Current research suggests that many factors come into play when trying to lose weight. Decreasing total calories and moderating carbohydrates and fats are still important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. However, vitamins and minerals have been shown to play a very important part as well. For example, vitamins C and B6 are involved in processes […]

It may seem counterintuitive, but opting for the smaller portion may be leading down the path of weight gain. The small side of French fries, for example, has a big impact on the waistline. A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people ate more food from a bowl marked “small” […]

HDL cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, appears to scour the walls of blood vessels, cleaning out excess cholesterol. It then carries that excess cholesterol — which otherwise might have been used to make the “plaques” that cause coronary artery disease — back to the liver for processing. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL result in an increased […]

We’ve all heard about (and maybe even tried) the various “fad diets.” Many of these “fad diets,” however, can be harmful to your health. Extremely restrictive diets or those that completely eliminate vital nutrients may be effective in short term weight loss. However, these diets tend to leave the body deficient in many essential nutrients, […]

Incorporating fish into your diet two to three times a week can be very effective at improving your health and can prevent the development of chronic diseases. It is well established that fish provides us with healthy fats (specifically Omega-3’s) and essential vitamins and minerals that promote health and optimal functioning of essential body functions. […]

Fat is not always a bad thing – in fact, fat is essential for daily function of vital organs (such as the brain, heart, and reproductive organs). Fat can be broken down into two different categories: saturated (“bad”) and unsaturated (“good”). Unsaturated fats can be further broken down into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Polyunsaturated fats are […]

A common error that many individuals make when looking to lose weight is to avoid fat at all costs, as well as choosing processed, non-fat or low-fat products instead of natural fats. While this tactic may help shed some unwanted fat, low-fat diets might actually be the culprit behind imbalanced hormone levels, weight gain, and […]

The promises are enticing. Whether you’re looking to shed unwanted pounds, get a quick energy jolt, build muscles, or fight the aging process, some supplement makers are boosting protein drinks as a scientifically proven way to quickly achieve your goals. But Consumer Reports have found that most people already get enough protein, and there are […]

Trying to lose weight? The answer may lie in the first meal of the day – breakfast! A research study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2003 concluded that missing breakfast is associated with a significantly higher risk of obesity and other chronic metabolic diseases. In fact, “breakfast skippers” are 4.5 times more […]

While the blooming trees and colorful flowers popping up this time of year are beautiful, the pollen is also out in full force and affecting millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Most allergies involve the release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory substances. Cortisol, one of the primary hormones produced by the adrenal glands, […]