Studies show that certain foods can increase your chances of longevity by decreasing the risk factors associated with the top diseases plaguing Americans.  Here are some tips to increase your chances of living longer.

BEANS:

There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.

Studies have shown that people who eat a high-fiber diet lowered their risk of diabetes by 30 percent. Foods high in fiber take longer to digest, which means that insulin is created slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes.

PISTACHIOS:

About 400 million people around the world are classified by the World Health Organization as obese. In a study done by Swedish researchers, men who had been overweight at 18 were one third more likely to die prematurely compared to their normal-weight peers. The study of 45, 920 men over an average 38 years underlines the dangers of being overweight and the need to tackle a growing obesity epidemic.

This nut can help! Pistachios are known as “the skinny nut” because they contain two key nutrients which help stave off hunger: Fiber and protein. Pistachios are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids as well. Omega-3’s prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together and sticking to arterial walls in the form of plaque. They also drive down triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Researchers suspect that omega-3’s may block the production of inflammatory substances linked to arthritis and lupus.

Get cracking! Whether you’re at the office, ballpark or hanging with the guys, stick with pistachio nuts.

EDAMAMES:

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. One out of every six men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, and one out of every 35 men will die of this disease.

Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center found that increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men by as much as 50 percent.  Soy isoflavones help reduce testosterone, which is the hormone that may increase prostate cancer risk.

While dining with your wife or taking your family out for Japenese food, order some edamame to the table, which are boosting with soy. If that’s not your thing, opt for the miso soup.  If you’re in the car, grab a Soy Joy, which is not only packed with healthy soy proteins, but filled with essential vitamins and minerals.

COFFEE:

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. As of February 2009, as many as 2.4 to 4.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

Is your morning cup of joe what gets you through the busy work day? According to the April, 2009 publication of Tufts Newsletter, a new study by Finnish and Swedish researchers reported that people who drink between three to five cups of coffee a day in midlife could be cutting their risk of Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease by 65 percent.

Some studies have also shown that coffee helps protect the nervous system, which can also protect against dementia.  Due to the fact that the average American drinks more than three and half cups of coffee daily, these results can have imperative implications for the prevention or delay of the onset of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

If three cups of coffee seems like one-too-many for you, don’t worry — have a skim cappuccino with breakfast or dessert, or grab an iced latte mid-afternoon. These sweet coffee treats will get you through the day. 

ALCOHOL:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States today. Seventy million Americans suffer from some form of CVD. 

A study by Harvard University researchers suggests that, moderate drinking was associated with a lower risk of heart attack. Those who had one-half to two drinks a day had the lowest heart attack risk — 40 percent to 60 percent lower than healthy men who didn’t drink. And that was true no matter whether they were drinking beer, wine or liquor. In addition, in a recent British study, they found that moderate alcohol consumption along with a healthy lifestyle added 14 years to life, compared with men and women who did not adopt these behaviors.

Do we need to say how to incorporate more alcohol in your diet? Just don’t get carried away doing shots with the guys.

SKIM MILK:

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects 2.5 million people worldwide.

Consuming sources of vitamin D like skim milk, eggs and sardines will help reduce the risk factors associated with MS.  According to researchers at Oxford University, northern countries, which have less sunlight, tend to have a higher incidence of MS. The study proves that vitamin D controls the activity of a gene that increases the odds of MS. Vitamin D attacks the fatty sheath that insulates the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, reducing one’s risk of MS.

Switch from whole milk to skim milk and save on almost half the calories and eight grams of fat. Add skim milk to your coffee, smoothies and cereal bowls.

ONIONS:

According to researchers at the University of California’s School of Public Health, the healthiest people were those who consumed substantial dietary vitamin C on a daily basis.

There has been more research about the immune-boosting effects of vitamin C than perhaps any other nutrient. Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, as well as levels of interferon — the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

What’s a burger without sautéed onions?? Grill up some onions for your burgers and steaks and eat your way to a healthier life.

BANANAS:

Until the age of 55, more men suffer from high blood pressure than do women.

Research suggests that foods rich in potassium can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. The evidence is so convincing that the Food and Drug Administration recently allowed food labels to bear a health claim about the connection between potassium-rich foods and blood pressure.

Not only are bananas an amazing post-workout snack, but they are great to eat any time of day. Slice up some bananas into your morning bowl of oatmeal or cereal.  Blend bananas into a fruit smoothie or as a delicious dessert, or enjoy dark chocolate frozen bananas.

CHOCOLATE:

High cholesterol puts men at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease. For many men, the risk of high cholesterol starts in their 20s and increases with age. High cholesterol tends to run in families, so obviously genes play a role. But a variety of lifestyle factors also affect cholesterol levels ― including diet, activity level, and body weight

According to Dutch researchers, men whom consumed cocoa lowered their risk of dying from heart disease by 50 percent compared to those who did not eat cocoa. Cocoa contains chemicals called flavanols, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and improve function of the cells lining the blood vessels.

How exciting is this? Something that you grew up on can actually help reduce your cholesterol! 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Soy is not just recommended for women!  Scientific consensus supports soy as a part of a healthful lifestyle, and experts agree that soy is safe and healthy for men to consume in moderate amounts each day (2-3 servings daily).  Soy is a rich source of isoflavones, substances that mimic the effects of the female hormone estrogen — leading to concerns of whether or not this will have adverse effects on the male hormone.  Not only do researchers say there is no evidence of this when soy is eaten in moderation, but there are numerous studies showing the positive effects of soy on men’s health. 

Soy doesn’t just reduce cholesterol, but according to studies done at Tulane University, by bulking up on soy protein, you can lower your blood pressure. Soy may help by providing amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonin, tryptophan and valine) that expand blood vessels. Researchers from several Universities have concluded that adding 25 grams of soy protein to your daily diet helps lower the most damaging form of blood cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — by up to about10 percent.

In addition, Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center found that increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50 percent. If all this isnt enough to convince you to bite into a soy burger, there has been evidence that soy can minimize hair loss, keep blood sugar levels stable and help with overall digestive health.

Soy is a must have for everyone. Soy is good for the heart because it is high in soy protein and fiber, contains heart-healthy fats, and is low in saturated fat. Soy is an all natural nutrient-rich food delivering high-quality protein, carbohydrates and fiber. It is also full of essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and bone-building calcium.

With soy’s increase in popularity, manufacturers have been producing more soy products to receive these amazing health benefits. Below are some ways to incorporate soy into your daily diet:

Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your morning off right. Soy milk  enhances any cereal or oatmeal. If that doesn’t do it for you, combine a low-fat soy yogurt with a high-fiber cereal and berries for a breakfast that will leave you satiated throughout the day.

Lunch: You don’t have to clog your arteries with a high-fat meal like pizza or cheeseburgers. Enjoy a whole grain veggie sandwich with melted soy cheese or soy burgers on whole-wheat buns with all the fixings. You can also toss soy-filled edamames into your salad for some added soy protein.

Snack: When you’re on-the-go, avoid the mid-afternoon crash with some soy nuts. Smear a tablespoon or two of soy nut butter on an apple or whole-wheat crackers. These snacks will fill you up without filling you out.

Dinner:  Start your meal off with a soy-based miso soup, which will help keep you full until you get to your main dish. Try opting for a tofu stir fry which will tantalize your taste buds. Get creative and add soy cheese crumbles to your favorite pasta dishes.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

A recent story about a 17-year-old Boy Scout who died suddenly during a 7.7-mile hike in Florida has everyone wondering what went wrong. Every time I see a story like this, where an unexplained death occurs in a young person – especially an otherwise healthy teenage athlete – it makes me wonder whether it’s a good idea to have in-depth annual physicals performed on adolescents contemplating participating in high-endurance sports.

Most children get an annual physical as required by state law to attend school or play sports. I have three children, and for the most part, their physicals constitute a review of systems, blood pressure, weight and height documentation, vital signs and maintenance of vaccination schedules.

So the question is: Should adolescents have more in-depth assessments done to evaluate the status of their cardiovascular health?

This of course is a controversial question to ask because doctors can’t seem to agree on what tests should be done. And with the swelling numbers of uninsured Americans and the escalating costs of preventive medicine not covered by insurers, we’re immediately challenged with the dilemma of who’s going to pay for cardiac testing, and what happens if we do find something wrong?

A perfect example of this is the current criticism of prostate cancer screening. Many studies are now suggesting that these screenings may lead to unnecessary procedures and negative side effects — that ultimately are ineffective in changing the course of the disease.

Now I can understand evaluating the effectiveness of prostate cancer screening versus cost and quality of life issues – especially because of the nature of the disease and the age group that it typically affects.

But when it comes certain heart diseases in the adolescent patient population, we’re not looking at quality of life issues – but often, the difference between a life saved and a life lost.

One condition in particular that I think that teenagers should be screened for, is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a genetic condition that affects one out of 500 people and is the leading cause of heart-related sudden death in people under 30. And unfortunately, if it goes undetected, most parents only find out about HCM after their child dies on the field or court.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and sometimes interfering with its electrical rhythms. HCM tends to run in families, and children of parents with the genetic mutation for the disease have a 50 percent chance of inheriting it.

The reason HCM often goes undiagnosed, is because it rarely presents any noticeable symptoms. And while it can lead to severe cardiac problems at any age, but I would argue that if the condition is identified in the teenage population, proper monitoring could lead to a decrease in sudden, unexpected death among athletes.

Many states are looking into mandatory cardiovascular assessment of young athletes in an effort to identify patients at risk. Still cardiologists are not sure what the best method of screening should be — whether routine electrocardiography or echocardiograms prior to the start of the sports season would provide the most cost-effective, comprehensive data to aid in identifying athletes at risk.

I know that this debate will go on for quite a while, but I think that any parent with a teen or child participating in sports should have a conversation with their pediatrician.

One size fits all — isn’t that what we all want? And at a time of exorbitant medical costs, isn’t it practical that scientists have developed the mega-pill that cures all our ills and keeps us from having heart attacks and strokes? I wish it were that easy!

A new study from Canada and India published in the prestigious journal Lancet and presented at the American College of Cardiology meetings takes a look at a pill that combines aspirin, statin, and three blood pressure pills (a beta blocker, an ace inhibitor, and a diuretic) in patients with heart risk factors. The study took place over 12 weeks and showed that the ultimate combo drug continued to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and be as well tolerated as the drugs taken alone.

Not only that, the results project out to a decreased risk of stroke by 48 percent and heart disease by 62 percent over a longer period.

The obvious advantages are in terms of patient compliance and low cost. But the disadvantages are also worth considering. As I’ve seen in my medical practice, for all combo pills, the problem is not knowing which pill is doing what, and if there is a side effect, which component is causing it. A patient may develop a problem and stop the pill and then refuse to take any of the drugs that make it up. Decisions like that can end up being more expensive in the long run, in terms of health care outcome.

And despite cardiac risk factors, some patients need one of these drugs and not the other. The diuretic may cause electrolyte abnormalities, dry people out, or make them urinate frequently. Not everyone tolerates this the same. Altace can cause a cough and the beta blocker may make some dizzy. In the final analysis, the “one size fits all” approach may not be as cost effective as it first appears.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News medical contributor and writes a health column for LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: The Truth About the Epidemic of Fear“ and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.”  Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

I’ve been concerned for a long time about the tendency that my patients have to mix their medications with over-the-counter treatments and herbs. This is not a safe or wise approach, though most of the time, no major side effects occur.

Just this week, a patient called me to say she had a cold and wondered if she could take a common over-the-counter cold medication. On the surface it seems like an easy question with an automatic “yes” answer — except for one thing. She was taking the kind of antidepressant medication that can raise blood pressure, and the cold medicine she had in mind contains Sudafed, which can also raise BP. So my answer was actually “no.” More importantly, I felt glad she thought to ask me the question, as too many patients don’t think they need to discuss over-the-counter aspirin, Tylenol, or cold medicines with their doctors.

According to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 2.2 million or 1 in 25 older adults, are at risk for potential major drug-drug interaction. Men are at greater risk than women. The study looked at close to 3 thousand people aged 57 to 85.     

The problem often occurred because of mixing prescription drugs with over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, which also contain active chemicals. Frequent problems involved mixing Coumadin (a blood thinner) with aspirin or garlic (which also thin blood), or mixing a cholesterol-lowering statin with dietary niacin (lowers cholesterol and can effect the liver). Aspirin, when taken with gingko, can also increase the risk of bleeding. Certain blood pressure medicines (lisinopril) can raise potassium, and many patients were also taking potassium at the same time (for use with diuretics). Unfortunately, these different and potentially conflicting drugs are often prescribed by different doctors, and there is no one who has the entire list or is coordinating care.
     
Here is my take:

1. This study brings home the point that physicians need to be in the loop on ALL medications their patients are taking, including over-the-counter pills and supplements.

2. Doctors need to address this with each and every patient and to go over potential interactions.

3. Elderly patients have SLOWER metabolisms, so the risk of a major complication from medicines competing with each other to be removed by the liver or kidney is much greater.

4. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has an excellent Website which goes over medications at high risk for misuse as well at the latest news. They have recently launched a new website for the consumer, www.consumermedsafety.org, which is very accessible and user friendly.

5. Any concerns raised by reading this information, should NOT lead to automatically stopping medications that may be important, but rather should lead to a clarifying consultation with your physician.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News medical contributor and writes a health column for LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: The Truth about the Epidemic of Fear“ and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.”  Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

You can use chiles as often as you wish in your dishes for flavor and for health. Chiles of all types, like chipotle and other hot chiles, are high in minerals and antioxidants, giving a healthy boost to your immune system. Another interesting note about this powerfood is that although it is hot to taste, it actually has a cooling effect on your body. Blood rushes to the periphery of your body in response to the hot taste, and then the blood cools down before moving more to the center of your body, where your temperature is higher. That is why Latinos in hot tropical countries instinctively eat hot and spicy foods. Though many equate chiles with Mexico, they can be found in varied colors and shapes, as well as all different degrees of hotness, throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

There’s something called capsaicin in hot peppers that offers a whole host of benefits: it helps digestion, fights against stomach ills like diarrhea, bacterial infections, and even heart disease. In fact, it’s been associated with lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and even warding off strokes and heart attacks. And even beyond that, new research indicates that capsaicin actually reduced cancer cell growth in laboratory experiments. Well, it’s not like I needed and excuse to have my food sparky, but now I’m giving you yours!

AVOCADO: Do not let the “high” fat content of avocados deter you from eating this fantastic fruit. In fact, the healthy monounsaturated oil in avocado will help you feel satiated after a meal and signal your body to burn more fat stores, as well as lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol! Avocado also helps lubricate your intestines and assists in regulating your elimination cycles. Avocados are grown, and consumed, throughout the Americas

The fruit bowl is a beautiful thing, especially when it’s laden with some of my favorites—pineapples, papayas, and the supersexy mango, or the intoxicatingly wonderful passion fruit. We are so lucky to now have access practically year-round to tropical fruit like the kind I grew up with in my native Cuba. There’s a whole wide world of fruit, all with different medicinal and tasty powers. Take cherimoya (the custard apple), for example. This tropical, heart-shaped, dinosaur-skinned fruit has a flesh—and texture reminiscent of honey, pineapple, and banana. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, a good source of vitamin B₆ (which has nerve calming benefits), as well as calcium, iron, manganese—which helps activate some enzymes—and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Compare that with a bowl of chips! Seriously, as in the case of any kind of eating, variety is key; don’t be afraid to try some of those tropical fruit treats.

A new kind of men’s underwear is being designed to pick up information about arterial blood flow and blood pressure, reported London’s Daily Mail.

The underwear has at least four sensors in the waistband and would determine how fast blood is flowing through the arteries, according to the newspaper.

The technology would not work as well in women’s underwear because the waistbands would be too thin to accommodate the equipment.

 It’s that all-boys club no man wants to join.Yet more than 18 million American men have involuntarily been cast into the clubhouse.

Their bad-luck bond: suffering from erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or impotence.

Have you or your partner suffered from ED? How do you treat it?