Hello, it’s Sunday, November 26. You’re about to discover what ridges on your fingernails mean (including a few health cautions!), a surprising health effect of smartphone use, how “activity snacks” can help your heart, an indulgent dark chocolate recipe, and more…
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‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Thyroid Cancer
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – often referred to as forever chemicals – have now been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to a recent study. Notably, higher blood levels of a type of PFAS known as n-PFOS were associated with a 56% higher risk of thyroid cancer.
This study comes as cases of thyroid cancer are substantially increasing worldwide. Several types of PFAS have already been linked to hormone-disrupting effects and thyroid disease, leading researchers to question whether they may also be implicated in thyroid cancer.
The study was a small one that included 88 patients with thyroid cancer and 88 non-cancer controls. Blood samples were taken to determine levels of 8 different PFAS with an association found between several of them – particularly n-PFOS – and a greater thyroid cancer risk.
PFAS are difficult to avoid entirely, and several institutions (including the EPA) have declared PFAS exposure a health crisis. They are most commonly used in nonstick cookware, water-repellent and stain-resistant fabrics, and other products that resist water, oil, or grease.
Strawberries Could Slow Cognitive Decline, Lower Dementia Risk
Regularly eating strawberries could help to improve brain function and lower dementia risk, particularly for middle-aged adults, a new study has found. Participants who consumed strawberries daily performed better on a memory test and also had fewer depressive symptoms than the control group.
The study involved a total of 30 participants aged 50-65 who were divided into two groups: one that consumed strawberry powder (equivalent to 1 cup of strawberries) daily for 12 weeks and one that consumed a placebo powder. Each group abstained from the consumption of other berry fruits for the length of the study.
Overall, participants in the strawberry group experienced improvements to mood and cognitive function, which could translate into a reduced dementia risk, although more research is needed to confirm this. The benefits were similar to those of blueberries, another “superfood.”
“Both strawberries and blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been implicated in a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements,” said Robert Krikorian, PhD, study author. “There is…data suggesting that people who consume strawberries or blueberries regularly have a slower rate of cognitive decline with aging.”
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Achieve Your Youngest-Looking Skin Without the Toxin Worries
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The 14 Best Natural Remedies for Colds & Flus
It’s that time of year again when colds and flus start getting passed around free of charge. If you find yourself feeling under the weather, be sure to stay hydrated, up your vitamin C intake, and get some rest. Herbs like echinacea and elderberry have also been shown to help shorten the length of a cold or flu, and nutrients like zinc and vitamin D may help as well. Soothe your throat (or stomach) with a cup of ginger tea, and feel free to eat lots of immune-boosting garlic. (More)
Avocados Could Help Improve Blood Sugar Control
Avocados are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber as well as monounsaturated fatty acids, all of which contribute to a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. This could explain why a recent study found that a higher avocado intake was associated with lower fasting insulin and lower fasting blood sugar levels in adults. The results were modest – meaning avocados alone won’t “fix” blood sugar – and not equal for everyone in the study, but avocados in general are a great healthy food choice, particularly for diabetics. (More)
Smartphone Use May Contribute to Male Infertility
Male infertility is a growing health problem with some research showing that male sperm counts have declined by as much as 50% over the last few decades. A recent study has found that smartphone use could be partly to blame, possibly due to the low levels of radio frequency energy emitted. Men who used their phones more frequently were more likely to have reduced sperm concentration and lower total sperm count, but where they carried their phone didn’t have an impact. (More)
‘Activity Snacks’ Can Boost Your Heart Health, Lower Stroke Risk
With heart disease still looming as the #1 cause of death globally, research has made one thing abundantly clear: Any activity is better for your heart than sitting. This is highlighted in new research showing that small adjustments like walking while talking on the phone or standing at a desk to work instead of sitting can lower the chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Vigorous activity is even better, so consider doing just a minute or two of heart-pumping exercise – aka an “activity snack” – every hour or so. (More)
Potential Health Risks of Carrageenan + How to Avoid It
Carrageenan is a common additive used in food products, toothpaste, and supplements as an emulsifier. Though technically natural, carrageenan (derived from red seaweed) is highly processed and has no nutritional value. Lab and animal studies have shown that it may irritate and inflame the digestive tract, while human research suggests it may be particularly problematic for those with digestive disorders like colitis. Look for carrageenan on the label to avoid it. (More)
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Tendons are strong, flexible tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to move your joints or limbs. The largest and strongest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon (calf to heel), while the smallest is found in the inner ear.
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| Partner of the day |  |
Your Youngest-Looking Skin, Zero Toxin Worries
Did you know that your skin “eats” much of what you apply to it?
This means it’s essential you apply only the most effective natural ingredients to your skin and avoid those containing toxins that could be absorbed into your bloodstream. Purity Woods’ Age-Defying Dream Cream makes things easy when it comes to anti-aging skincare with a potent formula that quickly erases visible signs of aging using only nature’s most effective ingredients. The USDA Organic seal ensures no toxin or GMO worries. Discover more about this #1 bestselling cream and get up to 38% off plus FREE U.S. shipping today.
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> What did the alpaca say when asked for a favor? “No probllama.”
> How do you communicate with fish? Drop them a line.
> What do you call a cow eating grass? A lawn mooer
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"I will come again and conquer you because as a mountain you can’t grow, but as a human, I can.”
-Sir Edmund Hillary (first to reach the summit of Mount Everest)
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