Why fastfoods are bad, even in moderation

Eating a diet consisting largely of fast food could cause your waistline to bulge more than eating the same amount of fat from healthier sources.

Monkeys fed a diet rich in trans-fats – commonly found in fast foods – grew bigger bellies than those fed a diet rich in unsaturated fats, but containing the same overall number of calories. They also developed signs of insulin resistance, which is an early indicator of diabetes.

Trans-fats, or partially hydrogenated oils, are found in many fast foods and also in baked goods and processed snacks. They dramatically increase the risk of heart disease – even more than saturated fats found in animal products...more

Health Tip: My Teeth Are Discolored

Stains on the teeth are often caused by foods and drinks, according to the Chicago Dental Society. Red wine, coffee and tea can discolor teeth, as can foods such as blueberries, and smoking cigarettes.

The best prevention is to brush and floss regularly -- especially after eating or drinking something known to stain teeth. Whitening toothpastes may help by exfoliating the teeth and removing food particles that cause stains.


Foods and drinks aren't the only culprits, however. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments also may cause tooth discoloration, as can medications to prevent malaria, some antibiotics, and some acne and rheumatoid arthritis treatments.


Taken long-term, some high blood pressure medications, antihistamines and antidepressants could stain your teeth. If you think medications may be causing tooth discoloration, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.

Half of Americans risk diabetic condition

Poor control of blood sugar may be a much bigger health risk factor than most people realize, experts told a meeting on Monday.


One study predicted that half of all Americans will develop a condition known as insulin resistance, a type of pre-diabetes that puts them at high risk of heart attacks, and another showed that high blood sugar alone made hospital patients much more likely to die of other conditions.

The studies, presented to a meeting of the American Diabetes Association, show that early symptoms of diabetes and heart disease must be treated aggressively, experts said...more

More Londoners get on their bike to save money, keep fit

Come rain or shine, a growing number of people in London are jumping on their bike to enjoy the dual benefits of saving money on public transport and keeping fit.


In a city where buses and trains are expensive and often faulty and where it can cost eight pounds a day (11 euros, 14 dollars) to drive a car, there are plenty of arguments in favour of cycling.

"If you have less than 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) to travel, the quickest way to get to where you are going is by bike," said Angus, a Londoner who has used his trusty two-wheeled friend for several years...more

Folic Acid May Prevent Cancer of Larynx

While folic acid is more commonly known as the nutrient that can help prevent birth defects, new research suggests that folic acid supplements may also help prevent cancer of the larynx.


In a study of people with precancerous lesions called leukoplakia, Italian researchers found the lesions disappeared in 28 percent of participants, and 44 percent experienced at least a partial shrinking of their lesions. All of the study participants took 5 milligrams of folic acid three times a day for six months...more