Healthbolt

Morning News Fix

by Sara Ost on July 5th, 2007

Web it out:

Boost heart, kill wallet

A 10-year study on organic tomatoes finds that they contain double the antioxidants found in conventional tomatoes (specifically, flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol). Antioxidants are linked to reduced cancer risk, decreased blood pressure and improved heart health. They develop in fruits and vegetables as a defensive response to the lack of nitrogen in soil. Conventionally-raised produce is fertilized, typically with nitrogen, so there ya go.

Waist not

The BMI (body mass index) has long been the standard for determining if you need to lose a few. It’s problematic, though. For example, many athletes are “obese” according to BMI measurements, because BMI doesn’t know the difference between fat and muscles. Obesity experts say measuring people’s waists is a smarter bet for determining things like diabetes and heart disease risk. (via Topix)

Because we need more tobacco spit

The “health community” (whatever that is) isn’t just arguing about marinara today. On the table: do we inform people that smokeless tobacco - the ever-classy chaw - is slightly less dangerous than cigarettes? Or would that (”that” being truth) promote greater tobacco use or even (gasp) send a message of acceptance? Come on. What are we, five-year-olds? It’s not like we can’t find out for ourselves on the internets. Sometimes health guidelines feel like parents for grownups. I can’t wait for the inspiring public service announcement!

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POSTED IN: Food, Medicine, Morning News, Morning News Fix, Nutrition, Smoking, Weight Loss