These 5 Top Health Stories of 2014 Might Seem Obvious, But the Proof is ... as they say, in the Pudding

It's not all about noodles on the Miracle Noodle Blog.  

We want to be a terrific source of health info for you in 2015 (can you believe it's almost 2015?!), so here's a recap of some of the top health stories of 2014....

Exercise Can Cure Depression

While this seem like a no-brainer, studies published in 2014 proved that exercise has a tremendous affect on mood. Swedish researchers discovered a protein that accumulates in muscles during exercise can be converted into an acid that can be eliminated by the body. This 'cleansing' of the protein was proven to help prevent depression. Exercise should be prescribed for the prevention and treatment of depression, said one of the study's co-authors.

Standing Up Can Prolong Life 

Again, this might seem like another common-sense-finding and has been clinically proven in recent years past. But it's important to note that more clinical findings in 2014 have proven that sitting down for prolonged periods of time might just be the greatest health risk of our modern age. Another study from Sweden split both men and women into two groups. Those who sat more had greater wear and tear on their telomeres, which are the end caps of our DNA (genes) that naturally wear and tear with age. Those who sat less showed less signs of aging in their telomeres. If you have a job that requires being at a desk for prolonged periods, consider getting a standing desk or laptop stand. Sit on an exercise ball when seated and bounce up and down while at work.

Another Obvious Finding: Eating Vegetables Prevents Dying

We've known this one for years ... but how many veggies do we need to eat to prolong life? One definitive study that was published in 2014 tracked over 65,000 people for over 12 years. The researchers found that those who consumed half a cup of veggies' worth seven times daily slashed their risk of premature death by over 40 percent. Fresh veggies were declared most beneficial, and even minimum consumption of them--one to three daily servings of a half-cup's worth--reduced early mortality by almost 15 percent.

Sugar Now Accounts for 15 Percent of the Average Americans' Caloric Consumption

It's not Earth-shattering news to announce that too much sugar is a primary cause of diabetes and obesity but what is shocking is just how much most Americans now consume of it: 15 percent of daily caloric intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this year called for a drastic reduction in sugar consumption. WHO recommends no more than 5 percent, which equals six teaspoons per day (25 grams).

Artificial Sweeteners: just as bad as the real thing

An Israeli new study concluded that additives may alter the body's metabolism, thus leading to more likely weight gain. Saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame--three of the most common fake sweeteners used in snacks and sodas--raised blood sugar levels in mice. The irony: these sweeteners may have directly contributed to enhancing the exact epidemic that they themselves were intended to fight, concluded the researchers from the Weizmann Institute. Although none of these top health stories of 2014 may be that surprising to some, these issues continue to contribute to a national health care crisis that affects more than our collective health and economy.

Please share the joy of being able to eat delicious low-sugar and low-starch meals with your friends. And if you'd like to discover the easiest way to stay healthy, this solution saves you time and money. Have a safe and happy, healthy New Year!