Monthly Archives: February 2015

Study Reveals the Most (And Least) Addictive Foods

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Greg Asseff

“Once you pop you can’t stop” and “bet you can’t eat just one” aren’t memorable potato chip slogans simply because they’re catchy or clever. A big reason behind the effectiveness of slogans that allude to the addictiveness of certain foods is the fact that they’re usually somewhat true. It doesn’t take a scientific study to know that some foods, especially snacks, have a quality that causes people to consistently crave their taste over a longer period of time. In fact, makers of addictive foods such as Doritos and Coca-Cola have figured out a specific formula for adjusting their products’ taste to achieve maximum addictiveness. This process usually involves actually suppressing much of the flavor, as flavors that are powerful and distinct actually help your brain decide to stop eating. Aside from specific brands, though, which food types are actually most addictive?

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, News, Nutrition, Studies, Weight Loss | 807 Comments

New Study Encourages Radical Change in Peanut Allergy Prevention

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Greg Asseff

The number of people who suffer from allergies has skyrocketed in the last couple decades. Food allergies in particular now affect around 15 million Americans, and the number of children with food allergies increased by a whopping 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. Also, anybody who suffers from a food allergy knows that they’re much more than a simple annoyance. Food allergies lead to over 200,000 emergency room visits every year, and they can cause a potentially deadly reaction known as anaphylaxis. The vast majority of food allergies are caused by wheat, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, tree nuts, fish and, of course, peanuts. The number of people with a peanut allergy more than tripled between 1997 and 2010. While the typical prevention strategy for children has long been to simply avoid peanuts, a new study is saying just the opposite.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Medical, News, Nutrition, Parenting, Studies | 3,842 Comments

Seniors’ Heart Health Can Benefit From Light Activity

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Greg Asseff

Everybody knows how important it is to stay active as you age. Unfortunately, people in the United States are exercising less and less despite the fact that regular physical inactivity can be considered deadly. While the risks are many, some of the main consequences of physical inactivity involve obesity and heart disease. When it comes to heart health in particular, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more fat in the blood. These factors can have an even more detrimental effect on women and African Americans. In a bit of good news, however, it’s been proven that just a small amount of physical activity can be beneficial. Unfortunately, these small amounts can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues. Now, a new study shows that even the lightest intensity exercise can be linked to better heart health for the elderly.

Posted in Exercise, Health, Medical, News, Studies | 3,986 Comments

Menopausal Women Can Suffer from Hot Flashes for Up to 14 Years

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Greg Asseff

Hot flashes are an annoying and potentially debilitating side effect of menopause and perimenopause. According to Menopause.org, around 75 percent of perimenopausal women experience hot flashes in the U.S. The exact cause of hot flashes isn’t really known – some believe they could be due to changes in circulation during middle age – but any menopausal woman knows exactly when she’s having one. They’re usually characterized by an intense feeling of warmth in the face and upper body. Nausea, anxiety, sweating, dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, and even breathing difficulty can also be present. These symptoms can lead to all sorts of poor quality of life issues such as sleep disturbances and sexual problems. It’s been generally thought that women experience hot flashes for six months to five years. According to a grim new study, however, that period is commonly much longer.

Posted in Health, Medical, News, Studies, Women | 237 Comments

Cheap Exercise Apps Just As Accurate As Wearable Fitness Trackers

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Greg Asseff

If you’ve been to the gym lately, chances are good that you’ve seen your fair share of people wearing fitness trackers. If you exercise regularly, you probably even own one yourself. If you’re unfamiliar, though, wearable fitness trackers monitor metrics such as steps taken, calories burned, stairs climbed, distance travelled and even idle hours. Fitness trackers often come in the form of wearable wristbands, necklaces or watches. Some can also be clipped to your clothing. These devices link up to your smartphone or tablet through bluetooth in order to log your activity. The issue that many people have with fitness trackers, however, is the cost. One of the most popular wearable lines, the Fitbit, starts at nearly $60 and has models that cost well over $200. According to a new report, inexpensive smartphone apps can measure the number of steps you’ve taken just as well as an expensive wearable.