Do you remember the saying “Mother knows best”? Many of us can look back on our childhoods and admit that mom was normally right. There’s one thing that mom may not have been so smart about, though. Her lesson to “always wear sunscreen” may have been one of the worst things she could have done for her family.

Dermatologist Dr. Michael Holick has examined the uses and misuses of sunscreen, especially in the 1960’s. First of all, sunscreen’s deflection of the sun’s rays makes it more difficult for our bodies to start the natural process of vitamin D production. Vitamin D is a mood enhancer, and is also known to cure aches, pains, and even prevent diseases. When you wear sunscreen, it becomes more difficult for your body to create this medicine.

Dr. Holick is investigating another sunscreen-related matter: the baby boomers’ wrinkled skin could be a result of sunscreen. 1960’s sunscreen only blocked out sunburn causing UV-B rays, but still let UV-A rays penetrate the skin. When sunscreen users didn’t burn they stayed out in the sun longer, exposing themselves to an excess of UV-A rays. What they didn’t know? UV-A rays destroy elastic tissue.

Even though your mother had your best interests in mind, she may not have been aware that things like sunscreen can actually cause more harm than good. Of course you should always be sensible about sun exposure and protection. However, complete confidence in sunscreen is probably not your best health solution.

As in many other fields, there are reputable products as well as “scams.”  In addition, the nutritional supplement field is less regulated than the pharmaceutical arena.  So, part of the responsibility for selecting the safest supplement rests on the consumer.  In order to ensure public safety the federal government has set forth regulations under the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to monitor safety once a supplement hits the market.

The FDA governs medicine and dietary supplement testing on human subjects.  Their regulations require that all research on humans conducted by hospitals, universities and independent scientists must follow established standards and be overseen by an institutional review board (IRB).  The main purpose of the IRB is to protect participants from unethical research.  Researchers must prove to the IRB that the potential benefits to the consumer warrant any potential risk of negative effects that may result from consumption of the product.

Once a dietary supplement is on the market, the FDA monitors product information, such as label claims.  Even if independent research has found a supplement to be effective, its label must read “This statement has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease” until it is approved by the FDA.  The Federal Trade Commission, the government agency responsible for regulating product advertising, has deemed it illegal to provide misleading or false information to a consumer.  Even with these regulations in place, the federal government has taken legal action against numerous manufacturers for attempting to sell dietary supplements under false pretenses.

The primary goal of supplement testing is to determine whether the supplement actually achieves the intended or claimed results.  Since dietary supplements are not regulated until they are sold, it is important to receive information pertaining to supplements from a reliable source, such as a physician or other health care provider who has access to the latest medical guidance about supplements and their risks.

Due to extensive research by reputable scientists, a number of dietary supplements have been identified as effective in preventing or treating disease.  For example, scientists and researchers have discovered folic acid prevents certain birth defects; a defined regimen of vitamins and zinc can slow the progression of the age-related eye disease macular degeneration; and calcium and vitamin D supplements have proven helpful in preventing and treating bone loss and osteoporosis.

Dietary supplements may interact with medications and other forms of health care.  To avoid complications, be certain to disclose to your health care provider all dietary supplements you are taking.  It can even be helpful to take the bottles of all medications and nutritional supplements with you for each medical visit.  If you experience any undesired side effects, stop taking the supplement and consult your physician.

To learn more about this subject, check out Dr. McCleary’s award winning book Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly. Available in hard back and e-book.

Health Tip

Beetroot Juice May Lower Blood Pressure

Drinking a glass of beetroot juice each day may be the key to preventing high blood pressure. In a new study it has been associated with a 13 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 16.6 mmHg diastolic decrease. This effect is attributed to the high nitrate content found in beetroots. These nitrates can lead naturally to the formation of the blood vessel-dilating molecule nitric oxide, which acts on the blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Red or white beetroot juice and even beetroot infused bread can provide blood pressure benefits.. High blood pressure increases one’s risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is in everyone’s best interest to maintain a low blood pressure.  

We are experiencing an epidemic of obesity and widespread memory decline that is accelerated by diabetes and other metabolic conditions.  It seems as if calories are bypassing our brains and are heading straight to our bellies.

Read about Dr. McCleary’s revolutionary new breakthrough – “sticky fat cells” that produce unwanted weight gain by tricking your brain into increasing your appetite.  Discover how making the right food choices prevents brain starvation and keeps you thin.   Find out how a brain healthy diet makes weight loss effortless.

Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly Endorsements

“Feed Your Brain Lose, Your Belly is a wonderful book that will help you understand why you MUST get healthy or risk your very mind.  It is written in simple, easy to understand language, but the message is powerful and potentially lifesaving. I highly recommend it.” Daniel G. Amen, MD, CEO and Medical Director, Amen Clinics, Inc., author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Body

“Dr. McCleary has accomplished a heroic task – making seemingly complicated science understandable and user friendly as it relates to enhancing not only brain health, but our general well-being as well. This groundbreaking book encompasses every aspect of lifestyle modification that can be brought to bear to create a body that is resistant to disease and achieve peak mental and physical performance. I will absolutely use this book as a key reference for many years to come.” David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, ABIHM, author of Power Up Your Brain – The Neuroscience of Enlightenment and The Better Brain Book

“I know and agree with Dr. David Perlmutter who so eloquently explains why Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly will be a key reference for many years to come.” Bernie S. Siegel, MD, author of Love, Medicine & Miracles and many other bestselling books

“A solid, scientific, yet readable book – written in a style the lay public can easily comprehend – that will help many to understand how our bodies work…and lose weight, too!” Eric C. Westman, MD MHS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Director, Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, Duke University Medical Center, Author of The New Atkins for a New You

“It’s funny, I’ve often told people that we eat from our brain and not from our belly and now we have Dr. McCleary to tell us why.  Feed Your Brain, Lose Your Belly will be a breakthrough and an eye-opener for many readers.  This book finally unlocks the science behind weight gain and outlines an easy to follow program that makes perfect sense.” Fred Pescatore, MD, MPH, CCN, author of The Hamptons Diet and Boost Your Health with Bacteria

“I love the Feed Your Brain motif. People are frantic to prevent dementia-and what your brain uses for fuel is critical for good brain function. The idea that there is a preventative intervention really helps drive behavioral change. In summary, I think Feed Your Brain, Lose Your Belly is awesome!” Dr. Mary Vernon, Former President of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians

“The brain is the most important organ in our body and this book reviews some very interesting and important strategies for preservation of this key body component.” Robert M. Goldman MD, PhD, DO, FAASP, Chairman of the Board-A4M, World Chairman-International Medical Commission, Chairman-World Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, President Emeritus-National Academy of Sports Medicine

“Feed Your Brain, Lose Your Belly is a terrific book by a very, very smart brain doc. Take a look, start feeding your brain. And soon you’ll be cuter as well as smarter. Couldn’t hurt.” Chris Crowley, co-author, Younger Next Year

“Brilliant book by a great neurosurgeon who also happens to be an outstanding nutritionist. The unexpected connection between excess weight and brain problems is clearly elucidated, and the culprit is insulin. The answer is anything but a “low-fat” diet, and Dr. McCleary tells you why. Cutting edge stuff, backed by great science and eminently readable.” Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS author of The Most Effective Ways to Live Longer and Living Low Carb: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-Term Weight Loss

“This power-packed book shows you how to use your mind to achieve your ideal weight, and live an extraordinary life.” Brian Tracy, author, “Live to Be 100″ Audio Program

“Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly shows you how the most important relationship is the one between your own mind and body. Dr. McCleary keeps it simple and his ideas work.” John Gray, Ph.D., author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

“This book is a real eye-opener!  Being a brain surgeon gives Dr. McCleary a unique perspective on the brain-belly interaction.  As he takes the reader through a step-by-step explanation of the critical link between food, brains and appetite, he presents a compelling case for why our diets are the primary reason we are in the midst of an epidemic of both obesity and Alzheimer’s disease.  But he doesn’t stop there:  Dr. McCleary offers us nutritional guidance and a workable solution for this in his detailed menu plans and recipes.  It’s all in “Feed Your Brain, Lose Your Belly” – you won’t need another book.” Joan Pagano, fitness trainer to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and author of Strength Training for Women, 8 Weeks to a Younger Body and various exercise fitness DVD’s.  

“Dr. McCleary explains how the Brain-Belly connection makes your body work with your metabolism to speed up weight loss.  The way he explains it just makes sense.   I challenge you to go ahead and try it!” T. Harv Eker, Author of #1 NY Times Bestseller Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

“Dr. McCleary, a highly-respected member of the medical and research communities, has written a practical, realistic guide that is based on solid science.  Readers will learn the critical components of weight loss and will find encouragement, motivation, recipes, tips for the emotional challenges of weight loss and sound nutritional advice that will help them not only in weight management but in general health.” Wendy Pogozelski, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry, SUNY Geneseo, diabetes advocate, nutrition researcher

“This is a clearly written and interesting book with important information on how to maximize the health benefits of fats and carbohydrates in the diet.  Its information will be important for those who want to lose weight naturally and to prevent a number of age-related disorders like type-2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.  If its recommendations, which are based on sound principles of biochemistry and physiology, are followed, the health of most people will improve significantly.  The book makes an important contribution to the health-wellness field.  I also think it would be helpful for individuals using the restricted ketogenic diet for brain cancer management.  I am happy to endorse and recommend Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly.” Thomas Seyfried, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Boston College

“Move over Atkins! Finally there is a plan that will enable us to live thin without losing our minds – literally. Dr. Larry McCleary provides a solution for anyone who has ever wondered, “How come I can’t lose weight?” or “Why can’t I think clearly?”  If you’re looking for pain-free weight loss and a simple way to protect yourself and your family from a leading cause of Altzheimer’s, grab this book now!” Wendy Lipton-Dibner, M.A., Internationally known speaker and bestselling author of Shatter Your Speed Limits: Fast-Track Your Success and Get What You Truly Want in Business and in Life.

“Weight loss from the brain’s perspective — innovative, makes sense, and it works! Dr. McCleary reveals the secrets to protecting your brain, improving your general health and losing weight in the process.”  Peggy McColl, New York Times Best-Selling Author

“The thing I like best about Dr. Larry McCleary is that he completely understands the inseparable connection between brain health and metabolism. Most people go on a diet to lose weight, but what if they instead consumed foods that were good for their brain? It sounds odd, but look at what would happen–a sharper mind, never feeling hungry, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and oh yeah, by the way, weight loss that can be easily maintained for many years to come. Like the title says, if you FEED YOUR BRAIN, then you’ll LOSE YOUR BELLY!” Jimmy Moore, blogger and author of 21 Life Lessons From Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb

“Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly has raised the bar for diet books. It has bundled benefits by outlining a brain-healthy way of eating that keeps you sharp while you get thin.  I’ve talked to Dr. McCleary and he’s smart – I trust his advice.  You should, too!” Rick Frishman, Best-Selling Author

• Purchase Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly at any of these fine book sellers:

  • Amazon.com
  • BarnesAndNoble.com
  • Borders
  • Kindle Edition
  • Read Our Media Coverage

If Feed Your Brain Lose Your Belly has been of benefit to you, let us know! We’d love to hear from you. ]]> http://www.drmccleary.com/featured-2/feed-your-brain-lose-your-belly-3/feed/ 0 http://www.drmccleary.com/featured-2/vitaloss-2/ http://www.drmccleary.com/featured-2/vitaloss-2/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 23:58:41 +0000 flinchtech http://www.drmccleary.com/?p=2174

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Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for healthy aging and is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It helps to prevent many chronic diseases and health problems associated with aging. Furthermore, keeping active will also keep you independent, so you can continue your day-to-day activities without the assistance of others.

Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is of special concern for older adults. It’s caused by a bump or blow to the head and affects how the brain normally works. People aged 75 and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths, and they also have slower recovery rates. The leading causes of TBI are falls, which can be prevented by removing tripping hazards in walkways, using non-slip mats, installing grab bars and improving lighting.

Be Happy

Depression, which is treatable, is not a normal part of aging, but older adults are at an increased risk for developing it. They are often misdiagnosed such as when depression is seen as being a natural reaction to illness or life changes. Luckily, depression in older adults can be treated with psychotherapy, antidepressant drugs, or both.

Get Screened

Cancer is the number one cause of death in Americans aged 55-65, and your risk for developing it increases with age. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the CDC recommend that adults aged 65 and older should receive regular screenings for:

• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Prostate Cancer

Avoid High Blood Pressure

The risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), often referred to as the silent killer because it has no warning signs or symptoms, increases with age. However, you can maintain a healthy blood pressure level by making proper dietary choices, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, not smoking and limiting your alcohol consumption. Be sure to also check your blood pressure regularly, prevent and manage diabetes and, if your blood pressure is elevated, have it treated promptly and effectively.

For additional information and tips on healthy aging visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Healthy Information for Older Adults site and the US Preventative Services Task Force’s Recommendations for Older Adults site.

Dr. Edward Chang, from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Neurological Surgery and the Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience, along with postdoctoral fellow Nima Mesgarani, Ph. D., investigated the Cocktail Party Effect while monitoring epileptic seizures.  To perform the study, Dr. Chang and Dr. Mesgarani utilized three volunteers who had electrodes implanted in their brains to monitor a seizure disorder.  Conveniently, the electrodes were also able to monitor how the human brain processes speech, showing responses of the brain that have never been seen before.

The study participants were asked to listen to two separate speech samples, read by different speakers that were played simultaneously.  They were asked to focus on one voice while ignoring the other.  Combining the data with participants’ brain scans, the researchers discovered they could predict what speakers the subject would listen to and when their attention would deviate to another speaker.  According to Dr. Edward Chang “The algorithm worked so well that we could predict not only the correct responses, but also even when they paid attention to the wrong word.”  There is also a psychological component to this phenomenon that describes the term Selective Hearing.  The sounds we hear are noises or voices we need or want to be hearing, so naturally we tune into them.

While this study answers an interesting question, it also represents a major advance in understanding how the human brain processes language.  The information extracted from it may someday be used to advance technology for neuro-prosthetic devices that decode the intentions and thoughts of patients who are unable to communicate, as well as pave the way toward better hearing aids.  The findings from Dr. Chang’s study may also help researchers and physicians to better understand why people with attention deficit disorder and autism struggle to focus on an individual speaker.  It could even help advance voice-activated electronic technology used in smart phones and computers.  However, the human brain is unique when compared with voice recognition programs such as Apple’s Siri that are unable to decode individual speech in noisy areas.

Humans begin to develop their hearing at a very early age. A 28 week old fetus is able to respond to sound, and newborns can discriminate between different types of sounds.  Our hearing continues to develop as we grow, gaining the ability to distinguish between sounds coming from different directions as well as understanding speech in environments with compromised acoustics.  If you are interested in seeing how well you are able to filter sound, visit Dr. Chang’s test site to test your abilities.

Health Tip

Ibuprofen may KO Altitude Sickness 

Longing for a “Rocky Mountain high” but not the headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting that sometimes accompany a climb? Fear not. While the exact cause of altitude sickness is unknown, there is strong evidence pointing toward the process of inflammation. A recent study has proven Ibuprofen can decrease the probability of suffering from altitude sickness when the body does not have time to acclimate. Ibuprofen is a well tolerated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) that can help knock out altitude sickness when 600 milligrams are taken three times a day on the day you are headed into a higher altitude. Since some people can be sensitive to NSAIDs, please contact your health care provider before trying.

It also affects memory, thinking, judgment and language as well as behavior.  Most types of dementia are degenerative (non-reversible).  While mild forgetfulness is often the initial symptom that is noticed, memory loss can become much more troubling than simply misplacing car keys or eye glasses.  Dementia takes away the means to correct the forgetful behavior.  Daily activities can be so severely impacted that tasks such as turning off the oven or water faucet can be forgotten.   Hard as it is to believe, the sufferer may even stop eating regularly due to the combination of how difficult it becomes to prepare food and the inability to remember whether or not he or she has eaten.

People with dementia are not always able to accurately decipher social signals or take the feelings of others into account when they respond.  However, a person suffering from it can intuit tones and body language and have no trouble picking up on someone being upset or angry.  It is important to remember the disease can sometimes do the talking and send a message that might not have been intended. Flexibility is essential in order to build a nurturing and supportive social bridge with someone struggling with such demanding life changes. Accepting and adjusting to the differences in them rather that getting hung up on the way they used to be is one of the keys to maintaining a successful relationship with them.

Caregivers must recognize their limits.  The emotional reaction to progressive memory loss won’t be helped by continually correcting the repeated mental lapses. It will only produce resentment and will cause withdrawal and increasing social isolation. If it is not something that needs to be corrected, don’t draw attention to the mental miscue and continue the conversation, keeping in mind that people with early stage dementia can still be embarrassed. Times of disorientation and confusion can be heart-breaking, but without consistent interaction moments of clarity may be missed.  Those moments can still turn into lasting memories and should be encouraged.

Dementia has the potential to steal a person’s liveliness and spirit, which makes caring for a spouse or parent a stressful experience.  Many caregivers will find themselves at a loss when attempting to cope with the ramifications of the disease.  According to Darby Morhardt, a research associate professor at the Northwestern University School of Medicine’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center, “the best you can give for a person with dementia is recognition of the person they were and are and be compassionate in your communication.”

According to the National Center for Caregiving “40-70% of caregivers have symptoms of depression.”  Those in a caregiving role should also be seeing a primary physician to ensure they stay healthy while they are using so much of their time and energy to care for another individual.  65.7 million people in the United States consider themselves to be caregivers for relatives with a variety of diseases, including 10 million who care for someone with dementia.  Support groups have been established country wide by the Alzheimer’s Association.  It is recommended that dementia caregivers take advantage of these support groups for social interaction and well-being.

Health Tip

Puzzles Keep Our Brains Fit

There is a balance in achieving all the beneficial effects of sun exposure while avoiding its damaging effects; and it is important to note that sensible sun exposure does not give you permission to throw out the sunscreen nor does it advocate tanning.  However, allowing your skin to be exposed to the sun for a few minutes everyday, at the right time of day, can actually have significant health benefits.  Your skin starts to turn pink when you’ve been exposed to enough sun. It takes around half this time to produce vitamin D without risking your skin (usually between 10-15 minutes between 10am-3pm).*  Just think – a simple walk in the park or game of catch in the backyard could be your key to health and happiness!

*Physiological conditions and geographical factors can sometimes inhibit the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D, and supplementation may be necessary to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D.

Marjory Wildcraft is an expert in producing food at home in a sustainable fashion. She has experimented with a variety of growing techniques to produce a video that educates audiences on the benefits and techniques of growing your own food. Her grass roots effort is raising awareness among consumers and creating movements all over the world to follow a new perspective on the food we eat.

The energy cost of food, including its journey from field to table, is difficult to measure. Including the high cost of oil and the way in which our food is processed, there are many factors that make it a high energy-consuming process. By growing your own groceries you not only simplify the process, but also learn more about what foods are best for you and your family.

Wildcraft claims that soils are becoming more impoverished due to commercial agriculture. Large farms cannot replenish the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in soil fast enough to keep up with the world’s demand for fresh fruits and vegetables. Healthy soil actually needs at least sixty or seventy nutrients to remain vibrant year to year. Thus, the soil on many large farms is overworked and not ideal for producing healthy food.

Wildcraft states that homegrown foods are more nutritious because of the way they are harvested. One study shows that most food is picked green and then allowed to ripen in a dark truck en route to stores. These foods do not contain the same amount of nutrients as the fruit or vegetables picked at their perfect point of ripeness in a back yard. Back yard soil is packed with nutrients and, as a result, home grown groceries have a higher nutrient density.

Surprisingly, small gardeners have many advantages over commercial growers. They can tend to plants on a more intimate level with their hands, not machines. Home gardeners get yields that are at least two or three times higher than commercial growers. Commercial growers need space to utilize the large trucks and machinery required in fields. Long rows of crops are difficult to tend and do not grow as efficiently as those in a backyard. Thus, more food can be grown at home.

Herbicides and pesticides are used commercially. On the other hand, a gardener will nurture and encourage plants through companion planting. In a backyard garden, placing crops next to each other will benefit the plants as they grow. Some plants help fertilize the soil. An aroma can repel bad insects or attract good insects. Taller plants can provide shade or moisture for shorter plants.

Becoming a home gardener encourages the natural order of the circle of life. Plants tend to grow in a variety, not in rows as they do on farms. Growing groceries in one’s backyard eliminates the consumption of fuel for transportation. It takes an average of 1500 miles for many foods to reach a consumer. For every calorie eaten from food at a grocery store it takes five calories to deliver it. And no packaging is required by backyard growers. So, using fewer resources to grow food lessens overall energy (oil) usage in many ways.

According to Wildcraft, climate and geography can be overcome to grow groceries locally. Tropical and temperate regions are ideal because of longer growing seasons. Those that live in colder climates might consider using a green house to get the most out of the short growing season. Supplementing one’s diet with game will also provide a sustainable lifestyle. In addition, canning and dehydrating are excellent ways to preserve food so it lasts year-round.

Wildcraft believes that the poor quality of our food supply plays a large role in the state of American health today. At least 50% of Americans have some sort of chronic disease. Two thirds of all Americans are overweight or obese. She believes this statistic is directly related to the lack of nutrition in the food they eat. When the body senses nutrient deficiencies, it eats more food to compensate. This increases calorie intake. Many poultry producers add small amounts of cyanide to chickens to help the birds retain more water. Heavier poultry allows producers to earn more money per pound, but the toxicities in the chicken contribute to the current epidemic of chronic disease.

The home-growing trend is being fueled by a desire for food security, rising resource costs, weather unpredictability and toxicity. Many people who do not grow their own food invest in local food cooperatives, which are a good alternative for those who don’t have the time, space or inclination to garden.

The most important thing to know about growing your own food involves the quality of your soil. Healthy, well-tended soil will yield the best fruits and vegetables. You can start by creating your own compost pile in your back yard with leaves and leftover food. Nature does most of the work. If you live in an apartment try setting a bin under your sink.

Secondly, start small. A backyard bed of 50 to 100 square feet is manageable. People living in large apartments with no access to a backyard might consider planting herbs in a window or gaining access to the roof. In addition, people with extra space frequently offer gardens to rent. Look for classes and local nurseries. Read about each vegetable or fruit you plant. Talk to your neighbors or local farmers. They can answer questions because of their experience. If you make your intentions or needs known, you may be surprised how the resources will come to you.

Growing your own groceries requires work, but the benefits will pay off. A garden takes time, planning and the creation of habits. Wildcraft admits that spending about two hours a day in the garden provides at least fifty percent of the calories she and her family eat. The practice of tending one’s garden can become a positive habit. The garden can become a special space offering relaxation or light exercise. It can impart benefits similar to meditation, yoga or tai-chi. If you view your garden as a sanctuary, you will want to spend more time there.

Growing your own groceries is a unifying, community-building experience. It ties the family together. Children can learn a great deal by watching plants grow, knowing when to harvest them and then learning how to prepare them for meals. Simply snacking on plants fresh off the vine makes people feel more connected to the earth. Food tended with love will connect you more to the circle of life. The garden can have transformative powers.

To learn more about this subject listen to Marjory Wildcraft’s Brain-Body Breakthroughs interview– If you want to lead a long and healthy life, you should grow your own groceries. 

Health Tip

Avoid Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Making better decisions about what we eat will help us choose which fats to include in our diets. “Trans-fats,” often labeled “partially hydrogenated oils,” are used in packaged goods to extend the shelf life of food. These fats raise the “bad” cholesterol that increases the risk of heart attack and lower the “good” cholesterol that decreases the risk. They can also block the beneficial actions of the essential fats in the body, such as those that keep your brain cells flexible and responsive and those that allow your body to remain sensitive to various hormone actions. Elevated consumption of trans-fats may also contribute to weight gain. Thus, it is best to avoid trans-fats, which are listed on food labels as partially hydrogenated safflower oil or partially hydrogenated sunflower oil, for example. Instead, look for foods containing essential fats – especially those in the omega-3 category.