Category Archives: Studies

Put the Red Wine Down: Alcohol and Heart Health Link Refuted

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Greg Asseff

The results of a new study indicate that it might be time to add red wine to the list of foods such as milk and eggs whose health benefits are famously debated. It’s been generally thought for years that a positive link between alcohol and heart health can exist when alcohol is consumed in moderation. We’ve been told that some forms of alcohol, especially red wine, can reduce the risk of certain types of stroke, heart attack and vascular disease, leading to the thought that a daily glass of wine could be healthy.

In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health claims that over 100 studies have shown a link between small amounts of alcohol and heart health, often concluding that the risk of certain conditions can be reduced by anywhere from 25 to 40 percent. Now, however, a new study published in the British Medical Journal is throwing a wrench in the gears.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Medical, Studies | 1,077 Comments

Study Says Sedentary Lifestyle the Main Culprit in Obesity

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Americans have heard time and again that eating right and getting exercise will help prevent or reverse obesity. While some argue that obesity statistics have begun to plateau in America, the condition can still be considered an epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over one third of adults in the U.S. can be considered obese. Also, Americans spent around $147 billion on obesity-related medical care in 2008. The condition, which is considered to be completely preventable, increases the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease and even some types of cancer.

But what is more important – eating a healthy diet or engaging in physical activity? According to a new study published in the American Journal of Medicine, lack of exercise is the main reason we’re getting fat.

Posted in Diet, Exercise, Food, Health, Men, Nutrition, Studies, Weight Loss, Women | 4,031 Comments

Study Reports Dark Chocolate Can Help Blood Flow

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Chocolate is one of the more fascinating foods in existence. Humans have enjoyed it as a tasty treat in many different forms for thousands of years, and according to the California Academy of Sciences, Americans consume around 12 pounds of chocolate per person annually. While it’s typically thought of as a relatively unhealthy food to be eaten sparingly, studies that reveal some of chocolate’s healthy benefits seem to keep popping up.

Past studies have shown that chocolate might be able to lower stroke risk, protect your skin from UV rays, boost vision and improve brain function. We’ve even reported how it could lower BMI. Many of these studies have to do with the fact that dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants. Now, a small study reports that chocolate could also improve vascular health – as long as the chocolate is dark.

Posted in Diet, Exercise, Health, Medical, News, Studies | 3,058 Comments

Yet Again, Report Shows Vaccines Are Safe

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Greg Asseff

A new report published in the Pediatrics medical journal concludes once again that the benefits of getting your child vaccinated far outweigh the risks. Researchers from the RAND corporation analyzed 67 different research studies and concluded that serious side effects due to immunization are “very rare.” The results echo similar findings presented by the Institute of Medicine almost three years ago.

While most people likely won’t be surprised by these results, the study is still a very important step in curbing the belief that vaccines cause autism. Due to outspoken anti-vaccine proponents, especially celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy, Jim Carrey and Kristin Cavallari, the U.S. is seeing a resurgence of preventable diseases due to parents’ fear that their children will end up being developmentally disabled if they are immunized.

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Link Found Between Sitting and Cancer

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Greg Asseff

According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, too much sitting could lead to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. The study analyzed the results of 43 previous studies, which primarily examined how much time participants spent sitting throughout the day. It was found that too much sitting increased the risk of endometrial cancer by 32 percent and colon cancer by 24 percent. For every additional two hours that a person spent sitting, the colon cancer risk rose by eight percent, while the endometrial cancer risk rose by 10 percent.

The good news is that a link between sitting and cancer was not found when it came to breast, prostate, rectal, stomach, ovarian, testicular, esophagus and kidney cancers. The bad news is that sitting increased these risks regardless of whether or not an individual exercised regularly.