Important Health Tips: Want to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes and Inflammation?

Today’s Health Tip:

Minimize sugar intake to reduce the risk of diabetes and inflammation.

Health Tip of the Day ~ What is the Difference in Calories Burned between Walking and Running One Mile?

Yes, there is a calorie difference between walking one mile and running one mile.

The number of calories burned during exercise depends on several factors, including the intensity of the exercise, the duration of the activity, the body weight of the person, and their fitness level. Running is a higher intensity activity than walking and requires more energy and effort. Therefore, running one mile burns more calories than walking one mile.

The exact number of calories burned during running or walking depends on the factors mentioned above, as well as the pace of the activity. However, on average, running burns approximately twice as many calories per mile as walking. For example, a 150-pound person would burn about 100 calories walking one mile at a moderate pace, but would burn about 200 calories running one mile at a moderate pace.

Source: ChatGPT

Health Tip of the Day ~ What Veggies Are More Nutritious When Cooked?

5 Veggies that Give You More Nutrition Once Cooked

  1. Tomatoes: Cooking tomatoes can actually increase the amount of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.
  2. Spinach: Cooking spinach can increase the amount of iron that your body absorbs from it.
  3. Carrots: Cooking carrots can make the beta-carotene more available to your body, which can then be converted into vitamin A.
  4. Asparagus: Cooking asparagus can break down the tough cell walls, making it easier for your body to absorb its nutrients, including folate and vitamins A, C, and K.
  5. Mushrooms: Cooking mushrooms can increase the amount of ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

It’s important to note that overcooking vegetables can destroy some of their nutrients, so it’s best to cook them lightly and avoid boiling them for long periods of time.

Health Tip of the Day ~ 5 Reasons to Give Up Refined Sugar

Knock the Sugar Off and Get Great Health Benefits

      1. Sugar is high in calories: Refined sugar is high in calories and has no nutritional value. Consuming large amounts of refined sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of developing several health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
      2. Sugar can cause insulin resistance: Refined sugar causes a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which can cause the body to produce insulin to bring the levels back down. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less sensitive to insulin and is less able to regulate blood sugar levels.
      3. Sugar can increase inflammation: Consuming high amounts of refined sugar has been shown to increase inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
      4. Sugar can cause tooth decay: Refined sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay and gum disease. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria in the mouth produce acid, which can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.
      5. Sugar can lead to addiction: Refined sugar can be addictive, as it activates the same reward centers in the brain as drugs of abuse. This can lead to cravings and a cycle of overconsumption, which can be difficult to break.
Source: ChatGPT

Health Tip of the Day ~ Should You Drink Diet Soda?

Pros & Cons of Drinking Diet Soda

Pros of drinking diet soda:

      1. Low in calories: Diet soda contains fewer calories compared to regular soda, which is beneficial for those trying to lose weight or maintain their weight.
      2. May help with weight loss: Studies have shown that replacing regular soda with diet soda can result in weight loss, as it reduces the overall calorie intake.
      3. May be a good alternative for people with diabetes: Since diet soda does not contain sugar, it can be a good option for people with diabetes who need to watch their sugar intake.

Cons of drinking diet soda:

      1. Artificial sweeteners: Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, which have been linked to health problems like headaches, nausea, and even cancer in some studies.
      2. May increase cravings for sweet foods: Some studies suggest that drinking diet soda may increase the desire for sweet foods, which could lead to overeating and weight gain.
      3. May be bad for bone health: Some research has linked drinking diet soda with lower bone density and increased risk of fractures, possibly due to the phosphoric acid in the soda.
      4. Can contribute to dental problems: The acidic nature of soda can contribute to tooth decay and erosion, which can lead to dental problems over time.

Overall, while diet soda may be a good option for those trying to reduce their calorie intake, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming artificial sweeteners and acidic beverages. As with any food or beverage, moderation is key.

Today’s Health Tip ~ Are You Getting Enough Vitamin A

Good Eye Health & Vitamin A

“Without enough vitamin A, your eyes cannot produce enough moisture to keep them properly lubricated,” according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Not getting enough vitamin A can be tragic and fatal. Worldwide, vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness, according to the AAO. Annually, 250,000 to 500,000 children become blind every year because of a lack of sufficient vitamin A.

If you’re severely deficient in vitamin A, you can develop a serious condition called xerophthalmia, says Lisa Jones, a registered dietitian based in Philadelphia. This condition is characterized by abnormal dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye, with inflammation and ridge formation. “However, research suggests that there is a reduced risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration if you have a high intake of vitamin A.”

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Today’s Health Tip ~ Get Up and Move

Avoid Sitting for Long Spells.

If you have a desk job that involves sitting all day or you like to binge-watch TV, Dr.Anthony Pick, MD, of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois urges you to get up and move regularly. Research suggests that long periods of sitting are harmful for the heart. “There’s that saying that ‘sitting is the new smoking,’” Pick says. Current exercise guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise a week, or at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. Choose physical activities that you enjoy enough to do regularly.

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Today’s Health Tip ~ Walking While Talking on Your Cell May Be Dangerous

When Chatting with Friends on Your Cell, Watch Where You are Walking

A 2019 study in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery shows a steep rise in head and neck injuries linked to cellphone use. From 1998 to 2017, more than 2,500 people went to emergency rooms with cellphone-related injuries like cuts and scrapes to their head or neck, which were mainly due to falls from texting while walking and other distractions. The authors of the study say the brunt of cellphone injuries happen to millennials and Gen Zers—groups that may need some additional schooling about the dangers of multitasking while on the phone. (Stephanie Watson).

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Today’s Health Tip ~ Will Yoga Help With Headaches?

Yoga May Be Beneficial if You Suffer from Headaches

New research in the journal Neurology suggests that adding some downward facing dogs and sun salutations to your migraine prevention regimen could help. In a study of adults with migraine ages 18 to 50, those who practiced yoga in addition to taking preventive medication saw a big reduction in their migraine symptoms compared with people who only took medication. The novice yogis practiced with a teacher for 1 hour, 3 days a week, for a month. After that, they practiced 5 days a week on their own for the next 2 months. After 3 months, yoga practitioners had almost 50% fewer headaches than before. The medicine-only group saw just a 12% reduction. The yogis’ headaches were shorter, less painful, and required less pain medicine. —Sonya Collins

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Today’s Health Tip ~ Is Spaghetti Squash a Healthy Food?

Spaghetti Squash is Loaded with Health Benefits

When it comes to eating healthy, it may seem hard to find foods you can get year-round that have many benefits, few downsides and a lot of versatility. But the spaghetti squash is one such food. . . .Like other members of the squash family, the spaghetti squash is high in vitamins and nutritional value. “You’re getting tons of vitamin C, vitamin B6, betacarotene and fiber. . . . It also has antioxidants, which are especially helpful for other reasons. “We talk about free radicals from the polluted air we take in and the damage they can do to your body. But these antioxidants fight them and break them down,” says Beth Czerwony, RD.

On top of these benefits, spaghetti squash is both filling and low in calories. “A cup is a pretty good serving and that’s only about 40 calories,” Czerwony says. “It’s really a great way to cut calories from your meal without sacrificing that mouthfeel you’re looking for.”  Additionally, because spaghetti squash is high in fiber and low in carbs, Czerwony says, it won’t mess with your blood sugar the same way high-carb foods —particularly semolina pasta can. 

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