Hello, it’s Tuesday, November 7. You’re about to discover 7 incredible benefits of “quercetin”, top tips for waking up on dark mornings, a surprising health benefit of vitamin B12, a new & delicious fall squash recipe, and more…
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Americans Now Spend Half Their Lives Taking Prescription Meds
Prescription drug use in the U.S. has now reached historic highs, according to a new study. An American born in 2019 can currently expect to take prescription medication(s) for approximately half their lifetime – 47.54 years for women and 36.84 years for men.
In addition, the number of years Americans are expected to be taking 5 or more drugs simultaneously has also increased substantially. Women are likely to start taking prescription drugs earlier than men (at age 15), in part because of birth control use, but also due to a greater use of painkillers and drugs for anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
To determine these statistics, the study looked at surveys on prescription drug use across the U.S. from the years 1996-2019. The significant increase is attributed to things like an aging population, growing rates of chronic diseases, and factors related to the healthcare / pharmaceutical industries.
“This paper is not trying to say that use of prescription drugs is good or bad,” said Jessica Ho, study author. “Obviously, they have made a difference in treating many conditions, but there are growing concerns about how much is too much… What we find is…the rates of prescription drug use in the United States are extraordinarily high.”
Losing Just 90 Minutes of Sleep Harms Blood Vessels, Heart Health
Research has long indicated that severe sleep deprivation has a negative impact on heart health and the entire body, but a recent study has now found that consistently delaying bedtime by just 90 minutes – something many adults do regularly – can also harm the heart.
The study was a small one that involved 35 healthy women who slept for 6 weeks according to their normal routine (7-8 hours of sleep per night) followed by 6 weeks of going to bed 90 minutes later than normal. This was to mimic “the most common sleep pattern” seen in adults.
Researchers found that just 6 weeks of shortened sleep caused destructive molecules (known as oxidants) to “flood” the cells that line blood vessels. This particular type of damage leads to blood vessel cells that are inflamed and dysfunctional, which is a beginning stage in the development of heart disease.
"This is some of the first direct evidence to show that mild chronic sleep deficits cause heart disease," said Sanja Jelic, study leader. “Most people get up around the same time each day but tend to push back their bedtime one to two hours…Many problems could be solved if people sleep at least seven to eight hours per night.”
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Curb Cravings & Restore Your Energy the Easy Way
What if boosting your energy, improving your mood, and supporting healthy metabolism was as simple as drinking a cup of cocoa?
That might sound like wishful thinking, and it would be if you were to drink a standard sugar-laden beverage made with chemically-processed cocoa that’s been stripped of nutrients. However, pure cacao (the raw, “alive” form of cocoa) has numerous health benefits that would fill several pages. It contains potent antioxidants that fight inflammation and is a natural source of anandamide, a feel-good compound known as “the bliss molecule.” That’s why Earth Echo made pure, ceremonial-grade cacao the base of their indulgent Cacao Bliss superfood drink, which also contains turmeric for more inflammation-fighting power, MCT oil to curb food cravings, and cinnamon to support healthy blood sugar levels. It’s truly a “chocolate elixir” you can enjoy with ZERO guilt.
Find out more about the decadent, USDA Certified Organic Cacao Bliss here.
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7 Incredible Benefits of Quercetin– A Superpowered Antioxidant
Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant found most abundantly in deeply colored plant foods. Like other antioxidants, it fights free radical damage and chronic inflammation and may even lower pain from inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Studies have also shown that quercetin may help combat allergies and is protective of the heart, brain, and skin. Consume it via foods like berries, red apples, citrus fruit, tomatoes, peppers, red lettuce, leafy greens, and tea. (More)
Higher Levels of Vitamin B12 May Help Lower Inflammation
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient that’s incredibly important for many processes in your body, including energy and mood. Previous research has hinted that it might also have an anti-inflammatory effect, though the reason for this is unknown. However, a new study offers confirmation for past findings by showing that higher circulating levels of vitamin B12 correspond with lower concentrations of two common inflammatory markers. (More)
Hair Relaxers Linked to Increased Risk of Uterine Cancer
Chemical hair relaxers, which are commonly marketed to and used by Black women, usually contain endocrine disruptors that are linked to negative reproductive health outcomes. A recent study examined the association between hair relaxers and uterine cancer for the first time, finding that long-term use by postmenopausal Black women may raise the risk of uterine cancer by as much as 50% compared to women who never or rarely use hair relaxers. (More)
Golf, Nordic Walking May Significantly Boost Brain Function
Getting regular exercise is known to have long-term benefits for brain health, but some physical activities may also boost brain function in the short-term. In this case, researchers found that an 18-hole golf round and a 6 km (3.7 miles) Nordic walking session both improved cognitive function immediately after they were completed. Nordic walking and regular walking were also associated with better executive function, which is a set of mental skills involving flexible thinking and self-control. (More)
What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health
Examining the tongue for signs of disease elsewhere in the body is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice that now has validation from modern research. For example, studies using tongue imaging have confirmed that diabetic patients often have a yellowish tongue, while a severe COVID infection is indicated by a dark red tongue. In general, a pale tongue signals infection or a deficiency, a thick coating digestive disorders, and a thin tongue dehydration. (More)
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Tears may come out of your eyes when you feel sad (or cut an onion) but they also have a purpose in your eyes. The estimated 15-30 gallons of tears produced every year constantly lubricate the eyes, wash away irritants, and even contain antibodies to fight off bacteria.
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| Partner of the day |  |
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> What happened when 19 and 20 got into a fight? 21.
> What did the boy say to his fingers? “I’m counting on you.”
> What did one traffic light say to the other? Don’t look, I’m changing.
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“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
-Henry Ford
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