2010 May | Health & Wellness

A Handful of Nuts A Day…Keeps Cholesterol Levels At Bay

nuts 300x225 A Handful of Nuts A Day...Keeps Cholesterol Levels At Bay A new study finds that eating nuts (for those without nut allergies) on a daily basis reduces the risks of coronary heart disease and improves cholesterol levels in both men and women. Researchers at Loma Linda University in California studies patients with various cholesterol levels. None of the participants were on cholesterol treatments or medications, and were asked to eat 2.4 ounces (about 67 grams) of nuts daily — including peanuts, macadamias, walnuts, almonds and pistachios.

At the end of the trial, participants on average saw a 5% reduction in total cholesterol and a 10% decline in triglycerides.

“Increasing consumption of nuts as part of [a healthy diet] can favorable affect blood lipid levels and have the potential to lower coronary heart disease risk,” the authors said.

So, enjoy those nuts! But, as with everything, don’t over do it. Moderation is the key — sticking to a handful of almonds or peanuts a day should do the trick.

Broccoli Might Battle Breast Cancer

broccoli 300x199 Broccoli Might Battle Breast Cancer A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan finds that eating broccoli might battle breast cancer. In mice, sulforaphane — a compound found in broccoli — seemed to kill breast cancer stem cells.

After treating mice who had breast cancer with sulforaphane, researchers found that the mice had fewer cancerous cells plus new tumors didn’t occur after treatment. Initial tests on human breast cancer tissue resulted in similar reductions in cancer stem cells.

While researchers can’t officially correlate that the same would hold true in humans, the “research suggests a potential new treatment that could be combined with other compounds to target breast cancer stem cells,” a study author said.

A Little Stress Might Be Good for You

stress 300x202 A Little Stress Might Be Good for You Feeling a little stressed with everything on your plate right now? That might not be a bad thing, according to researchers. Extreme stress can be debilitating — and lead to physical problems like heart disease. But according to Dr. Ken Robbins, a psychiatrist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, moderate stress can make you smarter, nicer and protect your body from future ills.

In the May issue of Health magazine, Dr. Robbins says that “the positive aspects of stress are underappreciated.” When in overload, stress causes the body to release large amounts of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol — which can cause detrimental results. But in moderation, the burst of hormones can be helpful.

How?

Cortisol can improve memory and oxytocin — another hormone released when stressed — helps with relationships and bonding. So, rather than letting the stress get to you, learn how to harness stress and to turn it into something positive!

Gloss Find: Action Wipes

AW09multi1 299x300 Gloss Find: Action Wipes We’ve all been there — after a tennis match, a rigorous hike, or a bike ride (FYI — May is bike to work month!) — we want to freshen up but don’t always have a chance to shower right away. What to some pro runners and cyclists use? Action Wipes.

Action Wipes are all-natural, moist towelettes meant for active people on the go. Made with coconut oil, sugar cane, eucalyptus and tea tree oils, the individually wrapped wipes not only smell amazing, but they’re also naturally antibacterial and — what I love best — they won’t leave you sticky like other wet wipes. Plus — they’re reusable…you can even put Action Wipes through the wash for future uses!

Action Wipes – $1.25 each or $25 for a pack of 25 at ActionWipes.com