Hypoallergenic peanuts? Vitamin-rich rice? Calcium-filled potatoes? Biotech companies are working on the next wave of genetically engineered foods, but not without challenges.OPPONENTS call them Frankenfoods, man-made aberrations that should be banished from our grocery stores or at least clearly labeled so consumers know what they're eating.
Gary Taubes caused a stir five years ago, advocating a high-fat, low-carb diet. He's got a new book out, and he hasn't changed his mind.Science journalist Gary Taubes thinks we've got it all wrong about fat and carbohydrates. In his new book, "Good Calories, Bad Calories: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom on Diet, Weight Control and Disease," Taubes argues that a diet rich in carbohydrates -- not excess calories or a sedentary lifestyle -- makes people fat and unhealthy. The book expands on his controversial, 2002 cover story for the New York Times Magazine in which he argued that a diet high in fat and low in carbs, similar to the Atkins diet, was more effective at controlling weight and preventing disease.
New genetically engineered crops produce beneficial drugs for humans and animals, but some fear the experimental produce will make its way into the food chain.A new type of genetically engineered crop is taking root in American soil: so-called pharma crops, or plants engineered to make drugs for humans and animals.
A little high-impact exercise can help prevent osteoporosis, experts say.CYCLING is terrific exercise, hitting the cardiovascular system and major muscle groups simultaneously -- but it may not be the best thing for building strong bones. Compared with male runners, male cyclists appear more likely to have lower-than-normal bone density.
Go on vacation and come back in better shape than when you left? It happened to me last year when I went to northern Spain -- with a jump-rope. Packing more luggage-friendly fitness-per-ounce than any other exercise, skipping rope obliterates calories, rocks your heart rate and does wonders for your agility, posture, balance, reflexes and upper-to-lower body coordination. Always a boxing mainstay, it's increasingly being used as a warmup and tune-up for weightlifters, wrestlers, volleyball players, skaters and swimmers. Remarkably efficient and economical, these unique jump-ropes let you target your home workout to speed, strength and general fitness -- wherever in the world you happen to be.
Twisting the spine after your body has warmed up helps bring the spine back to its correct alignment. This stretches the muscles along the spine, and the oblique abdominals. You'll feel a great stretch in the shoulders and fronts of the thighs. Be persistent; progress in twists is often gradual.
Phthalates, compounds used in toys and many other plastic items, have raised health concerns.A group of obscure chemical compounds with the tongue-challenging name phthalates popped up in the news last week. Although you may have never heard of them, they're found in scores of consumer products. And they're linked by some people to a variety of health problems.
My teenage son is small-boned. This has had a negative effect on his self-confidence. I've given him protein drinks with creatine, amino acids and taurine, but we haven't seen much difference. I am concerned he may want to try steroids despite the danger. I found a natural steroid called DHEA, but I don't know if that's any better to use.
