Healthy Heart

Over and over again, youve read in the pages of this newsletter and elsewhere that eating fish like salmon high in omega-3 fatty acids is good for you. Youve seen countless ads touting the similar benefits of fish-oil pills containing those same omega-3s (EPA and DHA). Now suddenly comes a flurry of headlines suggesting a scary downside to these health-promoting omega-3s, at least for men: High Levels of Fish Oil May Boost Risk for Prostate Cancer, Omega-3 Supplement Taken By Millions Linked To Aggressive Prostate Cancer.

After testing more than 1,300 types of rice and rice products, the US Food and Drug Administration has concluded that arsenic levels in rice pose no immediate health risk to consumers.

The more immersed you are in a TV program or video game, the more youre likely to snack, according to a new study. University of North Carolina researchers tested the snacking behavior of 120 men and women, ages 18-35, while watching different TV programs or playing video games.

Can you get the same health benefits from walking as from running? As long as you walk for a longer time, to expend a comparable amount of energy, a new study says the answer is yes. And those health benefits are significant, whichever form of physical activity you choose, including reduced risks of high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Even if youre only a little low in vitamin B12, you might be at greater risk for cognitive decline than previously thought. While prior research has linked serious B12 deficiency to higher likelihood of cognitive problems, a recent Tufts study found that moderately low levels of B12 also put older people at significantly increased risk.

Its truly never too late to switch to a heart-healthy diet: A new study reports that the same healthy dietary changes that can help you prevent a heart attack in the first place can also increase longevity after a heart attack. Patients who improved their diets the most after surviving a heart attack were 40% less likely to die from cardiovascular causes during the studys followup period, and 29% less likely to die of any cause.

As the mercury drops, cold and flu outbreaks soar. Its tempting to believe the marketing claims that this pill or that herbal remedy can protect you, but the science says theres simply no magic bullet to boost your immune system. Eating a healthy diet, however, is even more important during cold and flu season. Experts may not fully understand how specific nutrients aid the immune system, and tests of individual vitamins and minerals against colds…

Answer : A A 2007 study at Stanford University cast doubt on the claims that garlic is effective in lowering bad LDL cholesterol in adults...

Answer : In fact, one of the most common types of stress that can boost blood-pressure readings comes from sitting in the doctors office...

Answer : Studies often use formulations that are not commercially available...