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Green tea comes from the plant that produces black and oolong tea. Green tea gained popularity due to its role in certain weight loss studies and its rich antioxidant content. Bottled green tea that contains artificial sweetener is marketed as "diet" green tea. Ironically, these beverages tend to be much lower in antioxidants than freshly brewed green tea. To assess whether diet green tea is bad for you, consider preliminary studies that suggest artificial sweetener may increase your appetite and contribute to obesity....

If you're trying to lower your HDL levels, start with these low-cholesterol breakfast ideas. Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages We’ve heard the message loud and clear — oatmeal does wonders for the ticker. And even though you can enjoy it savory or sweet, and the options for toppings are just about endless, you can only eat so much oatmeal, right? Advertisement So when it comes to taking care of your heart health and thinking about lowering your cholesterol through diet, what other foods can you turn to besides a bowl of oats?...

Relaxation techniques such as meditation can help reduce heart rate. Image Credit: Purestock/Purestock/Getty Images The average heart at rest beats about 60 to 80 times a minute, and gets slightly quicker as you age. Prescription medications can lower a heart rate that beats dangerously fast. Doctors also have a technique (which can be dangerous outside of a medical setting) called carotid sinus massage to stop a racing heart. But you can take some steps on your own to slow a fast heart rate....

Steak is a great source of protein, iron and B vitamins. Image Credit: Roman Larin / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages For some people, nothing beats a juicy and tender grilled steak. Many dieters prefer to shy away from red meat, however, because of studies showing an association with colorectal cancer. Advertisement But according to a literature review published in 2017 by Oncotarget, these studies included processed red meat which has been treated with chemicals to preserve freshness or additives to enhance flavor....

Pecans are a rich source of manganese and copper and make for a healthy addition to any type of diet. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative The pecan is a heart-healthy tree nut worthy of time in the spotlight (and on your plate). Although pecans don’t always receive as much buzz as other superfoods, they are nutrient powerhouses in their own right. Advertisement Pecans are filled with healthy fats, fiber, minerals and antioxidants that are linked to helping you ward off disease, manage or lose weight and even live longer....

Due to the bubbles in your carbonated water, bloating is a potential problem. Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages It’s no secret that soda, even the sugar-free kind, is hazardous to your health. So like any health-conscious consumer, you might be thinking that it’s time to replace your favorite soft drink with carbonated water. But you may be wondering: Will carbonated water cause bloating? And is it any better than your favorite sweet soda?...

A small percentage of chest pain complaints are linked to a cardiac problem. The sternum, which is commonly referred to as the breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest. The sternum is connected to the rib bones by cartilage. Its primary function is to provide protection for your lungs, heart and major blood vessels. If you're experiencing pain in this area while running, a number of possibilities may account for your discomfort, including conditions related to your heart....

Instructor leading yoga class Image Credit: Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images Stomach aches can occur for a variety of reasons and appear in different areas based on the level of intensity of your yoga session. It is more likely that what you are doing before you practice yoga is the culprit of your stomach ache rather than the actual yoga poses. Certain poses, such as twists and forward bends, can positively influence the digestive system and release toxins....

Some supplements may help repair your torn muscle. Torn muscles, also known as muscle strains, occur when one or more of your muscles is stretched beyond its natural length. Muscle strains are classified as mild, moderate or severe, based on the amount of muscle damaged and the symptoms you experience. MayoClinic.com states that your tendons may also develop tears if they are overstretched. Dietary supplements have been used for many years to help heal torn muscles, but you should always clear the use of supplements with your doctor beforehand....

The best mattress toppers are made with comfortable, quality materials and have temperature-regulating technology. Image Credit: gradyreese/iStock/GettyImages In This Article How We Choose Best Overall Best on a Budget Best Memory Foam Best Cooling Best for Couples Best for Pain Relief What to Look For While choosing the right mattress is important, there's always comfort in knowing you can buy certain accessories after the fact to further enhance your sleeping experience....

Yellow mustard is chock-full of antioxidants that fight inflammation and reduce free radical damage. Image Credit: KVLADIMIRV/iStock/GettyImages Mustard seeds have been used as food and medicine for centuries. They come from the plant with the same name and can be prepared in a multitude of ways. Dijon mustard, American yellow mustard and honey mustard are among the most popular varieties. The health benefits of mustard are due to its ‌anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory‌ and ‌analgesic properties....

Sugarcane contains many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for good health. Image Credit: bumbumbo/iStock/GettyImages Sugarcane juice has a reputation in India for incredible healing benefits. The juice is a precursor to refined sugar, so it’s less processed and better for you than the granulated sweet stuff. Considering potential sugarcane benefits can help you decide if you should add the juice to your diet. Advertisement Tip Sugarcane juice contains about 100 calories per 8 ounces and includes multiple antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that may support good health....

A handsome model sitting in a chair. Image Credit: Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images The perfect body measurements for men derive from having a proportionate build and the ideal male body shape. The Style-makeover-hq website reports that the perfect male body shape is a trapezoid. The trapezoid shape features a broad chest and shoulders and a medium-to-narrow hip and waistline. The upper part of your torso is larger than the lower part of your torso if you have a trapezoid shaped body....

Make sure your back stays in contact with the ground while doing leg raises to reap the full core-strengthening benefits. Image Credit: Prostock-Studio/iStock/GettyImages Love leg lifts? What’s not to love? This effective core exercise can totally be the cornerstone of your ab workouts. Advertisement "They're great for working your anterior core muscles, a.k.a. the front of your midsection, specifically your rectus abdominis muscles (also known as your six-pack muscles)," Grayson Wickham PT, DPT, CSCS, founder of Movement Vault, tells LIVESTRONG....

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help you to avoid weight gain. Image Credit: leonori/iStock/GettyImages If you dream about being able to eat whatever you want and not gain weight, you’re not alone. While no miracle foods are available to help you lose weight, filling your diet with the right foods may help you attain and maintain a healthy weight. Advertisement Tip If you're concerned about your diet and weight, talk to your doctor or dietitian to discuss the best food choices for your needs....

Image Credit: vchal/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Normal pH Levels Diet's Effect Urine pH and Your Health Urine pH Tests The pH of your pee is simply a measure of how much (or how little) acid you have in your urine. While most people have normal urine pH, abnormal levels can be caused by something as simple as what you just ate, or they could mean you have a medical condition or are at risk for one....

It's easy to track your weight loss percentage -- whether it's week to week or your overall weight loss. Image Credit: MalyDesigner/iStock/Getty Images Whether you’re trying to lose 5 pounds or 50, tracking your weight loss helps keep you motivated. It helps you keep track of your progress toward your ultimate goals, even if you’re not seeing huge results in the mirror from day to day. While you can measure the pounds you lose, you can also count the percentage of weight you shed – or your percentage of body fat lost....

A woman is eating breakfast. Image Credit: Design Pics/Design Pics/Getty Images To lose weight, you need to burn more calories with physical activity than you take in by eating and drinking. The total number of calories you consume minus the total number of calories burned is your net calories. The lower your net calories are every day, the more weight you will lose. Advertisement Determining Net Calories Keep track of the calories you consume by using an online calculator or a food diary....

Go about your day with an improved posture and greater stores of energy when you indulge in a five to 30-minute stretching routine every morning. Image Credit: swissmediavision/E+/GettyImages Trying to incorporate exercise into a morning routine can be quite the challenge. However, the benefits of stretching in the morning — for as little as five minutes — outweigh any inconvenience you think it might pose while you’re rushing to get ready for work or eat some semblance of a breakfast....

After exercising strenuously your body produces lactic acid which your liver tuns into glucose. Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages When your muscles can’t get enough oxygen during a short burst of exercise, they start to make use of a pathway called lactic acid fermentation, which generates a small three-carbon compound called lactic acid, or lactate, as a byproduct of glucose breakdown. Advertisement Lactic acid is not useful to your muscle cells, but your liver turns it back into glucose after exercise....