Cinnamon seems to be not only a terrific spice for all sorts of savory foods, but it may also have some health benefits – there’s only one way to know for sure – test it on myself.

According to Doctor Oz, cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol and may help in weight reduction. On the other hand, WebMD says there are no proven health benefits and also warns, “Very high quantities of cinnamon may be toxic.”

Luckily I get my blood tested every 6 months so I’m going to see what if any effects it may have. I’m now taking two 500mg capsules of cinnamon every day plus another teaspoon with my yogurt. I’ll report the results. Has anyone else tried cinnamon for its possible health benefits?

I find it a bit aggravating when Dr. Oz seems to recommend that everyone quit coffee on his website. If you look on the webmd website and do a search you will find these articles about coffee.

1. Drinking Coffee May Extend Life

2. Moderate Coffee Drinking Reduces Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s by 65% in Study

3. Coffee’s Surprising Health Benefits

4. Coffee Cuts Stroke Risk in Women

Here’s another interesting video.

http://www.rd.com/video/is-coffee-good-for-you/video169763.html

Lately I’ve been taking one baby aspirin per day for health reasons. Dr. Oz says take two. Here’s his reasoning.

Dr. Mehmet Oz: Aspirin absolutely benefits the heart and prevents clots from suddenly closing off an artery. Most men and women over the age of 50 should take 2 baby aspirin a day. The reason we give 2 rather than one is that many Americans are resistant to aspirin. And because the side effects are so minor, it makes sense to give double the dose.

I’m rarely impressed by most “health” type websites. Most seem to be pushing one philosophy or product with little if any scientific evidence to backup their claims. “Blue Zones” is an exception and thanks to Dr. Oz. I found the book which started the program and a great website for all sorts of great information and videos. www.bluezones.com

Here’s also a nice introductory video.

An article from the April 2009 Consumer Reports on Health showed how easy it is to build your strength with minimal training. Instead of the two to three sets of ten of each exercise, they said that one set of strength type exercises builds about 66% as much strength as two sets. (They didn’t mention what percentage that is of three sets.) They also recommended that you lift slowly (two seconds) and then lower even more slowly (4 seconds).

While I’ve found is that I can get stronger by lifting weights just twice a week, I’m going to give the one set method a try and see how it works.

For people over 60 they also recommended lifting just twice a week to let muscles recover.

Here’s more evidence from the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease to show that coffee might help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. “Mice with a rodent equivalent of the disease showed a 50 per cent reduction in levels of amyloid protein in their brains after scientists spiked their drinking water with caffeine. The change was reflected in their behavior as the mice developed better memories and quicker thinking.” (link)

It’s always amazing how simple it is at times – Use It or Lose It.

It can be physical strength and stamina or confidence and self-esteem.

You’re either getting stronger or weaker – the choice is up to you.

Note how crowded this gym is – and it’s free!

The red arrow points to my favorite equipment for strengthening my back.
It seems to work!