One in nine Danish women gets breast cancer. Diet and lifestyle play a major role, and now an American study shows that omega-3 fatty acids, which are typically found in oily fish and fish oil supplements, may help prevent breast cancer cells from growing and spreading. According to lead investigator Saraswoti Khadge, who is affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids support the body’s immune defense and certain anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This study is in line with earlier research, so it may very well be prudent to make sure to get plenty of omega-3 for preventing and treating breast cancer.

Having healthy-looking hair means a lot to most people. Hair that splits at the ends, hair loss, and other hair problems may be caused by stress, hormone changes, and numerous other factors. In this article, we will take a closer look at the diet and its impact on hair health, and we will look at available studies of protein, iron, zinc, selenium, silica, B vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin A. The fact is, we need plenty of these nutrients in a form that the body can absorb and utilize. On the other hand, getting too much can do more harm than good, according to an article in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, in which the author has analyzed the available research.

Scientists have discussed for quite some time to what extent vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are able to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Although quite a lot of studies have been conducted in this area, there still is no large-scale clinical population study that includes different races. However, an American study has shown that fish oil supplements lower your risk of a heart attack, and large quantities of vitamin D have a long-term preventative effect on different cancer forms. The effect of these two different supplements is also affected by a person’s race.

It is commonly known that vitamin D plays a vital role for our bones and immune system, and there is even evidence that vitamin D also plays a role in the functioning of our lungs, heart, and muscles. According to a new study, blood levels of vitamin D are determining for how well we utilize our oxygen, and that affects our training capacity and lifespan. The study is published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

– but focus on sodium if you have high blood pressure

Salt is a flavor enhancer, and the good news is that salt is not as harmful as previously thought. In fact, salt is essential when consumed in the right quantities, and for most people, it poses no health risk to consume up to five grams – or two and half teaspoons – of salt daily, according to a study that is published in the Lancet. Many people on anti-hypertensive drugs are advised to cut back on their salt intake, but it takes more than that. In fact, it is potassium that controls how much salt the kidneys excrete.

BMI and waist circumference. Are you overweight or TOFI (thin outside fat inside)?

It is a myth that the only way to obtain or maintain your ideal weight is to stick with boring, low-fat diets and loads of hardcore physical training.
The following guide will help you adjust your own diet and exercise program – so that you can see permanent results. First, let’s look at your BMI and waist circumference, as many people have a somewhat distorted picture of their own weight and appearance.

When trying to lose weight, it is usually easier to achieve results if you change your diet. It is also important to exercise. Just remember that in order to burn the calories that you get from eating a single candy bar, you need to walk for an hour or more.

General dietary advice

Choose good, fresh raw materials and prepare your meals from scratch
Carefully study the declaration with regard to expiry date, energy distribution, content of different sugars, fat, additives etc. Avoid industrially processed foods and stick with fresh raw materials, as they provide much more vitality.

The body makes energy by breaking down the essential macronutrients, carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Even alcohol provides energy.

• Carbohydrate: Grain, bread, potatoes, rice, corn, fruit, and sugar
• Protein: Meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy products, legumes (beans, peas and soy) and nuts
• Fats: Fat from meat, fish and eggs, plant oils, avocado , nuts, kernels, sees, and dairy products
• Alcohol: Does not provide nutrients and is an unnecessary source of energy

Different calculations show how much energy one can extract from 1 gram of carbohydrate, protein, or fat.
The energy amounts are specified in kJ (kilojoule) or the somewhat older term kcal (kilocalories)

• Most of the protein we consume is used to build muscle, skin, hair, and nails.
• Protein is also used in the energy turnover, to make hormones and antibodies, and it is also used as a transmitter in the nervous system.
• The daily need for protein varies depending on gender, muscle mass, metabolic rate, and the level and duration of physical activity.

According to the official recommendations, we should consume around 0.8 grams of protein for each kilo of body weight.
Your need for protein is increased if you have sensitive blood sugar, if you wish to lose weight, if you are pregnant or lactating, or if you are very sports-active.

Even though carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the brain, the muscles, and other organs, they often contribute to weight problems.

A diet with a lot of starchy foods like bread, pasta, grain, potatoes, and rice plus sugar and other refined foods causes your blood sugar to increase violently. The body’s cells get a lot of quick energy, and excess calories are then removed from the bloodstream and stored as fat – typically in the abdominal region.

Fructose, also known as fruit sugar, plays an overlooked role in the obesity epidemic, in elevated cholesterol, and in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Fructose is a carbohydrate that is found in fruit, honey, white sugar, cane sugar, and wine.

HFCS (high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup) has a very sweet flavor and is found in soft drinks, lemonade, breakfast cereals, ready meals, bread, cold cuts, ketchup, dressing, pizza, candy, cakes, coffee creamers etc. It pays off to read the food labels carefully to avoid this type of sugar.