So be sure to check your blood pressure regularly and if your numbers become elevated, consult with your doctor or pharmacist about steps to lower it. Harvard Men's Health Watch. Apple consumption may help you reduce your risk of lung cancer according to a recent Finnish study Scientists who followed the eating habits of 10,000 people for a 25-year period found that those who consumed the most apples were 58 percent less likely to get lung cancer as those who ate fewer apples. Quercetin, an antioxidant also found in onions, is attributed as providing the helpful protection, although supplements with quercetin had no effect on cancer risk. An International Obesity Task Force says more and more people are becoming obese which can have serious medical implications.
Obesity is a risk factor for several medical disorders, including diabetes and stroke.
The Task Force says that the number of obese people living in the United States has risen to 35 percent and Europeans are not far behind, with 15-20 percent of its population categorized as obese. The highest incidence occurs among women in Eastern Europe, with 50 percent, and people in China and several South American countries are also gaining weight more rapidly. Despite major news coverage over the years of red wine's benefits in reducing the risk of heart disease, an eight year study of 130,000 Californians showed that individuals who had one or two drinks a day, no matter what they drank, were still at less risk for developing heart disease than teetotalers. Red wine showed no obvious benefits over white wine or beer. One reason for the misconception, the journal says, is that wine consumers generally drink less than beer lovers.