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Health News__
Fiber May Lower Protein Linked To Heart Disease
...A fiber-rich diet may help control levels of a blood protein linked to an increased risk of heart disease, research suggests.
... In a study of 524 healthy adults, investigators found that those with the highest fiber intake had lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) than those who ate the least fiber. CRP is a marker of ongoing inflammation in the body, and consistently high levels of this protein have been identified in previous studies as a risk factor for future heart disease.
... For their study, the researchers measured the participants' CRP levels five times over the course of a year and collected information on diet, exercise habits and other health factors.
... About 18 percent of men and women had elevated CRP levels, above 3 milligrams per liter of blood. But CRP levels generally dipped as fiber intake increased. Compared with subjects who ate the least fiber, those who ate the most were 63 percent less likely to have an elevated CRP number.
... It's not clear why fiber may reduce inflammation, but it may lower cholesterol and blood sugar, both of which can contribute to inflammation.
... The study suggests that a diet high in fiber may play a role in reducing inflammation and, thus, the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. |
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Folic Acid
..... Folic acid is a B vitamin that plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and maintenance of  the nervous system. Fruits and vegetables like dark leafy greens, oranges, beans and peas are the best dietary source.
..... Folic acid has functions in DNA synthesis and nervous system maintenance and is linked to growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
..... Overwhelming evidence is available to show women given folic acid supplements during pregnancy have a lower incidence of delivering babies with neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.
..... Folic acid is also ideal for seniors as they are thought to be at increased risk for folate deficiencies. Folate supplementation should be considered in elderly people, especially those with elevated plasma total homocysteine levels and cardiovascular disease.
..... Folic acid’s role in red blood cell formation, homocysteine metabolism help with the maintenance of energy levels and heart health.
..... Folic acid is destroyed during cooking, levels are typically highest in raw (or lightly steamed) vegetables. Folate supplementation is recommended for high risk individuals in addition to a balanced daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
 Sunscreens - SPF
..... The SPF on sunscreens stands for sun protection factor The SPF value gives you a guide on how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen and you apply a sunscreen with a SPF number of 15, you should be protected from sunburn for up to 150 minutes. Sunscreens with SPF numbers higher than 15 may work better for people who are fair-skinned, work or play outdoors much of the day, or perspire heavily. Swimming and perspiration reduce the actual SPF value of many sunscreens - even those that are water-resistant - so you have to reapply the product often.
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