Category Archives: Diet And Food

The Bronze Age (2200 to 800 BC) marked a decisive step in the technological and economic development of ancient societies. People living at the time faced a series of challenges: changes in the climate, the opening up of trade and a degree of population growth. How did they respond to changes in their diet, especially in Western Switzerland? A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Spain has for the first time carried out isotopic analyses on human and animal skeletons together with plant remains. The scientists discovered that manure use had become widespread over time to improve crop harvests in response to demographic growth. The researchers also found that there had been a radical change in dietary habits following the introduction of new cereals, such as millet. In fact, the spread of millet reflected the need to embrace new crops following the drought that ravaged Europe during this period. Finally, the team showed that the resources consumed were mainly terrestrial. The research results are published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Today, archaeological resources for studying the Bronze Age are limited. "This is partly down to changes in funeral rituals," begins Mireille David-Elbiali, an archaeologist in the Laboratory of Prehistoric Archaeology and Anthropology in the F.-A. Forel Department in UNIGE's Faculty of Sciences. "People gradually abandoned the inhumation practice in favour of cremation, thereby drastically reducing the bone material needed for research. And yet the Bronze Age signals the beginning of today's societies with the emergence of metallurgy." As the name suggests, societies began working with bronze, an alloy consisting of copper and tin. "And this development in metallurgy called for more intensive trade so they could obtain the essential raw materials. This increased the circulation of traditional crafts, prestigious goods, religious concepts and, of course, people between Europe and China," continues the archaeologist.

The Neolithic Age marked the inception of animal husbandry and the cultivation of wheat and barley. But what about the diet in the next Bronze Age? Archaeobotany and archaeozoology have been routinely used to reconstruct the diet, environment, agricultural practices and animal husbandry in the Bronze Age, but these methods only provide general information. "For the first time, we decided to answer this question precisely by analysing human and animal skeletons directly. This meant we could study the stable isotopes from the collagen of the bones and teeth that constitute them and define their living conditions," continues Alessandra Varalli, a researcher in UPF's Department of Human Sciences and the study's first author. "In fact, we are what we eat," points out Marie Besse, a professor in the Laboratory of Prehistoric Archaeology and Anthropology in the F.-A. Forel Department at UNIGE. Biochemical analyses of bones and teeth will tell us what types of resources have been consumed." Forty-one human skeletons, 22 animal skeletons and 30 plant samples from sites in Western Switzerland and Haute-Savoie (France) were studied, ranging from the beginning to the end of the Bronze Age.

The study's first outcome showed that there was no difference between the diets of men and women, and that there were no drastic changes in diet between childhood and the adult phase of these individuals. "So, there was no specific strategy for feeding children, just as men didn't eat more meat or dairy product than women. What's more, when it comes to the origin of the proteins consumed, it was found that although Western Switzerland is home to a lake and rivers, the diet was mainly based on terrestrial animals and plants to the exclusion of fish or other freshwater resources," adds Dr Varalli. But the main interest of the study lies in plants, which reveal societal upheavals.

"During the early Bronze Age (2200 to 1500 BC), agriculture was mainly based on barley and wheat, two cereals of Near Eastern origin that were grown from the Neolithic Age in Europe, explains Dr Varalli. "But from the late Late Bronze Age (1300 to 800 BC), we note that millet was introduced, a plant from Asia that grows in a more arid environmen." In addition, nitrogen isotopes revealed that manuring was used more intensively. "The analysis of several plant species from different phases of the Bronze Age suggests that there was an increase in soil fertilisation over time. This was most likely to boost the production of agricultural crops."

These two discoveries combined seem to confirm the general aridity that prevailed in Europe during this period, which meant agriculture had to be adapted; and that there was heightened trade between different cultures, such as Northern Italy or the Danube region, leading to the introduction of millet into Western Switzerland. These new cereals might have played an important role in the security of supply, and perhaps contributed to the population increase observed in the Late Bronze Age. In fact, these cereals grow more quickly and are more resistant to drought, at a time when the climate was relatively warm and dry. Finally, the use of fertiliser went hand-in-hand with a general improvement in techniques, both agricultural and artisanal. "This first study on changes in diet in Western Switzerland during the Bronze Age corroborates what we know about the period. But it also demonstrates the richness of the widespread intercultural exchanges," states Professor Besse with enthusiasm. We still have much to learn about this millennium, in spite of the scientific problems related to the paucity of available material. "This is one of the reasons that led me to excavate the Eremita cave with UNIGE students. Located in the Piedmont region of Italy, it is dated to the Middle Bronze Age around 1600 BC," concludes Professor Besse.

ReferenceVaralli A, Desideri J, David-Elbiali M, Goude G, Honegger M, Besse M. Bronze Age innovations and impact on human diet: A multi-isotopic and multi-proxy study of western Switzerland. PLOS ONE. 2021;16(1):e0245726. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0245726

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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What Were Swiss Diets Like in the Bronze Age? - Technology Networks

While Halsey was chatting about makeup and beauty on Manny Mua's YouTube channel, the singer said hypnotherapy helped her quit cigarettes after smoking for 11 years.

"I had to get hypnotized," she said, describing the quitting process as a "journey."

Read more: Hypnosis could help irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

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During the first session, a hypnotherapist asks questions about your smoking rituals, and tries to replace the habit with a new one. "It's not enough to just remove smoking, you have to replace it with a new ritual," Smith said.

That's when, Smith said, you're hypnotized, and your brain shifts to a "theta" brainwave state, in which you're more relaxed than daydreaming, but more alert than sleeping. In this relaxed state, you're more open to hearing healthy alternatives to smoking, and hypnotherapists ask you to visualize your day with a new, healthy habit.

But you have to be open to hearing these suggestions. Smith cautioned that hypnotherapy is not mind control, and the desire to change smoking habits needs to come from within. "Let's say that your spouse just really wants you to quit and you're tired of them nagging you, but you yourself don't want to quit. Save your money and your time because this will not be effective," she said.

In a small 2007 study of 67 smokers, researchers found that hospitalized patients who went to one hypnotherapy session were more likely to be nonsmokers after six months, compared to patients who used nicotine replacement therapy or quit cold turkey.

But in another analysis of multiple studies, comprising 957 smokers, researchers at Cochrane found no proof that hypnotherapy provided any extra benefit in helping people quit smoking than counseling.

"There is no clear evidence that hypnotherapy is better than other approaches in helping people to stop smoking," said the New Zealand study's authors.

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Halsey says hypnotherapy helped her quit cigarettes after 11 years of smoking, but it doesn't work for everyon - Business Insider India

While most of us were busy scavenging for toilet paper and swapping sourdough starters, Jenna Dewan was in the middle of more labor-intensive pandemic preparations. Quite literally. The actress gave birth to her second childa son, Callum Michael Rebel Kazee, with fianc Steve Kazeeon March 6, 2020, just days before Los Angeless stay-at-home order went into effect.

I was in this postpartum-haze bubble, then a week later, everything just shut down, Jenna says. It was new; it was different; it was kind of scary. But we were all in it together.

Jenna had already planned for a hunkering-down period following Callums birth, sticking to the same First 40 Days model of postpartum rest and replenishment that she had used after the birth of her daughter, Everly, with ex-husband Channing Tatum in 2013. But what she hadnt planned for was a months-long isolationespecially considering how alone she had felt the first time around, giving birth to Everly in London, spending the first few weeks in an apartment with no Wi-Fi, then quickly transitioning to 15-hour shoot days on the set of Lifetimes Witches of East End.

I had this grand idea that with this baby, Im going to have friends and family over all the time, says Jenna. Talk about expectations and having to surrender.

Eric Ray Davidson

Leaning into unexpected curves has helped Jenna navigate a number of detours over the past three yearssplitting from Channing in 2018, building a new life as a single mom, reconnecting with Steve (whom shed met years earlier after one of his performances in the Broadway production of Once), and embracing new love.

I got here by following the flow, says Jenna, reflecting on her journey. Ive really been big on that. I know when Im swimming upstream and fighting it.

And so the self-professed free spirit has harnessed that submit-and-sink-into-it approach in pandemic life. Instead of getting bogged down with anxiety or fear, she has constantly looked for ways to swerve and grow through it all.

Most noticeably, the past year finally forced Jenna to take a beat. Shes been hustling since the early 2000s, kicking off her professional dance career on Janet Jacksons 2001 All for You tour. Film roles followed, including her 2006 breakout, Step Up. And the past five years, which have been especially busy for Jenna, included acting roles (The Resident; Berlin, I Love You; Soundtrack), hosting gigs (Flirty Dancing, World of Dance), and production projects (Step Up: High Water). When Hollywood shut down last year, Jenna was left with a largely open calendar.

Ive learned for the very first time what it means to actually be quiet, to be present, she says. Ive never been a homebody, and I love it.

Eric Ray Davidson

Eric Ray Davidson

Without external factors like work projects or lunch dates with friends to fill her up, Jenna turned her attention inward, establishing a new feel-good morning routine. By tending to her self-care early on, Jenna finds that shes able to give more to others throughout the day. So now, every morning after Callum wakes her (and Steve) up around 6:30 or 7 a.m., she feeds him, then feeds her own soul, starting with a 20-minute meditation session.

Jenna has relied on Vedic meditationa mantra-based practice similar to transcendental meditationfor years. Shes so serious about it that she has a dedicated nook at home where her kids arent allowed. And its where shes seated today as we talk.

I got here by following the flow. Ive really been big on that. I know when Im swimming upstream and fighting it.

Sunk deep in an overstuffed beige chair, Jenna starts rifling through the belongings on the table behind her, a spiritual grab bag of sorts. She lifts up a fist-size ivory crystalan aplite, she tells me, which is good for connection and meditation. She shows me her Super Attractor Journal, where she jots down her thoughts; her oracle cards, which she uses to set her intentions for the day; and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, which shell open to a random page and read from. Completing the collection is a chunky sage smudge and, of course, a candle. When I ask what scents soothe her, she pauses and laughs, telling me the candle is This Smells Like My Orgasm by Gwyneth Paltrow. It was a gift, Jenna says with a grin. It smells good!

Breath work is another big component of her mindfulness. After meditating, shell often cycle through a holotropic breathing routine (two breaths in, one breath out) set to music, which she says has been transformative.

Eric Ray Davidson

Eric Ray Davidson

Its very effective for stress, Jenna says. Youre creating this rush of oxygen to your brain, and it calms your nervous system. It can be a little uncomfortable at first, but once you get past that, you really open yourself up.

Then, once centered, Jenna sweats it out. Her exercise of choice right now is Pilatesshe logs three or four one-hour Zoom sessions a week with her instructor Kim Carruthers. It gets you fit so fast, and you just feel stronger, Jenna says of her practice, which has transferred from the studios reformer to a mat at home. The dancer in me really likes it because it activates the same muscles in my core, she continues. Especially after recovering from surgery (her C-section), you feel things just all start to go where theyre meant to go [with Pilates]. Shes also become a fan of Isaac Bootss Instagram Live workouts, a high-energy combo of cardio and strength, which Jenna calls dancer wonderfulness.

As dance studios are closed, Jenna has had to get her groove on in small gaspsan online class here, a TikTok routine there. Through it all, she keeps a perpetual rhythm in her home. Im always dancing, even in the kitchen, she says. Callum laughs and smiles when I dance, especially when I give him a good hair whip. Its as if its the funniest thing that ever happened. And Evies always like, Dance party time!

When it comes to refueling, Jenna finds that her body does best with a mostly vegetarian diet. She follows an 80/20 approach80 percent of the time eating healthy and 20 percent of the time indulging. She starts every morning with a green smoothie (emphasis on the green), blending spinach, romaine, celery, cilantro, parsley, apple, banana, and lemon. For lunch and dinner, shes learned to keep it simple. In the beginning of quarantine, I was trying to cook more, Jenna says. But then people in the house were like, Youve got a lot of strengths. I dont know if cooking is one of them.

Eric Ray Davidson

I am not one of those people who thinks change doesnt happen. Instead, I own it, Im happy with it, and Im excited to see what develops from it.

Shes since pivoted to preparing and refrigerating nutritious meal componentslike quinoa, roasted vegetables, and black beansand letting her family combine them into entres. She does take pride, however, in a dish her family calls the Jenna Salad. Its a chopped medley of whatever vegetables are in the houseusually carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, avocado, and sometimes even sauerkrauttopped with a veggie burger and dressed with lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Its delicious, says Jenna. The warm veggie burger makes you feel like youre eating more than a salad. As for indulgences, Jenna goes for salty over sweet, with faves like nachos or french fries. I dont deprive myself, she says. But I try to choose healthy most of the time.

That balanced approach is just one more example of the laid-back, go-with-the-flow attitude that has seen Jenna through a myriad of milestones, including her most recent biggie in December: turning 40. As Jenna sees it, life has only gotten more fulfilling.

I feel better in my skin. I feel more grounded in my body, she says. I feel excited for this next decade and what is available to create. Even in this crazy year, I still have that feeling.

As Jenna looks to the future, shes set a few goals for herselfnamely, producing more projects through her company, Everheart Productions, and continuing to grow personally. But, as with all things, she recognizes that some of that, ultimately, will be left up to fate.

You cant really control how life is going to lookyou just know how you want to feel, says Jenna. I am in no way at that point where Im like, Ive got it all figured out. Im still learning more about myself every single day: what I want, how I want to experience it. All of that is in flux. I am not one of those people who thinks change doesnt happen. Instead, I own it, Im happy with it, and Im excited to see what develops from it.

Spoken, as ever, like a true free spirit whos mastered the art of embracing the unknown.

Photographed by Eric Ray Davidson Fashion editor: Kristen Saladino Styling: Katie Collins Hair: Kristin Ess, kristinesshair.com

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Jenna Dewan On Postpartum Life, Pilates, And Why She Follows An 80-20 Diet - Women's Health

Your body needs some inflammation to fight infection and speed healing. But too much for too long can push your immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues. This can lead to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and irritable bowel diseases.

A study published recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests diets impact on heart health is partly related to inflammation. The study found that higher levels of inflammatory markers were associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease. Our dietary choices can increase or decrease levels of these compounds.

To lower inflammatory markers, choose green, leafy vegetables; dark yellow vegetables; whole grains; fruits; tea; coffee and fish. Red meat, processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sweetened beverages were associated with higher pro-inflammatory markers.

Researchers found dietary patterns with higher inflammatory potential were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The study only looked at women, but researchers said the results would likely apply to men as well.

How do you put this into practice? Plan your menu around foods such as tomatoes, blueberries, almonds, walnuts, lentils and salmon. Stock up on salad fixings.

Greens such as collards, broccoli, kale and spinach have antioxidants and other compounds that can help reduce inflammation and keep day-to-day damage to your cells to a minimum.

Spice your foods with turmeric, rosemary, cinnamon, cumin and ginger. Research has found they may slow down processes in your body that lead to inflammation.

Q: I used to meal prep, but now I work from home. Is it still a good idea to meal prep?

A: Prepping even a few staple items for the week can make healthy eating so much easier. As long as youre cooking, make a little more and freeze it or use it in another dish.

Even though many of us are working more from home, we still have work to do Zoom meetings, reports, helping with homework, laundry, etc. Meal prepping can help keep healthy eating plans on track.

Try batch-cooking chili or chicken tortilla soup, and freezing it in portions. You can prep quinoa ahead to add to salads later in the week. Its also helpful to cut up veggies in advance for a quick veggie tray or to use in a stir-fry. The more you do ahead, the easier it is to get dinner on the table.

The 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans continue to recommend at least two servings of fish a week. Heres a heart-healthy recipe, from Good Housekeeping, thats quick and full of protein and fiber. You can substitute any kind of fish you like.

1 cup couscous

cup water

1 orange

1 leek

3 cups baby kale

4 (5-ounce) skinless cod fillets

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

8 squares parchment

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange four (12-inch) squares of parchment paper on two baking sheets. In a bowl, combine couscous and water. Set aside.

Cut orange in half, and then peel 1 half, and coarsely chop fruit. Juice another half, and set aside.

Fold chopped orange into couscous. Slice the leek (white and light green parts only) into half-moons. Add the leek and baby kale to couscous mixture.

Divide the couscous mixture among the parchment pieces; top each with one 5-ounce cod fillet. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon olive oil, teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle orange juice over top.

Cover each with another piece of parchment; fold each edge up and under 3 times, tucking edge underneath. Roast in 425-degree oven for 12 minutes. Transfer each packet to a plate. Using scissors, cut an X in the center, and fold back triangles to serve.

Servings: 4

Per serving: 340 calories; 32 grams protein; 40 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat); 3 grams fiber; 330 milligrams sodium

Charlyn Fargo Ware is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. Contact her at [emailprotected], or follow her on Twitter: @NutritionRd, or click here for additional columns. The opinions expressed are her own.

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Charyln Fargo Ware: How to Manage Inflammation and Your Diet - Noozhawk

If youve been diagnosed with anemia, youve likely experienced the unpleasant side effects that it can cause. Some of these side effects and symptoms can mirror those of anxiety.

So, is there a connection between anemia and anxiety? The short answer is, maybe.

Anemia is a condition where your body doesnt have enough red blood cells. The job of red blood cells is to carry oxygen throughout your body, so when you dont have enough of them, your body isnt getting the oxygen it needs to function properly.

Eating a diet that lacks vitamins and minerals can also be a contributing factor to some types of anemia.

A 2013 study of schoolchildren in China found that of those who didnt have access to a well-balanced diet, 42.4 percent were anemic. After being given a multivitamin, the rate of anemia in these students went down by 7 percentage points. Interestingly, these students also reported decreased anxiety.

Many of the symptoms of anemia are similar to those of anxiety and some may actually create anxiety if youre experiencing them.

Symptoms of anemia may include:

Having these symptoms may magnify or increase anxiety. If youre experiencing uncomfortable digestive symptoms, you may worry about going out in public. If youre having chest pain or shortness of breath, you may worry that its a sign of something more serious.

These symptoms can also indicate other serious health problems. If youre experiencing any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room if the symptoms are severe.

If youre having symptoms of anxiety or anemia, its important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible to determine whats causing your symptoms and begin treating the underlying causes.

Anemia is diagnosed through blood tests, your medical history, and a physical exam.

Blood tests can show whether youre making enough red blood cells and whether theres enough iron in your body, while the medical history and physical exam will explore any symptoms youre having.

Lab tests to diagnose anemia can include:

There are many types of anemia. The type of anemia you have will depend on whats causing it and what other medical conditions you may have.

The most common types of anemia include:

It can be hard to distinguish between symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of anemia since many of them are the same. Symptoms of anxiety include:

The good news is, anemia is a very treatable condition. The treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause and may include:

After a mental health professional or doctor has diagnosed you with anxiety, there are different treatment options available to help with symptoms. These options include:

If youre experiencing symptoms of anxiety that interfere with your daily life, help is available here:

If youre having thoughts of harming yourself, talk with your doctor, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

In addition to these treatment options, there are many things you can do to help reduce and manage your anxiety. These include:

Risk factors for anemia include:

Both anemia and anxiety are serious conditions if left untreated. However, once theyre diagnosed by a medical professional, treatments like diet adjustment, medications, and therapy can be extremely helpful.

Originally posted here:
Anemia and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection - Healthline

ANN ARBOR, MI -- A2Zero Climate Action Plan is urging Ann Arbor residents to eat more plant-based meals to help the city go carbon neutral by 2030.

As part of the effort, the city held a virtual Sustainability Forum on Jan. 28 to showcase organizations promoting a plant-based diet. Some of the panelists came from Better Food Foundation, Project Grow and Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. The forum was led by Zach Smith, community engagement specialist for sustainable development.

The Better Foundations program, called DefaultVeg, was formally introduced in Feb. 2020. It strives to refocus the current status quo from meat products to plant-based products. The food service provides plant-based meals by default, and instead gives their customers a choice to add meat or dairy upon request. By making plant-based options the default on a menu, it may nudge consumers towards a healthier option.

DefaultVeg preserves choice, no one is forced to have one diet or another. Theres always the choice to have the option that you want, said Trevor Leonard, program associate for Better Food Foundation.

Leonard spoke about a Harvard School of Public Health study that revealed the percentage of people who ate meat dropped 43 percent when an experimental group had their default meal changed from meat to vegetarian. The studies on their website also show that serving 1,000 plant-based meals can save 1,600 kilograms of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to a car driving from Chicago to Paris, France.

How a vegan diet could fit into Ann Arbors carbon-neutrality plan

Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels (AAMOW) is also trying get residents to eat less meat. They are working on minimizing food waste by scheduling what days their clients want food, and try to offer seasonal specials by including food from local farms. One of their vendors participates in the Farm to Freeze program that freezes produce at the peak of ripeness, making healthy produce such as broccoli, cherries and blueberries accessible all year round.

As a result of their efforts, 94 percent of their clients say that they eat healthier and 97 percent say that AAMOW has helped them stay home, Director of Meals on Wheels Courtney Vanderlaan said, which has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the longest running community garden in the United States, Ann Arbors Project Grow has provided space and education for residents who are interested in growing their own organic vegetables since first starting back in 1972.

Project Grow farmers donated about 3,410 pounds of food to Food Gathers, an organization that works to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in the community, according to Joseph Schutte, Project Grow board member.

Having good, organic, fresh vegetables is not cheap, Schutte said. You can get it from the Farmers Market, its not cheap, but growing it yourself, you know exactly where it came from.

A University of Michigan study conducted by the Center for Sustainable Systems revealed that eliminating the transport of food for one year could save the greenhouse gas equivalent of driving 1,000 miles. The study also shows that shifting to having one vegetarian meal a day could also save the equivalent of driving 1,160 miles. As a result, growing vegetables near home and having at least one plant-based meal a day from a garden could help lower someones carbon footprint.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, limiting food waste can reduce the amount of methane released from landfills when these organic materials decompose. Eliminating food waste can contribute to at least 5 percent of the total greenhouse gas emission reduction.

The next Ann Arbor Sustainability Forum will be held on Feb. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. on Urban Forestry & Green Infrastructure. Registration beforehand is required.

Read more from The Ann Arbor News:

Q&A: Treeline director explains whats on the horizon for Ann Arbors urban trail initiative

Those cute chalk characters you see all over Ann Arbor sidewalks, walls come from this artist

10,000 veterans and healthcare workers vaccinated at Ann Arbor VA hospital

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Ann Arbor forum focuses on how plant-based diets can help the environment - MLive.com

Greeces Rural Development and Food inister, Spilios Livanos on Monday said that the ministrys main goal is to promote the Greek Diet brand.

Speaking to Skai TV, the minister said that the goal is to subsidise infrastructure, increase exports, train farmers and promote the Greek Diet brand.

He also spoke about the new EU Common Agricultural Policy, which will bring 19.7 billion to Greece, and stressed the need for judicious investment in infrastructure.

If we manage our investments in infrastructure soundly and increase production and exports, giving added value to our products, then we will have succeeded. If the money is spent on simple grants then we will have failed, as has been the case in previous decades. Our ally in this effort is the Recovery Fund, Livanos said.

Greece has the privilege of producing excellent products. These products must acquire an identity, they must acquire a branding as the Greek diet, he added.

Livanos noted that tourists can also be the best ambassadors of the healthy Greek diet.

The primary and secondary sector, which I have the honour to serve, is essentially the driving force for the Greek economy to start at another level. But it must be linked to tourism, culture and our health policy. If we succeed and create this new framework, internally and then externally, I believe in a few years we will work miracles.

He also pointed out the absence of a policy on oil and compared it with the successful policy on wine. Livanos expressed his optimism that within the next year there will be a policy for the exceptional quality of Greek oil, emphasising that we must connect the brand of Greek oil with the brand of the new Greece that is being built.

Originally posted here:
Greece's Agriculture Ministry Will Promote The Greek Diet Brand - GreekCityTimes.com

Liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic surgery treatment, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Its a major procedure that removes unwanted fat in certain areas of your body. Your doctor performs this surgery by sculpting and contouring the areas of your body to permanently remove fat cells.

The areas of your body that receive this surgery commonly include your:

Its important to note that there are limits to the volume of fat that can be safely removed (about 5 liters), especially for an outpatient surgery.

If youre considering liposuction, heres what you need to know about the recovery process, including how long it will take, and tips that may help you heal faster.

According toboard certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rady Rahban, recovery can be broken up into two categories: immediate and long-term.

Immediate recovery, meaning when you can go back to work, depends on the areas that are liposuctioned and the technique used, he explains.

This can take anywhere from 5 to 7 days before you can return to work and 4 to 6 weeks before you can get back to physical activities, such as exercise.

A long-term recovery typically lasts 3 months. This allows swelling to decrease.

Keep in mind that the recovery process varies for everyone and the type of liposuction that was performed.

These tips can help you feel more comfortable during recovery. They may also help you heal faster.

First, youll want to wear a compression garment to promote comfort and healing.

Use of compression garments in the first 72 hours after liposuction is critical in accelerating the drainage of large volumes of anesthetic fluid, speeding up the recovery process, and reducing pain, swelling, and bruising, explains Dr. Daniel P. Friedmann, MD, FAAD, board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Westlake Dermatology.

Surgeons vary in the duration they recommend for compression garments, but its typically worn for 4 to 6 weeks to prevent bruising and help the skin adhere to its new contour, adds Dr. Howard Sobel, founder of Sobel Skin and attending dermatologist and dermatological surgeon at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York.

You dont want to push yourself too hard while recovering from liposuction.

Rest is important, especially in the first 3 days of recovery when the incision(s) site is left open to drain anesthetic fluid.

During this time, Friedmann says that immersion bathing of any kind should be avoided until incisions have closed completely, which takes approximately 7 to 10 days.

Working out or doing strenuous activities is not recommended during recovery, according to Sobel. You should, however, walk around to get your blood flowing.

In addition to light exercise, such as walking, you can resume these activities 24 hours after surgery:

Even if you dont feel a lot of discomfort, Rahban cautions that you dont resume regular activities too soon.

Liposuction is a surgery like any other surgery, and therefore, you need to be careful to not be overly active too soon as it will cause extra swelling and more discomfort.

As with any cosmetic procedure, complications can occur.

While oral antibiotics and proper wound care help prevent infection, these additional complications, although some rare, could happen:

If you experience any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor immediately. Its so important that you choose an experienced surgeon to perform your liposuction, which may help prevent these symptoms.

Sobel recommends choosing a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures. The procedure must also be performed in an accredited surgical facility only.

According to Friedmann, your doctor should stay in close contact with you to help ensure your smooth recovery. This includes scheduling a follow-up appointment after the first few days, and staying in close contact over the following weeks.

You should also reach out to your doctor if you experience any of the above complications. No matter how big or small, any concerns you have should be addressed by having an open dialogue with your healthcare provider.

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that removes unwanted fat from a persons body. But as major surgery, there are steps and precautions that must be taken to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes:

You should also keep in contact with your doctor (preferably a board certified one) to address any concerns and avoid complications. They can help address your specific needs before and after treatment.

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Liposuction Recovery: What to Expect - Healthline

As a Patriots fan, it's going to be weird watching Tom Brady compete in his 10th Super Bowl -- the first not in a New England uniform. I'll forever be grateful for Brady's contributions to a dynasty that spanned nearly my entire childhood. Still, it's always hard to see an ex thrive.

But since Brady is Super Bowl bound and one of my strongest personality traits is an ability to punish myself at any given opportunity, my bosses here at CBS Sports thought it would be a good idea for me to embrace this personal crisis. What better way to prepare for the uncomfortable experience of watching Brady in Super Bowl LV than by living the TB12 lifestyle for a week leading up to the game?

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For those unaware, TB12 is Brady's lifestyle brand built around his method of living that has allowed him to find an unparalleled level of sustained success at the NFL level. Exercise, nutrition, expensive pajamas ... it's all part of the Brady method. For this experiment, we're going to focus on the diet and pliability aspects of the TB12 method, and I'll be documenting my experiences along the way.

And for the record: I used to live a somewhat respectable lifestyle of my own before the world shut down last March. I used to work out frequently, attempt to eat well and at least make a casual effort to pretend that I take care of myself. However, over the last year or so, my brand has essentially become cigarettes, cheap beer, frozen pizza, marathon video game sessions and deteriorating hygiene. This project from my bosses may very well have be an intervention masked as a "work assignment." Here's how it went.

There's a good chance you've already heard about Tom Brady's absurd diet. The checklist of things he can't/won't eat is seemingly longer than the things he can/will. Here's a glimpse at the insanity from Brady's personal chef:

"No white sugar. No white flour. No MSG. I'll use raw olive oil, but I never cook with olive oil. I only cook with coconut oil. Fats like canola oil turn into trans fats. ... I use Himalayan pink salt as the sodium. I never use iodized salt.

[Tom] doesn't eat nightshades, because they're not anti-inflammatory. So no tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, or eggplants. Tomatoes trickle in every now and then, but just maybe once a month. I'm very cautious about tomatoes. They cause inflammation.

What else? No coffee. No caffeine. No fungus. No dairy.

The kids eat fruit. Tom, not so much. He will eat bananas in a smoothie. But otherwise, he prefers not to eat fruits."

Yeah, so it's safe to say I didn't follow Brady's diet exactly as the quarterback does -- I'd rather have declined the assignment and be unemployed. However, I did follow the loose outline provided by the TB12 website. Here's a basic outline of the rules:

My goodness, we made it. The diet journey has officially reached its end and I lived to tell the tale (if you need help envisioning me in this moment, I am Andy Dufresne standing in the rain after crawling through a sewer pipe in "The Shawshank Redemption.") I'm not going to say it was fun or enjoyable, but I will admit it wasn't quite as difficult or insufferable as I thought it might be. You can still eat pretty well in this lifestyle.

Admittedly, I didn't really get too creative with the meals, as you may have noticed by now. That's partially because I am an idiot who is lucky to not burn down my house every time I try to make a meal, but also partially because I knew I was never going to be long for this way of life.

I did finally take a break from chicken on Sunday, deciding instead to bring steak tips into the mix. I seasoned with some rosemary and pink Himalayan salt and then paired with green beans and carrots. Not super flashy, but a consistent, reliable player.

I wish I could provide you with some grand takeaway after all of this, but really all I've got is:

Again, I only did it for a week, and a lot of these diets need a bit more time/commitment than that. That being said, I certainly don't feel like I could go out there and win six Super Bowls under center, but maybe if I kept going a little longer?

Honestly, though, you can keep your rings, supermodel wife and hundreds of millions of dollars. None of that would make me happy if I wasn't allowed to smash a cheeseburger into my face or shove an entire pizza down my hatch whenever I damn well please. Do you know how happy I'm going to be when I get to crack into a bag of chips as I watch a game tonight? I've been waiting for this moment for my entire life one whole week.

Also, let the record show that I gained one pound while doing this diet. Nailed it.

As I mentioned off the jump, this a drastic change from my natural way of living, so I had to knock out a quick food shopping trip in order to prepare. I figured my local Trader Joe's would be the best play for a lot of the organic meats and vegetables, and then I filled in some of the blanks with a trip to Stop & Shop.

We've hit an annoying road block already, as I figured yogurt & granola would be a good way to make the nuts and seeds bearable. Turns out I'm an idiot who forgot that yogurt is dairy, and also an idiot who didn't realize that granola has a ton of sugar in it? God, this sucks already. I also decided to try some "green juice" simply because it looked healthy and seemed like something I'd be involved in while on this diet. It tastes like rain water collected in a yard waste bag and I will not be doing that ever again.

I had a palm-sized portion of chicken (cooked in coconut oil) for dinner along with some spinach, carrots and cucumbers for dinner. Not exciting but, honestly, it was solid. The bigger issue is that I got hungry again and sort of broke the rules on the first day already, as you're not supposed to eat anything within three hours of going to bed. I had celery and almonds as a late night "treat" to settle the hunger. You know your life is in a pretty lame place when you have to feel guilty about eating celery and almonds.

Also, this is so much water to drink. I can't stop peeing.

Okay, I'm not going to lie ... I had a banana for breakfast and then I completely skipped lunch because I simply didn't want to eat any of this healthy crap. That's how diets work, right? It seems like I'm on the way to losing weight one way or another.

The water thing is still absolutely killing me. I always knew that I never drank enough water throughout the course of a day, but I feel like I'm drowning myself by drinking this much water. I'm bloated and I feel like I could legitimately be popped like a water balloon.

I finally got hungry enough to make another one of these meals for dinner, and I definitely overcompensated. I once again had some seasoned chicken and an absolute boatload of vegetables. Like, way too many vegetables. Look at how stupid this looks:

Yeah, about that whole "eating until you're 75% full" thing ... may have overshot the landing a little bit. I also dropped a bunch of carrots on the floor while taking them out of the fridge. And, yes, I did cheat by eating two pieces of chocolate late last night (OK, fine ... it was four pieces of chocolate.) This is completely going off the rails already.

And, for the sake of full transparency, I am farting. A lot. Still trying to figure out if that's the diet's fault, but it is rather concerning.

My bodily functions at least seem to be somewhat under control today, which is a nice little surprise! The foods are still greatly boring me -- I had a banana and an avocado for lunch, then chicken, green beans and corn for dinner. Also, I tried the green juice again just to see if my body might be better equipped to handle it after two days ... and nope. Still tastes like swamp soup.

Three days in and I've officially hit the point where I might turn a family member in to the police if it meant a cheeseburger and beer was waiting for me on the other side. Throw in a side of fries and I might admit to crimes I didn't commit.

Honestly, one of the hardest parts of this thing is not being able to keep my hands busy and snack/drink while anxiously watching sports at night. Last night I had to settle for chewing on ice cubes just to keep me from cracking into a late night stash.

Overall, though, I feel pretty decent outside of the irritability that comes with not being able to do whatever the hell I want, when the hell I want. I feel somewhat accomplished for getting through a day without breaking any rules. But I'm already daydreaming about the absolute havoc I'm going to unleash on my body once this experiment is over.

I think I might be starting to get the hang of this, at least in terms of putting my meals together. For the first time since starting the diet, I actually ate breakfast -- three eggs over medium with spinach and a little hot sauce (no clue if hot sauce is actually allowed. If not, just ignore that I said that.) I was feeling pretty good about myself until Steven Cheah -- a Barstool Sports employee/Buccaneers fan who's been passionately committed to the TB12 diet since the start of the playoffs -- decided to tag me in a much better version of a similar meal. Go away, Steven.

Nevertheless, I persisted. I skirted around lunch with the help of celery sticks and some hummus, which did the job more effectively than I thought it would. Dinner consisted of -- you guessed it! -- more chicken and vegetables. This time, we spiced up the chicken with a little lemon and paired it with kale, sweet potatoes and corn.

I promise I don't want to keep talking about my farts, but they've returned with a vengeance and, as a trusted and ethical journalist, I simply must report the facts.

I know diets typically take a while to produce any sort of meaningful results, so it probably won't come as much of a shock that I don't really feel any differently (other than the mild annoyance of having to take care of myself like an actual adult.) I have, however, lost 1.6 lbs from Monday-Friday. That could just be from the calories I've burned while bitterly screaming at the TV every time a fast food commercial comes on, though.

Now that the weekend is here, we reach an important juncture in this trial. Alcohol isn't explicitly prohibited on the TB12 diet but, admittedly, my normal weekend routine of drinking seven-to-eight beers too many while not moving an inch during a video game marathon probably isn't encouraged by health experts. For the sake of the experiment, I am going to do my best to commit to a healthy lifestyle -- at least with regards to what I put in my body. You'll have to pry the video games from my cold, dead (and skinny) hands.

As expected, the weekend is presenting some challenges. I cruised through most of the day on Friday without any issue -- slept through breakfast ... eggs and avocado for early lunch ... then finished off my chicken with some quinoa and black beans in a bowl. Please do not judge the presentation (or my hitchhiker's thumb), because it was actually kinda delicious:

Am I embarrassed about the lack of color in that meal? Yeah, maybe. Was I too lazy to make some spinach or throw some avocado in the bowl to give it a little life and not make it look like a pile of dirt? Of course I was.

Luckily, I'm a master of Photoshop so I can help you visualize what it would look like if I wasn't a lazy garbage human. (I also decided to give straight thumbs a try.)

Like I said, getting through most of the day was sort of a breeze, but temptation came out to play at night -- as it often does. I was going to commit to doing the full weekend without booze, but that quickly shifted to "maybe I'll just have one glass of wine with dinner ... I deserve it." I also decided to embrace my new lifestyle of being a fully boring and insufferable adult by attempting to do a puzzle (my first since childhood) on a Friday night. As soon as all the pieces were poured out onto the table and I realized how much work it was going to be, I decided I deserved a second glass of wine. Sue me.

After a few hours and almost no progress on the puzzle, I decided to put on a movie instead. I was reflexively hit with an intense desire to crack into the Trader Joe's movie theater popcorn stashed in my kitchen, but I somehow, some way actually managed to resist. Am I a hero? Some are asking the question (the movie I watched was "The Little Things" on HBO Max. It was forgettable.)

Today was a relatively easy day. I had eggs, avocado and black coffee for breakfast, which was fine, but it prompted me to realize that I can still never really enjoy avocados. I think they're a bad food and an overrated topping/ingredient, and the texture makes me shiver. So, of course, I decided to tweet this out:

Not surprisingly, that really got under some people's skin. My mentions were flooded with Avocado Defenders and avocado meme accounts, so that entertainment helped distract me from my hunger through lunch. Dinner wasn't all that interesting -- I had chicken, quinoa and green beans -- but I want points for driving past a McDonald's on my way home and not stopping, even though I thought about it. I am the strongest man alive.

I did drink a bunch of beers while playing video games all night, though. Whoops.

See the original post:
TB12 Diet Diary: I tried to eat like Tom Brady for a week -- here's what it's like - CBS Sports

Protein one of the three macronutrients along with carbs and fat is essential for human health.

Many types of protein exist in the body. Theyre involved in critical bodily processes, including oxygen transport, immune function, the transmission of nerve impulses, and growth (1).

High protein diets have been linked to a number of health benefits, including improvements in body composition and reduced blood sugar levels.

However, you may wonder whether you can get too much of a good thing.

This article reviews the science behind protein in the diet and whether you should be concerned about eating too much of it.

The amount of protein your body needs depends on many factors, including your weight, age, body composition goals, physical activity level, and overall health.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams of protein per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight (2).

However, its important to note that this is the minimum intake most people need to prevent muscle loss, meet amino acid requirements, and maintain nitrogen balance. Eating higher amounts of this nutrient may offer some benefits (3).

Some experts argue that physically active individuals need much higher amounts of protein than the RDA. Many professional organizations recommend 0.540.9 grams of protein per pound (1.22 grams per kg) per day (3, 4).

For athletes, needs may be even higher (2, 3).

Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding people, older adults, and those with certain medical conditions have higher protein needs than the general population (5, 6, 7).

For example, the protein RDA for pregnant people is 0.5 grams per pound (1.1 grams per kg) (5).

However, research shows that daily protein requirements during pregnancy are much higher than this, at around 0.75 grams per pound (1.66 grams per kg) during early pregnancy and 0.8 grams per pound (1.77 grams per kg) in late pregnancy (5).

Your protein needs depend on many factors, including your activity level, age, and health status. Experts agree that the current protein RDA is likely too low for most active people.

High protein diets have been associated with a number of health benefits.

For example, higher protein diets increase feelings of fullness, reduce hunger, and boost resting energy expenditure, all of which may encourage weight loss.

Studies show that high protein diets promote weight loss and improve body composition in many populations (6, 7).

One high quality study had 54 women with overweight or obesity exercise and consume either a high protein diet or a low calorie, high carb diet for 14 weeks (8).

The women who followed the higher protein diet lost significantly more weight and body fat than the women following the low calorie, high carb diet (8).

High protein diets can also help improve body composition by increasing muscle mass. Studies have demonstrated this in different populations, including trained athletes and older adults (9, 10, 11).

In addition to improving body composition and possibly enhancing fat loss, high protein diets may increase blood sugar control, reduce blood fat levels, and increase bone density in older adults (12, 13, 14, 15).

Research has found high protein diets may provide health benefits, including fat loss and improved body composition.

There have been some concerns over the safety of high protein diets, including their effects on kidney, heart, and bone health.

However, most of these concerns are not supported by scientific research.

A common misconception about high protein diets is that theyre harmful to kidney health (16).

Research has shown that even though high protein diets increase the workload of the kidneys, they dont negatively affect people with healthy kidney function (3, 17).

In fact, one study looked at protein intake and kidney function in 48 trained men and women (18).

Consuming a diet containing 1.5 grams of protein per pound (3.4 grams per kg) for 8 weeks in combination with resistance training did not lead participants to experience any adverse health effects (18).

It did not change any blood parameters, including kidney function markers like glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (18).

Though high protein diets may be safe for people with normal kidney function, people with decreased kidney function should avoid them. High dietary protein may accelerate the decline of kidney function in this population (19).

The kidneys filter and remove waste products of protein metabolism from the body. In those with decreased kidney function, a high protein diet may lead to kidney damage and the accumulation of toxic substances.

Research has shown that people with kidney disease benefit from protein-restricted diets, as they slow the rate at which kidney function declines (20).

Some people fear that a high protein diet may increase the risk of heart disease. However, research shows that higher protein diets dont typically harm heart health.

For example, a study that included 12,066 adults found no association between animal or plant protein intake and increased heart disease risk (21).

Another 2020 study in 38 adults with excess weight found that a high protein diet did not harm heart health or blood vessel function after a 34-month intervention, compared with a moderate protein diet (22).

Some research also suggests that higher protein diets may help reduce blood pressure levels, decrease belly fat, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease (23, 24, 25).

Additionally, a 2020 review found no association between higher total protein intake and the risk of death from heart disease (25).

However, the study found that higher plant protein intake may have a protective effect against death from heart disease, while higher animal protein intake may be associated with an increased risk (26).

Its important to note that some studies suggest that higher protein, lower carb diets may increase heart disease risk factors in specific populations, including Korean men (27).

Researchers have also argued that excessive protein intake may accelerate atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries (28).

Scientists need to conduct more well-designed studies to investigate the effects of different dietary protein sources and macronutrient ratios on heart health (28, 29).

Studies have shown that total protein intake is not significantly linked to the risk of breast, esophageal, colorectal, ovarian, or prostate cancer (30, 31, 32, 33, 34).

A 2020 review found no association between higher total protein intake and risk of death from cancer (26).

In fact, a 2016 study found that a higher protein intake was associated with better survival rates in women with breast cancer (35).

However, research shows that specific sources of protein may increase cancer risk. For example, processed meat products are associated with an increased risk of colorectal, breast, and gastric cancer (36, 37, 38, 39).

Older studies have raised concerns that high protein diets may lead to low bone mineral density. However, more recent studies have shown that higher protein diets may be beneficial for bone health.

A 2019 review of 13 studies found that higher protein intake above the current RDA was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hip fracture and increased bone mineral density (13).

Furthermore, a 2017 review of 36 studies found high protein intake had no adverse effects on bone health. It also found that higher protein intake may have beneficial effects on the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, compared with lower protein intake (40).

Protein is essential for bone health, along with other nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. In fact, over one-third of bone mass is made of protein (41).

This is why organizations like the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) recommend higher protein intakes of 0.450.54 grams per pound (11.2 grams per kg) per day (41).

High protein intake is not associated with certain major health conditions in most populations and healthy people. However, particular protein sources, such as processed meat, are associated with health concerns.

Protein is essential to your health, and high protein diets have been linked to certain health benefits. However, this does not mean that following a diet very high in protein is the right choice for you.

Keep in mind that the overall quality and nutrient density of your diet is what matters most when it comes to health promotion and disease prevention. The exact macronutrient composition of your diet is less important.

As mentioned above, your protein needs depend on many factors, including your body weight, age, body composition goals, overall health, and activity level.

Most physically active people would benefit from following a diet that delivers 0.540.9 grams per pound (1.22 grams per kg) of protein per day.

However, others may need more. These people include athletes, those with physically demanding jobs, pregnant and breastfeeding people, and those with certain health issues (3, 4).

If youre interested in learning more about high protein diets or unsure how much protein you should be eating per day, talk with your healthcare provider about it. They can help develop a dietary pattern that works best for your needs.

Its important to choose a dietary pattern that suits your health and wellness goals. Most active people would benefit from a diet that delivers 0.540.9 grams of protein per pound (1.22 grams per kg) per day.

High protein diets have been linked to a number of health benefits. Theyre popular for promoting weight loss, building muscle mass, and more.

Some people may be concerned that high protein diets could harm their health. However, research shows high protein diets are relatively safe and not linked to serious side effects in most healthy people.

If youre thinking about increasing your protein intake or following a high protein diet, consider working with a qualified healthcare provider like a registered dietitian.

They can help ensure that your diet is nutritionally complete and suits your needs.

Link:
Are There Dangers to Eating Too Much Protein? - Healthline