subject: What Qualifies As Self-Help Health? [print this page] What Qualifies As Self-Help Health? What Qualifies As Self-Help Health?
Monounsaturated fats improve the heart-healthy effect of a low-cholesterol diet. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal randomly assigned 17 men and 7 postmenopausal women all with mild to moderate elevated cholesterol levels to a high-monounsaturated fat/vegetarian diet or a low one. In the high group's diet 13% of carbohydrate calories were replaced with sunflower and/or avocado oil. That group's good cholesterol HDL increased 12.5% and its bad cholesterol LDL decreased 35%. Monounsaturated fat is found in oils such as olive, canola and sunflower, as well as in nuts, seeds and avocados Holy Guacamole!
Red meat, however, isn't just unhealthy for the heart. In a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, scientists followed 500,000 adults ages 50-71 for 10 years and found those who ate the most red meat were 79% likelier than those who ate the least to develop esophageal cancer. Those who ate the most meat cooked at high temperatures - like grilling - were likelier to develop stomach cancer. According to the American Cancer Society about 16,640 cases of esophageal cancer and 21,000 case of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in 2010. When you think red meat, think "red-uce".
Exercising regularly reduces cold symptoms. In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers tracked the respiratory health of 1,000 people ages 18-85 for 12 weeks during autumn and winter. They also asked participants how often they exercised and how fit they felt. For those who exercised 30 minutes 5 times a week, the duration of cold symptoms were 43%-46% shorter than for those who exercised once a week. For those who felt fittest, cold symptoms were 41% less severe. Exercise stimulates immune cell movement. For people who want to have milder colds, these are the "cold" facts.
It also seems to be a fact that positive people have healthier and longer lives. Research published in PloS ONE analyzed information from the Midlife Development in the United States study (MIDUS), a national interagency study involving 3,626 adults ages 32-84. The participants were interviewed twice about the role positive factors played in their health. Although functional health declined significantly in the 8-10 years between interviews, those who took a more positive approach to life experienced much less decline. Strong social ties, physical exercise and feeling control over your life can delay the effects of aging at least 10 years. Hopefully, the researchers are "positive".
