Hello, it’s Tuesday, August 15. You’re about to discover 12 fascinating facts about your skin, a drink that can lower blood sugar, how to keep produce fresh for weeks, a tasty herbal “coffee” recipe, and more…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Microwaving Baby Food Containers Releases Billions of Nanoplastics
Heating plastic baby food containers in the microwave releases billions of miniscule plastic particles— known as nanoplastics— according to a recent study. The health effects of these particles are still largely unknown, but the same study found that they killed 75% of cultured kidney cells after two days of exposure.
“It is really important to know how many micro- and nanoplastics we are taking in,” said Kazi Albab Hussain, the study’s lead author. “Many studies, including ours, are demonstrating that the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics is highly linked to the level of exposure.”
The study used two types of commonly available plastic baby food containers and filled them with different liquids before heating them for 3 minutes. The liquids were then analyzed for micro- and nanoplastic content.
This study offers further confirmation that heating plastic containers, particularly in the microwave, releases potentially harmful chemicals. Previous research has shown that this extends beyond baby food containers to “normal” food storage containers.
Short Bursts of Physical Activity May Significantly Lower Cancer Risk
Just 4-5 minutes of vigorous “lifestyle physical activity” a day could reduce the risk of certain cancers by as much as 32%, some new research has found. It was also linked to an 18% reduction in overall cancer risk.
“We know the majority of middle-aged people don’t regularly exercise which puts them at increased cancer risk,” said Emmanuel Stamatakis, lead study author, “but it’s only through the advent of wearable technology like activity trackers that we are able to look at the impact of short bursts of incidental physical activity done as part of daily living.”
The study was an observational one that tracked the activity of over 22,000 “non-exercisers.” Cancer risk reduction was connected to 1-2 minute bursts (total of 4.5 minutes daily) of vigorous lifestyle activities like carrying heavy shopping at the store, vigorous housework, or playing high-energy games (often with kids).
“We need to further investigate this link through robust trials,” said Stamatakis, “but it appears that VILPA [vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity] may be a promising cost-free recommendation for lowering cancer risk in people who find structured exercise difficult or unappealing.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Partner of the day |  |
Fight Pain, Inflammation from Your Living Room
You can make use of natural light therapy to ease pain, lower inflammation, and boost your health in a number of other ways.
Chronic inflammation is now recognized as a leading contributor to chronic diseases, many of them pain-related. While there are several natural ways— including herbs and spices— to reduce inflammation, none is easier than red light therapy. It utilizes safe, red and near-infrared rays to activate mitochondria, supporting your body at the deepest level. Studies have shown it can fight inflammation, ease muscle and joint pain, and even boost mood and energy. This therapy used to be in-office only, but Lumebox has developed a portable red light therapy device you can use in your home (or anywhere). It’s third-party tested for safety and simple to operate.
Find out more about the research-backed benefits of Lumebox here.
|
|
|
|
|
13 Fantastic Health Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a great way to cool off in the heat of summer, but its benefits don’t end there. Swimming is also one of the best low-impact exercises you can do and gives you a full-body workout. Some research suggests it may help ease arthritis pain and stiffness, and it could even improve heart health when done regularly. Going for a swim is also a good way to feel less stressed and may help you sleep better at night. (More)
Curiosity Linked to Better Memory, Learning
Making a simple switch from a high-pressure, “urgent” mindset to a curious one could improve your memory and ability to learn. At least, that’s what a recent study found when researchers tested these two mindsets in a carefully designed computer game. They found that those who were encouraged to have a more curiosity-oriented frame of mind showed better long-term memory. However, they did point out that an urgent mindset is still good for short-term problems— like suddenly confronting a bear. (More)
Drinking Kombucha Could Help Lower Blood Sugar
Kombucha is a fermented, probiotic tea that has been consumed since at least 200 BC in China. In spite of the fact that it’s made with sugar— which does get partially “consumed” by the microbes during fermentation— some new research found that drinking kombucha for 4 weeks could lower blood sugar levels. The study was specifically conducted with participants who had type 2 diabetes, and researchers hope to conduct larger trials in the future. (More)
Chiropractic Care May Reduce the Need for Pain Medicine
Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues around the world and a leading cause of disability. While not everyone may have severe pain, a recent study highlights chiropractic care as one way to help manage this type of back pain. Overall, the study authors found that adults who received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) were less likely to need pain medication at a one-year followup than those who didn’t go to a chiropractor. (More)
11 Highly Nutritious “Weeds” You Can Eat from Your Yard
Though you may not realize it, some of the most nutrient-packed plants you can eat are hiding in your yard. The always-looked-down-on dandelion is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and gut-healthy fiber, while plantain is rich in calcium and can soothe digestion. Lamb’s quarters, nettle, and purslane are full of nutrients, protein, and antioxidants. Chicory makes an excellent herbal “coffee,” and commonly found milk thistle has liver-protective effects. The list goes on… (More)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Human babies are born with about 300 bones in their body. Some of these bones are flexible to allow passage through the birth canal and harden over time, while others fuse together, leading to around 100 fewer total bones by adulthood.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Partner of the day |  |
Younger-Looking Skin and a Better Mood
Did you know there’s one simple, natural therapy that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve your mood?
Known as red light therapy, this technique activates mitochondria to lower inflammation and boost blood flow. The result is less noticeable wrinkles and scars as well as improved skin texture and elasticity. Using a portable red light device daily has also been shown to increase energy, ease symptoms of depression, fight inflammation, and reduce pain. You can find out more about the benefits of Lumebox light therapy here.
|
|
|
|
|
> How does a squid go into battle? Well-armed.
> Which day are potatoes afraid of? Fryday.
> Why shouldn’t you play poker on a safari? Too many cheetahs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.”
-Sam Levenson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why Beat122? A "beat" is a genre of journalism focused on a particular sector. In our case, that sector is concise and unbiased
natural health news that you can take action to live long and live well. The number 122 symbolizes positive change. And there is a double meaning to Beat122. The world's oldest person lived to age 122. Based on the science, we are certain you and many others can beat that, and our mission is to provide you with the best insights to do so!
First time reading? Subscribe completely FREE here.
Interested in reaching smart readers like you? To become a Beat122 partner, apply here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The resources we share are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any type of disease. If you purchase products linked from our emails, we may receive a portion of the proceeds, and these affiliations help to support our work. Here are full terms & conditions. |
Beat122 1144 E State St, Suite A310 Geneva, IL 60134 Copyright 2023, Beat122, All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
