Jul 26th, 2024 - A new study using a mouse model of obesity concludes that a type of fiber called beta-glucan induced more weight loss than other forms of fiber. If the results are confirmed in human studies, the authors suggest that beta-glucan may be a "promising dietary strategy for metabolic disease." The research appears in The Journal of Nutrition . To understand the results of the study and provide actionable advice, Medical News Today contacted several experts for input, none of whom were involved in the study. Not so long ago, people believed fiber was little more than "roughage" — it kept ... [Read More]

Jul 25th, 2024 - 3/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts 3/4 cup unsalted roasted almonds 1 cup unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/2 cup raisins or currants 3/4 cup plain oat or bran or whole-grain cereal Combine all ingredients. Measure out 1/4 cup servings in individual snack-size bags to make a healthy, portable snack. Peanuts : These popular legumes are an excellent source of plant-based protein and gut-friendly fiber. Peanuts also have heart-healthy unsaturated fats that can raise your "good" (HDL) cholesterol and lower your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol. What's more, ... [Read More]

Jul 23rd, 2024 - Fortunately, severe vitamin deficiency problems are usually less of a concern for modern humans than they were for our ancestors. What's good for us is now well understood. Better distribution means more people can get their hands on nutritious food. If vitamins aren't already present in food, we've developed methods to introduce them. Plus, most required vitamins are better absorbed when we eat a well-rounded diet. "However, it is still not a guarantee that everyone will obtain all the necessary vitamins and minerals to prevent chronic health problems," states dietitian Mira llic, RD, LD. ... [Read More]

Jul 23rd, 2024 - If you are experiencing constipation , you may have tried lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber and increasing your fluids. However, if these fail to provide relief, you may be considering laxative options. There are various types of laxatives , and they work in different ways. For example, some soften the stool, while others help the lower intestines eliminate stool. The four main types of laxatives found over the counter (without a prescription) are: Bulk-forming laxatives Osmotic laxatives Stimulant laxatives Stool-softening laxatives globalmoments Bulk-Forming Laxatives ... [Read More]

Jul 23rd, 2024 - S pinal mobility is one of those things you don't think about until it's compromised. But, once you're faced with back pain, a stiff shoulder, or a tweaked neck, it's the only thing on your mind. The open book stretch is not only a tool you can reach for when you're hurting, but it's also a mobility exercise you can use proactively to maintain everyday functionality and prevent potential issues in the future. Spinal mobility is just like other aspects of physical fitness in that you "use it or lose," according to  Jessie Duppler, PT, DPT , doctor of physical therapy and creator of the ... [Read More]

Jul 23rd, 2024 - If you're after a healthier lifestyle, you may begin by scrutinizing what you eat, but what about what you drink? From sugary sodas to creamy coffees, these drinks can stealthily contribute to your daily calorie intake, sometimes still leaving you unsatisfied and lacking nutrients. Understanding the implications of drinking your calories is crucial for making wise decisions about your daily hydration and dietary habits. The Meaning Behind "Drinking Your Calories" Drinking your calories refers to consuming calorie-dense beverages, often without realizing their nutritional impact compared to ... [Read More]

Jul 23rd, 2024 - Smoothies can be nutritious, filling, and blood-sugar-supporting when made with the right ingredients. When made with too many high-glycemic fruits and sweeteners and not enough fiber, however, they can be just the opposite. Here's the secret to whipping up a satisfying smoothie that will taste delicious and keep your blood sugar in check, from an endocrinologist. How to avoid a blood sugar spike from your smoothie When you make a smoothie that's majority fruit and sweeteners, it can wind up spiking (and then crashing) your blood sugar , leaving you even hungrier than before. According to ... [Read More]

Jul 23rd, 2024 -  movie While Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer and Hugh Grant got top billing, sweet breakfast foods from the 1960s are arguably the real stars of the recent movie " Unfrosted ," a comedy loosely based on the invention of Pop-Tarts. What's more, many of those breakfast products from the movie are still household names. When I was a child, I too enjoyed some of the sugary cereals featured in "Unfrosted," and I ate Pop-Tarts too. In fact, I still have a box or two of these cereals squirreled away at my house, even though I'm well into adulthood, working as an assistant ... [Read More]