Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Diet & Nutrition
Which Vitamins to Take and Why
If we were to spring a pop quiz about vitamins, would you know these basics, as provided in the current Prevention magazine?
Vitamin A is essential to healthy vision. Four or five baby carrots, or a good multiple vitamin, provides the recommended daily dose.
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Most multivitamins or a few servings of dairy products provide the daily requirement.
Folic acid and calcium help keep blood pressure normal and enhance a healthful diet. Find a multivitamin that offers 100 percent of folic acid and take a calcium supplement that includes vitamin D.
Alcohol may boost bone density
The risk of hip fracture may be lower for those who consume one alcoholic drink per day, compared to those who don't drink at all. And, according to the May issue of The American Journal of Medicine, for those who have up to three drinks per day, bone density actually increases in association with alcohol consumption. The article is based on an analysis of more than 900 studies. The findings are contrary to previous studies that assert alcohol consumption leads to lower bone density.
Minimal exercise aids overweight
Sedentary or overweight women can improve their quality of life by exercising as little as 10 minutes a day, according to new research. After six months of organized exercise, the women showed improvement in activities such as carrying groceries or climbing stairs.
Compiled by Times staff, wires
in print: May 13, 2008