Posts

Disadvantages of Being Vegan Image Credit: sveta_zarzamora/iStock/GettyImages A vegan diet may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, according to the AARP, but vegans also have nutritional concerns that aren’t as prominent among those with a balanced, omnivorous diet. Nutrition experts don’t agree on whether vegetarian and vegan diets are healthier than balanced diets that include meat and other animal products, but this doesn’t mean being vegan is an unworthy goal. It does mean you need to be aware of the disadvantages of being vegan and work to minimize them to enjoy a nutritionally sound diet....

Building muscle bulk may alter tattoo appearance. Image Credit: Thomas Tolstrup/Stone/GettyImages Unless you opt for laser removal at some point in the future, a tattoo is for life. The size and shape of your various muscles, however, are unlikely to stay the same throughout your lifetime. When considering tattoo placement and design, it is important to consider whether the tattoo is likely to stretch with changes in your muscle tone and size....

Protein powder may contribute to high blood pressure if the sodium level is too high. Image Credit: Nataliia Sinchuk/iStock/GettyImages Protein shakes are a popular meal replacement, a way to refuel after the gym or even to help you convalesce. But before protein drinks become your go-to pick-me-up, it’s wise to learn more about the side effects of protein powder, including whether protein shakes might affect your blood pressure. Advertisement ​Read more:​ 4 Dietitian-Approved Protein Powders to Help Women Lose Weight Video of the Day Check the Sodium Content A protein shake may taste sweet, but it could still have a relatively high amount of blood-pressure-raising sodium, so always check the nutrition facts panel, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension)....

Close-up of a teacup and teapot. Image Credit: TongRo Images/TongRo Images/Getty Images Smooth Move is an herbal tea manufactured by Traditional Medicinals of Sebastopol, California, which has been producing herbal teas since 1974. Smooth Move tea comes in four flavors, including its original citrus blend, plus chamomile, chocolate and peppermint. It also comes in a capsule, and both tea and capsule contain ingredients that make them effective for alleviating constipation....

Man examining his hair in a mirror. Image Credit: AND-ONE/iStock/Getty Images A vegan diet eschews all animal products, including dairy and eggs, and relies on plant foods for nourishment. While it is possible to get all the nutrients you need by eating a plant-only diet, it takes careful planning. In some cases, a lack of proper nutrition can lead to excessive hair loss. It’s completely normal to lose 100 to 200 hairs per day, but if you find you’re losing a lot more, consult a health care provider to make sure you don’t have an underlying health problem....

Eating prawns gives you omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Image Credit: Zakharova_Natalia/iStock/GettyImages Farmers around the world grow freshwater prawns to increase their income. These crustaceans offer consumers many benefits <ahref=“https: www.livestrong.com=”" article="" 527990-nutrition-facts-for-prawns="" “=”"> </ahref=“https:>as well. Yet prawns aren’t perfect. Eating them may elevate your cholesterol levels, and prawns may be contaminated by environmental pollutants. Advertisement Read more: Are Prawns Good for Weight Loss? Video of the Day Abundant Nutrients Prawns have a healthy macronutrient profile....

A pile of cloves. Image Credit: UVimages/amanaimagesRF/amana images/Getty Images Pungent, piquant and peppery, cloves tie aromatics together in multifaceted dishes. You rarely find cloves as the main flavoring ingredient in a dish; they work best in supporting roles, such as infusions for finishing oils. Clove oil is used to anoint a dish with a suspicion of clove in the finish – not enough to alter the flavor profile but just enough to make you think, “This has a little something special,” and wonder what it is....

A walking cast, also commonly known as a walking boot, works to immobilize the movement of the ankle when walking. It is commonly used to resolve a variety of lower leg and foot injuries or conditions. The goal of a walking cast varies depending on the condition, but generally the goal is to aid in healing post-operatively or to avoid surgery altogether. Types A walking boot can be stiff or soft, depending on the level of support or immobilization required by the patient....

Eating liver in moderation is healthy in the excellent source of nutrients and antioxidants it contains. Image Credit: Elena_Danileiko/iStock/GettyImages Eating organ meat may not be as popular in modern cuisine as it traditionally was, but liver is a nutrient-dense superfood. Although there are some pros and cons of eating liver, it can be a healthy addition to your diet. Advertisement As well as familiar beef and chicken liver, other types such as mutton, duck and goat liver contain high-quality protein and are a potent source of vitamins A and B, especially B12, and minerals including phosphorus, iron, copper and selenium....

You might lose 4 pounds if you work out every day for a month. Image Credit: Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images Working out every day for a month can enable you to lose about 4.5 lbs., although the exact weight loss will depend on the type of workout and your weight. A well-rounded workout consists of aerobic activity, which you can do for one hour each day, and two days of strength training each week....

A baked chicken quarter in a plate. Image Credit: mikafotostok/iStock/Getty Images Frozen chicken quarters are very economical and can suit a variety of dishes. Since this cut of chicken often is on sale in large quantities, you can make a delicious baked chicken recipe to please a big, hungry group. This preparation adds the flavors of fresh ginger, parsley and lemon to the chicken, which gives it a bright and herbaceous flavor....

Charred, nutty-tasting corn on the cob is a summertime favorite in many households. Image Credit: Tatiana Volgutova/iStock/GettyImages Charred, nutty-tasting corn on the cob is a summertime favorite in many households. In Mexico, it’s a popular street food rolled in a cheesy, creamy topping, but you don’t need a grill to create that street fair vibe. Broiled corn on the cob can be prepared year-round. Advertisement Corn Cob Broiler Process There are definitely other alternatives to boiling corn in a large pot, including making oven roasted corn on the cob in foil....

Incorporate strength training in your regimen. Image Credit: Johner Images/Johner Images Royalty-Free/GettyImages If you’re a woman worried about losing muscle tone after 40, then you’re not alone. Fortunately, maintaining a strong and healthy body is possible at any age. By incorporating resistance training into your workouts and watching your nutrition, you can build muscle as you enter your 40s. Advertisement Tip To avoid losing muscle tone after 40, women can incorporate strength training into their exercise regimen and alter their diet....

Cooking a steak to medium-well takes some timing as well as accurate meat thermometer. Image Credit: Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images If weather, location or the fact that you don’t own a grill is keeping you from cooking steak, you can cook the meat from the convenience of your kitchen on an electric skillet. The meat will not have the grill lines that may leave the steak aesthetically pleasing, but the skillet can still cook your food thoroughly....

Butternut squash is a winter vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes, such as butternut squash spaghetti. Image Credit: Diana Taliun/iStock/GettyImages Butternut squash is a winter vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes, such as butternut squash spaghetti. Like other squashes, such as spaghetti squash, butternut squash is versatile and easy to cook. Advertisement Though it can be roasted, pan fried and steamed, you can also microwave butternut squash for a quick and easy meal....

Bottle of baby powder Image Credit: Graça Victoria/Hemera/Getty Images If you are like some individuals with a larger belly, you are conscious of your appearance and frustrated by your girth. You may also find yourself concerned about a recurring problem with odor emitting from your belly skin fold. Eliminating belly skin fold odor is an objective you can accomplish with relative ease, provided you adhere to a daily cleansing and treatment regimen, according to “Body Odor” by Frederic P....

references & resources NIH: Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements–for health professionals (PDQ®) -- Lycopene Urology. 2011 Jan;77(1):119-22. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.08.028. Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Cormio L1, De Siati M, Lorusso F, Selvaggio O, Mirabella L, Sanguedolce F, Carrieri G. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev June 2004 13; 1042. Diet and Melanoma in a Case-Control Study Amy E. Millen1, Margaret A. Tucker2, Patricia Hartge2, Allan Halpern3, David E....

If you have trouble expressing your feelings and emotions in words, you may find art therapy helpful. Image Credit: golubovy/iStock/GettyImages If mantras or mindful breathing aren’t your vibe, that’s OK. When it comes to managing your mental health, the best therapies are the ones that work for you. Advertisement Sure, some people swear by meditation, and yes, sometimes that involves word repetition or deep breathing. Meditation can be calming and has been shown to benefit overall health and wellbeing, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Heath (NCCIH)....

Baby portion of applesauce out on counter. Image Credit: Stitchik/iStock/Getty Images Diarrhea and constipation are common conditions, particularly among babies who are making the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods. Most cases are mild and respond to home treatment methods, according to the Baby Center website. Applesauce is an easy-to-digest baby food that may alleviate symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation. Talk with your pediatrician to determine if applesauce is an appropriate choice for your baby....

references Celiac Disease Foundation: "Sources of Gluten" FDA: "Gluten and Food Labeling" GFCO: "About Us" Harvard Health Publishing: "Vegetable of the Month: Sweet Potatoes" Some potato dishes like mashed potatoes may not be GF at your favorite restaurant. Image Credit: Azurita/iStock/GettyImages Image Credit: Azurita/iStock/GettyImages The Little Potato Company Creamer Potato ($5.18 for 5 pounds, Samsclub.com) The Little Potato Company Gluten-Free Savory Herb Microwavable Vegan Potatoes ($4.19, Target.com) Baby Yellow Potatoes ($3....