Apple or Pear?

Did you know that what fruit you resemble can determine the kind of health you are in? While pear-shaped people may not appreciate their larger lower portions, they are the healthier of the two fruits.

Apples have a high waist-to-hip ratio, and have a greater risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and, possibly, some types of cancer. These people also have more visceral fat, fat deposited around and between organs in the pelvic cavity, which is linked with insulin resistance. Carrying fat around your hips and thighs in a classic pear distribution rather than an apple may be a blessing from a health standpoint (can all those who have always bemoaned our larger hineys and legs do a little happy dance please?).

How do you determine your waist to hip ratio? Measure your waist between your bottom rib and hip bones. Then measure your hip circumference at the widest point around your hips. Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference to get your waist-to-hip ratio. If you’re female, a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.80 is considered healthy. For men, 0.90 or less is ideal.

What do you do if your ratio is out of balance? High intensity exercise, high resistance training, and a balanced diet are your answers. Reducing your intake of carbohydrates has also shown to be beneficial.

Now go, put this newfound knowledge to use. As Proverbs 10:14 says, "The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin."

(Also, join my friends who are taking part in this 31 Days by clicking on their buttons on my tool bar on the right.)