A recumbent bike is a cardiovascular machine that gives you a similar workout to a regular exercise bike. The difference is with the way the bike is set up. On a recumbent bike, there is a bucket seat with a backrest. The pedals are out in front of you, so when you operate the machine, you are in a horizontal position.
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Cardiovascular exercise involves the major muscle groups performing work for long durations with little to no added resistance. An exercise stepper is a cardiovascular machine that has two pedals that you place your feet on and stationary handles to hold for balance.
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Protein is a macronutrient. Unlike a "micronutrient," the body needs it in larger amounts. It is utilized for muscle growth, cell regeneration and to promote a healthy immune system. When it is digested in the body, a waste product called "urea" gets produced.
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The acidity of foods, or other substances, are measured by their pH value -- their place on a 14-point pH scale. Acidic substances have a low pH -- the lower the pH, the more acidic -- while neutral and basic substances have higher pH levels of 7 or above.
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Carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram and are a macronutrient. When they are consumed, they get converted to glucose and they are either used for energy immediately or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles, and used for energy at a later date. Foods that are high in carbs and low in fat are natural sources.
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Fat is often looked upon in fear by many people. In reality, there are good fats and bad fats. Saturated and trans fats are bad, and should be avoided. Polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, are good for you; omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids are types of polyunsaturated fats.
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Smoking and drinking are two lifestyle habits that get a lot of negative criticism in the health industry, and for good reason. They both cause multiple complications with the body that can range from mild to life-threatening. The only exception is moderate consumption of alcohol.
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Potatoes are known as tuber vegetables which grow underground. The Yukon Gold potato is a particular type that is round, medium in size and yellow in color. If you want to see if Yukon Golds fit into your diet plan, the nutritional content of these potatoes can help you to decide that.
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Holidays and parties are regular settings for snack trays to appear. Triscuits are a type of crackers made with whole grains that are commonly found on these occasions. If you have recently started to take an interest in your health, learn more about these treats to see if they should be placed on your plate.
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Costco is a warehouse store where you can buy items in bulk. A food court also allows you to have a slice of pizza before or after you shop excursion. Find out what the pizza's nutritional content is to see how it fits in with your diet plan.
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Fish oil is extracted from cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and cod. It contains a blend of omega-3 fatty acids that are made up of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fats are substances that the body cannot produce on its own, yet they are vital for our existence.
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Gorgonzola is a type of Italian blue cheese that is easy to crumble. It is often added to salads and it comes from either cow's milk or goat's milk. If you are looking to add this food to your diet, it is good to know the nutrient profile.
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A hot dog is commonly served in a bun and smothered with chili, relish, cheese and even bacon. A "stand-alone" hot dog -- that is, one without a bun and condiments -- has a significantly different nutrient profile from the "full-dressed" hot dog.
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Chinese buffets are much maligned for their high-calorie, high-fat food offerings. It is true that you can be in some trouble when you walk into the restaurant and see the freshly stacked mounds of colorful creations that smell as good as they look. But there is hope.
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Manganese is a mineral that, in very small amounts, is essential for proper functioning of the human body. However, over-consumption can result in nervous system and learning disabilities. Although many whole, natural foods contain manganese, Americans' processed-food diets often result in manganese deficiency.
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People in the western Ghat region of India have long used kokum as both spice and medicine. Recent research suggests that it may have potential as an appetite suppressant, as a protector of brain health and as a cancer preventative.
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Durum is a variety of wheat that has a higher protein and gluten content than other kinds of wheat and that is most often found in pasta. Whole wheat of any variety is wheat that contains all three parts of the wheat grain -- germ, bran and endosperm.
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Bicycling is a sport that individuals of all ages can enjoy, but also comes with risks. According to the journal "American Family Physician," bicycle injuries account for more than 1.2 million doctor visits a year in the United States.
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An abnormal Pap smear can be a sign that you have abnormal cells on your cervix that may be precancerous. To remove these cells, a LEEP may be performed. This is a minor surgical procedure that can be done in your doctor's office, with minor restrictions on physical activity.
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When you participate in physical activities or sports, it is not uncommon to experience muscle soreness, and sometimes even bruised muscles. While some muscle soreness is normal after activities, bruising, or contusions, can signal a more serious injury.
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