Daily Health News Blog

Magnesium has never been a nutritional superstar, but in recent years, research has confirmed its many crucial roles in the body and uncovered new potential benefits. Notably, it’s involved in energy production, cell growth, blood pressure, bone health and the functioning of the heart, nerves and muscles. There’s no doubt that magnesium-rich foods are some of the best choices around—but supplements are another matter. Heart and blood pressure Insufficient magnesium intake increases cardiovascular risk. Magnesium is essential for the activity of the heart muscle and the nerves that initiate the heartbeat, and it helps regulate blood pressure. An adequate intake helps prevent arrhythmias, reduce cardiac damage from oxidative stress, keep blood vessels healthy, prevent spasms of coronary arteries that can cause angina, and boost HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. So it makes sense that many observational studies have found that people with a high dietary intake of magnesium have a l

Ads for Ensure Muscle Health claim that this nutrition beverage helps counter the natural muscle loss that occurs with aging. Its trademark “Revigor” ingredient is hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB), derived from the amino acid leucine. An eight-ounce bottle also contains 13 grams of protein, along with 24 vitamins and minerals. For best results, you’re supposed to drink two bottles a day, in combination with exercise. A few studies have shown that HMB increases lean muscle mass in healthy adults—both young and old—when they strength train, with those who are less fit seeming to do best. Some research also suggests that HMB may reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness and muscle dam­age. In theory at least, it may help for conditions where there is muscle wasting, such as in AIDS, cancer or long bed rest. There’s much conflicting evidence, however, and a number of studies show little or no benefit from HMB. A review of data from nine studies, in the  Journal of Strength and Condition

Wrinkles can be defined as- A small furrow, ridge, or crease on a normally smooth surface, caused by crumpling, folding, or shrinking. A line or crease in the skin, as from age. A clever trick, method, or device, especially one that is new and different. A problem or imperfection; a fault. What are the causes of Wrinkles? Some known causes of Wrinkles are- Cigarette smoke produces oxygen-free radicals and is known to accelerate wrinkles and aging skin disorders. A 2001 study also found that smokers have considerably higher levels of metalloproteinases than non-smokers, which may help account for the skin-aging effects of smoking. Air pollution. Ozone, a common air pollutant, may be a particular problem for the skin. One study reported that it might deplete the amount of vitamin E in the skin; this vitamin is an important  anti  oxidant. Rapid weight loss can also cause wrinkles by reducing the volume of fat cells that cushion the face. This not only makes a person loo

Stevia is the common name for extracts from the plant Stevia rebaudiana. In the U.S., a purified component form of the plant — called rebaudioside A (rebiana) — is "generally recognized as safe" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may be used as an artificial sweetener in foods and beverages. Refined stevia preparations (Pure Via, Truvia, others) are considered nonnutritive sweeteners and, as such, may appeal to people trying to lose weight. But there's no evidence that they offer an advantage for weight loss over other artificial sweeteners. In addition, these highly refined stevia extracts may cause mild side effects, such as nausea or a feeling of fullness. The FDA hasn't approved whole-leaf stevia or crude stevia extracts for use as food additives because of concerns about possible health effects. In particular, the FDA has concerns about the effects of whole-leaf or crude stevia on blood sugar control, the kidneys, and the cardiovascular and rep

I drink diet soda every day. Could this be harmful? Drinking a reasonable amount of diet soda a day, such as a can or two, isn't likely to hurt you. The artificial sweeteners and other chemicals currently used in diet soda are safe for most people, and there's no credible evidence that these ingredients cause cancer. Some types of diet soda are even fortified with vitamins and minerals. But diet soda isn't a health drink or a silver bullet for weight loss. Although switching from regular soda to diet soda may save you calories in the short term, it's not yet clear if it's effective for preventing obesity and related health problems. Healthier low-calorie choices abound, including water, skim milk, and unsweetened tea or coffee. Answer from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

Fitness doesn't have to be drudgery. These tips can help you add focus and fun to your routine. Have you ever started a fitness program and then quit? If you answered yes, you're not alone. Many people start fitness programs but stop when they get bored or results come too slowly. Here are seven tips to help you stay motivated. 1. Set goals Start with simple goals and then progress to longer range goals. Remember to make your goals realistic and achievable. It's easy to get frustrated and give up if your goals are too ambitious. For example, if you haven't exercised in a while, a short-term goal might be to walk 10 minutes a day three days a week. An intermediate goal might be to walk 30 minutes five days a week. A long-term goal might be to complete a 5K walk. 2. Make it fun Find sports or activities that you enjoy, then vary the routine to keep you on your toes. If you're not enjoying your workouts, try something different. Join a volleyball or

Is it possible to be overweight because of a slow metabolism? Probably not. There is such a thing as a slow metabolism. But slow metabolism is rare, and it's usually not what's behind being overweight or obese — that's usually a matter of diet and exercise. Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Even when you're at rest, your body needs energy for functions such as breathing, circulating blood and repairing cells. The number of calories your body uses for these basic functions is known as your basal metabolic rate (BMR). Several factors determine your basal metabolic rate: Your body size and composition.  If you weigh more or have more muscle mass, you will burn more calories, even at rest. So overweight people are more likely to have a faster metabolic rate — not a slower one. Your sex.  If you're a man, you probably have less body fat and more muscle mass than does a woman of the same age, so you burn