FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Another Reason to Run: It Lengthens Your Life

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Have you been thinking about taking up running? Well this new study may give you the kick in the pants to start today. It turns out that runners live longer. According to researchers at Stanford University, not only does running reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but it also helps prevents cancer and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's.

The study followed 284 members of a running club and 156 similar healthy people who didn't run, all 50 and over. The control group did exercise, about 20 minutes a week, and the runners exercised as much as 200 minutes a week (that's about 30 minutes a day). The researchers discovered that after 20 years, 15 percent of those running had passed away, as compared to 34 percent of the non-runners.

OK, so the exact activity of running isn't necessarily the magic pill, but it's the regular physical activity you should be after. It doesn't have to be running, but biking, swimming, dancing, or anything else that gets your heart rate up, and strengthens your muscles, will support your immune system and make you healthier overall. So try to work exercise into your daily schedule. Not only will you feel better, but you'll be able to enjoy life a little longer.

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Cut Calories and Live Longer?

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you're looking to dip into the Fountain of Youth, cutting some calories daily just might help. Calorie restriction has long been proven to slow down the aging process in mice and rats, and researchers at Saint Louis University decided to test this theory on a human population.

In a year-long study, subjects who eliminated 300 to 500 calories from their diet a day showed a decrease in the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3). Scientists think decreasing the T3 hormone slows down the aging process, because it helps to slow metabolism and tissue aging. The calorie restriction methods used in the study were nothing extreme, just simple acts like skipping out on dessert, cutting out sugary beverages, or making healthier choices such as a turkey sandwich instead of fried chicken and French fries. The doctor in charge of the study is not encouraging you to skip out on meals or starve yourself, but rather to eat a nutrient-rich diet. Long term studies are necessary to determine if a decrease in the T3 hormone from calorie restriction really affects the length of life in people.

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Another Reason to Eat Healthy: Live Longer

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Healthy eating adds years to your life. Seriously.

I know when I repeat the call to eat a diet that is full of fruits and vegetables and low in fat and sugar sort of makes me sound like a broken record at this point. Yet some folks are still sticking to diets full of red and processed meat, French fries, refined grains and sweets (aka a typical "western diet"), so when more evidence comes out stressing the importance of eating healthy, I like to share it with you.

New research has found that a diet high in fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and poultry protects women against death from heart disease and other causes by as much as 22 percent more than if those who primarily eat red meat, fried foods and refined grains. So give yourself a pat on the back if you're already eating healthy; if not then today is as good a day as any to start. After all, it could add years onto your life.

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Another Reason to Go Mediterranean

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

I am a big fan of the Mediterranean Diet. It is full of nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats — what's not to like? A new study provides yet another reason to go Mediterranean – it could help you live longer.

In a large five-year study conducted jointly by the National Institute of Health and AARP, both men and women who followed a Mediterranean-style diet were about 20 percent less likely to die during the study. In particular, deaths from cancer or cardiovascular disease were significantly lower in the Med style diet group as well.

Eating a diet rich in fish, nuts, fruits, and veggies and eating red meat and milk products in limited amounts seems to be the way to go. To read more on this style of eating, check out: What's the Deal With: The Mediterranean Diet.

Also look for the med mark stamp on food labels; they will appear on foods that are considered healthy Mediterranean Diet food, drinks, and products.

Hummus here I come!