TheWellnessLiving Health Tips

Regular exercise and consumption of caffeine protect the body from the destructive effects of ultraviolet (UVA) and therefore may be associated with the prevention of skin cancer, according to a new study by Rutgers  University (New Jersey), whose results are published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.”

According to this research, caffeine and exercise collaborate in the destruction of precancerous cells whose DNA has been damaged by UVA, causing self-destruction. “If apoptosis takes place in cells damaged by the sun, it will slow down the progression of cancer through them,” explained one of the authors of the study, Dr. Allan Conney.

The investigation was conducted with hairless mice that were exposed to ultraviolet radiation lamps that generated that damage DNA from the cells of their skin. In turn, four groups were established, one that drank water caffeine, another who exercised running on a wheel, a third group did both, while a fourth and final group did not carry out any of these behaviors. Rodents caffeine drinkers showed about a 95% increase in apoptosis induced by UVA, which exercised showed an increase of 120%, while those who made both approached an increase of 400%.

Sports drinks have become very pospular as an easy source of nutrients and energy for people engaging in highly demanding physical activity such as running, biking or swimming. However, many are not comfortable with the available products and prefer other, more natural choices. Here is a recipe for an easy to make, healthy and delicious beverage, equally good for a quick energy source before starting or to replenish your body after a long training day.

Ingredients:

• Water – 2 cups
• Lemon tea bag (with or without caffeine) – 1
• Honey or sugar cane syrup – 2 tsps
• Salt – 1/8 tsp
• Orange juice – 4 tsps

Preparation:

Boil 16 ounces of water and steep the lemon tea bag. Add then the honey (or sugar), salt and let cool down. Combine with orange juice and chill.

The nutrition facts: Each 8-ounce serving contains approximately 60 calories, less than 1 g of protein, 15 g of carbohydrates, 130 mg of sodium and less than 1 g of fat.

Tired moms-to-be that drink coffee to help coping with their  busy schedules should get advice about coffee consumption since a new study suggesting that drinking coffee increases the chance of miscarriage has been published.

The idea that caffeine consumption is linked to higher rates of miscarriage is not new, but critics said the observations could be biased because some pregnant women reduce their caffeine intake because of morning sickness.

1063 women early in their pregnancies were interviewed about their caffeine consumption recording those who changed their drinking patterns and those who didn’t. All participant women were followed to 20 weeks of pregnancy or until miscarriage.

Increased risk of miscarriage was associated to consumption of 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day (just over one cup of coffee).  The effect was the same with plain coffee or other caffeine-containing beverages such as fizzy drinks, tea and hot chocolate. The research team, who published thair work in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.10.803), said that caffeine constricts blood vessels, and this effect may be restricting blood flow to the placenta.

They say it is also possible that caffeine may have a toxic effect on the fetus. Although the conclusion is not firm, they suggest pregnant women to avoid caffeine during pregnancy. “It’s not a big sacrifice”, after all.

Adapted from newscientist.com

Everyday there are new diet pill come out to the market. Most of them are still the old style fat burner. However, some new ingredients are satrting to be used in diet pills so more and different choices are offered to the consumers. Here we introduce you three different kinds of diet pills.

The traditional fat burners like Lipo 6x contain caffeine and other herbal compounds that raise your metabolism and suppress your appetite. Fat burners work fast for most people. However, its long term use is not recommended because of the amounts of caffeine. Also, if you have heart problem, you cannot use lipo 6x because it increases you heart rate.

A newer ingredient used in diet pills is called Hoodia. It was introduced in 2003 and advertised in different TV shows. Soon the sales rocketed and it became one of the most popular diet pills. Hoodia was used in Africa for more than 100 years. It was also used in WW1 when food was scarce. Basically Hoodia suppress your appetite so you don’t feel like eating. You lose weight because you are consuming less calories than normal. Hoodia comes in pills, patch and liquid and you should choose whatever that is easiest for you to use.

The last one is Proactol. It is made out of the fiber from the leaf of Opuntia Fiscus-Indica. These fibers absorb oil when you eat so less food calories are absorbed. These fibers also expand in your stomach so you feel full sooner. There are no known side effects as of now and the sales are picking up after profuse media coverage.

Most of the diet pills are fad. However, if you choose carefully, you will find some that work for you. Remember; always consult your doctor before using diet pills.