Does
olive oil prevent heart disease?
Short
answer: Yes
The health benefits of olive oil come from the presence of polyphenols, antioxidants
The health benefits of olive oil come from the presence of polyphenols, antioxidants
That reduce
the risk of heart diseases and cancers.
But to get these healthy compounds, consumers should buy good-quality, fresh "extra-virgin" olive oil, which has the highest polyphenol content. Most commercially available olive oils have low levels of polyphenols associated with poor harvesting methods, improper storage, and heavy processing.
But to get these healthy compounds, consumers should buy good-quality, fresh "extra-virgin" olive oil, which has the highest polyphenol content. Most commercially available olive oils have low levels of polyphenols associated with poor harvesting methods, improper storage, and heavy processing.
Do
cough syrups work?
Short answer: No
In 2006, the nation's chest physicians agreed that the majority of over-the-counter cough medicines don't actually work.
Short answer: No
In 2006, the nation's chest physicians agreed that the majority of over-the-counter cough medicines don't actually work.
These
colorful syrups typically contain doses of codeine and dextromethorphan that
are too small to be effective.
Only cough suppressants that contain older antihistamines seem to relieve coughs.
Only cough suppressants that contain older antihistamines seem to relieve coughs.
That
includes brompheniramine, an active ingredient in Dimetapp.
Do
sugary soft drinks lead to diabetes?
Short answer: Yes
The majority of health research is stacked against sugar-sweetened soda. A large 2004 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who drank one or more sugary drinks per day increased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 83% compared to those who consumed less than one of these beverages per month.
Short answer: Yes
The majority of health research is stacked against sugar-sweetened soda. A large 2004 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who drank one or more sugary drinks per day increased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 83% compared to those who consumed less than one of these beverages per month.
Do I need sunscreen with
more than 30 SPF?
Short answer: No
Sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 block about 97% of ultraviolet rays,
Short answer: No
Sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 block about 97% of ultraviolet rays,
While
sunscreens with an SPF of higher than 30 block 97%-98%.
It's more important that you choose "broad-spectrum" sunscreen, meaning it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
It's more important that you choose "broad-spectrum" sunscreen, meaning it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
Sunbathers
also need to apply a generous
amount of sunscreen in order to get the full benefit of the
SPF.
Is
the MSG in Chinese likely to give you a headache?
Short answer: No
A review of 40 years of clinical trials, published in the journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2006,
Short answer: No
A review of 40 years of clinical trials, published in the journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2006,
Found
that all previous research "failed to identify a consistent relationship
between the consumption of MSG
And
the constellation of symptoms that comprise the syndrome," including
headaches and asthma attacks.
The misconception spawned from several poorly-done small studies in the 1960s that seemed to connect MSG with a variety of maladies that people experienced after eating at Chinese restaurants.
The misconception spawned from several poorly-done small studies in the 1960s that seemed to connect MSG with a variety of maladies that people experienced after eating at Chinese restaurants.
Do
nuts make you fat?
Short answer: No
As much as 75% of a nut is fat. But eating fat doesn't necessarily make you fat.
The
bigger factor leading to weight gain is portion-size.
Luckily,
nuts are loaded with healthy fats that keep you full. They're also a good
source of protein and fiber.
One study even found that whole almonds have 20% less calories than previously thought because
One study even found that whole almonds have 20% less calories than previously thought because
A
lot of the fat is excreted from the body.
Is
walking as effective as running?
Short answer: Yes
Studies have shown that how long you exercise — and thus how many calories you burn — is more important
Short answer: Yes
Studies have shown that how long you exercise — and thus how many calories you burn — is more important
Than
how hard you exercise. Running is a more efficient form of exercise, but not
necessarily better for you.
A six-year study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology in April found that walking at a moderate pace and running produced similar health benefits, so long as the same amount of energy was expended.
A six-year study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology in April found that walking at a moderate pace and running produced similar health benefits, so long as the same amount of energy was expended.
Is
drinking fruit juice as good for you as eating fruit?
Short answer: No
Calorie for calorie, whole fruit provides more nutritional benefits than drinking the pure juice of that fruit.
Short answer: No
Calorie for calorie, whole fruit provides more nutritional benefits than drinking the pure juice of that fruit.
That's
because when you liquefy fruit, stripping away the peel and dumping the pulp,
many ingredients like
Fiber,
calcium, vitamin C, and other antioxidants are lost.
For comparison, a five-ounce glass of orange juice that contains 69 calories has .3 grams of dietary fiber and 16 milligrams of calcium, whereas an orange with the same number of calories packs 3.1 grams of fiber and 60 milligrams of calcium.
For comparison, a five-ounce glass of orange juice that contains 69 calories has .3 grams of dietary fiber and 16 milligrams of calcium, whereas an orange with the same number of calories packs 3.1 grams of fiber and 60 milligrams of calcium.
Are
all wheat breads better for you than white bread?
Short answer: No
Not all wheat breads are created equal. Wheat breads that contain all parts of the grain kernel,
Short answer: No
Not all wheat breads are created equal. Wheat breads that contain all parts of the grain kernel,
Including
the nutrient-rich germ and fiber-dense bran, must be labeled "whole
grain" or "whole wheat."
Some wheat breads are just white bread with a little bit of caramel coloring to make the bread appear healthier,
Some wheat breads are just white bread with a little bit of caramel coloring to make the bread appear healthier,
According
to Reader's Digest.
Can
a hot tub make me sick?
Short answer: Yes
Hot tubs — especially ones in spas, hotels, and gyms — are perfect breeding grounds for germs.
The water is not hot enough to kill bacteria, but is just the right temperature to make microbes grow even faster.
Short answer: Yes
Hot tubs — especially ones in spas, hotels, and gyms — are perfect breeding grounds for germs.
The water is not hot enough to kill bacteria, but is just the right temperature to make microbes grow even faster.
Even
though hot tubs are treated with chlorine, the heat causes the disinfectant to
break down faster
than
it would in regular pools.
The most common hot tub infection is pseudomonas folliculitis, which causes red, itchy bumps.
The most common hot tub infection is pseudomonas folliculitis, which causes red, itchy bumps.
A
more dangerous side-effect of soaking in a dirty Jacuzzi is a form of pneumonia
known as Legionnaire's disease.
Does
coffee cause cancer?
Short answer: No
Coffee got a bad rap in the 1980s when a study linked drinking coffee to pancreatic cancer.
Short answer: No
Coffee got a bad rap in the 1980s when a study linked drinking coffee to pancreatic cancer.
The
preliminary report was later debunked.
More recently, health studies have swung in favor of the caffeinated beverage.
More recently, health studies have swung in favor of the caffeinated beverage.
Coffee
has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver cancer, and even
suicide.
Do eggs raise
cholesterol levels?
Short answer: No
Although egg yolks are a major source of cholesterol — a waxy substance that resembles fat — researchers have learned that saturated fat has more of an impact on cholesterol in your blood than eating foods that contain cholesterol.
"Healthy individuals with normal blood cholesterol levels should now feel free to enjoy foods like eggs in their diet every day," the lead researcher from a 25-year University of Arizona study on cholesterol concluded.
Short answer: No
Although egg yolks are a major source of cholesterol — a waxy substance that resembles fat — researchers have learned that saturated fat has more of an impact on cholesterol in your blood than eating foods that contain cholesterol.
"Healthy individuals with normal blood cholesterol levels should now feel free to enjoy foods like eggs in their diet every day," the lead researcher from a 25-year University of Arizona study on cholesterol concluded.
Can
you drink too much water?
Short answer: Yes
It is very rare for someone to die from drinking too much water, but it can happen.
Overhydrating is most common among elite athletes. Drinking an excess of water, called water intoxication, dilutes the concentration of sodium in the blood leading to a condition known as hyponatremia.
Short answer: Yes
It is very rare for someone to die from drinking too much water, but it can happen.
Overhydrating is most common among elite athletes. Drinking an excess of water, called water intoxication, dilutes the concentration of sodium in the blood leading to a condition known as hyponatremia.
The
symptoms of hyponatremia can range from nausea and confusion to seizures and
even death in severe cases.
To avoid this, drink fluids with electrolytes during extreme exercise events.
To avoid this, drink fluids with electrolytes during extreme exercise events.
Can
yogurt ease digestive problems?
Short answer: Yes
Our digestive tract is filled with microorganisms — some good and some bad. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, generically called probiotics, that helps maintain a healthy balance.
Short answer: Yes
Our digestive tract is filled with microorganisms — some good and some bad. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, generically called probiotics, that helps maintain a healthy balance.
Probiotics
can relieve several gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and
diarrhea.
Certain brands of yogurts, like Activa by Dannon, are marketed exclusively to treat tummy issues.
Certain brands of yogurts, like Activa by Dannon, are marketed exclusively to treat tummy issues.
Do
whitening toothpastes whiten teeth more than regular toothpastes?
Short answer: No
Whitening toothpastes usually contain peroxides and other strong abrasives that might make
Short answer: No
Whitening toothpastes usually contain peroxides and other strong abrasives that might make
your
teeth appear whiter by removing stains. Unlike at-home whitening strips and
gels that contain bleach,
these
toothpastes do not actually change the color of your teeth.
Is
it safe to microwave food in plastic containers?
Short answer: Yes
But the plastic container should display the words "microwave safe." This means that the Food and Drug Administration has tested the container to make sure no chemicals used to make the plastic leech into foods during microwaving.
Short answer: Yes
But the plastic container should display the words "microwave safe." This means that the Food and Drug Administration has tested the container to make sure no chemicals used to make the plastic leech into foods during microwaving.
If
chemicals do seep out into food, the amounts are tiny and not dangerous to our
health.
As a general guideline, plastic grocery bags as well as most plastic tubs that hold margarine, yogurt, cream cheese,
As a general guideline, plastic grocery bags as well as most plastic tubs that hold margarine, yogurt, cream cheese,
and
condiments are not microwave safe.
Can
watching TV ruin your eyesight?
Short answer: No
Watching TV will not destroy your rods and cones as the outdated myth suggests. Before the 1950s,
Short answer: No
Watching TV will not destroy your rods and cones as the outdated myth suggests. Before the 1950s,
TVs
emitted radiation that could increase
an individual's risk of eye problems after excessive TV
viewing.
Modern
TVs have special shielding that blocks these harmful emissions.
Is
red wine better for you than white wine?
Short answer: Yes
Red wine contains much more resveratrol than white wine, an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes
Short answer: Yes
Red wine contains much more resveratrol than white wine, an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes
Is
bottled water better for you than tap water?
Short answer: No
Bottled water is no safer or purer than tap water, although it is substantially more expensive.
A recent study by Glasgow University in the U.K. found that bottled water is actually
Short answer: No
Bottled water is no safer or purer than tap water, although it is substantially more expensive.
A recent study by Glasgow University in the U.K. found that bottled water is actually
more likely to
be contaminated than water from your faucet because it is less
well-regulated.
Bottled water and tap water typically come from the same sources — natural springs, lakes, and aquifers.
Bottled water and tap water typically come from the same sources — natural springs, lakes, and aquifers.
While
public water supplies are tested for contaminants every day, makers of bottled
water are only required
to
test for specific contaminants every week, month, or year.
