increase the level of inflammation in the body.

So if a plant-based diet can improve arthritis pain, could it also perhaps improve other types of pain? Some research suggests it could help with period pain in women.

For this study, women swapped to a low-fat vegan diet for two menstrual cycles, and then back to their usual omnivorous diet for their next two. Pain duration and intensity and pre-mentrual symptoms were recorded and levels of a hormone affecting oestrogen levels were measured.

On the low-fat vegan diet, women reported less pain duration and intensity, shorter duration of premenstrual symptoms and tests showed a lower level of oestrogen. People are often surprised to hear that diet can impact hormone levels in the body. This study shows exactly that, and how lower oestrogen levels can benefit womens health in a number of ways.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common causes of infection in the general population with the bacteria Escherichia coli (E coli) often being the culprit. Infection can occur because E coli from the intestine finds its way into the urinary tract. But UTIs can also be caused by E coli strains commonly found in farm animals such as chickens and pigs, so eating contaminated sources of meat can lead to infection.

Given the link between E coli and UTIs, It might seem obvious that those on a plant-based diet who avoid meat might have a lower risk of infection, but whether this was the case was not known for sure until recent research came out.

The analysis of several studies shows that vegetarians have a 16% lower risk of UTIs compared to non-vegetarians. This confirms previous data suggesting that meat-bourne bacteria are a major contributor to the risk of UTIs. Increasingly these food borne bacteria are displaying antibiotic resistance.

So if those following a health plant-based diet have a lower risk of ill health then surely this will save on health costs.

In a large Taiwanese study, vegetarians were found to have a lower rate of outpatient visits, which translated into a 13% lower outpatient expenditure and a 15% lower total medical expenditure. So it is interesting to hypothesise the health economic impact of a plant-based diet on the UKs cash-strapped National Health Service.

In 2017, spending on healthcare in the UK totalled 197 billion approximately 2,989 per person. If everyone in the country shifted to a vegetarian diet, this could (using the 15% reduction as a guide) reduce healthcare expenditure by 30 billion.

Plant-based diets then, not only have the potential to dramatically improve human and planetary health, but could have significant benefits for the health of the economy too.

Read more from the original source:
Five surprising benefits of a plant-based diet - The Conversation UK

More than 8 million adults in the US suffer from a painful condition called gout. There is evidence that unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, poor eating and lack of exercise as well as rising obesity rates are increasing the number of people afflicted with this condition.

In order to reduce the prevalence of gout and frequency of painful flare-ups, doctors recommend a balanced diet full of vegetables, low-fat proteins, and regular exercise. Here's what you need to know about how diet can help with symptoms of gout.

Gout is a painful type of arthritis, or inflammation of joints, particularly in the big toe and knee joints. It happens as a result of hyperuricemia, or too much uric acid in the blood.

"The problem is either your body produces too much uric acid or it cannot properly excrete the uric acid," says Shailendra Singh, MD, Rheumatology Medical Director at White River Medical Center in Arkansas.

As a result, uric crystals can form, build-up, and get lodged in the joints, inflaming them, and causing excruciating discomfort and pain.

"Joints get red-hot to touch and swollen. You could be fine for a few weeks to months to even years before you have another episode," says Singh.

Foods high in a natural compound called purine can trigger painful flare-ups for people with gout because the body breaks purine down into uric acid. Therefore, doctors recommend avoiding high-purine foods like the following:

An outlier to the rule is purine-rich vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, or mushrooms. These foods are shown to lower the risk of flare-ups. Fruits, especially cherries, are recommended as alternatives to other sugary snacks.

Also "lean meat, like chicken and turkey, is okay. Leafy greens and vegetable protein like soy are also a good source," says Singh. "Moderation is the key and avoiding the [high-purine] foods is the most important thing."

By swapping out some of the high-purine meats, processed sugars, and alcohol for more wholesome food options you can protect yourself from painful gout flare-ups while also leading a healthier lifestyle. Here are some swaps to consider:

In addition to using these meal ideas, one should ensure they stay well hydrated as dehydration can increase the concentration of uric acid in the body.

One myth is that if someone is suffering from gout, then they're probably not eating right. But gout is the result of a mix of both genetics and environmental factors.

"It's not that their husband or spouse is cheating on their diet, they aren't sneaking food that they shouldn't eat, it's not all diet," says Dr. Robert Keenan, a rheumatologist at Duke University Health Facility.

The pain from gout can also be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like Aspirin or Ibuprofen and by losing weight, if you're overweight.

The important thing to remember for people who suffer from gout is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By watching purine-rich food intake, eating more vegetables and less unprocessed foods, watching your weight, and exercising more, gout can be managed effectively.

See more here:
What is a good diet for gout that will reduce your risk of painful flare-ups - Insider - INSIDER

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Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that break down the food we eat into energy and muscle.

Though many people think that they will lose weight if they speed up their metabolism, this isn't necessarily true. Here's what you need to know about the complicated relationship between metabolism and weight-loss.

When people refer to metabolism being "fast" or "slow" what they are really referring to is a measure of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR determines the number of passive calories that you burn - these are the calories that your body uses up while at rest.

A popular misconception is that adding muscle will help you metabolize calories faster - and while this is partially true, muscles at rest actually burn very few calories. Most of the metabolizing energy you expend is through your brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs that are constantly at work keeping you alive and healthy.

There is evidence that cardiovascular exercise can help boost your metabolism for a short period after you work out, but this effect only lasts for an hour or so and is not usually enough to cause significant weight loss.

There's also the myth that eating certain foods will speed up your metabolism. But the reality is that even if certain foods can affect your BMR it's not nearly enough to make a noticeable difference in your weight. In order to lose weight, you must create a deficit between the calories you consume through food and the calories you burn through a combination of diet, physical activity, and passive metabolic processes that are largely out of your control.

The sad truth is that it's hard to change your BMR in any significant way. The fact that some people naturally have a faster BMR than others is largely due to genetics.

A review, published in 2011 in Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, that examined 9 twin studies and 19 family studies found that metabolic syndrome - and some of the symptoms associated with it including obesity, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance - are common among families, suggesting a significant heritability factor.

The exception to this rule comes up only for rare illnesses like Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism, which both slow metabolism.

As you age, your metabolism becomes less efficient, or what we think of as "slowing down," says Heather Seid, a registered dietician and Bionutrition Program Manager at Columbia University.

There are many reasons your metabolism slows down, including losing muscle mass and changes in your cells. But the main reason for metabolism change is that people become less active as they get older.

Unfortunately, you can't completely stop your metabolism from slowing down as you age but exercise may give you a boost. Studies show that keeping active as you grow older can help curb a metabolism slowdown.

Video: 7 incredible results you'll get from walking 30 minutes a day (Courtesy: Prevention)

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How metabolism works and why you can't speed it up to lose weight - msnNOW

Many people think of bones as solid forms inside their body that do not change much over time, except maybe during the growing years. Bones are actually quite active throughout a lifetime. They can be both positively and negatively impacted by lifestyle habits. Unfortunately, some of the negative factors can cause bone changes that are not reversible.

Bones are constantly being acted upon by two major types of bones cells osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts dig out old bone tissue similar to pot holes in a road. Osteoblasts act like a road crew that fills in these holes. This leads to ongoing bone turnover.

During childhood and adolescence, the holes being dug are shallower so when they are filled in, it creates a net increase in the bone tissue. This pattern continues until bones reach peak bone mass the most bone that is created for a lifetime in size and density. Females peak at about 19-20 years of age while males have until about 21-22 years of age.

Ideally, during the adult years of young and middle age, the osteoclasts and osteoblasts work at about the same pace which means bone density remains stable, unless there are lifestyle factors that cause a decrease.

Older men progressively begin losing bone at about 1% per year, again unless other factors (like the use of certain medications, undiagnosed celiac disease, malnutrition, etc.) cause more rapid bone loss.

Women undergo a higher percentage of bone loss during the menopausal-postmenopausal period possibly 3% to 5%. After several years, bone loss then slows to an average of about 1% per year, similar to older men. For women, bone loss usually occurs in the spine first since it is more sensitive to changes in estrogen levels. Hip bone density tends to be more related to the aging process.

A number of factors can negatively impact bone over a lifetime. Some of these are modifiable while others are not. Extremely problematic factors include tobacco use, the use of certain medications (such as prednisone), thyroid hormone levels out of the normal range (too high or too low), medical issues or surgeries that reduce nutrient absorption in the intestinal tract, and some cancer treatments.

For women, the length of time that estrogen is actively circulating throughout their lifetime is important. This means that a delay in getting a menstrual period in the adolescent years, not menstruating for extended periods of time in the reproductive years, and early menopause can all lead to reduced bone density. Research suggests that adding an oral contraceptive does not significantly improve bone density in these situations. It appears that natural estrogen cycling is needed.

Women who lose a menstrual period due to insufficient calorie and/or nutrient intake and/or those who consistently do excessive levels of physical activity can increase their risk of bone loss during that time, which is often not recoverable. It can also increase the risk of having a stress fracture, especially in persons doing high impact exercise like running.

Diet plays a key role in bone health. Some nutrients are needed for the structure of bone while others are important for the actual creation of bone. The matrix of bone is made up of protein while the remainder is mostly a wide variety of minerals. Since plants soak up minerals from the soil, they are a great dietary source fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans and lentils. Dairy products and other dietary calcium sources can provide for the high content of calcium in the bones.

Besides becoming a structural part of bone, some nutrients are involved in the process of creating new bone like vitamin C and B12. Vitamin D is important in regulating the uptake of calcium.

Dietary sources of nutrients are recommended over supplements in most cases (vitamin D is one exception since there are few dietary sources) because foods contain a wider variety of nutrients that work together to keep bones healthy. With dietary sources, there is also not a concern for taking in excessive amounts of individual nutrients that can then lead to potential side effects, imbalances or competition among nutrients for uptake, or toxicity.

Besides the risk of stress fractures, the loss of bone density over time can lead to osteoporosis. Fragile bones have a greater chance of fracture and related consequences. Negative lifestyle habits can mean osteoporosis happens at a younger age than would otherwise occur. For example, a young female who loses her menstrual cycle due to restrictive eating and excessive exercise (and depending on the length of time these factors continue) can end with bone loss that mimics the bone density of an elderly female that may not be recoverable.

The bottom line when it comes to a healthy diet for bones is similar to what is recommended for overall health and reduced risk of many medical problems consuming an appropriate number of calories to achieve and sustain a healthy body weight and eating a wide variety of healthy foods (such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean animal proteins, sufficient amounts of calcium, nuts, seeds, and beans/lentils) to provide needed nutrients.

When it comes to physical activity, both weight-bearing cardiovascular exercise and strength-building exercises can increase bone density in the years before peak bone mass and can help to sustain bone density in all age brackets. Strength exercises are especially important for small-framed, lower weight adults, since these individuals do not benefit as much from weight-bearing exercise. These activities and balance exercises can also reduce the risk of falls and resulting fractures.

Are you taking good care of your bones that will carry you through a lifetime?

Pam Stuppy, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered, licensed dietitian with nutrition counseling offices in York, Maine and Portsmouth, N.H. She has also been the nutritionist for Phillips Exeter Academy, presents workshops nationally, and is Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics. (See http://www.pamstuppynutrition.com for more nutrition information, some healthy cooking tips, and recipe ideas).

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HealthBeat: A lifetime of healthy bones - Seacoastonline.com

More than 795,000 people have a stroke every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The accidents can lead to limitations in communication, paralysis, and sometimes death. Common recommendations for avoiding strokes include regular exercise and a healthy diet, and thanks to new research, we can get even more specific about what type of diet could protect the brain.

A study published in the journal Neurology found vegetarian diets lowered the risk of stroke compared to people who ate meat and fish.

Researchers from Tzu Chi University in Hualien, Taiwan, studied two different communities, both of which encouraged vegetarian diets. About 30% of participants in each group were vegetarian, meaning they ate dairy and eggs but avoided meat and fish.

The first group consisted of more than 5,000 adults who were followed for six years, and the second group consisted of more than 8,000 adults who were followed for nine years. At the start of the study, participants were 50 years old on average and had not experienced a stroke.

After the six and nine years had passed, researchers analyzed the Taiwanese national database to decipher the number of participants who had at least one stroke in that time.

Of the smaller group, 32 people experienced ischemic strokes and only three of them were vegetarians. Within the larger group, only 0.88% of vegetarians experienced ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, while 1.73% of nonvegetarians had at least one.

See the rest here:
This Diet May Reduce The Risk Of Stroke & Dementia - mindbodygreen.com

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Kelly Ripa has long been an open book: During her nearly two decades as a co-host of Live! the television personality has shared revealing details about her marriage to Mark Consuelos, their three children and all of the ups and downs that her family has gone through.

Ripa, 49, has also always been upfront about the important role that fitness and wellness play in her life, and she shared further details on her diet, workout regimen and wellness practices during a recent interview with In The Knows Gibson Johns while promoting her partnership with Persona Nutrition.

I work out seven days a week. And I try to workout an hour and a half a day, no matter what whether Im working or not, Ripa shared with us. If Im working, maybe Ill start it a little bit later or a little bit earlier, depending on what day of the week it is. But I am very religious about my fitness.

The talk show host credits her affinity for exercise for allowing her to maintain her signature high-energy presence on Live!

I think that energy begets energy, Ripa continued. There are people that say, You must hate working out! Its going to be so hard to push your way through [with that attitude], and I love working out. But its like developing a love for anything: You have to really practice it to love it. And, so, I found that years ago I really figured out that the more energy I put into the gym or left on the dance floor, the more energy came back to me.

Ripa exhibits the same discipline when it comes to what she puts into her body, as well. The host, who quit drinking about three years ago around the time that Ryan Seacrest joined her show, also maintains a relatively strict plant-based diet, allowing herself only the occasional cheat.

Ive cut mostly all animal proteins out of my diet, Ripa told ITK. Occasionally and I mean so occasionally, like childrens graduations occasionally Ill have a piece of fish. But I am pretty much mostly plant-based, and I love it. I feel that my energy level has improved so much since really having an alkaline plant-based diet.

The most recent addition to Ripas daily routine? The customized vitamins from Persona Nutrition that she takes daily. The science-based nutrition company takes results from a user-driven self-assessment and delivers monthly hauls of daily vitamin packs catered to that individuals needs.

For Ripa, its been a game-changer for her fast-paced lifestyle, especially when she considers the convenience of Personas service.

Its super convenient. I dont have to reach for 35 different things and try to figure out what Im supposed to take or when Im supposed to take it: Can I eat with this? Should I have this on an empty stomach? Persona does all of that for you with their assessment, she explained to us. They ask you questions about your life, your lifestyle, how much you sleep at night, what your diet is like, how much you exercise, what medications youre taking. And they figure the rest out for you.

It really is its the most convenient, simple-yet-effective thing Ive ever done in my life, Ripa smiled. They really try to figure it out for you specifically: What it is that is a gap in your nutritional program, [so] that they can fill that void for you?

Ripa credits Persona for improving her sleep patterns, but points to the inclusion of ginger in her daily vitamin packs to fixing some of the digestive issues that she experiences as a result of her early morning routine.

The biggest improvement in my overall well-being is that theyve added ginger into my supplements, and that has really been so beneficial to my stomach and my digestive health, she explained. Because I have such a plant-based diet, Im always suffering from being on the verge of exploding internally.

Learn more about Persona Nutrition here.

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Excerpt from:
Kelly Ripa made this 'super convenient' update to her morning routine - Yahoo Lifestyle