3 Foods That Make You Look Older

We all know fresh fruits and vegetables are the ticket to improving overall health, clear skin and bright, youthful complexions. What you might not know is that some foods can actually prematurely age your skin. 

 

1. Sugar: Sweets and refined carbs raise your blood glucose levels, which interferes with the normal repair of collagen and elastin.
2. Saturated fats: Diets high in saturated fats increase inflammation, which ages your skin.
3. Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates your body, leaving skin tight and dry. Your liver also releases skin-aging free radicals as it metabolizes alcohol.

Source: Good Housekeeping

 

http://healthblog.swansonvitamins.com/blog/health-tips-2/3-foods-that-make-you-look-older

Study: Too much red meat may shorten lifespan

By Anne Harding, Health.com

In addition, a diet rich in red meat is likely to come up short in other areas, says Robert Ostfeld, M.D. 

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• A new study is the first to estimate the effect of red meat on a person's lifespan
• Each additional daily serving was associated with a 20% higher risk of dying
• Charring red meat at high temperatures can produce carcinogens on the surface 
• 
  
• (Health.com) -- Want to live longer? Trade some of the red meat in your diet for fish, nuts, whole grains, and other healthier protein sources, Harvard researchers say.
• 
  That's the conclusion of a new study, published this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine, that found that the risk of dying at an early age -- from heart disease, cancer, or any other cause—rises in step with red-meat consumption.
  
  Eating too much red meat, which is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, has long been seen as unhealthy, especially for the heart. The new study, however, is the first to estimate the effect of swapping out red meat on a person's lifespan.

Health.com: The 10 best foods for your heart 

Using data from two long-running studies of health professionals, researchers tracked the diets of more than 121,000 middle-aged men and women for up to 28 years. Roughly 20% of the participants died during that period. 

On average, each additional serving of red meat the participants ate per day was associated with a 13% higher risk of dying during the study. Processed red meat products -- such as hot dogs, bacon, and salami -- appeared to be even more dangerous: Each additional daily serving was associated with a 20% higher risk of dying.

Based on these findings, the researchers estimate that substituting one daily serving of red meat with fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, whole grains, or low-fat dairy products would reduce the risk of dying in this stage of life by 7% to 19%. If everyone in the study had slashed their average red-meat intake to less than half a serving per day, the researchers say, 9% of deaths among men and 8% of deaths among women could have been prevented.

Health.com: Easy food swaps that cut cholesterol, not taste 

"Our message is to try to reduce the red meat consumption to less than two to three servings per week," says lead author An Pan, Ph.D., a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston.

"We don't want everyone to be a vegetarian," Pan says, though he adds that avoiding processed red meat altogether may be a good idea. "It's better to go with unprocessed products and plant-based foods."

Dean Ornish, M.D., the founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, in Sausalito, California, says a plant-based diet provides a "double benefit" in that it reduces a person's exposure to the harmful substances in meat while also providing valuable nutrients.

"There are literally hundreds of thousands of protective substances that you find in fruits and vegetables and whole grains and legumes and soy products that prevent disease," says Ornish, who wrote an editorial accompanying the study.

Health.com: America's healthiest superfoods for women

Why is red meat, and especially processed red meat, potentially harmful? In addition to the high saturated fat content, which can contribute to heart disease, charring red meat at high temperatures can produce carcinogens on the surface, Pan says. And processed meats contain certain additives that in high quantities are believed to promote cancer as well.

In addition, a diet rich in red meat is likely to come up short in other areas, says Robert Ostfeld, M.D., a cardiologist and associate professor of clinical medicine at Montefiore Medical Center, in the Bronx, N.Y.

"If you eat more red meat, on average, you may be eating fewer fruits and vegetables, so you're getting the bad things from the red meat and you're not getting the good things from the fruits and vegetables," says Ostfeld, who did not participate in the study. "My preference is for people to have as little red meat as they can, and I think it's ideal to avoid red meat."

Staffan Lindeberg, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the University of Lund, in Sweden, says singling out red meat may be counterproductive. A bigger threat to health is the sugar- and starch-heavy Western diet as a whole, says Lund, who studies heart disease and diabetes and advocates a version of the so-called Paleolithic diet, which emphasizes lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.

"We need to focus more on common foods, like grains, dairy foods, refined fats, and refined sugar," Lindeberg says.

Studies like Pan's are inherently iffy due to red meat's unhealthy reputation, which makes red-meat consumption difficult to tease apart from a person's overall lifestyle, Lindeberg says. "Red meat has been perceived as a villain for many years, and people who avoid red meat take all sorts of precautionary measures for their future health," he says. "It is not possible to statistically adjust for all of these measures."

Sure enough, Pan and his colleagues found that the men and women in the study who ate the most red meat also tended to be heavier, less physically active, and more likely to smoke and drink alcohol than their peers. However, the researchers did take those and other factors into account in their analysis.
Dangers of eating red meat

Is eating red meat bad for health?

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/12/health/red-meat-shorten-lifespan/index.html?iref=obinsite 

Dietary Fat Linked to Low Sperm Count

By KIM CAROLLO (@kimcarollo) and DR. JESSICA ROSE

Diets high in saturated fat are bad for waistlines, but they can also have a negative impact below the waist. They may lower sperm count and sperm concentration, according to a new study published in the journal Human Reproduction.

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School collected semen samples from 99 mostly overweight or obese men and assessed their diets by asking them how often over the previous year they had certain foods and beverages.

They found that eating a lot of saturated fat was associated with a lower total sperm count and concentration. Diets high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fats -- the fats commonly found in fish and plant oils -- were associated with better-quality semen, meaning the sperm cells were of a better size and shape. The study did not determine what particular kinds of saturated fats were linked to sperm count.

The study's lead author, Dr. Jill Attaman, now a reproductive endocrinologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, said the study could lead to a better understanding of how lifestyle factors affect male fertility.

"There are few clearly identifiable lifestyle modifications that can be made to optimize natural fertility, especially for males," Attaman told ABC News in an email. "This is the first report of a relation between specific dietary fats and semen quality."

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Experts not involved with the study have different opinions on the role diet plays in male fertility. Some say the research opens up an important door to future studies, while others say there are factors that play a much bigger role in fertility.

"The study explores an inadequately studied field in andrology and suggests associations between dietary habits and sperm parameters among subfertile, mostly overweight men," said Dr. Tamer Yalcinkaya, associate professor and section head of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Diet is an important fertility-related variable, other doctors told ABC News.

"Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet will be the key to optimizing sperm parameters," said Dr. John Petrozza, director of the MGH Fertility Center, a center involved in the study. "The concept of omega-3 fatty acids will be the key, since it has been well established as an important cell membrane stabilizer."

"We have been discussing diet with our female patients for quite a while," said Dr. Alan Penzias, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School. Researchers at Harvard Medical School were also involved with the study, though Penzias was not. "This evidence is entirely plausible and affords us the opportunity to expand the discussion to the male partners of our female patients."

Research has also implicated diet as a factor in the production of healthy eggs by women's reproductive systems. A Canadian study found that nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, a substance used by the body to produce energy, contributed to egg production.

It's also entirely possible, said Dr. Lawrence Ross, professor of urology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, that since many of the men in the study were obese, their weight was what adversely affected their semen.

"Many of them may have elevated levels of estradiol, a 'female' hormone, that can lower endogenous testosterone and decrease sperm production. Some of them may also have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes which can affect ejaculation as well as erectile function and hence total sperm count," he said. Obesity may also cause other medical problems that can affect sperm count.

But Dr. Sherman Silber of the Infertility Center of St. Louis said that higher estrogen levels in obese men play only a minor role in sperm levels.

"We cannot expect to correct male infertility with a low fat diet, but of course, Americans are obese, and any weight reduction and fat reduction program would be welcome for health in general," he said. Silber said that the shape and size of sperm -- known as sperm morphology -- are largely determined by genetics.

The Effect of a Poor Diet on Male Fertility Watch Video

The Baby Bust is Over! Watch Video

Can Stress Affect Fertility Treatment? Watch Video

Another doctor, Jamie Grifo of the NYU Fertility Center, argued that sperm count also does not necessarily affect a woman's ability to become pregnant, so the study conclusions have little relevance to fertility.

Grifo said patients with abnormal sperm morphology can "usually always get pregnant using intrauterine insemination [IUI] if you take the time." IUI is the placement of sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization. "The outcome is not changed by sperm count."

Attaman added that if future studies can replicate these findings, they can have a substantial impact on overall health.

"Although these findings need to be reproduced, adapting these nutritional modifications may not only be beneficial for reproductive health but for global general health as well," she said.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/sperm-count-diet-high-saturated-fat-harvard-study/story?id=15912533&page=2

THE DIRTY SECRETS ABOUT YOUR DIET

Posted by Alana Brager

Let’s face it, you are what you eat. And your body demands certain nutrients to maintain that healthy, youthful glow we all desire. However, too many of us are putting unhealthy foods into our bodies without really knowing the dirty details. While many are delicious and almost impossible to give up (saying no to a second glass of vino is a challenge!), each of these 10 foods/drinks has a hidden side of negative effects on your health. Here are the first five — be prepared to be surprised!

Alcohol

A drink here and there doesn’t seem harmful to your body in the moment, but overtime, alcohol consumption can lead to dry skin and wrinkles – we’re too young for that! Alcohol draws water from the body and dehydrates your skin, as well as reduces the vitamin A content within your body, ultimately leading to the appearance of fine lines and dead skin cells. Skipping the booze is the best way to keep your skin wrinkle and flake free.

Smart Balance: 1 drink a day. (Beer: 12 fluid ounces; Wine: 5 fluid ounces; Distilled Spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces.)

Sugar
Women who regularly eat foods with high sugar content are at risk for dull skin and a more wrinkled complexion. Sugar produces a molecule that damages collagen and elastin, which are two fibers that keep skin firm. Foods with excess sugar include canned or packaged dried fruits, muffins, breakfast and oatmeal bars, instant cereal and fruit juice. Consuming sugar is also linked to excess belly fat and it’s also hidden in yogurt and salad dressings. So while it seems impossible to avoid, just check the labels of your fave foods for sugar content before dropping it in your shopping cart.

Smart Balance: 5 teaspoons (20 grams) of sugar per day.

Processed Foods
Plain and simple — processed foods aren’t healthy to eat. What are they exactly? Well, anything packaged that you find in the store, which have been altered from their natural state, such as potato chips, lunch meat, cookies, hot dogs, frozen dinners and canned vegetables. They are stripped of nutrients and antioxidants, both of which our bodies need. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage and eating processed food damages collagen and causes wrinkles. Put down the box and grab some fresh fruits and vegetables from your local farmer’s market.

Smart Balance: Avoid at all costs.

Saturated Fats
Foods that are high in saturated fats can lead to weight gain, especially around the mid-section. Saturated fats originate from animal products such as dairy, eggs and meat, while some can be found in plant-based sources. Foods high in saturated fat should be avoided if you want to say goodbye to cellulite. Vegetable- and plant-based fats can be broken down by the body, but saturated fats from animal products cannot. The fat is stored under the skin, which is where cellulite forms, thus being a no-no for any woman who wants a dimple-free bottom.

Smart Balance: Less than 7 percent of total daily calories. (Based on a 2,000-calorie/day diet, you should consume less than 16 grams saturated fat.)

Milk
Several studies have shown that the natural growth hormones found in milk are stimulating acne. Most milk is derived from pregnant cows and researchers are finding that the hormones can trigger pimples on your pretty face. Bleh. If you’re acne prone, cut back on the milk and dairy products. These days, there are many alternatives fortified with calcium, vitamin D and even protein (hemp, almond, soy, rice).

Smart Balance: 1 serving/day of low-fat or fat-free milk.

In this second half of hidden secrets of your favorite foods, we reveal the shocking side-effects of soda (damn you, Diet Coke!), why you probably shouldn’t bring a turkey sandwich as your lunch, and much more.

Salt
Salt, salt, salt. So good, but oh-so-bad. It’s on our list because it causes our tissues to swell and enables water retention, which leads to puffiness and a cause of the belly bloat–nobody likes that! And iodized salt, in larger doses, has been linked to aggravate acne. Be sure you check the sodium content while grocery shopping, and if you’re buying canned vegetables or beans, drain and rinse before consuming, which helps reduce the amount of salt.
Smart Balance: No more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about a teaspoon of table salt).

Soda

Daily consumption of sugary soft drinks can add one pound to your frame every four years. It may not seem like that much, but drinking soda is linked to obesity and can impair your overall physical health. Soda contains high-fructose corn syrup, which can lead to abnormal increases in body fat (especially in the stomach–a trouble spot for many women). Diet soda junkie? Join the club. But it turns out that consuming diet soft drinks, which contains aspartame, isn’t the better alternative. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, affects the calcium formation of bones as well as breaks down the enamel of teeth. Next time you’re craving a sweet drink, opt for water flavored with different types of fruits or iced tea.
Smart Balance: Avoid.

Deli Meats

Deli meats are full of sodium (the culprit for water retention!) and lead to puffy skin. Recent studies have shown that the way deli meats are processed can also cause wrinkles. How? The chemicals within these meats may lead to inflammation and can affect the natural collagen in your skin. What to do instead? Ditch the deli and fire up the grill.
Smart Balance: Avoid, as one serving can account for 25 percent of your daily intake of sodium. Yikes.

Fried Foods

If you’re spending too much time eating greasy food, you’ve probably noticed the physical changes in your appearance. Fried and greasy foods are linked to acne, high-blood pressure and weight gain. Hot oil is high in calories and fat, plus the grease can lead to high cholesterol. Eating greasy and fried foods also means your body isn’t getting the nutrients that it needs to fight off free radical damage (a.k.a. skin aging). Swap the fried chicken for a lean grilled chicken breast and you’ll notice the changes internally and externally!
Smart Balance: Rare occasions are OK. Otherwise, avoid.

Trans Fats

Foods that are high in trans fats can cause belly fat due to their high calorie and fat content. Trans fats harden at room temperature and they include baked items, such as cookies, cakes, crackers, boxed cereals, canned and boxed foods. Trans fats may enhance flavor and texture to your food, but they are bad for your arteries and increase your risk of developing heart disease or stroke. And no one wants that!
Smart Balance: Less than 1 percent of total daily calories. (Based on a 2,000-calorie/day diet, that’s less than 2g trans fat.)

http://life2pointoh.com/2012/01/what-not-to-eat/

10 Best Foods for Your Heart

10 Best Foods for Your Heart

By Alana Brager, Life2PointOh.com 

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States? Scary! Luckily, we have tasty ways you can keep that heart of yours pumping longer!

1. Oatmeal contains a certain element of fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It also contains a special antioxidant called avenanthramides, which prevents free radicals from attacking good cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Oatmeal also helps keep your arteries clear and contains calcium, omega-3's and fiber, which have been proven to stabilize blood sugar. Just skip the instant oats, since they're loaded with hidden sugars and sodium!

2. Salmon is the premiere source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that the human body cannot produce on its own. Omega-3's are known to minimize symptoms of inflammatory diseases and reduce blood pressure. Salmon is very high in protein, low in cholesterol and also contains astaxanthin, a very powerful antioxidant that's converted to vitamin A in the body.

3. Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help lower bad cholesterol. They're high in potassium, which can help ward off high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. They also contain a heart healthy fat that contains lycopene, a potential cancer-fighting agent.

4. Olive Oil oil is full of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower your risk of heart disease and help normalize blood clotting. The antioxidants found in olive oil can also help protect against some cancers while boosting your HDL (good) cholesterol.

5. Nuts, like almonds and walnuts, are full of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, a fat that's mostly found in plant based foods and oils. They are also full of protein and omega-3's, which are great for the heart. About a handful a day is enough to do the trick.

Heart Healthy Month may be coming to a close, but it’s vital that you follow healthy practices year-round to prevent heart disease. Here’s Part 2 of our list of foods that make your heart happy! 

6. Berries are full of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been known to lower the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that eating a moderate amount of berries may increase HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. They’re also rich in disease fighting phytochemicals that can help prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

7. Legumes, or beans, are incredibly low in fat and contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. Beans are a high plant based protein that also have fiber, iron, folic acid and the heart healthy omega-3’s. Red and black beans also contain eight types of flavanoids, which reduces the risk of a stroke.

8. Spinach is an antioxidant rich super food that’s high in vitamins A, C and K, all of which are good for your bones and heart. It has been shown to lower the risk of some cancers while also being incredibly rich in fiber and folate, a water soluble B vitamin that’s important for building and maintaining healthy cells.

9. Soy is a nutrient dense, heart healthy food. It contains B-vitamins, unsaturated fats, calcium, zinc and fiber. It’s cholesterol free and a healthier, leaner protein, compared to meat. Soy is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce. Studies have shown that soy protein could lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can help prevent heart disease.

10.  Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. When lycopene is combined with other antioxidants found in tomatoes, such as beta-carotene or vitamin c, the body works to neutralize free radicals that could damage cells. Studies have shown that tomato products prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

http://life2pointoh.com/2012/02/heart-healthy-foods/