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For some people the warm up period of a workout is simply a waste of time that cuts into time they’d rather be spending doing the ‘real’ workout.  However, according to recent research, not only does warming up help to prevent injury and problems down the road, but it is also essential to improved performance.  Warming up is not simply a way to get yourself into the exercise frame of

Taurine, recently popularized due to its extensive use in energy drinks, is actually a semi-essential amino acid which can be found in the heart, white blood cells, skeletal muscles, and the central nervous system. Although Taurine acts as a building block for all amino acids, it is markedly different than other amino acids because it is not a part of proteins.

Cholesterol is the most talked about but least understood health subject. It is found in foods that
come from animals. Eggs, meat, and whole fat dairy products all contain cholesterol, while plant
sources such as vegetables, fruits, and grains do not. Your liver also produces cholesterol daily.

There's no doubt you have heard about blood pressure, but you may not know exactly why it is
so crucial to your health. Simply explained, blood pressure is measured by the amount of
pressure created by blood against the walls of the arteries. This pressure results from two
forces – one by the heart pumping blood into the arteries and throughout the circulatory system,

Aspirin is one of the most widely used medications on the planet; it would be difficult to find a single house in North America that didn’t have aspirin, or the generic version of the drug, in the medicine cabinet at one time or another. There are many different uses for aspirin, some of the most common of which are for pain, inflammation, and fever.

For many years we have been afraid of fats. Fat in our diet has been blamed for obesity, heart
disease, and high cholesterol. Unfortunately, the alternative has been labeled “low fat” foods
and restrictive diets that do not give our bodies what they need in order to stay nourished. The

The avocado is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and it tastes delicious too.  Although avocados can sometimes get a bad rap for being a little on the higher side of fat, they have so many diverse benefits that eating them in moderation shouldn’t be dismissed.  If of course you are on a strict weight loss diet you may want to forgo this delicious treat

Sunflower Seeds are one of those unsung heroes of the nutritional world; they are cheap, readily accessible, available all year round, and immensely nutritious. They have especially high levels of some of the most important nutrients for human beings.

Have you adopted Ginseng into your health routine? There are a surprising number of ways to consume the ginseng root and experience its many health benefits. 

Pets are our best friends and confidants; not only are they a part of our lives but a part of our families. Ask any pet owner about how their pet plays a role in their lives and expect that they will have many stories to share about how their lives have been enriched.

While regular aerobics classes may be less popular nowadays then they once were dance classes and classes that incorporate dance moves are increasingly coming to form the mainstay of many fitness enthusiasts’ routines.  If you are a gym junkie, or even in you are new to the world of fitness, signing up for a dance class is a great way to vary up your routine or simply to give yourself a no

The coconut palm has for some time known been known as the tree of life.  Coconuts, and especially coconut oil, have been known to have a wide variety of healing properties.  Coconut oil or coconut butter as it is sometimes called is derived from the coconut kernel.  Virgin coconut oil comes from the fresh coconut whereas regular oil comes from dried coconuts.

A recent study suggests that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or diabetes now affects almost half of all American adults.  More surprisingly still, nearly one in seven of these adults do not know that they have one of these conditions.  Millions of people remain undiagnosed thereby leading to more g

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System have recently concluded a study on the effects of grapes in preventing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.  Scientists discovered that the phytochemicals contained in regular table grapes (green, red and black) contain high levels of natural antioxidant

Just in time for Easter new research reveals what many have claimed for a good long while, that chocolate does a body good.  According to scientists in Germany, one small square of chocolate per day might actually help lower the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure.

Most of us have heard the old adage that laughter is the best medicine.  While usually chalked up to no more than an old wives tale, recent research now reveals that this might actually have some real truth to it.  Medical research is increasingly revealing that laughter and more generally a positive attitude can really have a dramatic effect on our health.

Garlic is one of the most helpful and beneficial foods on this planet.  Garlic has been used since ancient times to ward off illness, along with a host of other less than pleasant creatures.  Since Biblical times ancient Hebrews, Greeks, Romans and Babylonians all used garlic as a means to build strength and endurance. 

A lot of older individuals might wonder whether or not beginning an exercise regime is safe and whether or not it is even advisable.  After a certain age, stamina, recovery time and host of other conditions can affect one’s ability to engage in physical activity.  Despite some of these considerations though, it is generally recommended that even those who are elderly and/or those that

With New Years resolution time at hand, one important thing to consider is how to improve your health in the coming year.  While many people ramp up for a new diet and fitness regime, there are also some less radical ways to dramatically improve your health.  Avoiding the worst culprits in the food and beverage industry will give you a head start on all of your fitness resolutions.&nb

Although the fat on your stomach may look the same to you, it&undefined;s not. There are actually two types of fat – subcutaneous and visceral.  Subcutaneous is best defined as the fat that you can see and the fat that you can actually feel and grab with your hands. This fat is found everywhere on the body – your arms, thighs, stomach, hips, butt, etc.

Selenium is an important mineral that is vital to a healthy body. It is found naturally in soil, water and certain foods. In some parts of the world selenium deficiencies are very common. For example, China does not have soil that is highly concentrated in selenium, making their incidence of selenium deficiency higher than that of the United States and Canada.

Your heart is your most important organ and it is also the one that you have to take the most care of.  You have to exercise to keep it strong, stay away from alcohol and cigarettes which can do irreversible damage and eat heart healthy foods to keep it in tip top shape. Here are five heart healthy snacks to add to your diet:

High blood pressure a serious concern for many people when examining their overall health.  When the blood presses against the walls of the arteries, it is called blood pressure.  This pressure is characterized by two different things. The first is the force of the arteries as they resist the blood and the other is when the heart pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system.

Although energy drinks may seem like a quick way to fuel up they may be harmful to your body. Although most doctors agree that they are not life threatening, there have been many reports of people having a heart attack after drinking large quantities of them repeatedly.