Hello. It’s Tuesday, January 23. You’re about to discover 7 top tips for cleaning store-bought produce, 6 potential health benefits of a chilly therapy, the 9 best herbs to relieve cramps, a chocolatey vegan brownie recipe, and more…
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heavy Metals in Food Linked to Cancer, Neurological Harm
Heavy metals are a fairly common food contaminant, and a new study links them to numerous forms of cancer as well as non-cancer health risks, including neurological and reproductive harm. This is especially concerning as high levels of heavy metals were recently found in food for infants and children.
Heavy metals typically enter the food chain when crops absorb them through contaminated soil, water, or air. Arsenic, lead, and cadmium were specifically highlighted in the recent study because they can contaminate common foods like rice, cereals, nuts, and spinach.
All three are linked to various cancers, including lung, skin, bladder, stomach, kidney, liver, brain cancer, and more. Root vegetables (like beets) are a common food source of lead, while arsenic can contaminate rice, wheat, and leafy greens. Cadmium can be absorbed into nuts, potatoes, seeds, cereal grains, and leafy greens.
“Results from these studies have important implications for food safety regulations, public health policies, and consumer awareness,” said Felicia Wu, lead study author. Awareness is critical for everyone but particularly for families with infants or small children. (For more info, see article ‘What You Need to Know About Heavy Metals in Food & Water’ below ↓)
Sleep Deprivation Increases Anxiety, Undermines Emotional Functioning
Experiencing sleep deprivation appears to increase the risk of certain anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate and increased worrying, a new research review has found. Sleep loss may also undermine emotional functioning by decreasing positive emotions like contentment and happiness.
“This occurred even after short periods of sleep loss, like staying up an hour or two later than usual or after losing just a few of hours of sleep,” said Cara Palmer, lead study author. “We also found that sleep loss increased anxiety symptoms and blunted arousal in response to emotional stimuli.”
The review analyzed data from 154 studies that spanned 5 decades and involved 5,715 participants. Three types of sleep deprivation – extended wakefulness, shortened sleep duration, and nighttime awakenings – were all associated with worsened emotional functioning and higher anxiety risk.
“Research has found that more than 30 percent of adults and up to 90 percent of teens don’t get enough sleep,” added Palmer. “The implications of this research for individual and public health are considerable in a largely sleep-deprived society.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Partner of the day |  |
|
|
|
|
|
6 Potential Health Benefits of Cold Water Therapy
Cold water therapy, which can be as simple as taking a cold shower, has been gaining attention as a novel health practice. While some of its potential benefits have yet to be confirmed, research does indicate that switching from a hot to cold shower for as little as 30 seconds could boost immune function. Cold water therapy may also help symptoms of depression, improves circulation throughout your body, and can help prevent muscle soreness after exercise. (More)
Breastfeeding Boosts Infant Gut Health, Brain Development
Some recent research has found that breastfeeding may positively affect infant gut health in a way that also benefits brain development. This positive impact on the infant brain was even associated with better scores on cognitive tests at the age of 2. Children who were fed more through formula had lower test scores, but the good news is that even partial breastfeeding alongside formula feeding can boost both gut and brain health in the infant. (More)
Bipolar Disorder Linked to Shorter Lifespan, More Awareness Needed
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves both manic and depressed moods. Surprisingly, a recent study has found that people with bipolar disorder may be 4-6 times more likely to die prematurely than the general population – in contrast to smokers who were found to be only twice as likely to suffer premature death. The study authors note that more awareness needs to be directed towards bipolar disorder, which receives much less attention than smoking or heart disease, for example. (More)
Living Near Nature Improves Physical, Mental Health
Spending time in nature is already linked to a number of health benefits, which may explain why having it in close proximity was found to improve physical and mental health in a recent study involving older adults. But you don’t necessarily have to live in the remote countryside to be healthy. Even small changes were found to have a positive effect with just a 10% increase in forested areas or other green spaces corresponding to better psychological and overall health. (More)
Top 9 Foods Most Likely to Be Contaminated
Improper storage or preparation can make just about any food the source of food poisoning, but some foods are more likely to be contaminated than others. Poultry – especially when raw or undercooked – frequently has Campylobacter bacteria, while leafy greens can pick up Salmonella or Listeria in the field or during processing. Precut melon, sprouts, deli meats, fish, and shellfish also have a history of contamination. (More)
|
|
|
|
|
|
DNA is sort of like a code that contains genetic information. About 99.9% of DNA is the same from one human being to another, and it's the remaining 0.1% that makes us different. If unwound and placed end-to-end, your DNA would stretch over 110 billion miles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Partner of the day |  |
|
|
|
|
|
> What happens when you cross a wizard with a blizzard? You get a cold spell.
>What did the mitten say to the hand? “I've got you covered.”
> In what way is slippery ice like music? If you don't C sharp, you'll B flat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Don't be different just for different's sake. If you see it differently, function that way. Follow your own muse, always.”
―Morgan Freeman
|
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
