Metabolic syndrome is a combination of abnormal body functions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Typically signs such as excessive weight, higher than normal triglyceride levels, lower than normal HDL cholesterol, higher than normal blood pressure, and higher than normal fasting blood sugar are indicators of having metabolic syndrome.

A recent study, after controlling for all other factors, found that adults with metabolic syndrome consistently had lower concentrations of carotenoids from serum antioxidants than those without metabolic syndrome. Serum antioxidants that were included were retinol, retinyl esters, carotenoids(a-carotene, B-carotene, B-cryptoxanthin, lutein+zeaxanthin, total lycopene), vitamin E, and vitamin C.

While vitamin E did not show a significant relationship with metabolic syndrome, there was an inverse relationship of retinol and retinyl esters among men only. Also, vitamin C showed a similar pattern to carotenoids as it had an inverse linear association with metabolic syndrome.

The study helps to give support to the argument of using nutrition to fight metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Yes, it’s true, fasting is good for your health. Oh we knew it all along. We heard how calorie restriction plus optimal nutrition leads to a longer life… I mean, everyone knows that eating less and requiring less insulin leads to a longer life, right?

Well there is a new study, as there always is, and here is what they are saying:

“Research cardiologists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute are reporting that fasting not only lowers one’s risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes, but also causes significant changes in a person’s blood cholesterol levels.”

The research team recorded differences in the body’s biological mechanisms during fasting. Noting that when the body was undergoing the stress of hunger, the body releases cholesterol in order to utilize it as a fuel source. This decreases fat cells and the fewer fat cells in the body, the less likely individuals will suffer from insulin resistance or diabetes.

Also of note, the study also confirmed that human growth hormone (HGH) increased an average of 1300 percent in women and 2000 percent in men. HGH, which is a metabolic protein, helps protect lean muscle and metabolic balance.

Fasting gives your body a break from the constant energy drain of digesting food during the day–every day. It’s important to fast carefully and to take measures when coming out of a fast to not break it too hastily.

Life Fitness Academy can help you set up a fast, or type of fast, and offers nutrition consultation services to help you meet your health and wellness goals.

In this video, John Peterson demonstrates how to correctly do hanging leg raises!

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