FitSugar

What's the Secret to a Long Life?

Leta Shy — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 03:00:30 PDT

Old people have been in the news lately, and everyone wants to know their secret. There are the "World's Oldest Siblings," the eldest of whom, at 108, has been smoking "for more than 80 years, all day long, every day" and enjoys the regular cocktail. She's not the only one; doctors who've studied the siblings, along with others eligible for a Smucker's birthday celebration, found that many of the centenarians were overweight, smokers, and non-exercisers for most of their lives.

There's also the recent study that says the secret to a long life is getting enough sleep; women who slept fewer than five hours every night were less likely to live as long as those who got five to 6.5 hours of sleep. And then there's the new finding that those with a high level of the DHEAS hormone tend to exercise more, have better relationships, and live longer; the hormone - also called the "wealth" hormone because those who have the highest levels of it tend to be rich - helps regulate stress levels in the body.

With all the speculation about how we can live longer, what do you believe is the secret to a long life? Can we prolong our lives by getting enough sleep, practicing a healthy lifestyle, and limiting stress, or is it all in our genetics?

Another Reason to Run: It Lengthens Your Life

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:30:00 PDT

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.

Source

Cut Calories and Live Longer?

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT

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.

Source

Another Reason to Eat Healthy: Live Longer

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:00:00 PDT

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.

Source

Another Reason to Go Mediterranean

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:00:00 PST

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!

5 Strange Ways Chocolate Keeps You Healthy

Prevention — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:02:26 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

This sweet treat may also boost brainpower, help you relax, and more!
By Mara Betsch, Prevention

Show your heart some love this Valentine’s Day by nibbling a few chocolates - and making them a regular treat throughout the year. A recent study found that those consuming the highest levels of chocolate had a 37 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29 percent reduction in stroke compared to those with lower chocolate intakes.

Though experts are quick to clarify that we should stick to moderate consumption of high-calorie chocolates, it’s hard to deny the cold, hard facts that chocolate can be a healthy addition to our diets.

Seven Surprising Ways to Sharpen Your Mind

Hundreds of studies have shown that dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that promote heart health and may prevent many cardiovascular-related conditions, but we’ve dug up five more surprising health benefits. Read on for five new ways to justify your chocolate craving.

1. Chocolate May Help You With Math
Flavonols, compounds in chocolate with antioxidantlike properties, are thought to improve circulation, including blood flow to the brain. A 2009 study asked participants to count backward in groups of three from a number between 800 and 999. After drinking hot cocoa filled with flavonols, the participants were able to do calculations more quickly and accurately and were less likely to feel tired or mentally drained.

Learn a four more things chocolate can do for you after the break.

5 Surprising Health Benefits of Being a Sports Fan

Prevention — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:19:15 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

By Cristina Goyanes, Prevention

It’s no wonder your friends aren’t available to hang out on Sundays in the Fall and Winter - according to a 2005 Gallup Poll, 64 percent of Americans claim to be professional football fans, and as of 2010, women make up 44 percent of the NFL fan base.

Being a sports fan doesn’t mean you’re expected to know all the players and stats of your hometown teams and destined for a beer gut - it’s about coming together in the name of good times as part of a community.

“Bonding over sports - the highs and lows of the game - strengthens ties, helps us feel supported, and makes it easier for you to open up about personal things,” says Renee Clauselle, PsyD, who runs a private psychology practice in Long Island, NY.

Seventeen Unexpected Side Effects of Exercise

Rooting for the same team creates an immediate sense of family, says Daniel Wann, PhD, a Murray State University professor who has been studying the psychology of sports fans for over 20 years. “If you identify with a local team, you build an instant connection to others around you,” he says.

Beyond the bonding aspects, watching sports can motivate you to pump up your own workouts - and even burn a few extra calories when you jump, cheer, and clap during the highlights of the game. Find out more ways being a sports fan is a winning situation for your health.

Keep reading to learn how being a sports fan benefits your health.

How to Pull Off Winter White Like a Pro

Hannah Weil — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:52:41 PST

We're no longer living by the no-white-after-Labor-Day rules - save for being a guest at your best friend's wedding, there really are no rules when it comes to wearing your white pieces. That said, there can be a little trepidation around wearing the color during Winter - but we're out to change all of that. With these five looks we're embracing the hue on our denim, skirts, and dresses to refresh our everyday style. From a creamy boho maxi to a pair of ultra-chic white skinnies, click through to see and shop all the ways we're wearing white right now.

The Secrets of the World's Healthiest Women

Health — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:45:10 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

From pouring on the olive oil like the Greeks to slashing stress like the Scandinavians, what we
can learn from the happiest, slimmest, longest-living cultures around the globe.

The secret to a long, healthy life in America? According to longevity researchers, it may be to act like you live somewhere else.

It seems like every year another country's lifestyle is touted as the new magic bullet to cure us of obesity, heart disease, and premature death: for an unclogged heart, herd goats and down olive oil like a Mediterranean. Avoid breast cancer and live to 100 by dining on tofu, Japanese-style. Stay as happy as Norwegians by hunting elk and foraging for cowberries.

Health.com: Weight-Loss Secrets From Around the World

The places we're usually told to emulate are known as Blue Zones or Cold Spots. Blue Zones were pinpointed by explorer Dan Buettner and a team of longevity researchers and are described in his book The Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest. They're areas in Italy, Japan, Greece, California, and Costa Rica where the people have traditionally stayed healthy and active to age 100 or older.

Keep on reading for more great tips from around the globe.

4 Ways to Keep Your Rental Rate Steady

Emily Co — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:52:05 PST

Rental rates in several markets are on the rise, particularly in San Francisco. In fact, rents rose to about 10.4 percent in San Francisco and 12.2 percent in San Jose at the close of 2011, according to RealFacts, a firm that analyzes rental data. If you don't want to face a hefty increase come lease renewal time, here are a couple of options you can take.

Rent control. Research the rent control laws in your city and state. Basically, what it does is it sets price controls for apartment rent prices. If you don't like seeing an unreasonable hike in your rent every time your lease is up, pick a unit that qualifies for rent control.
Negotiate a longer lease. If you're happy with the rent offer and with your apartment, opt for a longer lease. The most popular lease is one year, but you should go for two if you want to keep your rental rate. Signing a two-year lease is especially smart if you're going to be in the area for a while and if you live in a hot rental market.
Have more options. When it comes time to renegotiate your lease terms, make sure you have other options available so you can really mean it when you tell them you'll move if the terms aren't to your liking. If you're not happy with the new rental rate, you can always move to the other researched options.
Be on good terms with your landlord. Whenever you're negotiating, it can only help to be on good terms with the other party. Be courteous when you see your landlord and pay your rent on time. Don't be that tenant that plays loud music and throw parties until the wee hours. That way, you can prove your "good tenant" track record and use it as ammunition when it comes time to stating your case for a reasonable rental rate.