In the Pink

Welcome to “In the Pink” where you will get great tidbits of information that will keep you in the know about your health and wellness and make you say to yourself “who knew?”  The phrase “In the Pink” means to be in perfect condition, especially in health. So from 101 ways to use lemon juice to improve your skin to how watermelon is great for replenishing after exercising, I will keep you in the know about your health. Think of these as health soundbites!

Fitness

It take 100 steps per minute for exercise to be considered “moderate.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Turning up your I-POD when you exercises pushes you harder. Your brain perceives a booming beat as a threat, which releases adrenaline. University of Western Ontario

You need to sweat an extra amount of minutes on top of your regular workout session, depending on the alcohol you consume: Red wine – 9.5 minutes; 1 martini – 16.5 minutes; frozen margarita – 20 minutes; and 12 oz bottel of beer – 17.5 minutes. American Journal of Health Promotion

Nutrition

Eating a handful of dried figs increases the amount of antioxidants in your blood for four hours, much longer than many other foods.

Watermelon is a lycopene-rich fruits that provides 33% more  protection against sunburn than other fruits.

Whole grain snacks and crackers have high levels of antioxidants. University of Scranton

A diet high in sweets can also increase your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, both which are risk factors for heart disease. New recommendation: No more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day.  American Heart Association