4 Tips Meningkatkan Metabolisme Tubuh

4 Tips Meningkatkan Metabolisme Tubuh

Tahukah Anda Bahwa Kegemukan atau Terlalu Kurusnya badan dapat saja berpengaruh pada terganggunya proses metabolisme, lho kok bisa ya? Sebab proses metabolisme itu ada 2 yaitu menguraikan makanan yang masuk ke dalam tubuh menjadi bagian-bagian kecil dan juga proses penyerapan nutrisi makanan yang telah diuraikan.

Nah proses metabolisme yang terlalu cepat terkadang bisa mengakibatkan kegemukan, dan proses metabolisme yang lambat cenderung membuat manusia menjadi tampak kurus. Nah Proses metabolisme sendiri yang terkadang cepat atau terkadang lambat ini sebenarnya tidak hany dipengaruhi oleh konsumsi makanan dan olahraga saja. Bahkan kegiatan fisik sehari-hari yang tampaknya tidak berpengaruh terhadap kegemukan ternyata juga bisa berkontribusi besar pada proses metabolisme tubuh.

Nah kini kita sudah tahu bahwa naik-turunnya berat badan serta proses tertimbunnya lemak dalam tubuh bisa saja karena proses metabolisme yang terganggu. Lalu apa saja kebiasaan atau kegiatan sehari-hari yang dapat merusak proses metabolisme ini?

Makanan Tidak Pedas

Sebuah penelitian dari Jurnal Apepetite menemukan fakta bahwa ketika orang menambahkan cabai merah pada hidangan makan malamnya, maka mereka akan merasa lebih kenyang daripada yang tidak memakainya. Perhitungan kasarnya, makanan dengan rasa pedas akan membuat orang makan 30 persen lebih sedikit dibandingkan mereka yang makan makanan yang tidak pedas sama sekali.

Dalam penelitian tersebut merekomendasikan agar setiap orang dapat menambahkan rasa pedas ke dalam makanannya dengan cara memasukan paprika jenis capsaicin yang diketahui dapat mempercepat metabolisme. Kenapa bisa seperti itu? Sebab paprika merah yang dikonsumsi akan mengontrol pelepasan hormon yang mengatur nafsu makan serta meningkatkan kadar hormon stres pemicu keinginan makan.

Duduk Terlalu Sering

Nah setelah membaca ini Anda langsung mengerti, Jangan Duduk Terlalu sering. Kenapa tidak boleh? Sebab duduk selama tiga jam atau lebih per hari ternyata berpengaruh terhadap 74 persen peningkatan risiko sindrom metabolisme penyebab diabetes, penyakit jantung, obesitas, tekanan darah tinggi, dan kolesterol tinggi.

Selain itu juga orang yang banyak duduk menandakan dirinya sedikit sekali bergerak, sehingga menyebabkan otot tidak bekerja terlalu keras untuk membakar lemak dan berdampak pada sensitivitas hormon insulin.

Tidak Mencuci Bersih Bahan Makanan

Bahan makanan sekarang ini mungkin sudah mengandung banyak radikal bebas, sehingga dapat mengganggu kerja tubuh ketika kita memakannya. Hal ini diperkuat dengan sebuah studi pada tahun 2012 di Amerika, kesehatan lingkungan sangat terkait dengan polusi lingkungan, seperti pestisida yang digunakan pada sayuran dan buah-buahan.

Penelitian tersebut menemukan fakta bahwa dalam sel laboratorium, polutan tersimpan di jaringan lemak yang menyebabkan peradangan dan akhirnya berpengaruh pada jalur pengaturan metabolisme. Lalu bagaimana solusinya? Pilihlah produk organik, baik itu dari air penyiramannya, pupuk yang digunakannya serta anti hama yang dipakainya. Tanyakanlah hal itu pada penjualnya, jika mereka menjawab adanya penggunaan bahan-bahan kimia, sebaiknya hindari sayuran tersebut dan beralihlah ke organik yang lebih sehat.

Jarang Mencuci tangan

Beruntunglah bagi para muslim yang setiap hari sedikitnya 5 kali mereka mencucui tangan saat ingin ibadah, sebab mencuci tangan ini dapat mengurangi terinfeksinya berbagai virus yang membuat sakit dan mengganggu metabolisme tubuh. Menurut peneliti di Pennington Biomedical Center di Universitas Louisiana, ternyata ada hubungan antara virus pernapasan yang disebut adenovirus-36 dengan obesitas, seperti sebuah virus yang muncul menjadi sel induk sel lemak. Untuk itu, cucilah tangan sampai bersih untuk mengurangi risiko terkena infeksi virus tersebut.


Itulah dia keempat cara untuk meningkatkan metabolisme tubuh, silakan praktekan salah satunya. Namun jika Anda menginginkan hasil maksimal, lakukanlah kelima tips tersebut untuk meningkatnya metabolisme dengan cepat.

Penyakit yang mungkin mengancam orang yang stres

Stres tentu berbeda dengan Gila, stress berarti orang yang mengalami tekanan hidup. Stres sendiri dialami semua orang, Penting untuk diketahui bahwa stres dapat menganggu kesehatan apabila tidak dikendalikan. Menurut News Max Health ada 6 gangguan kesehatan yang dapat ditimbulkan stress antara lain:

1. Kanker dan gangguan imun

Imun atau sistem kekebalan tubuh dirancang agar tubuh kita mampu menjaga dari datangnya virus, bakteri jahat. Namun ketika stres dibiarkan hingga kronis justru mengganggut kerja sistem imun. Bila stres tidak diselesaikan dampaknya ialah risiko kanker dan masalah kesehatan lainnya akan meningkat.

Tentu ada cara mudah mencegah tinggi risiko kanker atau gangguan kesehatan lain akibat berkurang sistem imun, yaitu dengan dengan: Teknik relaksasi seperti meditasi, yoga, dan praktik-praktik lain yang bisa menenangkan pikiran. Disamping itu, efek maksimal dari teknik relaksasi ini dapat ditempuh apabila Anda bisa menemukan solusi dari masalah yang membebani hidup Anda.

2. Penyakit jantung

Salah satu ahli jantung ternama yaitu Chauncey Crandall, MD berkata, "Masyarakat sepertinya lupa bahwa stres merupakan faktor risiko utama untuk penyakit jantung." Contoh kasus stress yang berujung pada penyakit jantung adalah seperti yang terjadi pada Mantan Presiden AS, George W. Bush. Tim dokternya percaya bahwa penyakit jantungnya muncul karena efek stres yang mungkin saja  ia alami ketika menjabat sebagai orang nomor satu Amerika.

Dr Crandall selaku ahli jantung merekomendasikan kepada siapapun untuk melakukan tes kesehatan jantung saat memasuki usia 40-an. Ini dilakukan agar dokter cepat mengetahui jika memang seseorang menderita suatu penyakit dan memotivasinya dengan kebiasaan gaya hidup sehat.

3. Masalah berat badan 

Ketika Stres, orang akan lebih mudah merasa lapar. Hal ini dikarenakan otak bekerja lebih keras dan menuntut lebih banyak kalori masuk. Ini awalnya seseorang menjadi makan berlebihan. Makan berlebihan ini pun biasanya berupa makanan yang tinggi kalori. Padahal obesitas dan kelebihan berat badan dapat meningkatkan risiko diabetes, penyakit jantung, kanker dan depresi.

Untuk menghindarinya, carilah waktu yang tepat untuk makan, sebaiknya jangan makan ketika Anda sedang benar-benar stres. Jauhkan rasa nyaman saat makan untuk mengatasi stres. Sebaliknya, carilah kesenangan lain selain dengan makan agar kalori tetap terkontrol.

4. Depresi dan kecemasan

Seorang yang terlalu cemas atau takut dapat menjadi tanda stress bagi seorang psikolog / psikiater. Jika sudah sampai sejauh ini dampat stresnya, maka kesehatan mentalnya akan tergangu dan berujung pada depresi. Jika depresi sudah terjadi, maka stress dapat semakin memperburuk depresi yang ada.

Mengatasi depresi dan kecemasan sebenarnya mudah yaitu dengan rutinlah berolahraga. Olahraga dapat meningkatkan produksi neurotransmitter dan endorfin. Kedua hormone dalam tubuh ini dipercaya dapat meningkatkan mood dan menurunkan risiko depresi, penyakit jantung, stroke, diabetes, dan kanker.

5. Rambut rontok 

Bagi Anda yang saat ini bermasalah dengan kerontokan rambut sebaiknya berhati-hati. Sebab ini juga sebagai tanda bahwa Anda sedang stres, Saat stress, tubuh akan mengalami efek alopecia areata (sel darah putih 'menyerang' folikel rambut); telogen effluvium (rambut berhenti tumbuh); dan trikotilomania (kerontokan ekstrem akibat stres, cemas, tegang, kesepian, atau frustrasi).

Atasi dengan: Cobalah untuk membangun jaringan dukungan yang kuat, selalu berpikir positif untuk meningkatkan harga diri. Selain itu, tidurlah dengan cukup setiap harinya.

6. Sindrom metabolik 

Risiko tinggi akan sindrom metabolik pada orang stress dapat terjadi, ini merupakan kombinasi dari diabetes, tekanan darah tinggi, kadar gula darah tinggi, obesitas, dan kadar kolesterol abnormal. Jika penyakit ini berkomplikasi, hal ini akan meningkatkan risiko penyakit jantung.

Atasi sindrom metabolik dengan: 4 Lakukan berikut; pertama, lakukan sesuatu yang dapat menenangkan pikiran Anda seperti mendengarkan musik, yoga, berkumpul bersama keluarga dan lain sebagainya; kedua, berolahragalah seperti dengan pergi ke gym, lari-lari setiap pagi; ketiga, berkumpulah dengan sahabat atau dengan organisasi yang membuat Anda bisa berkomunikasi dengan orang yang Anda sayangi; dan keempat; Terakhir, hindari makan-makanan Junk Food dan pilihlah makanan yang sehat terutama yang kaya akan asam lemak omega-3, misalnya ikan dan kacang-kacangan.

Penting Variasi dalam Berolahraga

Hobi di satu olahraga memang lebih baik daripada tidak berolahraga sama sekali. Namun penuturan dokter spesialis olahraga Grace Tumbelaka dalam konferensi pers Exercise is Medicine seyogyanya patut Anda pertimbangkan, "Ketika seseorang hanya melakukan satu jenis latihan olahraga saja, maka kemampuan motorik yang terlatih hanya pada bagian tertentu saja".

"Contohnya saja, ketika Anda sering melakukan lari pagi karena ingin mendapatkan kebugaran, itu benar. Tapi yang terlatih hanyalah otot kaki saja. Berbeda hasilnya jika Anda mau mengkombinasikan dengan angkat beban misalnya untuk melatih otot tangan atau bersepeda untuk latihan keseimbangan," terangnya.

Oleh karena itu, Grace menghimbau kepada masyarakat untuk mau melakukan variasi pada latihan olahraga yang dilakukannya. Contohnya, dalam satu minggu, Sabtu berlari, senin rabu jalan, dan jumat bersepeda. Grace menambahkan, "Pilihan olahraga dapat ditentukan masing-masing individu dengan minat dan fasilitas yang ada. Namun rambu-rambu yang penting adalah memilih jenis olahraga yang bersifat aerobik".

Contoh olahraga aerobik seperti Jogging, bersepeda, lompat tali, renang atau senam aerobik. Selain menjaga kebugaran tubuh, olahraga juga mampu memberikan terapi kesembuhan. Jadi berolahraga untuk kesehatan Anda bukan untuk memperlancar penurunan berat Anda ya... :) 

Why Having A Best Friend is Good for You

If you’re ever feeling under pressure, it might be an idea to see your best friend. Being in their presence can reduce stress levels – at least according to a study of children.

‘One of the interesting things about these findings is that it’s not just any friend – it’s the best friend,’ said Ryan Adams, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of paediatrics at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre.

A hundred children aged ten to 12 were asked to fill out a diary five times a day for four school days, and rate how they felt about what they’d experienced in the past 20 minutes.

They were also asked whether they’d been alone or with parents, siblings, a best friend, a boy or girl friend, classmates, strangers, teachers or some other person.

And they had saliva samples take to measure for the stress hormone cortisol. Researchers found that the presence of a best friend, more than anyone else, buffered the physical effects of a negative experience, so the child produced less cortisol.

When no friend was around during stressful times, cortisol levels shot up. Although the study only looked at children, experts say its findings are likely to apply to adults too.

Dr Karen Majors, an education psychologist with Barking and Dagenham Community Educational Psychology Service, said: 'A child’s close friends can be problematic and lead them astray, but they can also be incredibly positive and supportive.

'Friendships serve really important purposes socially, emotionally and cognitively as well as being a playmate and companion. For example, previous research shows if you transfer school with friends you know, it bodes well for making new friends.'

Underwear run sets world record

A protest of Utah's uptight laws that featured people running through the streets of Salt Lake City in their underwear has set a new world record.

Guinness World Records says the Utah Undie Run broke the previous record for largest gathering of people wearing only underpants or knickers by 1,720 people.

Records officials say 2,270 people stripped to their underwear during the Utah Undie Run on Sept. 24. The previous record of 550 people was set last year in Great Britain.

Utah Undie Run organizers are planning another run next August. The event's goal is to protest the state's conservative politics.

Organizers prohibit nudity. Participants donned bras, panties, nightgowns, swimwear or colorful boxer shorts.

L'Oreal ads of Julia Roberts banned for airbrushing

Retouched advertisements are certainly nothing new, but The British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has been cracking down on companies they believe have been heavy handed with the airbrushing wand.

According to BBC News, Member of Parliament Jo Swinson has been lobbying against digitally altered images and she raised the red flag on two L'Oreal advertisements she claimed were "not representative of the results the products could achieve."

One ad features actress Julia Roberts for Lancome Teint Miracle foundation, while the other shows supermodel Christy Turlington for a Maybelline foundation called The Eraser.

As evidenced by the ads, the results of these products, both owned by parent company L'Oreal, are just a little too flawless.

Source @

New rules to cut confusion on sunscreen claims

Starting next summer, sunscreens with less than an SPF of 15 or that aren't "broad spectrum" will have to carry a warning label: "This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging."

"For the first time, the FDA has clearly defined the testing required to make a broad-spectrum protection claim in a sunscreen and indicate which type of sunscreen can reduce skin cancer risk," said Dr. Ronald L. Moy, president of The American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Under the new rules:

• The FDA will prohibit sunscreen marketing claims like "waterproof" and "sweatproof," which the agency said "are exaggerations of performance."

• The FDA also proposes capping the highest SPF value at 50, unless companies can provide results of further testing that support a higher number.

• FDA says manufacturers must phase out a four-star system currently used by some companies to rate UVA protection.

In reviewing more than 3,000 comments submitted to the agency, the FDA decided the star system was too confusing. Instead, protection against UVA should be proportional to protection against UVB, which is already measured using SPF.

The SPF figure indicates the amount of sun exposure needed to cause sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin compared with unprotected skin. For example, an SPF rating of 30 means it would take the person 30 times longer to burn wearing sunscreen than with exposed skin.

Most dermatologists recommend a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every two hours while outside.

Secret to Pippa Middleton’s Tight Body: Pilates

One of the most acclaimed presences at the wedding of Prince William and Katherine Middleton was the bride’s sister and bridesmaid, Pippa, who wowed in a long white dress that made the best of her slender and toned body. Those hoping to get as fit as she is, should know that it’s all down to Pilates.

After the wedding, paparazzi snapped Pippa on vacation on a yacht, looking unbelievably fit in a two-piece white swimsuit, which only generated more interest in her and whether she kept to a diet and regular exercise.

As it turns out, she does. The Daily Mail did some digging around and learned that Pippa’s favorite physical exercise is Pilates.

In a testimonial on the website of the London gym she visits, Pippa says Pilates is ideal for someone as busy as she is. It’s a great way of staying in shape, while also allowing her to unwind and de-stress.

She goes to a small gym in Parson’s Green near her London apartment, the Mail reports.

“Whether it’s 7am in the morning or 7pm at night I always leave feeling calm, refreshed and invigorated,” Pippa wrote in the testimonial about the benefits of Pilates.

“Over the past few months I have noticed a huge difference in my core strength and posture and couldn’t recommend Margot more highly as an instructor,” she adds.

Indeed, while Pilates doesn’t lead to immediate and considerable weight loss, it does do wonders for the posture because it strengthens and tones the muscles.

What to Eat for Strong and Healthy Hair and Nails

Certain foods can improve the way you look. The following nutrients will give your hair and nails extra luster, strength and shine.

Biotin (a.k.a. vitamin H) can improve hair that is splitting or thinning as well as strengthen weakened nails. Taken with zinc and the corticosteroid clobetasol propionate, biotin has even been used to treat alopecia, an autoimmune skin disease marked by the loss of hair. A deficiency in biotin may result in brittle hair or even hair loss. An easy way to remember: The H in vitamin H stands for hair. Try: Bananas, beans, cauliflower, eggs, lentils, peanuts and salmon.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
To get shinier hair, introduce more omega-3s into your diet, which “help support scalp health and may give your locks extra luster and shine.” The three active ingredients—alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid—are all essential fatty acids and "are important components of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis that contains keratin and has water-holding capabilities. Deficiency in essential fatty acids can result in dry scalp or dandruff." Try: Eggs, flaxseed, fish oil, mackerel, salmon, sardines, spinach, tuna and walnuts.

Protein
Protein intake is important for many reasons, notably when it comes to hair and nails. Both "are made of structural proteins known as keratin, so adequate dietary protein is important for providing the building blocks for growing strong hair and nails, lean meats are the easiest way to pack protein into your diet—just make sure to steer clear of any that are overly fatty. Try: Chicken, eggs, lean red meats, lowfat dairy, nuts, seafood, soybeans and whole grains.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps produce a conditioning substance for the scalp known as sebum, which keeps hair looking and feeling healthy. In addition to these beauty benefits, this vitamin contributes to better eye health and immune system function, which keeps you vital and strong from head to toe. Try: Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, Cheddar cheese, egg yolks, mangoes, oatmeal, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Zinc
Zinc is another nutrient active in helping the immune system function properly, and DiBona also notes that it plays an important role in the formation of your connective tissues. Try: Cashews, green beans, lean beef, lobster, oysters and soybeans.

Why Sleep is The Key to Success

It is one of our most basic functions, as important as the in and out of our breath. Our need for sleep is primal, yet the pace of life means it's often pushed to the periphery, sacrificed at the altar of work, friends, study and fun.

But now science is beginning to show that getting the right amount of sleep might be the key to making the rest of our lives run more smoothly.

Increasingly, research is indicating that the quality and quantity of our sleep affects every part of our lives, from success in work and school to our likelihood of developing problems such as obesity or mental illness.

Writing in the journal Frontiers in Neurology last year, American researchers highlighted the growing body of research confirming that students who have insomnia, inadequate sleep, daytime sleepiness, irregular sleep patterns or poor sleep quality do not perform as well in school as others.

Many sleep researchers now advocate the introduction of staggered start times for older high-school students - one of the most under-slept groups in society after shift workers.

But the most cutting edge of sleep research is beginning to show it seems also to be linked to mental illness.

Nicholas Glozier is at the forefront of such research in his work as a professor of psychiatry and sleep research at the Brain and Mind Research Institute at the University of Sydney.

Morning eye puffiness? Here's an easy trick

Expert says the most simple remedy for lightening dark circles and decreasing puffiness under the eyes—two of her patients' most common complaints—is splashing cold water on your face first thing in the morning, which shrinks the blood vessels and decreases eye puffiness.

However, more serious under-eye circles may call for more aggressive treatment. Dark circles can be caused by sun damage or from genetically driven pigmentation; bluish-hued circles can stem from vascular issues. Also, as we age, we lose the fat underneath our eyes, which causes a gaunt or tired appearance.

In-office treatment isn't always necessary, however. Expert says there are some very effective lightening creams available at drug stores. The key is in finding a topical cream that is made up of hydroquinone in 2% concentration. He says most people notice an improvement in the skin around their eyes in about two weeks.

Five health reasons to not quit coffee

The morning ritual of brewing a cup, the smell that perks you up before you take a sip and, of course, the flavor all make it your favorite beverage aside from water (water’s delicious!). You have 5 health reasons not to quit coffee, here they are:

1. It protects your heart: Moderate coffee drinkers (1 to 3 cups/day) have lower rates of stroke than noncoffee drinkers, an effect linked to coffee’s antioxidants. Coffee has more antioxidants per serving than blueberries, making it the biggest source of antioxidants in American diets. All those antioxidants may help suppress the damaging effect of inflammation on arteries.

2. It diverts diabetes: Those antioxidants (chlorogenic acid and quinides, specifically) play another role: boosting your cells’ sensitivity to insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar. In fact, people who drink 4 or more cups of coffee each day may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to some studies.

3. Your liver loves it: OK, so the research here is limited, but it looks like the more coffee people drink, the lower their incidence of cirrhosis and other liver diseases. One analysis of nine studies found that every 2-cup increase in daily coffee intake reduced liver cancer risk by 43 percent.

4. It boosts your brain power: Drinking between 1 and 5 cups a day (admittedly a big range) may help reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as Parkinson’s disease, studies suggest. Those antioxidants may ward off brain cell damage and help the neurotransmitters involved in cognitive function to work better.

5. It helps your headaches: And not just the withdrawal headaches caused by skipping your daily dose of caffeine! Studies show that 200 milligrams of caffeine—about the amount in 16 ounces of brewed coffee—provides relief from headaches, including migraines. Exactly how caffeine relieves headaches isn’t clear. But scientists do know that caffeine boosts the activity of brain cells, causing surrounding blood vessels to constrict.

Now, that’s not to say that coffee doesn’t have any pitfalls—it does. Some people are super-sensitive to caffeine and get jittery or anxious after drinking coffee; habitual coffee drinkers usually develop a tolerance to caffeine that eliminates this problem (but they then need the caffeine to be alert and ward off withdrawal headaches). Coffee can also disturb sleep, especially as people age. Cutting some of the caffeine and drinking it earlier in the day can curb this effect. Lastly, unfiltered coffee (like that made with a French press) can raise LDL cholesterol, so use a filter for heart health.

Forever foods that can outlast you

According to Janice Revell, co-founder of StillTasty.com, you'll be shocked by what you really don't need to throw away." What we do is often the opposite, we don't give a thought to stuff sitting in the kitchen cupboard or we automatically throw out anything that's been in there longer than we can remember. Here as list of things that last longer than you ever realized:

1. Sugar
Regardless of whether your sugar is white, brown, or powdered, it will never spoil because it doesn't support bacterial growth.

The challenge with sugar is to keep it from hardening into chunks. To keep sugar fresh, store it in an airtight container or seal it in a plastic bag. If your brown sugar is more like a brown rock, you can revive it with just a minute in the microwave on low heat.

2. Pure vanilla extract
If you have pure vanilla extract in the back of the cupboard, there's no need to throw it out because it lasts forever. It may be more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but its shelf life certainly outweighs the extra cost.

Keep that vanilla flavor at its best by sealing the botttle after each use and storing it in a cool, dark place.

3. Rice
White, wild, jasmine, arborio and basmati rice all keep forever so there's no need to throw them out. Brown rice is the one exception because it has a higher oil content so store it in the refrigerator or freeze it to maximize its shelf life. Once you've opened a bag or box of rice, move it to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag to keep it fresh.

4. Corn starch
You can thicken gravies and sauces for years with just one box of corn starch because it keeps indefinitely. Store this kitchen staple in a cool, dry area and be sure to reseal it tightly after each use.

5. Honey
Whether you use it in your tea, on your toast or as an alternative sweetener, that jar of pure honey is good forever. It may get grainy or change color, but it's still safe to eat — and delicious — because its antibiotic properties keep it from spoiling.

You can help keep it fresh by storing it in a cool area, and you can improve the quality of crystallized honey by placing the jar in warm water and stirring it until the grainy parts dissolve.

6. Salt
The contents of your salt shaker will never spoil, regardless of whether it's basic table salt or sea salt. Simply store it in a cool, dry place and salt will keep indefinitely.

7. Corn syrup
If you come across a years-old bottle of corn syrup in your pantry, don't throw it out. This sweetener keeps indefinitely as long as you keep it sealed and store it in a cool, dry area.

8. Maple syrup
What good are pancakes or waffles without maple syrup? Luckily, this flavorful syrup will never spoil if you refrigerate it or freeze it. For long-term storage, seal it in an airtight plastic container and freeze it.

"The freezer is such a useful tool that can really save you money because there are very few foods that don't freeze well," says Janice Revell of StillTasty.com.

9. Distilled white vinegar
This wonder product can be used for everything, from making marinades and salad dressings to cleaning house and doing laundry. But the best thing about distilled white vinegar is that it lasts for years. Simply close it tightly after each use and store the bottle in a cool, dark place.

Study: Negative experiences can stop painkillers working

A patient's belief that a drug will not work can become a self fulfilling prophecy, according to researchers. They showed the benefits of painkillers could be boosted or completely wiped out by manipulating expectations.

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, also identifies the regions of the brain which are affected. Experts said this could have important consequences for patient care and for testing new drugs.

Heat was applied to the legs of 22 patients, who were asked to report the level of pain on a scale of one to 100. They were also attached to an intravenous drip so drugs could be administered secretly. The initial average pain rating was 66. Patients were then given a potent painkiller, remifentanil, without their knowledge and the pain score went down to 55.

They were then told they were being given a painkiller and the score went down to 39. Then, without changing the dose, the patients were then told the painkiller had been withdrawn and to expect pain, and the score went up to 64. So even though the patients were being given remifentanil, they were reporting the same level of pain as when they were getting no drugs at all.

Power Balance bracelets: provide no scientific edge

Power Balance bracelet, the popular performance accessory worn by athletes including Drew Brees, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, provide no scientific edge, the company confessed this week.

The California-based company was forced to admit the lack of evidence supporting its claims of natural power after coming to an agreement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Associated Press reported.

Athletes who wore the bands insisted they provided a boost. Science said otherwise.

The bracelets, first released in 2007, were embedded with holograms and supposedly designed to interact with the energy flow of a body. They sold for $29.95 and were worn by athletes and celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal, David Beckham and Robert De Niro.

Why even bother making the claim that the bracelet gave power? Why not dance around the issue and refuse to make a definitive statement about them? Issue vague comments about natural energies and positive karma (like a hippie selling a crystal at a Phish show) and let fans of the product do the rest of the promotion by word of mouth.

Just like lucky socks, those titanium necklaces worn by baseball players or that $5 putter you bought from a sale rack at a pro shop, the only benefit derived from the Power Balance bracelet is the idea that it makes you better. Belief is a powerful thing; just watch a basketball player during a hot shooting streak or a golfer with the yips. Deep down we all know wearing the same sweatshirt on NFL Sunday doesn't change the outcome of our favorite team's game, but we wear it anyway, just in case.

Food Could Cause You Age Faster

Watch out what you eat! It turns out that the type of sandwich fixing you choose could cause you to age faster. And the bread stuffing that really sticks it to you? Processed meat. In a study, researchers found that people who ate the highest amount of processed meat -think salami, pressed ham, and bologna- showed the greatest signs of wear and tear in a key marker of cellular aging.

Telltale Telomeres

The people who ate the most processed meat had the shortest telomeres. Not a good thing, because telomeres are those tiny protective coverings on the ends of your DNA strands. The shorter they get, the older your body is on a cellular level -and the wider the door opens to problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. In the study, the telomeres of the processed-meat lovers showed about 3.4 extra years of aging compared with those who ate the least processed meat.

A Processing Problem

What's so bad about processed meats? The trouble is that they tend to be packed with a whole bunch of bad things like saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol, nitrates, and nitrites - all things believed to be linked to telomere-shortening inflammation.

Obesity Surgery in England Increase Ten Times Since 2000

The use of weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery, is ten times more frequent in NHS hospitals in England, than it was in 2000, a new study published on bmj.com finds.

A team of researchers from the Imperial College London analyzed national results after surgery on obese patients in the NHS in England.

They used the Hospital Episode Statistics database, and they identified all adult patients that have had a first elective bariatric intervention between April 2000 and March 2008.

Scientists also recorded mortality rates 30 days and one year after surgery, as well as the overall hospital stay and unplanned readmission rates.

During this time period, a total of 6,953 bariatric procedures were carried out, the number of procedures rising more than ten-fold from 238 in 2000 to 2,543 in 2007, e! Science News reports.

Gastric banding proved to be less dangerous than gastric bypass, as patients that underwent gastric banding had lower post-surgery mortality and readmission rates, as well as a shorter length of stay, but the poorest post-surgery outcome belonged to patients with comorbidities.

Another type of procedures that saw its rates increase were laparoscopic procedures, from 28% in 2000 to 75% in 2007, but as it did not cause any increase in mortality or unplanned readmission, scientists suggested it has been introduced in a safe manner into the NHS.

One explanation for this increase in weight loss surgery is the higher demand of patients that become aware that surgery is a viable treatment option.

The surgery is performed only on people who are dangerously obese, with the purpose of loosing weight, and the most common interventions are: reducing the size of the stomach with a surgical band (gastric banding), re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch (gastric bypass), or removing a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy).

The interventions reduce the risk of death, hospital admissions and long term expenses for the health department, and are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for people with "morbid obesity" (body mass index of at least 40 or of at least 35 if accompanied by coexisting disease that could be improved by weight loss).

Possible candidates must have tried all other non-surgical treatments and failed, before they can actually have bariatric surgery, according to NHS official regulation, but who knows exactly?

Source @ Softpedia


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The Dark Side of Perfectionism Revealed

Perfectionists, by definition, strive for the best, trying to ace exams, be meticulous at their jobs, and raise perfect children. So one might assume this drive for the ideal translates over to their health as well, with perfectionist being models for physical and mental well-being.

But new research is revealing the trait can bring both profits and perils.

Though perfection is an impossible goal, striving for it can be a boon for one's health, causing one to stick to exercise programs to a tee, say, or follow a strict regimen for treating chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes. But the same lofty goals can mean added mental pressure when mistakes are made and the resistance to asking for help from others in fear of revealing one's true, imperfect self.

In fact studies show the personality trait of perfectionism is linked to poor physical health and an increased risk of death.

Spanish Press Hails 'Epic' World Cup Win

Spanish newspapers on Monday hailed Spain’s “epic” and “historic” first ever World Cup win. “Champions of the world,” top-selling daily El Pais said on its front page above a photo of keeper Iker Casillas holding the trophy above his head as he stood surrounded by his teammates.

“The national team has consolidated the leadership of a dazzling generation,” it added.

The newspaper called the 1-0 extra-time win over the Netherlands in Johannesburg the “epic which was missing from Spanish sports, which has lived in glory following a cascade of successes.” “Champions,” wrote right-wing newspaper ABC on its front page below a similar photo of Casillas holding the trophy.

“It is the biggest success in the history of Spanish football, a title which when added to other no less relevant titles, places Spain in the leadership of the major spanish sports like basketball, tennis, cycling or motorcycle racing,” it added in an editorial. “From here to eternity,” wrote centre-right daily El Mundo on its front page.

Coffee Doesn't Wake You up

The most recent study conducted by researchers found that Coffee doesn’t really wake you up. So why do we have such feeling? According to researchers it is just an illusion triggered by public opinion, as coffee has been widely correlated with wake up process.

We often hear from many that their brain doesn’t start working properly in the morning until they drink a cup of coffee. But the stimulating effect for which caffeine is famous may be an illusion, say researchers.

Those who drink a lot of coffee may feel more alert after their first cup of the day. But this is probably because it reverses the fatiguing effects of overnight caffeine withdrawal, say the researchers.

Their study suggests coffee drinkers may actually be better off without their habitual morning mug as it raises the risk of anxiety and high blood pressure.