coffee
Coffee has earned a bad rap for everything from its caffeine, which can cause jitters, to its color, which can stain teeth. In truth, java isn't all bad for you. Its caffeine works wonders as a stimulant and its antioxidants help health in a variety of ways.
Though coffee is most commonly used for quick pick-me-ups during late night study sessions or morning classes, caffeine can boost the body as well as the brain by enabling faster muscle contractions during athletic activity. "Its properties as a stimulant can improve the way your muscles work," says Philip Gallagher, assistant professor of health, sport and exercise sciences at KU. The caffeine in coffee is actually powerful enough to be considered a "controlled" substance by the International Olympic Committee.
Coffee's antioxidants also possess positive powers. Studies link antioxidants to protection against diabetes, Parkinson's disease and liver and colon cancer. Gallagner says coffee's antioxidants can also
potentially improve heart health and metabolic rates. Though there are other ways to ingest antioxidants, grabbing a cup of joe is among the most convenient.
VERDICT: GOOD FOR YOU
As with any food or drink, moderation is key, as drinking too much caffeine can lead to an increased heart rate or stomach pain. Controlled coffee intake, however, certainly isn't a bad thing.
—Asher Fusco
ear candling
While ear candling may feel good, it can be very dangerous. Ferguson says there have been cases reported of people having the hot wax drip into their ear canal and burn them. She also says that ear candling doesn't actually do anything and the "debris" found in the cone isn't ear wax, but wax from the candle.
Ferguson says if you have problems with ear wax you should see your doctor before trying any home remedies.And if self-management is recommended, the
Ear candling is an ancient practice used to remove wax from the ear. Ear candles are narrow hollow cylindrical cones made of cloth and wax. The tip of the cone is placed into the ear. After it is lit it burns for about 10 minutes. Once the ear candle is extinguished it is believed that the remnants in the cone are wax from the ear.
Sarah Ferguson, assistant professor of speech-language-hearing: sciences and disorders at the University of Kansas, says, "Ear candling (a) is unnecessary and (b) can be dangerous." She also says there is no reason to remove ear wax unless the ear canals are so plugged that it causes discomfort or hearing loss.
—Realle Roth
doctor will say to use a peroxide-based product rather than something involving fire.
VERDICT: BAD FOR YOU
October 23,2008
11