Category: health

Atkins May be Good for Cholesterol

Ashley BischoffLeave a comment

According to a study at Duke University, the Atkins diet may be good for cholesterol:

After six months, participants on the Atkins diet had lost 31 pounds, had an 11 percent increase in HDL, the good cholesterol, and a 49 percent drop in tryglycerides. Step 1 dieters lost 20 pounds, showed no change in HDL, and their tryglycerides fell 22 percent. […]

I’m not on Atkins (my eating habits are most similar to The Zone), but this news was a bit surprising to me (a pleasant surprise, I suppose).

Update: Here’s another article on the Atkins diet study. This one focuses more on the teeth-gnashing that the study evoked from regular dietitians, while also noting that the study was financed in part by the Atkins Foundation.

Omega-3 (Fish Oil) May Help with Heart Disease

Ashley BischoffLeave a comment

A new study indicates that omega-3 fatty acids (from fish) may reduce the disk of heart disease.

“New trials have been reported that finally broke the camel’s back,” Harris says. “The last report showed that giving 0.85 grams of omega-3 fatty acids to people who survived heart attacks caused a 20 percent reduction in overall mortality over three-and-a-half years. One of the big contributors to that reduction was a 45 percent decrease in sudden cardiac deaths." […]

I had heard that fish oil could be healthy, but I had no idea of the extent.

Protein May Help with Weight Loss

Ashley Bischoff1 Comment

From an article on MSNBC, protein may help with weight loss:

While all low-calorie diets lead to weight loss, recent research has shown that not all calories are created equal, Layman said at the meeting. For example, one new study looked at two groups of dieters: one with a high-protein regimen — 125 grams of protein and 171 grams of carbs — and one with a high-carbohydrate regimen — 68 grams of protein and 246 grams of carbs. Both groups were also required to exercise.

At the end of four months, people who ate more protein lost more weight — 22 pounds versus 15 pounds. Further, people on the high-protein diet had lost more fat and less muscle than the group on the high-carb diet. […]

Like yesterday’s news on weight training, this wasn’t very surprising to me. But, I’m glad to read it in print.

Weight Training May Reduce Heart Disease

Ashley Bischoff4 Comments

According to a new study of 44,000 men, weight training may reduce heart disease:

Harvard University researchers studied more than 44,000 men who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and looked at the role different types of exercise played on heart disease risk.

Not surprisingly, aerobic exercises like running and rowing were shown to be beneficial for reducing risk. But one of the biggest surprises was the effect of weight training. Those who lifted weights for 30 minutes or more a week had a risk reduction of 23 percent. [&hellip]

I can’t say that I’m terribly surprised, but I’m pleased to hear that.

Omega-3 May Improve Mood

Ashley Bischoff3 Comments

According to a recent study, eating foods in Omega-3 fatty acids may improve mood:

While additional research needs to be done to prove definitively omega-3s’ impact on different psychiatric disorders, some psychiatrists are now feeling confident enough to recommend that their depressed patients increase their consumption of these fatty acids. So, what are the best sources for omega-3s, and how much is needed to make a difference?

The best source for omega-3s is any type of seafood — including salmon, lobster and shrimp. For people who find seafood a bit fishy, walnuts and olive oil are also good sources for the fatty acid. […]

Hmm, I need to go to Sam’s Club this weekend anyhow to stock up on groceries, so maybe I should look into their fish entrees (instead of my usual chicken).