Hello. It’s Sunday, May 12. You’re about to discover why hitting “snooze” makes you tired…the truth about nightshade vegetables…8 eco-friendly ways to keep pests out of your garden…the right (and wrong) way to weigh yourself… COMPELLING facts about your hair …and more…
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Microplastics May Escape the Gut & Travel to Vital Organs
Microplastics, which are tiny pieces of plastic debris less than five millimeters in size, can be found nearly everywhere, including our food and water. Now, a recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives has found that microplastics may travel from our stomach to vital organs, including the brain.
To test this, scientists at the University of Mexico replicated human exposure to microplastics by feeding mice a similar quantity over four weeks. Then, they checked the mice’s vital organs, including the brain, liver, kidney, colon, and liver tissues to see if microplastics were present.
The researchers found evidence of microplastics in the liver, kidneys, and brain. Plus, they discovered that microplastics caused changes in the metabolic functions of the liver, colon, and brain. This suggests that microplastics can infiltrate the gut barrier and move to other vital organs.
This study sheds light on the concerning possibility that microplastics may be crossing the gut barrier and accumulating in vital organs, including the brain. As these tiny plastic particles continue to infiltrate our environment and food chain, further research is needed to fully comprehend their potential health effects.
Could Your Job Help to Prevent Dementia?
Could your job do more than earn money to pay the bills? New research suggests doing mentally stimulating work between the ages of 30 to 65 may help to ward off cognitive decline and dementia after the age of 70.
For a study published in the journal Neurology, researchers looked at 7,003 adults aged 69 to 104 in Norway. Using a tool called a Routine Task Intensity (RTI) scale, they assigned the types of occupations these individuals held distinct RTI scores based on how much of the occupation involved routine repetitive tasks versus cognitive challenges like analysis, strategy, and creativity.
What they found is that 42% of those in occupations with a high RTI score, meaning their occupations involved more repetitive tasks than cognitive challenges, were diagnosed with cognitive impairment at age 70. Meanwhile, just 27% of individuals in occupations with a low RTI score, meaning their jobs were more cognitively challenging, developed cognitive impairment. This held regardless of income and health.
This study underscores the link between occupation and dementia risk and the importance of mental stimulation in promoting brain health. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this association, the findings suggest that the cognitive demands of one's job could serve as a protective factor against cognitive decline.
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| Partner of the day |  |
The Peak-Flavor, Nutrient-Packed Olive Oil
Did you know that most supermarket oils sit on the shelves for months growing stale, musty, and even rancid– a far cry from the highly nutritional fresh-pressed version?
Olive oil is a staple in the longevity-boosting Mediterranean diet and linked to benefits like lower inflammation and better heart and brain health, in large part because of the antioxidants and nutrients it contains. But, like other oils, its nutritional value is highest right after being pressed– and degrades significantly after sitting on the shelf for months (or years).
That’s why T.J. Robinson, the “Olive Oil Hunter,” created the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club that ships farm-fresh, nutrient-rich artisanal olive oil straight to your door. Each oil is independently lab-certified to be 100% extra virgin and arrives direct from the farm with all its flavor and nutrition intact.
Find out more about Fresh Pressed Olive Oil right here, and try your first bottle for only $1.
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Reduce Your Exposure to “Forever Chemicals” (Waterproof Clothing & More!)
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are found in everyday items like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and even our food. Even in minuscule amounts, these substances can harm your health, leading to issues like cancer and hormone disruption. To protect yourself, avoid products with water or stain repellents. For cookware, choose cast-iron, glass, and ceramic. If you’re not sure if a product contains PFAS, check the manufacturer’s website or contact them directly. (More)
Nightshade Vegetables: Harmful or Healthy?
There's been considerable debate about nightshade vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers. Some say they might cause inflammation and make arthritis worse, but there's not much research backing that up. On the bright side, these veggies are packed with valuable nutrients. Peppers have antioxidants that help fight heart disease and cancer. Eggplants might help protect against inflammation, cancer, and heart disease. Plus, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which helps reduce inflammation and stress in your body. (More)
8 Eco-friendly Ways to Ward Off Garden Pests
It's no secret that insects can wreak havoc on a garden, but chemical insecticides harm both the environment and your soil. Instead, opt for a natural solution by combining mild soap with vegetable oil to create a safe insecticide that repels pests like mites and aphids from your plants. Additionally, regularly spraying your plants with a mixture of natural soap and water can deter insects such as spider mites and aphids from feeding on your garden. (More)
Hitting the Snooze Button Can Make You Tired
While it may be tempting to hit the snooze button to get a few more minutes of sleep in the morning, doing that can make you more tired. That’s because hitting snooze disrupts your normal sleep cycle, benefiting you far less than uninterrupted sleep. To break this cycle, go to sleep earlier, set your alarm for when you need to get up, and move your alarm away from your bed so you’re not tempted to snooze. (More)
Trouble with Constipation? Eat This Before Bed
Fiber is essential for regularity, yet research shows 95% of Americans don’t eat enough. Foods rich in fiber—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes—help to add bulk to your stool. Yet, when it comes to pre-bedtime snacking, most people reach for low-fiber sweets or salty snacks. To satisfy your need to munch, try eating roasted chickpeas instead. Not only do they have a satisfying crunch, but each ¼-cup serving gives you five grams of fiber, including soluble fiber that supports regularity. Just make sure you drink plenty of water. (More)
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When we're born, we have around 100,000 hair follicles on our scalp, which is why children often have thicker hair. As we grow, our scalps expand, making our hair appear thinner. Additionally, not all hair follicles are active at the same time. Each follicle grows for a few years before taking a break and shedding.
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| Partner of the day |  |
The Freshest, Most Flavorful Artisanal Olive Oil
Have you ever tasted farm-fresh, just-pressed olive oil?
Unless you live in an area where olives are grown, the answer is most likely “no”– but you are truly missing out. Not only is fresh-pressed oil incredibly more flavorful than months-old supermarket oils, it also retains the maximum amount of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. The good news is that you can now try Fresh Pressed Olive Oil for yourself, thanks to the efforts of T.J. Robinson who made it his mission to start delivering olive oil from award-winning artisanal farms straight to your home. Find out more about his fresh-from-the-harvest oils here and enjoy your first bottle for only $1.
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> Why don't skeletons fight each other? They don't have the guts.
> What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta!
> What do you call a belt made of watches? A “waist” of time.
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"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
- Steve Jobs
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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!
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