Health Wise - Michele Sevier

Science Proves Healthy Habits Positively Affects Our Genes.

“Prevention is Key”. Ever get tired of hearing this phrase? It’s like a flashback to childhood hearing your mother telling you to “Eat Your Vegetables.”

But seriously does it all REALLY matter? After all heart disease runs in your family while cancer tends to run in your spouses’.

Recent research from Dr. Dean Ornish proves that proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle habits (exercise, stress reduction, etc) can affect you not only positively, but profoundly, and now proven genetically.

Check out this video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naWt-i9Q3os

We have the power and the ability to positively affect the quality and perhaps quantity of our lives.

Green Tea Can Reduce Belly Fat

For individuals still committed to their 2009 weight loss resolution, read on!

Green tea possesses a myriad of health benefits due to its polyphenol content, commonly known as flavanols or catechins. Research has shown that green tea polyphenols have demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and thermogenic (increased metabolism) properties.

Now, a recent study has confirmed that the polyphenol catechins can help decrease abdominal fat. Check out the link at

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Green-tea-catechins-linked-to-weight-loss-Study

If you want even more info on the benefits of Green Tea and Weight Loss check out this great article put out by the Pennington BioMedical Research Center

http://www.pbrc.edu/Division_of_Education/pdf/PNS_Green_Tea.pdf

Don’t forget that a healthy diet filled with fresh vegetables, fruit, lean quality protein and whole grains is important along with regular exercise.

Michele

The short-sightedness of clinical trials

I came across this interesting podcast on the short-sightedness of clinical trials by Jeffrey B. Blumberg, Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy.

I thought I share it with you...

Click here to learn more

“Did You Know That Many Fragrances are Considered Toxic”

It is important to use common sense when dealing with common scents.

We see more and more signs being posted in Doctors and professional health offices, hospitals and even workplaces requesting the absence of perfume and other fragrances being used.

Multi-chemical sensitivities, allergies and respiratory issues are on the rise and the one of the culprits appears to be fragrance. But how can something smell so good be so bad? Or can it? Unfortunately it can. We assume that the majority of fragrance and scents are natural whereas the opposite is true. Over 95% of the essences used in various cleaners, laundry detergent, air fresheners and personal care products, including perfumes are synthetic chemicals. Some of these chemicals can be toxic and are classified as Hazardous Air Pollutants.

In looking into this situation a little further, I came across this article Steineman AC, Fragranced Consumer Products and Undisclosed Ingredients, Environ Impact Asses Rev (2008), doi:101016/j.eiar2008.2008.05.002.

If you would like to read it, click here
http://www.ce.washington.edu/people/faculty/bios/documents/Steinemann2008.pdf

So, since “green” is in and most people want a non-toxic alternative to harsh cleaning products, I did a little investigation and found a great all natural product line from the professionals at Fresh Wave.

Fresh Wave is an all natural solution with no harsh chemicals and no masking agents. These non-toxic, biodegradable products use a blend of plant extracts (lime, cedarwood, aniseed, clove, and pine needle). Most fragrances only cover odours imparting a stronger or different scent. In contrast, a Fresh Wave product when activated by airflow, attaches to any malodourous molecules, and breaks them down eliminating odour.

Sprays, soy-based candles, vacuum pearls and the Fresh Wave all purpose cleaning solutions are ideal remedies to their chemical counterparts. Fresh Wave also has a pet care line to reduce Fido’s foul doggie smell. A must have for Pet Lovers. Check out these products at your local nutrition house store or our on-line shopping link at www.nutritionhouse.com. You will be impressed….naturally!

Vitamin Water not "what is cracked up to be"

Individuals are constantly looking for simple, effective ways to improve health.  And while Vitamin Waters may taste great and quench your thirst, it may not be providing you with the health benefits you are looking for and/or those being promoted by the company. 

As a matter of fact, according to the following article released by the Nutrition Business Journal (below) Coca-Cola is being sued over the enhanced (to say the least) marketing claims made regarding their Vitamin Water.  But it’s not just the marketing claims that can be a detriment. It’s also the high sugar content in contrast to the small amount of vitamins. 

Keeping your immune system and body strong with the inclusion of adequate vitamins and minerals can be important.  But consuming sugar equivalent to a can of pop significantly reduces the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria and germs by almost one half.  And, if that’s not enough, the immune suppressing effect of sugar begins within thirty minutes of consumption and can last for hours. 

Don’t be seduced by clever marketing.  Take a comprehensive daily multivitamin/mineral formulation including vitamin A/Beta-Carotene, B complex, Folic Acid, C, D, E, with calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and other important nutrients.

It’s less expensive and benefits your better overall health!

Michele

Coca-Cola Company in Hot Water

The Coca-Cola Company has been served notice of a class action lawsuit over unsubstantiated marketing claims associated with the company’s VitaminWater beverage. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) filed the suit, along with two other

California

law firms, because it feels the beverages actually promote obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

According to CSPI nutritionists, each bottle of VitaminWater contains 33 grams of sugar and between zero and one percent juice. At the heart of the debate will be whether or not the beverages contain enough of a specified ingredient to support the company’s marketing claims. Specifically, CSPI claims that some VitaminWater labels go beyond the FDA’s structure/function claim parameters. Examples cited in the company release include claims that “‘balance cran-grapefruit’ has ‘bioactive components’ that promote ‘healthy, pain-free functioning of joints, structural integrity of joints and bones’ and that the nutrients in ‘power-c dragonfruit’ ‘enable the body to exert physical power by contributing to the structural integrity of the musculoskeletal system.’”

One plaintiff, James Koh, said he felt misled by the company’s marketing. "When I bought VitaminWater, frankly I thought I was doing myself a favor health-wise. I was attracted by the prospect of getting extra vitamins. But I had no idea that I was actually getting almost a Coke’s worth of sugar and calories. There’s no way I would have spent money on that, had I known."

Coca-Cola acquired Glacéauand the VitaminWater brand in 2007 for $4.1 billion dollars. More recently, Coca-Cola purchased organic tea manufacturer, Honest Tea, in a deal featured in NBJ’s January issue.