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A Taste of MyPlate, Is Laughter Good Medicine?

A Taste of My Plate

Out with the pyramid, in with the plate: The USDA has introduced a new healthful eating guide called MyPlate, a simple diagram that replaces the ever-familiar food pyramid, which debuted in 1992. The new guide is based on the recently updated USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and emphasizes the following take-home messages.

• Enjoy your food but avoid oversized portions.
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. A diet that’s rich in such edibles reduces risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Make at least half your grains whole grains. Whole grains contain fiber and help with weight management.
• Opt for fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk. Fat-free or low-fat dairy choices can help keep blood cholesterol levels healthy.
• Check the sodium content in foods like bread, soup and frozen meals, and munch the items with lower amounts.
• Nix sugary drinks; go with water instead.

Is Laughter Good Medicine?

Nearly every study on the connection between laughter and health has shown at least some positive results, according to a recent exhaustive study of the medical literature published in Canadian Family Physician. Laughter is a documented remedy for stress relief, but researchers are also exploring some other unexpected effects. For example, laughter may:

Boost immunity. Some studies have shown that using humor may boost the body’s levels of infection-fighting antibodies and immune cells.

Increase blood flow. In a University of Maryland study, participants who watched movie clips of comedies like Kingpin and There’s Something About Mary experienced widening of their blood vessels and increased blood flow.

Reduce pain. Several studies have found that when people laugh, physical pain doesn’t bother them as much. In one small study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, participants’ response to discomfort was measured after they listened to a comical, relaxing or dull 20-minute audio. Those who listened to the funny audio had a higher pain threshold.

FYI: Not all experts are convinced by such results and only more research will confirm laughter's health benefits. In the meantime? LOL when you can.