Sunday 29 June 2014

What to eat and drink for Breakfast?

Apparently the most important meal of the day.....Breakfast! So, I've put together a short post with a few breakfasts and their benefits, to help you make a simple choice when deciding what's best. They're all pretty popular choices, and you may well be eating them already, so let's take a look at them......



 Eggs 

Eggs do often get a bad reputation, but they contain lots of essential nutrients, 13 in fact, including protein. Research has shown that a high-protein morning meal wards off unhealthy snacking later in the day.

Coffee

I’ve done a short post about coffee and its benefits in the past, and here it is again. This essential morning ‘get-me-up’ is packed with antioxidants. In moderate amounts coffee has shown to have heart benefits and may slow cognitive decline. It may also ward off some cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, the most common cancer in the world, and protect you from type 2 diabetes. Coffee-Break anyone!?
 
Bananas

A medium banana is rich in fibre, vitamin C and potassium, which you don't often get in the typical American diet without a heavy dose of salt. A medium banana has 422 milligrams of potassium and no sodium. This combination can help control blood pressure.


Grapefruit

A great source of vitamin C and potassium. Also high in fibre to help you feel fuller longer. A 2006 study found that making half a grapefruit your "appetizer" of sorts can speed up weight loss.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great source of protein. It's also a great source of calcium. Just stay away from the flavoured varieties. It's diluted with added sugars. Instead, opt for low-fat plain and sweeten with fresh fruit.





Tuesday 24 June 2014

Carbs - Energy, Muscle-Building and Brain Power......PLUS WIN £500 CASH!!!

A few top tips to help guide you on your carb intake....

Boost your brain power

Low blood sugar deprives your brain of glucose, leaving you fluffy-headed and weak. The good news? Mental stimulation is packaged in punnets: scientists have linked carb-rich berries to reduced oxidative damage in the brain, which follows earlier research that a blueberry smoothie maintains concentration for up to five hours.

Maintain healthy hair

All that extra energy gives your follicles a boost, too: of two groups who spent six months on either a low-carb or a low-fat diet, the latter were 24% less likely to report hair loss, say Philadelphia University researchers. It could be down to the nutrients in fortified cereals: just 50g of cornflakes gives you your full RDA of cell growth-promoter folic acid.

Increase your endurance

For intense exercise, forget the low GI rule – temporarily. “Sugary carbs deliver an instant hit of energy,” says ultra-running GP Dr Andrew Murray. “For any activity longer than 60 minutes, you need between 30-60g of carbs per hour.” A banana packs 36g.

Fight cancer

Your protein-rich diet may be getting you stacked but it could also be putting you at risk of lung and bowel cancer, according the Annals of International Medicine. Combat it with super-carb broccoli, and boost the green stuff’s cancer-fighting abilities with a probiotic yoghurt. A University of Illinois study found good gut bacteria up your intake of broccoli’s big ‘C’ fighting compound sulforaphane.

Get the balance right

Eat too many carbs, though, and you could find your waistline expanding. Sports nutritionist Becky Stevenson reveals how much is enough...

Light activity (less than one hour per day) 4-5 grams of carbs per kg of weight

Light to moderate (one hour per day) 5-6g

Moderate (1-2 hours per day) 6-7g

Moderate to heavy (2-4 hours per day) 7-8g

Heavy (more than four hours per day) 8-10g

And that's about it for the carb blog post and the benefits they include. But remember, too much can be bad, so make sure you follow the above advice.

One last thing before I go, I am doing a competition where you could win £500 cash (paid into your PayPal account). All you have to do is purchase a £1.00 ticket, before 10/08/2014. You can enter as many times as you like, and there are no restrictions on entrants, so please share around. Winner will be picked at random on Friday 15th August 2014 23:00PM BST.
If you want to be in with a chance of WINNING £500, get your ticket now by visiting the 'Buy Now' Link 

Thursday 19 June 2014

Nutrition for Babies

Adequate nutrition during infancy is essential for lifelong health and wellbeing. Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or more.

Key facts

  • Every infant and child has the right to good nutrition according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Undernutrition is associated with 45% of child deaths.
  • Globally in 2012, 162 million children under 5 were estimated to be stunted and 51 million have low weight-for-height, mostly as a consequence of poor feeding and repeated infections; 44 million were overweight or obese.
  • About 38% of infants 0 to 6 months old are exclusively breastfed.
  • Few children receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods; in many countries only a third of breastfed infants 6–23 months of age meet the criteria of dietary diversity and feeding frequency that are appropriate for their age.
  • About 800 000 children's lives could be saved every year among children under 5, if all children 0–23 months were optimally breastfed.

Undernutrition is associated with more than one third of the global disease burden for children under 5. Infant and young child feeding is a key area to improve child survival and promote healthy growth and development. The first 2 years of a child’s life are particularly important, as optimal nutrition during this period lowers morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic disease, and fosters better development overall.

Optimal breastfeeding is so critical that it could save about 800 000 under 5 child lives every year. In countries where stunting is highly prevalent, promotion of breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding could prevent about 220 000 deaths among children under 5 years of age.

WHO and UNICEF recommend:

  • early initiation of breastfeeding with one hour of birth;
  • exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and
  • the introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.
Breast milk is also an important source of energy and nutrients in children aged 6 to 23 months. It can provide half or more of a child’s energy needs between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and one third of energy needs between 12 and 24 months. Breast milk is also a critical source of energy and nutrients during illness, and reduces mortality among children who are malnourished.



Adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight/obese. Children and adolescents that have been breastfed perform better in intelligence tests. Breastfeeding also contributes to the health and well-being of mothers; it reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer and helps space pregnancies–exclusive breastfeeding of babies under 6 months has a hormonal effect which often induces a lack of menstruation. This is a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control known as the Lactation Amenorrhoea Method.

Information sourced from the World Health Organisation website. Please check back regularly for more posts and also check the offers posted around the site, loads to choose from. Thanks for reading. 

Sunday 15 June 2014

Latest Health Product Offers

Below I've listed a few of the best current health deals on offer today! From weight loss supplements to sexual health supplements. Check the links and see if anything takes your fancy. And especially look out for the deals with free product offers. All are genuine, tested and reviewed products. If you have any questions please contact me.

Also, if there's a particular product you're looking for, just ask, I can sort many products, including tooth whitening, joint care, many weight loss products, hair loss or removal, and more.



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Friday 21 March 2014

Healthy Recipes - Macaroni Cheese

I came across a simple healthy recipe for the classic, macaroni cheese, and today, I'll share it with you. Just 405 calories, only 7 grams of fat and 18 grams of carbohydrates.

So, onto the recipe, and firstly, the ingredients you'll need;


- 125g of cheddar cheese (low-fat variety)
- 125ml of milk
- 1tsp of mustard powder
- 1tbsp of flour
- 1/2 tsp of sea salt
- 1/4 tsp of pepper
- 300g of low-carb macaroni
- 200g of butternut squash
- 125ml of chicken stock
- 1tbsp of olive oil spread 


And finally, how to make;

1) Put a large pan of water to boil on a medium heat. Add salt to the water. Once the water reaches boiling point (large, moving bubbles), add the macaroni. Stir immediately after adding the pasta, and occasionally during cooking process, to stop it sticking. 
Boil the macaroni for 7 minutes; you want it a little underdone as it will cook further when it goes into the oven with the sauce. 

2) Peel the butternut squash and remove the seeds. Cut into quarters (you'll need about half a squash). Cut into slices, about as thick as a one pound coin (not too thick, as it'll take too long to cook). Boil for 7 minutes in lightly salted water. 
Melt the margarine/olive oil spread in a frying pan, sprinkle in the flour, and whisk. Let it cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, then add the milk, and mustard powder. Turn up the heat, and bring to the boil. Let the sauce reduce until the consistency is like heavy cream (should take about 3 minutes). Whisk constantly. Once the squash is soft, drain it, and mash/blend until it's pureed, and lump-free. Addd this to the sauce, and stir well.

3) Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees/gas mark 4. Grate the cheese over the large holes on a box grater. Stir the cheese into the sauce.

4) Drain the macaroni in a sieve; give it a good shake, and make sure to get all the water out. Then pour into the sauce. Stir well, and season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish (make sure to grease the dish before hand, with a little non-stick cooking spray). Pop the casserole in the pre-heated oven for 5 minutes............And then serve.


A simple recipe for a childhood classic. I hope you enjoy, and this comes in useful. Please leave comments, feedback or messages.

Monday 17 March 2014

Healthy Foods - Omega 3's, Improving Sleep and Heart Health

It's all well and good saying healthy foods, but what exactly are the healthiest foods, and more importantly, what makes them so healthy? Here's a few quick healthy food tips, and the benefits they hold;

1) Scientific researchers have found that drinking cherry juice can improve all aspects of sleep in adults. According to the scientists, the key is the high melatonin content, which they believe causes optimum sleep-time. 
As well as this, eating cherries on a regular basis can prevent arthritis. They contain a high amount of anthocyonin, which is a compound that reduces inflammation in your joints and muscles. 


2) There's 38% extra brain-boosting omega 3's in an organic chicken, compared to a caged chicken, so choose wisely when you're next out shopping. 
Omega 3's can also help prevent depression, arthritis and cancer, amongst other diseases.


3) Help protect your heart by eating honeydew melon. Top nutritionist Lorner Driver-Davies says that the fruits potassium and water content combine to combat the high sodium levels in a Western diet, which will safeguard your blood pressure. 
Another heart protecting food is the mushroom, which University of Illinois researchers found to be rich in total dietary fibres, that can help maintain a healthy heart. 

Still protecting the heart, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that you could reduce your risk of a heart attack by 41% by taking a multivitamin everyday. 

Sunday 16 March 2014

Healthy Recipes - Honey-Mustard Salmon

Healthy eating's the topic again as I give you a recipe of honey-mustard salmon with asparagus, a high-protein, low-carb meal, great for recovering from an evenings training session. Nearly 40g of protein, , virtually carb-free, over 50% of your RDA of folate and 40% of your RDA of vitamin C (both essential for muscle repair), and it's only 360 calories.
Not only a great post-workout meal but also holds other essential health benefits in the ingredients. As mentioned in an early blog post, salmon can help reduce eye fatigue, which is ideal if you're sat in front of a computer screen all day. The asparagus can also keep your eyes healthy, as well as help fend of gum disease, lower blood pressure and fend off signs of ageing. 

So, onto the recipe, and first, the ingredients;

Serves 4

- 4 salmon fillets
- 450g of asparagus
- 1tbsp of butter
- 1tbsp of brown sugar
- 1tbsp of honey
- 1tbsp of soy sauce
- 2tsp of Dijon mustard
- 2tbsp of olive oil
- 50g of parmesan
- Salt & Pepper

How to make;


1) Heat the oven to 200 degrees/gas mark 6. Then combine the butter and brown sugar in a bowl, and microwave until the mix melts together. This should only take about 30-40 seconds. Remove and stir in the mustard, honey and soy sauce.

2) Toss the asparagus in a bowl with half the oil, and grate in the parmesan, and season to taste. Place the asparagus in a baking dish and roast until al dente. 

3) Heat the remaining oil in a pan over a high heat. Season the salmon and add to the pan, flesh-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Then you want to turn them over, and brush half the honey-mustard mix over the fillets, and place in the oven. Bake for around 5 minutes, until the salmon is firm, and flakes easily.

4) Remove from the oven, and brush them with the remainder of the honey-mustard mix. Plate them up with the asparagus and serve.

And there you have it, a quick and simple healthy meal that can be cooked up in 20 minutes, enjoy!

Friday 14 March 2014

Muscle Building Bacon Sandwich

For this post I have a high-protein version of the classic Bacon Butty. The unhealthy options of butter and mayonnaise have been replaced with garlic, and salsa, which also makes this a great healthy alternative to the original. A Columbian University study completed, showed that the nitrates in bacon could cause bronchitis and emphysema, but you can buy nitrate-free rashers, so have a chat with your butcher. 

So, onto the ingredients........You'll need;

- 2 slices of wholegrain bread
- 1 clove of garlic (halved)
- 1 tbsp of salsa
- 4 rashers of back bacon
- 2 sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach leaves 


How to make.....

1) Switch the grill to a medium heat, and trim the fat from the outer edge of the bacon rashers. Doing this can reduce the fat content of the bacon by 50%.

2) Stick the bacon under the grill and lightly toast the bread. Once the toast is done, rub the filling-facing side with the garlic clove (halved).

3) When the bacon is cooked, leave it to rest for a minute, between two pieces of kitchen roll. This will soak up the remaining excess fat.

4) Spread the salsa on each slice of toast, and add the bacon and spinach leaves.

5) And, one last thing..........Eat, enjoy, and watch the muscle grow.....

Monday 24 February 2014

Healthy Living - Food and Fitness

Want The Body? Eat Clean!
More healthy foods in this post, and I'll start with a couple of foods that are essential for healthy eyes; 

Salmon - Ideal if you work all day sat in front of a computer screen. Japanese research found that office workers reported a 54% reduction in eye fatigue, after taking astaxanthin, 5mg daily, for a month. A medium salmon fillet provides the perfect dose. 

Aubergine - Stop age-related vision problems by eating aubergines. A Columbia University study showed antioxidants found in the skin prevented the accumulation of vision-clouding pigments in later life. 


3 Quick Tips 

1. Train harder by sucking mints! Cyclists who could smell peppermint before training perceived 15% less effort, so went further, according to studies done in West Virginia.

2. Add 2 alcoholic drinks and three moderate cardio sessions into your week to reduce your risk of heart failure by 20%. But go steady, regular alcohol in-take, of 30 units or more a week, can lead to congestive heart failure. 

3. Lose an extra 33 lbs of fat if you swap running regularly for playing football, plus you can gain an extra 2kg of muscle too.

Friday 21 February 2014

Natural Viagra

This post focuses on 3 natural 'Viagra' products widely available to you, instead of reaching for the 'blue pill' every time. 

 L-Arginine - This amino acid increases the body’s production of nitric acid, which is proven to help maintain erections, according to the journal Neurology. “It relaxes and widens blood vessels,” says Jayney Goddard, President of the Complimentary Medicine Association, “which means your penis gets a better, more consistent supply of blood.” Giving you a better, more consistent supply of sex. 

Recommended Dose - 500mg daily

Horny Goat Weed - According to Chinese folk law this was discovered by a goatherd who noticed his male goats became sexually aroused after eating it. According to research by University of Michigan neurologists, it contains a compound called lacariin, which stimulates nerves and boosts testosterone levels.

Recommended Dose - 200mg 90 minutes before sex

Maca -  According to the journal Urology, the root extract contains ‘macamides’ and ‘macaenes’ – unique photochemicals, which restore hormone levels and boost energy in both sexes. “For men, it’s one of the most potent aphrodisiacs available – it not only helps maintain erections but also increases seminal volume, sperm count and sperm motility,” says Sarah Dobbyn, author of The Fertility Diet.

Recommended Dose - 500mg Twice Daily

Saturday 15 February 2014

Healthy Eating - Perfect Food Combinations

Perfect Food Combinations, with Huge Health Benefits

Having looked around at various healthy foods and their benefits over recent times, I came across a great article, which listed foods which were beneficial being consumed together, as well as having their own individual benefits. Below, I have listed some of the food-combinations and their benefits.
Salmon & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Salmon and Broccoli - Eat these together to fight against ageing. Sulforaphane, an antioxidant found in broccoli, is 13 times more effective of fighting the free radicals responsible for your skin losing its elasticity when combined with the selenium in fish.
Broccoli is high in vitamin C and magnesium, helping to process toxins much quicker. 
Wild salmon is beneficial for lowering cholesterol and protecting your heart. It also fights liver damage due to the omega 3 fats in the fish. 

Tomatoes and Olive Oil - Cooking your tomatoes in olive oil enhances the body's absorption of the flavanols. The skin contains 98% of it, so don't peel them. 
Flavonols shield your heart against disease and guard against infection.

Grapes and Apples - Enjoy these together to improve circulation. Barry Halliwell, a professor of nutrition at the National University of Singapore, says that the combination of the quercetin in apples and the catechin in grapes has an anticoagulant effect. The compounds fuse to make blood platelets less sticky, improving circulation.

And there you have it, a few food combos to try together, and to get healthy at the same time.

Legal-Highs Can Kill

The number of UK deaths linked to so-called "legal highs" has risen in recent years - from 10 in 2009 to at least 68 in 2012, figures show.
Legal-high Gogaine
Researchers compiled post-mortem test results for the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths. 
Designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs, "legal highs" are chemically different enough to not be covered by the law. They are on sale openly on websites and high streets across the UK.
The chemicals - known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) - are made on an industrial scale in countries like China and India and then packaged and distributed throughout Europe. Suppliers can sell many of them legally as long as they write "not for human consumption" on the packets. They are often sold as plant food or bath salts.
The government says it is leading the way globally by banning new drugs quickly.
But often new versions are then cooked up and come on sale almost immediately after a ban comes into place. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction identified 73 new substances in 2012 alone.
Read more on this story, and the devastating effects it's had on one family, on the BBC news website. 

Thursday 13 February 2014

Healthy Snacks

Now, we all like a snack, or 3, during the day, and below I've listed a couple of the healthy snacking choices, and the benefits they bring to our bodies.

UNSALTED PEANUTS - Stronger Muscle - The most protein-rich nuts on the shelves. 1.8g of protein is needed per kg of body weight, in order to build muscle. A handful of peanuts will give you 20% of your RDA. 


OATCAKES - Lower Cholesterol - These can help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol and even reduce your risk of heart disease. Rich in fibre. 25% of your RDA of fibre per 4 oatcakes.


APPLES - Sharper Mind - Hydration is vital for staying alert mentally, and apples contain 95% water-content. Studies in the US also show they help prevent age-related memory decline. 

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Food For Muscle!

Next time you're out shopping, make sure to get your cupboards filled with these power foods!

SEA BASS - One fillet of phosphorus-rich sea bass contains 25% of your RDA. Research completed by The Journal of Clinical Investigation, showed that it produced nucleotide ATP, which reduces lactic acid build-up in muscles.


PINEAPPLE - Pineapple contains bromelain which breaks down protein. Research has proven that bromelain is as effective as iburofen for combating DOMS. 


MACKEREL - The Journal of Atherosclerosis Research found that mackerel slashes blood pressure due to potent anti-inflammatories, which also reduce post-workout muscle aches.

Monday 10 February 2014

Chest Exercises


Coffee Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk

A 20-year study of around 50,000 men, completed in the US, claims that drinking 3-6 cups of coffee a day can greatly reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer, which is one of the most prolific UK man-killers. The study also claimed to reduce your risk of dying by up to 60%. And even small amounts, 1-2 cups a day, lowered your risk of developing prostate cancer by 30%.
Decaff is said to do the same as regular coffee, as it's the antioxidants and plant chemicals that help you, not the caffeine. 



Friday 7 February 2014

Measles Global Death-Rate Down By 78%

Measles Global Death-Rates Down By 78%

The World Health Organization has estimated that global death-rates from measles dropped 78% between 2000-2012. 
New figures show that around 13.8 million deaths were prevented during this time period. Campaigns to vaccinate children, and good routine immunisation levels are said to be the reasons for such good figures. 
According to the World Health Organization, around 84% of the worlds infants receive the first dose of measles vaccine before their first birthday. 
It also says that, 145 countries have also introduced a routine second dose of measles vaccine to ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks.

Despite the great news, there are still concerns that measles remains a worldwide threat. The regions of Africa, South-East Asia, and Europe all suffered large outbreaks in 2012. 


In other latest news......

Health Experts Back Car Smoking Ban; More than 700 doctors and health experts have put their names to a letter urging MP's to back a ban in England, on smoking in a car, while children are present. 
The issue is due to be voted on in parliament on Monday.
These signatories include nurses, surgeons and doctors working for the NHS.



High Increase In UK Insulin Use; The number of people using insulin in the UK, to treat diabetes has trebled between 1991 - 2010, according to researchers from Cardiff and Bristol Universities. 
They say the increase is due to a large rise in the number of people with type 2 diabetes, using the drug.
It found that, UK insulin users increased from 136,800 to 421.300, while people with any type of diabetes rose from 1.4 million, to 2.8 million users. 



Thursday 6 February 2014

Health Benefits of Bananas


News In Brief - New Strain Of Deadly Bird Flu

Experts are said to be concerned about a new deadly strain of bird flu, that has already claimed the life of one woman in China. The 73-year old caught the H10N8 virus after visiting a live poultry market. 
Scientists who have studied the new H10N8 virus say it has evolved some genetic characteristics that may allow it replicate efficiently in humans. The concern being that it could ultimately pass from person to person, although experts say there is no evidence of this as yet.


The World Health Organisation say the globe is facing a huge 'tidal wave' of cancer, and restrictions on alcohol and sugar need to be considered. The prediction is that, by 2035, there will be 24 million people diagnosed with cancer, compared to current levels of 14 million. 
The World Cancer Research Fund there was an 'alarming' level of naivety about diet's role in cancer.


Eating too many sugary sweets, desserts and drinks can lead to increased risk in having a heart attack, according to experts in the US. 
In the study, which looked at data on sugar consumption amongst tens of thousands of people in the US, as well as death rates from heart related problems, there was a significant link to the amount of sugar consumed and heart risk. 


Check back soon for more news, and also great tips and advice on healthy living and healthy foods.

Thursday 30 January 2014

The Amazing Benefits Of Garlic

Garlic is widely known as a great health remedy, that has been used for a long time to treat various ailments. As well as a tasty addition to almost any dish, I've listed a few key health benefits garlic also has to offer. 

1. Helps strengthen the immune system, as well as helping to fight chest infection and coughs. Good source of vitamin B6, essential for healthy immune system. I take a regular garlic supplement, especially through winter to fend of colds and flu. 

2. Helps keep your heart healthy and fight off heart disease, as it is said to break down the 'bad' cholesterol that builds on the walls of the body's veins. 

3. Research has shown garlic to aid in the prevention of various types of cancers, including bladder cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer. The vitamin B6 is said to be the key factor in fighting these diseases. 

4. Garlic regulates blood sugar levels, as it increases the levels of insulin in the blood. 



So, next time you're cooking a meal, make sure you add a bit of garlic, for a great tasting and extra healthy meal. Eat cooked or fresh. Check back soon for more posts and latest news on healthy living. 

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Mental Health News and More

According to the NHS regulator, the number of people being held under the Mental Health Act has risen 12% in the last five years. 
Last year, the act was used over 50, 000 times, the highest ever number. 
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has also criticised the bans on activities such as internet use, phone use and access to outdoor space. Read more on this story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25926205


In other latest news, it's said that pesticide may be linked to alzheimer's. Exposure to the once widely used pesticide, DDT, may increase chance of developing alzheimer's disease. A study published in JAMA Neurology has showed that people with alzheimer's, had four-times the level of DDT in the body than healthy people. 
Alzheimer's Research UK has said there needs to be more evidence to prove DDT was linked to dementia. 


Hong Kong has began culling 20,000 chickens after the H7N9 bird flu virus was found in poultry imported from mainland China. 
The Government is said to have banned the import of live chickens from the mainland for 3-weeks.


Please check back soon very more news, tips, advice. 

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Beat Diabetes with Red Wine & Chocolate

Beat Obesity Playing Football

Researchers say you can cut male obesity by taking up participation in football. A bit obvious to me.....any form of running around constantly for two 45 minute periods, on a regular basis, will drastically cut your risk of obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease. 
Around 375 overweight football fans were invited to take part in a 12 week programme of training sessions at their local football clubs. A year on, the men had lost around 5 kgs each compared to the same number of participants put on a waiting-list. 
Co-author Prof Kate Hunt, from Glasgow University, said: "Weight management and dieting are often wrongly viewed as women's issues, meaning that some men do not want to take part in existing weight management programmes."


Beat Diabetes with Red Wine and Chocolate

Scientists say you can beat diabetes with red wine and chocolate. Dark chocolate, berries and even red wine contain flavanoids and now it has emerged that eating high levels of the compounds can provide protection from type 2 diabetes by helping the body regulate sugar levels. 
Professor Aedin Cassidy has led the research at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.
She said: "Small changes to the normal diet you have can have significant effects on prevention efforts.

Women Risking Lives Missing Cervical Tests
A charity warns that women are risking their lives missing cervical tests. The simple test, to which all women aged between 25 and 64 are invited regularly, is vital to help doctors spot any abnormal cells which could later turn into cancer.
Cervical cancer kills around three women every day in the UK, and is the most common type affecting women under 35.
Yet research, commissioned by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, showed one in three 25 to 29-year-olds do not take up their invitations for a smear test.
While 26% of young women were delaying their first screening because they worried it would be painful and embarrassing.

Wednesday 15 January 2014

Latest Health News

Today's blog post focuses on some of the latest health news from around the world, including why weight-lifting can cut diabetes risk.

Research taken out in the US shows that women who pump iron in the gym, reduce their risk of developing diabetes. 

Lifting weights, doing press-ups, or similar resistance exercises to give muscles a work-out was linked with a lower risk of diabetes, and we're recommended to do such exercise twice a week. 
Experts already know that regular aerobic exercise, such as jogging, brisk walking or swimming, can help stave off type 2 diabetes.

The latest work suggests adding resistance training to exercise regimes - something already recommended by the NHS - will give further protection.
The Harvard Medical School researchers point out that their work is not perfect - it looked at only nurses who were mostly Caucasian and relied on the study participants reporting how much exercise they did rather than directly measuring it.
They believe the explanation may be partly down to maintaining a greater muscle mass to act as a buffer against diabetes.

Nearly a third of a million people are being diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, according to the charity Cancer Research UK.
It says around 50,000 more people are finding out they have cancer every year than a decade ago.
The rise is due to more people living to a ripe old age.
Meanwhile, research by the University of Exeter suggests patients want cancer symptoms to be checked out more quickly than NHS guidelines recommend.
Age is the biggest risk factor for cancer.
And as life expectancies have increased in the UK, so too has the number of people being diagnosed with cancer.

There's been a big rise in the number of young people suffering from mental health problems since the recession, according to The Royal College of GPs.
It also says doctors are not being given the right training to help spot and deal with the problem.
GPs have estimated that tens of thousands of 15 to 34-year-olds are suffering from depression, stress and/or anxiety.
They say that in the most serious cases, young people are self-harming and taking their own lives.
The Royal College of GPs says that some of the issues are on the increase because young people are struggling to cope with lack of money, jobs and opportunities.

Read more on these stories at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health/ and please check back soon for more posts on health and fitness, including more news, tips and advice and much more.

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Friday 3 January 2014

Keep Healthy with These 6 Essential Tips

Well, it's the start of another a year, and many of us will have had the New Years resolution to KEEP FIT AND HEALTHY! So, I thought I'd give people a helping hand and do a new post, with a few essential tips to get you started this New Year.

And onto the 6 essential tips to aid weight loss, beat heart disease, gain muscle and more......

1. According to researchers at Harvard School of Public Health, you can add a massive 16 years to your life expectancy by running five times a week.........So dig them running trainers out and get jogging!

2. 1/2 a tin of tuna helps boost your metabolism by 8.5% say Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise.

3. Help build your muscle with these 3 power foods; 

             Salmon
             Avocados
             Beef - High in Creatine

4. Help burn fat with these 3 weight-loss foods;

             Broccoli
             Apples
             Tofu - Cholesterol-slasher 

5. Eat tangerines regularly to help protect against obesity, heart attacks and strokes. Studies done in Canada show that tangerines reduced cholesterol and insulin levels, which decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

6. Research completed by the Appetite Journal showed that chickpeas can help you lose weight. Add them to salads, curries, and chilli's. 



So, just another quick blog post with a few tips to help get you started this new year. Please check my other posts, and check back soon for new ones. Keep healthy, and thank you for reading my blog.