We have probably encountered the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But is there any actual truth to that? Will eating an apple keep you away from the doctor? According to Medical News Today, there is not any statistically significant evidence to show that the frequency of doctors visits decreases while consuming apples every day. However, the study did note that daily apple intake kept the pharmacist away.

This study, conducted by the University of Michigan School of Nursing, set a few standards in place to ensure proper experimental design. First of all, the participants should not visit the doctor more than once a year while eating apples every day. Secondly, the apple must be seven centimeters in diameter. The researchers found that daily apple eating is “not associated with successfully keeping to a maximum of one self-reported doctor visit a year.”  What is interesting to note is that participants who ate apples had a higher level of education, were more likely to be a racial minority, and did not smoke. Additionally, apple-eaters also successfully avoided prescription -based medication, and this data “survived statistical analysis.” Therefore, there was an association between eating an apple every day and avoiding the pharmacist.

Although apples do not keep the doctor away, they still have quite a few nutritional benefits. Apples have high levels of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytochemicals in the skin. Cornell University researchers treated colon cancer cells with apple extract and found that it decreased the cancer cell growth by 43%. The combination of phytochemicals coming from fruits and vegetables can induce positive health benefits, which may prevent cancer and other diseases in the future. While apples are a healthy fruit, they are not correlated with the number of doctor visits per year.

Sources:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291683.php
2. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20000621/benefits-of-eating-fruit#1

We all know that smoking leads to lung cancer, but did you know that a new study has stated that a lack of exercise is more harmful to your heart health than smoking?

The study was conducted by measuring the level of fitness in participants who were asked to walk quickly and then run on a treadmill. Individuals deemed unfit through the exercise stress test often had a more severe prognosis than the average patient with diabetes, hypersensitivity, or a patient that is a current smoker. Moreover, people that did not perform well on the treadmill test had double the risk of future kidney dialysis.

While smoking is a detrimental habit, a lack of fitness can lead to a surge of cardiovascular disease and diabetes cases. More than $200 billion per year is used for treating the complications of these diseases, thus placing an extensive burden on the healthcare system. In addition, not exercising will expose you to a risk of higher mortality. The risk associated with fatality is estimated at 500% higher in individuals that lead a very sedentary lifestyle.

For individuals that live in a sedentary lifestyle, it may be a wise idea to start making some quick life changes. Even something as simple as introducing a regular walk around the block each night can help you to reduce your overall risk for several different diseases. As you continue to scale up your exercising effort, you can continue to lower these risk factors and increase the longevity of your health.

Source:

1. https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/19/health/study-not-exercising-worse-than-smoking/index.html

Korean skincare products are becoming increasingly popular around the world. The Korean beauty market sits in a top 10 slot around the world, and the products produced here account for $13.1 billion in sales. The trend for Korean skincare partially stems from consumers wanting the same flawless, clear skin that Korean celebrities (or K-pop stars such as BTS) exhibit. This popularity is part of the cultural wave known as “hallyu” in which South Korean pop culture including food, drama, and makeup have propagated through social media and online platforms, thus attracting a global audience.

The improvements made in bioscience for skincare has allowed Korea to come up with products that have anti-wrinkle properties, elasticity boosters, sun blocking elements, and pigment fading effects. Therefore, Korean skincare products have real merit when it comes to skin treatment.  The traditional skin care routine includes a 10 step routine that involves the following steps:  “pre-cleanse, cleanse, exfoliation, and then apply the following: toner, essence, ampoule, face mask, eye cream, emulsion, and moisturizing cream.”

What makes this routine standout is that the products use an oil-base to help remove makeup rather than a strong surfactant.  The products also contains humectant, which is known to hydrate the skin and make it more supple. With regard to the face-masks, the usage of aloe allows the skin to increase its absorption through a fermented botanical component. The fermented botanical component has micro-organisms that “ferment and break down molecules into the raw material,” thus synthesizing a material that reduces skin irritation.

Although a 10 step skincare routine may seem out of reach for most people,  it can improve many habits and can ultimately lead to much healthier skin. Let us know in the comments if you have tried this Korean skin-care routine.

Sources:

1. https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/11/health/korean-makeup-beauty-health-benefits/index.html
2. https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/news/a30379/korean-dermatologist-on-beauty/