Hello, it’s Tuesday, September 12. You’re about to discover the 10 worst skincare mistakes you can make at night, which “slightly unhealthy” traits raise your risk of heart attack, the 17 best ‘carotenoid’ foods, a creamy pumpkin soup recipe, and more…
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Carotenoids Protect Your Brain, Could Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
Eating a diet rich in carotenoids, a group of antioxidants, could improve cognitive function and potentially lower the risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a recent study has found. Two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, were particularly linked to a lower dementia risk.
“This study, for the first time, demonstrates deficits in important dietary antioxidants in Alzheimer’s brains, “ said C. Kathleen Dorey, a study author. “Not only that, but we believe eating carotenoid-rich diets will help keep brains in top condition at all ages.”
The study analyzed micronutrients present in brains with and without Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Lower levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene (another carotenoid), and vitamin E were found in those with Alzheimer’s– sometimes at half the levels found in age-matched brains without Alzheimer’s.
Carotenoids act as pigments for many yellow, orange, and red foods. This means they can be found abundantly in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, although some leafy greens are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. (See the article ‘17 Top Carotenoid-Rich Plant Foods’ below for the best choices ↓)
Harmful PFAS Found in “Eco-Friendly” Paper Straws
Some new research has found that many different brands of paper straws, which are often touted as being eco-friendly, contain a group of potentially harmful synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS are commonly used to repel liquids, and are likely added to the straws to make them water-repellent. Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment, accumulate in the human body, and are increasingly associated with negative health effects, including hormone disruption and liver damage.
“Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic,” said Dr. Thimo Groffen, a researcher involved in the study. “However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that’s not necessarily true.”
Overall, the study tested 39 different brands of straws made from 5 materials: paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic. The results showed that 18 out of 20 paper straws and 4 out of 5 bamboo straws contained PFAS, while the stainless steel straws had no detectable PFAS.
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#1 Easiest Way to Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables
What if you could get a full cup of nutrient-packed vegetables just by eating a tasty bar?
Most people know how healthy whole fruits and vegetables are, but that doesn’t mean it's easy to fit them into your diet. After all, not everyone enjoys eating large bowls of kale everyday. Good Thinking Foods knows this, which is why they decided to make nutrition easier by creating their Good Thinking Bars. Each bar contains the equivalent of one whole cup of vegetables plus ½ cup of fruit and ⅙ cup of nuts. These bars— which come in three flavors— are also loaded with phytonutrients, like antioxidants and bioactive compounds, that support optimal brain function.
Find out more about the healthiest nutrition bars in the world here.
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The 10 Worst and 8 Best Foods for Belly Bloat
Bloating is one of the most common (and uncomfortable) digestive issues and is often linked to what you eat. Salty and fatty foods are big contributors to belly bloat as are dairy and beans for certain people. High fiber foods– though healthy– can make you bloated when you overdo it, but you can avoid this by upping fiber intake gradually. Cucumbers, bananas, and asparagus are surprisingly good foods to avoid bloating. Green and herbal teas also help relieve gas and bloating, especially mint, ginger, chamomile, and fennel. (More)
Special Type of Ginger Displays Anti-Cancer Properties
Ginger is a popular spice that supports digestion, eases nausea, and is packed with antioxidants. Some preliminary research has now found that another plant in the ginger family– known as Kencur ginger or Kaempferia galanga L.– possesses an ability to suppress cancer cell growth. Kencur ginger is mainly grown in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries where it’s often made into an aromatic beverage. (More)
“Slightly Unhealthy” Traits Could Raise Your Heart Attack, Stroke Risk
You probably know that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and carrying around extra weight are all risk factors for heart issues. But how “bad” do these traits have to be to put you at a significant risk? Well, a new study has found that middle-aged adults who possess 3 or more “slightly unhealthy” traits– like marginally elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, or a bit of fat around the middle– tend to have heart attacks or strokes 2 years earlier than their peers. (More)
Popular Endurance Running Shoes May Cause Bone Stress Injuries
Endurance running, or long-distance running, is a truly impressive workout for the body and mind. Athletes who do it competitively often seek an edge from new advances in technology. However, a recent case study warns that footwear with an embedded carbon fiber plate (CFP) in the midsole could contribute to foot pain and navicular bone stress injuries. The study only involved cases from 5 athletes, but still presents a caution for those who use this type of footwear. (More)
8 Tips to Avoid an Eczema Flare-Up
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that often involves scaly patches or rashes, itchiness, and skin sensitivity. To avoid a flare-up, many dermatologists recommend that people with eczema avoid (or approach with caution) skincare ingredients like fragrance, essential oils, urea, and lanolin. They also advise steering clear of retinoids, which can be harsh and irritating to the skin, as well as cocamidopropyl betaine (a common foaming agent), propylene glycol, and ethanol. (More)
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Scientists once thought the human nose could detect 10,000 unique smells, but current estimates put it closer to 1 trillion distinct scents. Scent cells– olfactory sensory neurons– play a large role in your ability to smell and are renewed every 30-60 days.
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100% Plant-Based Nutrition for Your Brain
Are you feeding your brain the food it needs to thrive?
Most people aren’t, but these nutrient-packed bars make optimal brain health much easier for you to achieve. Each bar contains only whole, plant-based ingredients (including a full cup of veggies) and are loaded with antioxidants that nourish and protect your brain. In fact, these bars are based on key foods included in the MIND and Mediterranean diets, which are two of the best for a clearer, sharper brain. Find out more about these brain-boosting bars here.
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> Which bear is the most condescending? A pan-duh.
> Why do M&Ms go to school? Because they want to be Smarties.
> Why should you never tell secrets to a burrito? They tend to spill the beans!
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“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
-Will Rogers
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