What Do You Eat Before And After Exercising?

 Blueberries and 

Green Tea 

Recently,  studies conducted at North Carolina State University and published in PLOS One found that exercise helps enhance the absorption of polyphenols found in blueberries and green tea.

These polyphenols help lower blood pressure, blood glucose, reduce inflammation, and helps get rid free radicals that damage brain cells.

The study analyzed 2 groups of participants. One group consumed blueberries and green tea (both high in polyphenols) before they worked out and the other group was only given a protein supplement before they exercised.

The team found that the group that consumed high concentrations of polyphenols from the blueberries and green tea experienced a significant decrease in inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increase in their immune system. In addition to this, the researchers found that the participants in the blueberry group experienced a longer increase in their metabolism compared to the other group.

According to the director of NC State University’s Plants and Human Health Institute, Dr. Mary Ann Lila:

"The findings reinforce the potential benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables, and in particular blueberries, before and after exercise."

If you are interested in experiencing these great health benefits, you might want to consider consuming blueberries or green tea before you work out.

Enjoy your day.

Almonds Can Improve Blood Flow

UNITED KINGDOM

 Studies conducted at Aston University found that almonds could reduce the risk of heart disease.

The study included two groups of participants, one group was told to consume 50 grams of almonds a day for one month, while the other group was told to consume their normal meals and snacks.

The team found that the group that consumed almonds daily had higher levels of antioxidants in their blood compared to the control group. In addition, the almond group had improved blood flow and lower blood pressure, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

According to study leader, Professor Helen Griffiths:

"Our study confirms that almonds are a superfood. Previous studies have shown that they keep your heart healthy, but our research proves that it isn't too late to introduce them into your diet -- adding even a handful (around 50g) every day for a short period can help. You could replace a daytime snack with a bag of almonds or add them to your regular meals like porridge or muesli to help reduce your risk of heart problems."

If you are interested in reducing your risk of heart disease, you might want to consider adding a few almonds to your daily diet.

Enjoy your day.

Benefits Of Pumpkins

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 

A recent study conducted at Harvard University and featured on Medical News Today found several health benefits associated with pumpkins.

The study analyzed several different health benefits associated with consuming pumpkins. Some of these health benefits include the following:

·         Blood pressure: The high amounts of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C all support heart health. It is noted that consuming potassium is almost as important as limiting salt intake for high blood pressure.

·         Cancer: The beta-carotene found in pumpkins help prevent cancer, specifically prostate and colon cancer.

·         Eye health: The antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene found in pumpkins help support eye health and prevent damage.

·         Immunity: The high amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene significantly boost your immune system.

According to the researchers, consuming fresh pumpkins provides the most health benefits. However they noted:

“Consuming one cup of cooked, canned pumpkin would provide well over 100% of your daily needs for vitamin A, 20% of the daily value for vitamin C, 10% or more for vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium, copper and manganese at least 5% for thiamin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, niacin, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.”

If you are interested in receiving some of these health benefits, you might want to consider adding pumpkins to your diet.

Have a great day.

Any Concerns About Prostate Cancer?

CAMBRIDGE , MASSACHUSETTS. 

 Studies conducted at Harvard School of Public Health and featured in Medical News Today found several health benefits associated with consuming cantaloupe.

The study analyzed multiple different studies that looked at any possible health benefits associated with consuming cantaloupe. The researchers noted that consuming fruits and vegetables in general has been shown to reduce the risk of several health conditions.

The team found several health benefits associated with cantaloupe, they include the following:

·      The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content found in cantaloupe support heart health, and help reduce the risk of stroke.

·      Proven to help prevent cancer, specifically prostate cancer. The beta-carotene found in cantaloupe has been shown to play a protective role against prostate cancer.

·      The high level of fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes regularity, maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

·      The electrolyte content as well as the high amount of water found in cantaloupes helps keep you hydrated.

·      Choline, which is a nutrient found in cantaloupe not only helps improve sleep, learning and memory but also prevents inflammation, which is associated with several chronic illnesses.

If you are interested in receiving some of these health benefits, you might want to consider adding cantaloupe to your daily diet.

Hane an enjoyable day.

B12 And The Brain

(CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS) 

Studies were recently conducted at Harvard University and published in the Harvard Health Newsletter found that vitamin B12 helps boost brain function and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

However, it is noted that vitamin B12 deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency, this is bad news because B12 helps boost your immune system, regulates mood and sleep cycles, produces energy, and boosts brain health by preventing brain shrinkage (associated with Alzheimer’s disease).

The study analyzed a group of participants; they all completed a questionnaire regarding the types of foods they consumed and their lifestyle characteristics. The researchers also looked at blood samples and analyzed the results.

They found that those who had vitamin B12 deficiency were experiencing the following:

·         Low energy and weakness

·         Confusion and memory problems

·         Sleep and digestive problems

·         Weak immune system

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the following foods are rich in vitamin B12:

·         Fish (clams, trout, salmon, tuna)

·         Beef (liver, top sirloin)

·         Dairy (milk, yogurt, Swiss cheese)

If you are interested in preventing Alzheimer’s disease as well as other health issues, you might want to consider adding foods rich in vitamin B12 to your daily diet.

Have a great day.

Activities For Brain-Health

MASSACHUSETTS —A recent study conducted at Harvard University found 6 hobbies that help stimulate your brain, promoting brain health.

The researchers studied a group of participants, they all completed questionnaires regarding their health and lifestyle. The researchers specifically looked at which lifestyle activities promoted brain health.

The team found 6 activities that significantly stimulated the brain, these activities include:

1.      Photography: Helps stimulate your brain on 2 levels, learning the technical aspects and using your creativity.

2.      Word Games: Scrabble, and crossword puzzles help stimulate your thinking abilities.

3.      Art: Helps maintain mental stimulation.

4.      Dance: According to previous studies, dancing helps boost brain function.

5.      Learn to play an instrument: This is an excellent and complex mental stimulator.

6.      Travel: Traveling involves learning and experiencing new things, which helps open your mind.

If you are interested in improving your brain health, you might want to consider adding some of these hobbies to your lifestyle.

Have a great day.