Work it Out ... Effectively!

Not too long ago, I wrote a post on exercising for hair growth. What we should not forget is that exercise is first and foremost an important tool for body health. It is beneficial for the management and risk reduction of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Additionally, it minimizes the symptoms of depression, may overcome obesity, and more. The link below is a slideshow to the most effective exercises and is worth viewing. I especially concur with brisk walks, lunges, squats (when done right), and push-ups. If you're a step above a beginner, I would also add running to this list. Running, just like walking, can be done anywhere and in any weather. Speaking as a former track athlete, it also works many parts of the body at once - from the legs to the abdomen to the arms.

Most effective exercises: click here to read

Another slideshow I suggest viewing is the following which describes the least effective exercises. It lists incorrect and correct ways to perform certain moves and more: click here to read

Whatever exercise method you choose, make sure you speak with your doctor first and invest in a quality pair of gym shoes!

MORE READS:
DIABETES & EXERCISE
OBESITY & EXERCISE

Red Meat and Cancer Link?

You may want to lay off the hamburgers, steak, beef stirfry, and pork. According to a few studies (some possibly debatable) red meat may be linked to not only heart disease, but cancer. Check out the sources below and you be the judge. A more in-depth post on this topic coming soon ...

READS:
RED MEAT, COLON CANCER, & STUDY #1
RED MEAT, CANCER/HEART DISEASE/DEATH, & STUDY #2
MORE RED MEAT & STUDY #2
ORGANIC IRON & COLON CANCER

Salmon ... Choose Wisely

Salmon was just recently listed among the "Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair" by WebMD. Why? It is incredibly rich in protein, omega-3, vitamin B-12, and iron -- nutrients that are vital to the hair and scalp. Salmon isn't just good for the hair though. Studies have indicated that omega-3 may decrease the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and more. (See Omega-3 post.) So go for that salmon entrée why don't ya? Wait! Not so fast …


SALMON FACTOIDS:
* Great source of protein (more than catfish; almost 6x more than tilapia)
* Better source of B vitamins than tilapia
* More magnesium, phosphorus, potassium than tilapia
* Significantly more selenium than tilapia and catfish
* Excellent source of omega-3 (about ~4000mg per serving vs ~60 mg in tilapia and ~470 mg in catfish)
* Farm raised salmon is 97% responsible for human exposure to contaminants (e.g., PCBs, etc.)”; tilapia, shrimp, trout, and pangasius collectively account for less than 3%
* PCBs have been associated with "neurological disorders and cancer"
* Wild salmon carries a significantly lower content of contaminants than farm raised

Yes, salmon is a excellent source of nutrients. However, when purchasing this fish, go for wild instead farm raised to be on the safer side. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a 2004 study recommend eating no more than one 8oz of your average farm raised salmon a month due to the level of contaminants.

SOURCES:
Nutrition - cooked wild salmon
Farm vs Wild
Health risks when consuming farm raised salmon
Contaminants in farm raised fish
Nutrition cooked wild tilapia
Nutrition – cooked wild catfish