Fed Up with Our Dysfunctional Food System
Americans consume more processed and packaged food than just about anyone else in the world. Processed foods, many of which contain added sugar, preservatives, and chemical additives, are hard-wired into our food system, and make up the majority of the American diet. In her upcoming documentary, Fed Up, co-producer Laurie David explores the roots and consequences of this diet, and how our industrialized food system could be a major contributor to the national obesity epidemic.Continue Reading
Lethal Virus Spreads in Middle East
Saudi Arabia on Sunday confirmed a surge of cases of a deadly virus in the kingdom over the past two weeks, even as it tried to counter criticism that it wasn't doing enough to contain the outbreak. The United Arab Emirates over the weekend separately announced six confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, among paramedics there, one of whom died of the illness. The high number of cases among medical workers raised questions about how effective Arab Gulf governments have been in controlling the 1½-year-old outbreak.Continue Reading
Two Major Studies Associate Cancer and Heart Disease With Vitamin D Deficiency
The two studies, both of which appeared in the journal BMJ, are meta-analyses, including data on more than a million people. They include observational findings as well as evidence from randomized controlled trials.One study, conducted by Harvard and Oxford University researchers, along with members of other institutions, finds that adults with lower levels of vitamin D have a 35% greater chance of dying of heart disease and a 14% higher risk of dying of cancer. Source: Continue Reading
How Running 'May Preserve Thinking Skills'
Aerobic exercise in your 20s may protect the brain in middle age, according to a US study. Activities that maintain cardio fitness - such as running, swimming and cycling - led to better thinking skills and memory 20 years on. Scientists say the research, reported in Neurology, adds to evidence the brain benefits from good heart health. Cardio fitness is a measure of how well the body absorbs oxygen during exercise and transports it to the muscles. Continue Reading
