Posts

Vitamin C may help you sleep better, but the research is inconclusive. Image Credit: Wavebreakmedia/iStock/GettyImages Many of us turn to vitamin C during cold and flu season, but did you know that the antioxidant may also play a role in your sleep quality? Advertisement Certain vitamins — one being vitamin C — appear to affect your ability to get a restful night of shut-eye, Michael J. Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist and both a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, tells LIVESTRONG....

Whey protein powder may help lower blood triglyceride levels. Image Credit: deymos/iStock/Getty Images The potential benefits of protein shakes include supporting muscle growth and repair, boosting the immune system and the production of enzymes and hormones. Because whey comes from milk, it contains saturated fat and cholesterol. While dietary cholesterol has little effect on your blood cholesterol levels, saturated fat can raise cholesterol. However, preliminary research shows that whey protein may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce levels of another type of potentially dangerous blood fat called triglycerides....

Make sure plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are on the menu to help manage diabetes and liver disease. Image Credit: fcafotodigital/E+/GettyImages The power of a healthy diet is unmistakable. Steering clear of artery-clogging saturated fats and blood-glucose-raising sugary snacks may help prevent or reverse diabetes and some types of liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatic steatosis. Advertisement ​Read more:​ 7 Foods That Won't Cause Blood Sugar Spikes Video of the Day The Diabetes-Liver Disease Connection Type 2 diabetes and NAFLD travel together....

These flour substitutes are perfect for thickening sauces, gravies and desserts. Image Credit: JGI/Jamie Grill/Tetra images/GettyImages If you’re looking to avoid using refined flour as a thickening agent, you’ve got plenty of alternatives. For some home cooks, it may be a matter of avoiding the ingredient because of gluten intolerance. And while the carb count for the small amount of flour is negligible, says Amy Shapiro, RD and founder of Real Nutrition, some folks may want to swap it for something healthier....

Broken ribs, or rib fractures, are an often painful health problem that can be challenging to treat. The National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics states that rib fractures are most commonly caused by chest wall trauma incurred during a fall or after being struck with a blunt object. Excessive coughing can also cause broken ribs, especially in older individuals. Ask your doctor about the merits and drawbacks of diet and nutrition in treating this health complaint....

Foods high in soluble fiber may help lower your cholesterol. Image Credit: Wako Megumi/iStock/GettyImages When it comes to lowering high cholesterol levels through diet, experts are in agreement: A Mediterranean-style diet along with increased consumption of soluble fiber and the avoidance of fad diets are keys to success. Advertisement Understanding Cholesterol Cholesterol is carried throughout the blood on a structure called a lipoprotein, which is a combination of cholesterol particles and proteins, explains the Mayo Clinic....

Fatty foods can trigger gas in people with IBS, gastritis, acid reflux and food intolerances. Gas normally occurs after eating too fast, not chewing thoroughly or after eating gas-producing foods. However, gas can also occur due to gastritis, acid reflux, food intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome. These conditions flare up when certain foods are eaten that irritate the stomach. These foods may include greasy, fatty foods. Advertisement Gastritis Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining....

Because of its gastroprotective effects, ginger may be one of the useful herbs for ulcers. Image Credit: mescioglu/iStock/GettyImages Because of its gastroprotective effects, ginger may be one of the useful herbs for ulcers. Ginger is a spice that is commonly used in Asian cuisine and desserts such as gingersnaps. It’s the basis of things like ginger ale and ginger beer. Advertisement Ginger Nutrition Information According to the USDA, ¼ cup of 1-inch ginger slices contains:...

The foods you eat may lower blood pressure as much as medication, reports Harvard Health Publications. Start your day with a breakfast filled with key nutrients known to help with blood pressure. Getting enough potassium is essential, as it lowers blood pressure and counteracts sodium. Whole grains and several phytochemicals fight high blood pressure, or hypertension. Calcium and magnesium are also dietary musts. Calcium lowers blood pressure, while magnesium helps regulate it....

Strength training for beginners is all about taking things at your own pace. Learn a few staple exercises and, once you feel confident, build from there. Image Credit: Drazen Zigic/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Types of Strength Training How to Get Started Workout Basics Best Beginner Exercises Beginner Workouts Safety Strength training for beginners can feel a little intimidating. But you don't need to spend hours in the gym or lift super-heavy weights to get a good muscle-building workout....

Several common injuries and conditions can cause pain behind your kneecap. Image Credit: Boyloso/iStock/GettyImages If you’ve noticed twinges of pain behind your kneecap, you’re not alone — it’s a common complaint that affects people of all ages and activity levels. While there’s no single reason for this discomfort, there are a few common injuries and conditions you should know about. Advertisement Patellofemoral Syndrome “The most common cause of pain behind the kneecap is patellofemoral syndrome,” says Audrey Lynn Millar, PT, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina....

Large scoop of whey protein on a counter. Image Credit: deymos/iStock/Getty Images Whey protein can help you lose weight, build muscle and recover after exercise, according to the National Dairy Council. Optimum Nutrition’s 100 Percent Whey Gold Standard powder contains mostly whey protein isolates, a pure form of whey protein in which almost all of the lactose has been removed. Enjoy whey protein powder as a supplement to protein-rich foods....

Ground chuck is a type of ground beef. Image Credit: George Bailey/iStock/Getty Images Along with ground round and ground sirloin, ground chuck is a type of ground beef. Each cut has varying degrees of fat versus lean content. Ground chuck must come from only the chuck cuts of beef, which are located in the shoulder area and are more fatty than round or sirloin cuts. However, various methods of cooking can decrease the final fat content....

Everyone has a different baseline for how long they should be able to run without stopping, depending on their fitness level. Image Credit: Hayden Scott / 500px/500px/GettyImages Running, even in just small doses, can provide a wealth of health benefits, from improved heart health to increased bone mineral density. But everyone has a different threshold for how long they should be able to run without stopping, depending on if they’ve been running for years, recently took some time off or are completely new to the sport....

The calories burned raking and bagging leaves is similar to how many calories you burn during an hour-long bike ride. Image Credit: Elenathewise/iStock/Getty Images With the change of seasons comes beautiful fall foliage and — you guessed it — raking. Besides clearing out your leaf-covered lawn, yard work is a great source of physical activity. And here are the calories burned raking leaves (based on your weight) to prove it....

One fatty meal can instantly raise your triglyceride levels but likely won't affect your cholesterol levels. Image Credit: Nathan Motoyama / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages Over time, eating fatty foods can raise triglyceride and cholesterol levels beyond a healthy range, increasing your risk for heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Advertisement But the impact of a single fatty meal on cholesterol and triglycerides is a little more complicated....

It's easy to bake meatballs on a baking sheet with or without parchment paper (shown here as optional). Image Credit: Yulia_Kotina/iStock/GettyImages When you make homemade meatballs, you can skip the frying pan altogether, and bake your meatballs in the oven. Baked meatball recipes tend to provide fewer calories, which is good news if you are looking to cut calories. Keep reading for helpful advice for oven-baked homemade meatballs. Advertisement Why Bake Homemade Meatballs?...

Bratwurst, commonly known as brats, is a type of sausage that's a popular substitute for hot dogs. Image Credit: Nadezhda_Nesterova/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Boiling Before Grilling Heating Nutrition By boiling brats before tossing them on the grill, you can infuse the flavor, shorten the cooking time and make sure they're fully cooked through to destroy any potential pathogens. Advertisement Tip If you have fresh brats, boil them in a cast-iron skillet for 10 to 15 minutes....

With the right workout plan and exercises, you can gain muscle mass fast at home. Image Credit: ljubaphoto/E+/GettyImages In This Article How Fast Can You Gain? Home Equipment Best At-Home Exercises You don't need an expensive gym membership to gain muscle mass. With just a few pieces of equipment or your own body weight, you can learn how to build muscle fast at home with some challenging at-home workouts. Advertisement But before you dive into a new training session, brush up on some of the most important parts of muscle gain and learn how you can make them work for you anywhere you choose to train....

A pork roast on a serving platter surrounded by vegetables, a roll and some olive oil. Image Credit: zeleno/iStock/Getty Images Slow-cooker dinners are practical and easy for people who are on the run. And crockpot pork roast is no exception. You can slow cook a boneless pork roast by itself, or you can dress it up by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Add additional ingredients, such as potatoes and carrots, to this basic recipe, and you will have a whole meal waiting when you return home from a long day....