HealthyLife Articles

Tag: trend

  • Matcha Tea: A Healthy Trend?

    HEALTHY EATING

    Matcha tea.

    Matcha tea is the latest healthy drink that’s showing up everywhere. But is it really that good for you?

    Matcha tea comes from the same plant as other teas – the Camellia sinensis plant. But, it’s grown and harvested in a different way than other types of tea. Here’s what makes it different:

    *  Growers cover the leaves for several weeks before picking them. This boosts chlorophyll and gives it a deep green color.

    *  Matcha leaves are then ground into a fine powder. People add the powder directly to drinks. This means they are consuming the whole tea leaf, which includes its nutrients.

    Studies show that matcha is high in antioxidents, with research ongoing to show possible health benefits. Try a matcha drink in place of regular tea or coffee. But stay away from matcha drinks or powder that contain lots of added cream or sugar.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Is The Intermittent Fasting Diet?

    HEALTHY EATING

    Concept image of plate with "DO NOT" sign and clock hands.

    The intermittent fasting (IF) diet is one of the latest diet trends. The idea behind the IF diet is to use fasting, or periods of not eating, to lose weight.

    The IF diet does not focus on the types of foods you eat. Instead, it tells you to eat within certain time frames. Some IF plans say you should eat within a few hours of each day. For instance, you can eat within an 8-hour window, from noon to 8 p.m. Then, during the other 16 hours, you do not eat.

    Other IF plans tell you to eat normally for a few days a week and do a “fast” on other days. This fast may mean not eating at all or eating only small amounts. Some plans tell you to eat normally five days a week, followed by a  24-hour fast for two days.

    The history of fasting

    People who support IF diet plans say that humans are built for fasting. Our ancient ancestors didn’t have food available all the time as we do today. They didn’t have refrigerators or ways to keep food fresh and on hand. They didn’t have grocery stores and restaurants open all night.

    Before modern times, humans hunted or gathered plants for food during the day. Then, there would be no food for several hours. Sometimes, they would go for a day or more without eating because they couldn’t get food at all. For these reasons, some people believe that fasting is a way to use a similar approach today.

    More studies

    Many of the IF diet studies have been done using rats. But some small human studies show that IF can help some people lose weight.

    Research shows that IF doesn’t seem to work better than other healthy diets. And, fasting can be hard to do.

    The intermittent fasting diet is not a magical weight loss solution for everyone. But, if you are in good health and your doctor says it’s OK, it may be worth a try.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: A Miracle Cure?

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of apple cider vinegar.

    The belief that apple cider vinegar is a “cure-all” has been circulating in recent years on numerous websites and promoted by natural health groups. But, can it really cure diseases and keep you healthy?

    Some say apple cider vinegar helps you lose weight, control blood sugar and improve digestion. Unfortunately, these health claims have not been proven by any valid research study. And, using it in place of medications or healthy lifestyle changes can be downright dangerous.

    In addition, people with heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may find that vinegar actually makes their reflux worse. Drinking too much of it can also damage tooth enamel.

    The bottom line: Most healthy people can enjoy apple cider vinegar in food without any problems. But, don’t use it, or any natural remedy, to cure diseases. Always ask your doctor before you try any natural remedy or supplement to be sure it’s safe for you.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine