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Today’s Health Upgrade
Are organic foods more nutritious?
Your shower has a dirty secret
The cardio-muscle building relationship
Arnold’s Podcast
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Fact Or Fiction
Organic Foods Are More Nutritious (Or Are They?)
People purchase organic foods for many different reasons. However, one of the most common motivations might not deliver the benefits you expect.
A massive review suggests that organic foods are not more nutritious than their conventional counterparts.
Researchers conducted one of the most comprehensive reviews by sorting through 147 scientific articles containing 656 comparative analyses.
The scientists found that protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals were virtually identical between organic and conventional foods. Protein and fat content in organic and conventional milk were similar, though some research suggests slightly higher omega-3 fatty acids.
While some believe organic foods avoid all pesticides, that’s not necessarily accurate. What matters is that both organic and conventional foods fall within safety limits established by regulatory agencies.
So, what does all this mean? If you're buying organic to avoid certain chemicals or support farming practices, that’s a personal preference and you should stick with what feels best for you. But eating healthy does not require you to purchase organic.
Together With Jolie
Your Shower Water Has A Dirty Secret
You invest in your hair and skincare, choose clean products, and fuel your body with the best foods. But there’s one invisible problem that could still sabotage your skin and hair: your shower water.
Most tap water in the U.S. contains chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants. It’s not necessarily dangerous, but it could have unintended consequences for your hair and skin. Every time you shower, you're not just rinsing off — you could be exposing yourself to irritants that dry out your skin, dull your hair, and disrupt your natural barrier.
Research suggests hard water weakens hair, making it more prone to breakage. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, which build up on the hair shaft. This buildup makes the hair more brittle and causes damage over time.
On the other hand, filtered water is free from these harsh minerals, reducing residue and keeping hair fibers healthier.
If you need a scientifically-proven solution, the Jolie filter was designed to protect your body at the source. Their advanced filtration system removes the harsh stuff before it ever touches you, leaving you with cleaner water, softer skin, and healthier hair.
Jolie offers the only lab-tested and clinically reviewed showerhead that removes chlorine and heavy metals.
If you want to protect your hair and skin, the Jolie filter is an easy way to enhance your shower experience. As a member of APC, you get free shipping and a 60-day trial. So if you don’t love it or see a difference, you can return it and get your money back, no questions asked.
Fitness
Does Cardio Help You Build More Muscle?
Most people believe that improving endurance with cardio sets the foundation for building strength later. But science just proved that’s not how muscle really works, especially as you age.
New research found that following an aerobic exercise program before strength training does not lead to bigger muscles or better strength gains.
Scientists examined whether improving muscle blood flow (by increasing capillaries through aerobic exercise) "precondition" your muscles and lead to greater growth once you start resistance training.
Healthy older men and women were divided into two groups: one did 8 weeks of aerobic training, then 12 weeks of resistance training. The other group did no exercise for 8 weeks (control), then 12 weeks of resistance training.
After 12 weeks of strength training, both groups experienced similar muscle growth, strength gains, and functional improvements.
The researchers suggest that while aerobic exercise can improve blood flow and endurance, it doesn’t set the stage for bigger or stronger muscles during resistance training. Muscle hypertrophy seems to be driven much more by the mechanical tension created during lifting weights, not by how many blood vessels you have feeding your muscle fibers.
For the best of both worlds, research suggests you make time for both types of exercise. Cardio is excellent for heart health and endurance, and lifting weights keeps your muscles thriving and your body functioning at its best. At a minimum, aim for at least two days of cardio and two days of resistance training per week.
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Publisher: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Editors-in-chief: Adam Bornstein and Daniel Ketchell
