Hello, it’s Thursday, August 31. You’re about to discover 7 easy upper back stretches, 4 top benefits of green tea for your skin, a DELICIOUS Dark Chocolate Energy Bites recipe, a simple way to find more joy, and more…
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Wildfires, Pesticides Linked to Significantly Higher Dementia Rates
Air pollution from wildfires and agricultural emissions is linked to an increased risk of dementia and rising dementia cases, according to a new study. This comes shortly after record-setting heat waves and dangerous wildfires have swept across North America and the world.
The study specifically focused on an air pollutant known as fine particulate matter– or PM2.5 for short. PM2.5 has previously been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia and is concerning because it’s small enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier.
Though PM2.5 is emitted from a variety of sources, including traffic, coal combustion, and the burning of various fuels, researchers in the most recent study found that pollutants from wildfires and agricultural emissions were most “robustly associated with greater rates of dementia.”
As far as agriculture is concerned, the spraying of pesticides and herbicides, especially those with neurotoxic effects, is believed to be the biggest contributor to PM2.5 pollution. While it’s difficult to avoid PM2.5 in the environment, some air filters do help with indoor air quality.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Improve Blood Pressure, Heart Health
Consuming about 3 grams of omega 3 fatty acids per day through food or supplements may help to lower blood pressure, some recent research has discovered. Notably, the results were greatest for participants who had existing hypertension, which is a big risk factor for heart disease.
The study was a research review that pooled information from 71 clinical trials on omega 3 fatty acids– specifically EPA and DHA– and blood pressure. In total, over 5,000 participants were involved with an age range of 22-86 years.
According to the analysis, consuming 3 grams of omega 3s a day reduced systolic blood pressure (top number) by an average of 4.5 mm Hg for adults with hypertension (2 mm Hg for those without). Diastolic blood pressure also dropped an average of 2 mm Hg.
For reference, about 4-5 ounces of salmon would provide close to 3 grams of omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements provide various amounts, often around 300 mg per capsule. For those who don’t eat fish, algae supplements are available and provide both EPA and DHA.
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| Partner of the day |  |
The World’s Sharpest Kitchen Knives
Cooking from scratch is key to healthy eating, but you need the right knife to keep food prep from becoming a frustrating chore.
If you’ve ever tried to chop vegetables with a blunt knife, you know the frustration for yourself firsthand. What should take minutes (or seconds) ends up being a drawn-out process that you use brute force to get through. This common struggle is exactly why Chef’s Foundry developed their professional grade P600 Ceramic Knives. These easy-to-handle knives cut through all types of food and produce like butter and are made from zirconium ceramic, which is 10x harder and sharper than steel. They also keep their edge for longer than any other blade AND are more affordable than regular steel knives.
See for yourself how the P600 knives slice right through veggies (and a watermelon) here.
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Top 7 Healthiest Seeds You Can Eat
Don’t let the tiny size of most seeds fool you. They pack in a ton of nutrients, and most seeds have numerous health benefits. Flaxseeds, for example, are very rich in an omega 3 known as ALA and help keep your digestion moving. Chia seeds are rich in calcium as well as fiber to help you feel full. Hemp seeds are a complete plant-based protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids, while pumpkin seeds are a top source of magnesium and may even help you sleep better! (More)
Your Watch, Bracelet Is Likely a ‘Hotbed’ of Bacteria
When was the last time you cleaned your watch or bracelet? If you can’t remember, it might be time to do so now. That’s because a recent study found that wristbands often harbor numerous potentially pathogenic bacteria. Rubber and plastic bands had higher bacterial counts than metal ones with silver and gold proving to hold the least amount of bacteria. A solution of 70% ethanol was effective at killing the bacteria, while apple cider vinegar was somewhat effective but less potent. (More)
Gastric Bypass Surgery May Not Be Effective for Long-Term Weight Loss
Gastric bypass surgery is a very common type of weight loss surgery that involves rearranging the stomach and small intestine. Some new research now shows that this type of surgery may not be as beneficial for long-term weight loss and metabolic health as previously thought. Overall, most participants in the study regained weight within 5 years after surgery, and fats and metabolites in the blood returned to pre-surgery levels only 1 year after the operation. When compared side by side, diet changes were more beneficial for metabolism than the surgery. (More)
Growing Your Own Produce Can Help You Eat More of It
Do you struggle to eat the recommended amount of fruits and veggies per day (at least 4-5 servings)? Well, a recent study from the UK found that growing your own produce might be the best solution. Those who did so ate about 6.3 portions of fruits/vegetables per day– 70% more than the national average. Growing produce at home also led to 95% less fruit/vegetable waste than average. Just be sure you grow fruits and veggies you like to eat! (More)
5 Key Signs You Have Diverticulitis (Not Indigestion)
Diverticula are small pouches or sacs that form on the inner wall of your intestine. When they become inflamed or infected, a condition known as diverticulitis occurs. One key sign of diverticulitis is that symptoms like pain or tenderness in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever or chills hit suddenly and severely. You might also experience bloating, gas, and loss of appetite and may need to seek expert help, especially in the case of a fever or severe pain. (More)
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Taste buds have the very important job of sensing flavor in food, but you never use all of your taste buds at one time. About 10% are on their way out each day– due to their cells dying off– while 20-30% are in the process of regeneration. That leaves about 60% actively working.
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| Partner of the day |  |
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> Did you hear about the guy who was afraid of hurdles? He never got over it.
> Did you hear about the broken guitar for sale? Low price, no strings attached.
> Did you hear about the man who drank invisible ink? He’s still at the hospital, waiting to be seen.
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“Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.”
-Terry Pratchett
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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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