Green Tea Boosts Heart and Brain Health
By Dr. Mercola High quality teas — green tea in particular — contain polyphenol antioxidants recognized for their disease prevention and antiaging properties. Polyphenols can account for up to 30 percent of the dry leaf weight of green tea. Within the group of polyphenols are flavonoids, which contain catechins. One of the most powerful catechins is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), found in green tea. EGCG has been shown to positively impact a number of illnesses and conditions, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Tea Helps Lower Blood Pressure and Protects Your Heart Previous research 1 , 2 has shown long-term tea intake can improve your blood pressure readings. One systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials found those who regularly drank either green or black tea for 12 weeks had an average of 2.6 mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure and 2.2 mm Hg lower diastolic pressure compared to those who did not drink tea. Green tea provided the best results, followed by black tea. According to the authors, this reduction “would be expected to reduce stroke risk by 8 percent, coronary artery disease mortality by 5 percent and all-cause mortality by 4 percent at a population level … These are profound effects and must be considered seriously in terms of the potential for dietary modification to modulate the risk of CVD [cardiovascular disease].” While unable to determine exactly how much tea you need to drink to receive these benefits, a number of previous studies have suggested the ideal amount lies around three to four cups of tea per day. 3 For example, one 2007 study 4 found “clear evidence” showing that three or more cups of tea — in this case black tea — reduced the risk of heart disease. Similarly, drinking three to four cups of […]
Should More Israelis Turn to Nootropics?
Nootropics are booming. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of 17.9% by 2024 . Students, adults and seniors are turning to brain-boosting supplements as a way to increase everything, from cognition to their ability to solve problems. An aging population has also aided the nootropic industry, as many seniors want to help support their brain and memory . The industry, expected to rise to $6 billion by 2024, has a lot of potential to add to Israel’s GDP. Startups are filled with the world’s brightest minds with many of these up-and-coming talents able to benefit from “smart drugs.” An issue that many experts see is that the industry, still in its infancy, doesn’t have laws to protect the consumer. Many of the products are not tested, and without the requirement for testing, this means that the products can be filled with anything . There’s also the concern that the products can contain harmful ingredients. Yet there are ingredients found in nootropics that have the potential to enhance the brain’s function. Cerebral blood flow, nutrients and support for the brain’s natural anti-aging properties can help, theoretically, slow aging and even reverse it in some cases. But while science may not have been able to prove these benefits just yet, that doesn’t mean there aren’t hordes of people that back the claims nootropics make. Many doctors claim that the average diet, especially a Western diet, is not providing the brain with the nutrients that it needs to slow the aging process. The brain is often starved of vital nutrients and ingredients, primarily from a lack of eggs, meat and greens in a person’s diet. Nutrient-filled and the ability to increase nutrient transport to the brain, nootropics have real potential. Synapse’s co-founders recently discussed their desire to bring […]
Problem-solving Task After Concussion Improves Brain Function
Cognitive task as early as four days after a concussion improves brain function. It activates the region that improves memory function, and may also guard against developing depression or anxiety , a research team at the Southern Methodist University finds. Concern is growing about the danger of sports-related concussions and their long-term impact on athletes. But physicians and healthcare providers acknowledge that the science is evolving, leaving questions about rehabilitation and treatment options. ‘Mild problem-solving task as early as four days after a concussion may improve brain function, activating the region that improves memory function and guard against developing depression or anxiety.’ Currently, guidelines recommend that traumatic brain injury patients get plenty of rest and avoid physical and cognitive activity until symptoms subside. But this new pilot study looking at athletes with concussions suggests total inactivity may not be the best way to recover after all, say scientists at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, where the research was conducted. The study found that a simple cognitive task as early as four days after a brain injury activated the region that improves memory function and can guard against two hallmarks of concussion, depression and anxiety. "Right now, if you have a concussion the directive is to have complete physical and cognitive rest, no activities, no social interaction, to let your brain rest and recover from the energy crisis as a result of the injury," said SMU physiologist Sushmita Purkayastha, who led the research, which was funded by the Texas Institute for Brain Injury and Repair at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. "But what we saw, the student athletes came in on approximately the third day of their concussion and the test was not stressful for them. None of the patients complained about any symptom aggravation as a result of the task. […]
The claim that “vaccines are completely safe” is FAKE news, yet the entire corporate-run media parrots the lie daily
( Natural News ) Are vaccines safe? It’s a loaded question, and many people prefer not to even discuss it because arguments about it can become very heated. It’s hard to believe that there can be such dramatically conflicting views on something that science has proven again and again – that vaccines are unsafe – but the corporate-run media repeats this lie so often that many people simply take it as gospel. There’s also the fact that sites like Google and Facebook like to ensure people only see news stories that support their beliefs rather than challenge them – beliefs that were created in the first place by truly fake news. You don’t have to look very hard if you want evidence that vaccines are bad. The first place you could head in your quest for the truth is the Department of Health and Human Services’ very own Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System , or VAERS. This is the site that Americans can use to report adverse vaccine events to health authorities. Around 30,000 VAERS reports about vaccine injuries and deaths are filed every year. It’s a shocking number on its own, and it’s likely only a fraction of the true number of injuries considering that many people don’t use the system or even know it exists. More than $3 billion has been paid to families who suffered from vaccine damage or vaccine death, and Congress has even set up a court devoted to vaccine damage cases. How is that even necessary for something that is as safe as the media claims? Perhaps the most infuriating part of this, however, is that the vaccine industry is granted legal immunity in such cases, so pharmaceutical firms are not liable for the damage. They just have to pay out settlements and […]
Tips for eating on rations from the Great Depression: Recipes the Greatest Generation grew up on
( Natural News ) We are standing on the precipice of chaos. Our society seems to be slowly unraveling — and to what end, none of us can say. It does no good to worry about what could or could not happen, but the true survivalist is prepared for whatever outcome. Here at NaturalNews , we’ve written dozens of articles on medical preparedness, how to build a proper firearm arsenal and stockpile survival supplies. However, for this, we will be focusing on how to properly ration food during times of austerity. We’ve taken the liberty to use some of the tips our grandparents and great-grandparents learned during the Great Depression and the second World War. Take note that these tips will prove to be very useful when disaster strikes and you can’t just run to the nearest grocery store. (h/t to Survivopedia.com .) Know what is inexpensive and can be used both as a main ingredient and as a leftover — Now is not the time to turn your nose away from versatile food. We’ve become accustomed to throwing away food that is partially used or no longer “fresh.” This is a waste, considering that many items are perfectly edible even if they are just “leftovers.” Take, for example, the humble potato. Using leftover mashed potatoes, you can make pancakes that can serve as a meal. Beans are another example. Maximize bread — Every crumb counts . The second World War gave birth to many recipes that used stale bread as a base for many delicious dishes. The “ fairy toast ” in particular was hailed for being both easy to make and having a long shelf life. Most recipes using stale bread were for desserts, so a lot of the recipes you’d find call for sugar but you […]
The compelling link between food and mood: Eating real food plays a significant role in how mentally healthy you are
( Natural News ) Across all the literature and studies on the potential link between mental health and one’s diet, experts agree that cutting down on inflammatory foods is a sure-fire way to feel better. The effects can be likened to the domino effect; with healthier food improving physical function, which in turn boosts mental health. Unsurprisingly, this strengthened mental capacity encourages people to be more physically fit, thus completing the cycle for better overall health. Time and again REAL science has shown the compelling link between eating organic food and improved mental health . Scientists and nutritionists alike have highlighted and underscored it (twice) that the best way to beat depression (and similar mental illnesses) is to first look at the food one is eating. The real killer here is a high-sugar diet that encourages the growth of free radicals that do a number on your body. This is not only limited to munching on a chocolate bar every now and then but in the consumption of sugary beverages such as fruit juices, sports drinks, and even flavored water. None of these “healthy” water alternatives are doing your mental health any favors. Several studies have proven that sugar triggers depression and other mental health problems by influencing several key processes in the body. One of the most worrisome is its role in suppressing the activity of a growth hormone in the brain called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Those with low BDNF levels are at an increased risk in developing both depression and schizophrenia. (Related: Depression is a symptom of nutrient deficiency; treating it with drugs is not only ineffective but dangerous .) Get CLEAN FOOD and help support our mission to keep you informed : The Health Ranger Store lab verifies everything we sell with accredited testing for […]
Melatonin PROVEN to have anti-obesity effects
( Natural News ) Melatonin has been getting a lot of attention as a natural sleeping aid, but researchers from several universities now reveal it can also help in limiting weight gain . In a study on rats, they proved that the long-term administration of melatonin could increase the body’s capability to use up calories and burn away unwanted pounds. The researchers from the University of Granada , University Hospital La Paz , and the University of Texas conducted their study on a group of diabetic rats, to which they administered melatonin. They discovered two mechanisms that made melatonin effective in aiding weight loss. First, melatonin increased the rats’ brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass. It is a kind of “good fat” which burns energy instead of storing it. The increase in BAT “browned” the harmful white visceral fat in the abdomen and converted it to beige fat which, like brown tissue, burns and does not store energy. Second, melatonin boosted the levels of UCP1, the protein that jumpstarts the calorie-burning process. This enhanced the size and function of the mitochondria, the very powerhouse of the cells, thereby increasing the body’s capacity for thermogenesis or the process of converting calories into heat and usable energy. Ahmad Agil Abdalla, a professor at the Department of Pharmacology of the University of Granada and the main author of the study, expressed surprise at the results. He explained that the rats lost weight whether or not diet and physical exertion were taken into account. However, he admitted that outcomes might not be the same in humans. He did recommend employing melatonin treatment to complement a restricted diet plan and regular exercise. Support our mission and protect your health: Organic Seeds of Life combines Red Raspberry Seed Power, Black Cumin Seed Power and Red Grape […]
EVERY policy change the Democrats want to push is first framed by playing political football with CHILDREN
( Natural News ) When the Democrats want to make something an issue, they always trot out “the children” as props to support their stated objective. We need universal healthcare “for the children,” even if it bankrupts them as an unsustainable policy when they reach adulthood. We must have more gun control and outright gun bans “for the children,” even if it means more of them will no longer be defended by responsible gun-owning parents and thus be at greater risk from criminals. Now, of course, we must have open borders “for the children” because POTUS Trump and his evil jack-booted Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are throwing migrant children into gulags and “concentration camps” — or something like that. As noted by Arthur Schaper at Townhall.com , the issue of separating children from adults who cross illegally into the U.S. is being blown way out of proportion by “faux outrage.” “The chattering classes wail about the separation of illegal families, but what about the American parents who have been separated from their families and can never reunite with them?” he writes, in reference to American families whose family members have been killed or injured by people in the U.S. illegally. (Related: GAMING our system: Illegal aliens using minors to gain entry into U.S. up 315 percent .) He notes further that the migrant children being separated from adults “are receiving adequate food, shelter, clothing, and an education” — all at taxpayer’s expense, of course. Democrats — who are demonstrating yet again they prefer to support everyone except American citizens — have no real interest in these children other than using them for political gain. If they really cared about them they would have passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill when they controlled Congress in 2009-2010 and Obama was […]
11 Brain-Boosting Smoothies
You can do crosswords and Sudoku puzzles until your hand hurts, but all that brain-busting work will go to waste if you don’t fuel your thinker with the right nutrients. When you eat for your brain, you will think more clearly and efficiently, says Daniel Amen, MD, author of Unleash The Power Of The Female Brain . The following smoothies are packed with foods that help boost blood flow, stabilize blood sugar, and neutralize free-radical damage—all important for optimal brain health. Check out all 11 recipes now! Inflammation is just as bad for your brain as it is for your body. Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which experts believe are necessary for transmitting signals between brain cells. Blueberries and raspberries are also known for encouraging healthy connections between the cells of the brain. SERVINGS: 1 1/2 cup blueberries 1/2 cup raspberries 1/2 small banana, peeled and frozen 1/4 cup diced pineapple 2 Tbsp chia seeds 3 ice cubes 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 1 serving whey protein powder (vanilla) 1. COMBINE all the ingredients except the protein powder in a blender, and blend at high speed until smooth. 2. ADD the protein powder and lightly blend until incorporated. NUTRITION (per serving) 380 cal, 24 g pro, 67 g carb, 14 g fiber, 4.4 g fat, 1.1 g sat fat, 59 mg sodium Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, emotion, and pleasure, and it’s easily boosted by a healthy serving of protein—found here in the form of protein powder and soy milk. Chia seeds keep your blood sugar steady, says Dr. Amen, while a moderate amount of caffeine will keep you focused. Mix up this smoothie when you really need to get things done! SERVINGS: 1 1/2 cup small banana, peeled and frozen 1 Tbsp chia seeds […]
Understanding observational learning: Why we are able to learn from other people’s mistakes
( Natural News ) Humans learn from mistakes – but those errors don’t have to be their own, an article in Science Daily states . The ability to learn from the experiences of other people is called observational learning . A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has identified the unique brain circuit that enables this secondhand learning. The circuit is separate from the neural network that the brain uses to learn from firsthand experiences. Instead, observational learning is powered by the part of the brain that translates social cues. Earlier studies involving human brain scanning have shown that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) are very active whenever humans are learning from other people’s episodes. The ACC is known to interpret social information, while the BLA handles emotions. However, these were unable to determine the exact interaction between these two parts of the brain during the process of observational learning. (Related: Teachers, take it outside: Study shows student motivation and participation improves outdoors .) Observer mice learn from watching other mice’s experiences The MIT team constructed an animal model where mice watched another specimen get electric shocks. Each shock was signaled by a very recognizable cue, either a sound or a light. The mice that received the shocks quickly learned to associate them with the cue. They would freeze in fear whenever they encountered that cue, even if no shocks resulted. Furthermore, the researchers reported that the mice that observed the session would also freeze in fright when they were subjected to the cue the day after. They learned from the experience of the mice receiving the shocks. Get more news like this without being censored : Get the Natural News app for your mobile devices. Enjoy uncensored news, lab test results, videos, […]
