A doctor consults with a patient in an office. Image Credit: 4774344sean/iStock/Getty Images Your body contains two main types of cholesterol: HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, and LDL, low-density lipoproteins. If your blood has a high concentration of LDL cholesterol, you may have a greater chance of having a stroke or heart attack. Your calculated LDL cholesterol is a way for your doctor to assess your LDL level and thus your heart disease risk....
Sprite Zero is sweetened with the sugar substitute Aspartame. Currently marketed in the United States as Sprite Zero, Diet Sprite is described as a no-sugar, no-carb version of the popular lemon-lime soft drink. Although the Coca-Cola website describes Sprite Zero as "not a significant source of sugars," it does contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. This low-calorie sugar substitute has been an object of controversy in recent years due to its potential health risks....
A woman is practicing yoga at home. Image Credit: dolgachov/iStock/Getty Images Tony Horton, celebrity personal trainer and creator of P90X, claims his physical success isn’t just from lifting weights, but that yoga has played an important role in keeping him young and active. Yoga X combines a strong, flowing yoga with holding poses for several breaths. Horton mentions both Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga, but he also combines holding poses, which is indicative of what you may find in a Hatha yoga class....
Almonds in their shell on a burlap bag. Image Credit: andongob/iStock/Getty Images Lipids are a group of natural molecules that includes fats. While an excess of some lipids may contribute to an increased risk of certain health problems, lipids also carry vital nutrients and support the body’s basic functions. Following a moderately low-fat diet may be appropriate for some, but cutting your fat intake too much can have serious health consequences....
Your face can turn white after exercise when your blood supply is redirected to your muscles. Image Credit: lzf/iStock/GettyImages Physical exercise, along with emotional arousal and other stresses on the body, is often associated with increased skin coloration in light-skinned people. Advertisement In most contexts, working out is associated with being "red in the face," especially when short, intense bursts of activity are involved. Nevertheless, under certain conditions and in the right environment, exercise can have the opposite effect on your complexion....
The hardest part of baking an apple pie is making the perfect crust. Image Credit: Mark Schepker/iStock/GettyImages The hardest part of making an apple pie is achieving a flaky pie crust with perfect proportions of fat and flour. But ready-made pastry crust gets it right every time. Advertisement Rolled or folded pie crusts are usually sold in packs of two so you have a bottom crust for the pie plate and a top crust to cover the apples....
Steak Sandwich Image Credit: MikeyGen73/iStock/Getty Images Beef steaks used in a steak sandwich often benefit from a short stay in a liquid marinade. One of the most common is flank steak, which because of its location, contains some amount of tough, connective tissue. Marinating in an acidic liquid marinade not only helps soften this connective tissue, but also enhances its flavor. Timing is important, however, as a long soaking time can cause the meat to become mushy, rather than tender....
Planks help strengthen abdominal muscles after surgery. Image Credit: undrey/iStock/GettyImages You might be anxious to get back to activity after abdominal surgery, but it’s important you heal first. Recovery from abdominal surgery will entail rebuilding your stomach muscles; especially any muscles that were cut to access the abdominal cavity during, for example, a hysterectomy, a cesarean section or an open hernia repair. Advertisement Do not attempt any traditional abdominal exercises immediately after surgery....
Few dishes deliver an encore like chicken Parmesan. Similar to lasagna, it often makes a better impression the second time on the dinner table, once the chicken, sauce, cheese and seasonings have had time to commingle. Still, reheating chicken Parmesan can lead to a disappointing outcome if you rush the process, so take your time, heed some general reheating tips and give your chicken Parmesan the star billing it deserves....
Eating leafy greens and lean proteins like chicken may help you lose weight. Image Credit: GMVozd/E+/GettyImages In This Article The Basics Calorie Intake Eat Meals Cut Starchy Carbs Eat Protein Eat Greens Journal Exercise Hydrate De-Stress If you're wondering how to lose 5 pounds in a week, take note: Rapid weight loss is not recommended by any health professional — in fact, it can potentially cause health problems or weight regain....
A close up of a man with thinning hair Image Credit: phatthanit_r/iStock/Getty Images Iron deficiency can cause thinning hair, but other diseases and conditions can instigate hair loss, too. Hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, heredity, diabetes, lupus, inadequate protein, ringworm and certain medications can prompt noticeable shedding. To confirm whether you have low iron, your physician should order a blood test to check your ferritin, hemoglobin and/or hematocrit concentrations. Until you consult with your doctor and receive a diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia, don’t take over-the-counter iron supplements....
Chocolate ganache is a staple baking recipe made with only two ingredients: heavy cream and bittersweet chocolate. Image Credit: serezniy/iStock/GettyImages Chocolate ganache is a staple baking recipe made with only two ingredients: heavy cream and bittersweet chocolate. Ganache can be made thin or thick depending on whether your end goal is a dipping chocolate, a pourable cake glaze or a filling for a whipped cake or truffles. Advertisement According to the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), if you want to thicken a runny ganache, simply add more chocolate....
Replacing starchy carbs and animal fats with legumes can aid in healthy digestion. Image Credit: siur/iStock/Getty Images According to Dr. John Yudkin, Ph.D., table sugar causes the body to increase the layer of mucous membrane in the stomach, which can lead to severe indigestion. A diet high in sucrose and processed carbohydrates can bring increased acidity to your digestive tract, resulting in painful heartburn or acid reflux. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing bloating or indigestion after consuming sugary or carb-heavy meals....
Crab meat can be a very healthy choice, as long as you're not dousing it in butter. Image Credit: SherSor/iStock/GettyImages Plain steamed crab meat is one of the healthiest seafoods you can eat. For a minimal amount of calories, you get lots of protein, the nutrition in crab consists of a multitude of minerals and several B vitamins. You may want to select certain types of crab or keep your serving size small if you are at risk of developing heart disease, though....
IZZE beverages are made from all natural ingredients Image Credit: Scukrov/iStock/Getty Images IZZE is a beverage brand that includes four products from all natural ingredients. These products include IZZE Sparkling Juice, IZZE Esque, IZZE Fortified and IZZE Sparkling Natural Soda. The beverages are preservative free, gluten free and vegan, according to the company’s website. Advertisement Serving Size and Calories IZZE drinks come in 8- and 12-oz. containers, either a can or a glass bottle depending on the product....
Two boys are eating huge cookies with glasses of milk. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images Milk is a staple food in many people’s diets, providing carbohydrates, complete protein and a host of nutrients that other foods often lack, such as B vitamins and calcium. Pasteurization is a process of heating raw milk to a certain temperature to kill microbial, fungal and other agents that contribute to spoilage. Exposure to heat may degrade the nutritional quality of the milk slightly....
Lunch Meat Without Sodium Nitrate Image Credit: Ivan Bajic/iStock/GettyImages Lunch meat refers to any type of sliced meat, usually sold at the deli counter in the grocery store or in the refrigerated meat case in presliced packages. Also known as cold cuts, lunch meat is inexpensive and an easy-to-prepare lunchbox meal. Sodium nitrate, a type of salt, is added to cold cuts to stabilize the colors and extend its shelf life....
A man is riding a spin bike in a gym. Image Credit: Quang-Ngo/iStock/Getty Images Exercise bikes offer a low-impact cardiovascular workout. They are available in an upright design, which mimics a standard road bike, and a recumbent design that offers a semi-reclined riding position and full back support. All exercise bikes offer varying levels of pedal tension. Two mechanisms that control the pedal tension are magnetic resistance and strap, or belt, resistance....
McDonald's Big Mac Meal contains upwards of 1,000 calories. Image Credit: Bonfanti Diego/Cultura/GettyImages A McDonald’s Big Mac is OK to indulge in on occasion. But the calories in a Big Mac Meal are just that: Big. Knowing how many calories you’re consuming in your Big Mac Meal may give you a better perspective on exactly how often you’ll want to order it. Advertisement Read more: Why You Should Opt for Home-Cooked Meals Over Fast Food Video of the Day Calories in a Big Mac Burger Made up of two hamburger patties, the Big Mac is no small burger....
Vegetables such as carrots are low in protein. Image Credit: sveta_zarzamora/iStock/GettyImages High-protein foods are all the rage for weight loss and muscle building. But some people need to switch to a low-protein diet for kidney disease and other health reasons. If you’re among them, fruits and vegetables are the best choice. Advertisement List of No-Protein Foods There are very few no-protein foods. Most foods contain some amount of protein, even if it’s less than a quarter of a gram....
