Roses fend off predators with thorns, but tobacco plants protect their huge leaves with a more lethal, yet invisible, defense -- nicotine. Naturally occurring in tobacco, the chemical nicotine rapidly hijacks the nervous systems of insects and animals that would dare munch on it.

Enjoy spaghetti as a versatile food that goes with a variety of sauces and toppings. Prepare spaghetti simply by tossing it with garlic and olive oil, or create a more elaborate dish with tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese and fresh garden vegetables.

The submaximal treadmill test is used to examine the cardiovascular health of athletes and those who may have heart disease. Also referred to as stress tests or tolerance tests, submaximal tests are used to examine an athlete’s aerobic capabilities and to screen for possible heart or lung problems.

Beef heart is a muscle like other cuts of steak, but it is more dense with a higher nutrient content and additional protein. Beef heart contains all essential amino acids, zinc, selenium and phosphorus.

If you're concerned about the health of your cardiovascular system, keeping your blood pressure low and blood cholesterol in a healthy range are important goals.

Cold-pressed olive oil is extracted from fresh olives by mechanical means at a temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Olive Oil Source. Cold-pressed virgin olive oil contains high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants that provide many health benefits.

Salt and cholesterol go hand in hand toward increasing your risk of heart disease. Although you need minimal amounts of sodium and cholesterol in your body, too much can lead to cardiovascular disease.

If you’ve ever used a hot pack to warm up a sore muscle before exercise or a sporting event, then you know that heat can increase blood flow and reduce muscle stiffness. Infrared heat is a form of energy that allows you to heat your body more effectively and penetrate more deeply than other types of heat.

As of 2011, Adderall is approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It is considered safe for most people who do not also have heart disease or a heart defect, according to Drugs.com.

When you exercise, your pulse rate accelerates to help move blood and oxygen through your cells and tissues. Knowing your pulse rate can help you evaluate your exercise routine and maximize the benefits of your workout.

Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped out of one side of the heart in a minute. The average for a normal adult is approximately 5 liters per minute.

Excess abdominal fat causes more problems than having difficulty fitting into your favorite jeans. There are two types -- visceral, which surrounds your abdominal organs, and subcutaneous, which lies between the abdominal wall and your skin.