Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Recent studies have shown egg consumption is linked to diabetes risk and risk of death. And now, new research in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals each serving of dairy or eggs increases heart failure risk by 8% to 23%. Conversely, each serving of whole grains dropped heart risk by 7% in middle-aged men and women. Both results account for other factors that might impact heart failure risk, such as calorie intake, lifestyle, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension; Reuters reports.

Now, don’t go grain crazy! Grains are okay, but Dr. Fuhrman recommends eating more fruits and vegetables instead. Grains aren’t as nutrient-dense. And fruits and veggies are the ultimate heart-protectors, capable of preventing and reversing cardiovascular disease.

The Chinese, whose classic diet involved a lot of fruits and vegetables, have departed from their traditional ways and subsequently suffer from more heart disease and obesity as they consume more eggs, meat and fat, and less plant foods.
 

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An upcoming study in the Journal of Nutrition claims removing sugary snacks, i.e. vending machines, from schools makes kids more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. And this effect held up even when kids returned home. Most likely because kids are already full, having not eaten empty calories. Currently, 72% school districts limit the fat in cafeteria food and number of vending machines; The Orange County Register reports.

According to the CDC, many schools are already selling less junk. And other officials are working hard to get soda machines out of schools. College is a little different, but my school was loaded with vending machines, snack foods and fast food, and kids ate it up!

Via That’s Fit.

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A new study in the American Journal of Public Health involving 500,000 middle school and high school students in California suggests kids going to school within walking distance of fast food joints are more likely to drink soda and be obese and less likely to eat fruits and vegetables than students attending school not near fast food restaurants. Researchers claim fast food places are intentionally clustered around schools because they are popular hangouts for kids; Reuters reports.

Hopefully, if you teach kids how to eat wisely they won’t be tempted by fast food crap. But, one Los Angeles, California city official is taking the law into her own hands. She doesn’t want anymore fast food restaurants opening up in South-Central Los Angeles. Take that!

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Japan’s got a problem. They import 60% of their food. Leaving local farmers in the dust, but that’s just part of the problem. The food they’re importing is bad. The Japanese used to eat a lot of fish and vegetables, but now they’re consuming more meat, fat and oil, giving way to an unhealthy population.

So, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is imploring citizens to reexamine their lifestyle and make smarter choices. Saying if people demand more vegetables and return to their dietary roots, this will help enliven the struggling agricultural community and improve health, i.e. restoring balance.

And it must be a good idea. Because all the little people in the video are bopping to the music!

Via EarthFirst.

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In the fall, a report by the California Food Policy Advocates gave U.S. school food a failing grade, citing poor nutritional quality, i.e. kids aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables. And now, a new release from the Institute of Medicine, in Washington D.C., reveals school food provides more than half of a student's nutrient intake during the school day, making school meal programs the perfect vehicle for teaching children the importance of good nutrition; Reuters investigates.

But not all U.S. schools are devoid of good health and nutrition. Recently, schools like Anthony Elementary, Leavenworth, Kansas and South Elementary, Pinson, Tennessee, were praised for their efforts to get kids healthy, by opening onsite wellness centers and eating lunch in the classroom, to promote a family-like atmosphere.

Even Prince Charles wants kids to reconnect with healthy food.

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A new study in Journal of the American Medical Association has determined people with diabetes who get cancer are more likely to die. Researchers examined studies involving 125,000 people from 10 countries. Revealing female diabetics had a 76% higher risk of death from uterine cancer, 61% higher risk for breast cancer and 32% higher risk for colorectal cancer; Reuters investigates.

Try preventing both diseases! Fruits and vegetables are potent cancer and diabetes fighters.

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A new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals breast cancer survivors who consume fruits and vegetables beyond current recommendations, more than 5 servings per day, had less risk of reoccurring tumors. Researchers claim estrogen causes many common types of breast cancer and eating lots fruits and veggies helps lower levels of harmful estrogen; Reuters reports.

Not exactly a new revelation, but still cool! Fruits and vegetables, such as kale, arugula, watercress, bok choy, broccoli and cabbage, have powerful anti-cancer effects, like halting the growth of breast cancer cells and inhibiting the progression of lung cancer. And, previous research has determined eating fruits and vegetables helps reduce men’s risk of colon cancer.

Also, earlier this month, a study showed fruits and vegetables help strengthen bones too.
 

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Now, I love fruits and veggies and I’ve got a bunch of tattoos myself. But I'd never go that far! However, if you think its a good idea, Eating Cleveland has more. Here’re my favorites:

• Beet

• Avocado

• Pomegranate

• Basil & Cilantro

• Strawberry

• Artichoke

• Carrot

All my tattoos are black, so maybe I could get an eggplant or a plum, but probably not. Oh, and girls. If you have tattoos, chances are I want to date you. Wink, wink.

Via Serious Eats.
 

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Dr. Fuhrman explains that diets high in animal products and low in fruits and vegetables weaken bones. And a new study seems to agree. Research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals eating a lot of protein and grains produces excess acid, causing calcium excretion, hurting bones, but diets rich in fruits and vegetables help strengthen skeletal health; via NewsWise.

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The supermarket is a treacherous place. Plenty of fruits and veggies, but wall to wall candy, cookies, bacon bits, chips and soft drinks too. So, when shopping, resist temptation. Try leaving kids at home, shoppers with kids buy 40% more groceries and avoid big shopping carts, people buy 30% more stuff when pushing around a giant cart; from Parade Magazine.

Via That’sFit.

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Artist Ju Duoqi uses fruits and vegetables to recreate famous pieces of art. You’re looking at Liberty Leading the Vegetables. Other masterpieces include:

• The Scream of the Sweet Potatoes

• Mona Tofu

• The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Pickled Cabbage

• Napoleon on Potatoes

• The Last Supper with the Gingermen

Okay, this is pretty freaking cool!

Via Serious Eats.

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