Nature Knows and Psionic Success

Photo by JD Mason on Unsplash Everybody seems to be meditating. An ancient tradition that was often synonymous with Buddhist monks, meditation has taken the world by storm and it is continuously spoken about in everyday conversations with many people asking, “ so how often do you meditate ? ”

Countless articles have been written about the practice which encourages you todevelop an inner state of awareness in an effort to encourage inner peace. Now with that said, one has to wonder what the actual benefits of meditation are? Yes, it can help you relax but is all the buzz surrounding it worth it? What benefits can it really provide?

Read on for the scientifically proven of mediation and why there’s more to the practice than just loose yoga pants and chanting ‘om’. #1: It helps to reduce stress

Stress is normal – it’s the body’s natural response to unforeseen problems, and we all experience it. The problem, however, is when that stress becomes chronic and begins to affect our health. Chronic stress means high levels of the stress hormone cortisol and this then translates to a heightened risk for depression, heart disease, and even obesity.

It’s clear that chronic stress levels are a problem, but meditating can help to address the issue. It appears that meditating can help to calm you down and effectively reduce stress levels ( 1 ). #2: It helps to reduce high blood pressure

With the fast-paced, stressful lives that we live, it’s no wonder that high blood pressure is such a problem. In fact, around 1.13 billion p eople worldwide have hypertension . However, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension found that participants with high blood pressure experienced a reduction in blood pressure levels after 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation training. #3: It will help you sleep better

When you’re stressed, the body increases your levels of adrenaline. This can make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Aside from leaving you tired and cranky, lack of sleep can also make you more vulnerable to infection and disease.

If you’re battling with getting some good, quality sleep then you may want to include meditation in your bedtime routine. Meditation can make it easier for you to fall asleep by placing you in a peaceful state.

In fact, a recent study linked mindfulness meditation to significantly improved sleep quality. In addition to setting up your bedroom for better sleep , it may be time to end the day with meditation. #4: It can help with addiction recovery

Addictions are rooted in the fact that, when we feed our addictions, our brain releases endorphins which are happy chemicals that provide a high. Unfortunately, we soon come down from euphoric like state. Our addictions then become stronger and harder to break as we go in search of our next fix .

That said, meditation has been found to boost the levels of dopamine, an endorphin. Therefore, it is suggested that meditation can be part of addiction treatment and recovery. For instance, a study with recovering alcoholics found that meditation training helped them to better control their cravings and craving-related stress.

Furthermore, those battling with quitting cigarettes may want to look at meditation. A study revealed a 60% reduction in smoking 2 weeks after participants had engaged in a total of 5 hours of 30-minute mindfulness meditation sessions. #5: It can increase libido

If your sex life has taken a bit of a hit, meditation can help bring the spark back.

A 2018 study published in the journal found that, when compared to women who didn’t meditate, women who did meditate had higher scores when it came to sexual function, lubrication, orgasm, and desire. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels So, if you’re struggling with your time between the sheets, why don’t you and your partner try out couples’ meditation? #6: It can help to improve your attention span

If you battle with a wandering mind, and your attention span isn’t the best, perhaps you could look at meditation. As it practices focus, meditation may help to improve your attention span.

In fact, research has suggested that your improved attention may last up to five years after mindfulness meditation training. #7: It can make you more compassionate

Loving-kindness meditation (Metta) is a type of meditation that focuses on mental processing and empathy.

Research has found that this type of meditation can help to make people more empathetic ( 3 ).

This can also come in handy in relationships. According to a 2017 study , couples who meditate together not only feel closer, but they’re also more open with each other. #8: It can help to alleviate pain

With the opioid crisis still causing havoc, it’s important to find ways to alleviate pain and it appears that meditating can help.

A 2017 study found that after just 10 minutes, participants noted a significant increase in pain threshold and pain tolerance.

Researchers believe that meditating helps to thicken the area of the brain that regulates pain, and in doing so, it reduces your sensitivity to pain and your need for pain relievers ( 4 ). #9: It can help to improve cognitive thinking

If you’re looking for a bit of a brain boost during the day, try finding a quiet spot to meditate. Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels A 2018 study published in the journal Nature found that meditating for just 10 minutes can help to boost your cognitive function by improving your concentration and your ability to keep information active. Additionally, if you really want to boost your brain health, you can try to include more brain-boosting foods in your diet. #10: It can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s

There are a few ways for older adults to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s , and meditation is one of them.

For a 2018 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers recruited a group of older adults experiencing memory difficulties. They had them either spend 12 minutes out of their day either listening to music […]

Read more at www.longevitylive.com

Ashwagandha might be tricky to pronounce (it’s ash-wa-gan-da, FYI) but this small, evergreen plant has become the health influencer’s supplement du jour . Touted as the ultimate remedy to 21st century living , ashwaganda is what’s known as an ‘adaptogen’. “In other words, it’s a natural substance that helps the body to adapt to stress ,” explains Mina Khan, a pharmacist with a background in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

While it may be new to us Brits, ashwagandha is a powerful herb that is prominent in Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest medical systems, and its history of use as a medicine dates back to AD 6000. The bioactive compounds in the plant exert ‘antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities’ that herbalists say can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost testosterone levels , and potentially alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases.

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In a world filled with relentless calendar notifications a natural stress-soothing solution definitely appeals. “The modern world brings with it lots of stress and long working hours for many,” says Khan, “ashwagandha is likely to be particularly of interest to people who want natural solutions to stress; and want to enhance their energy levels and benefit from increased mental clarity .” Ashwagandha Root

Native to India, North Africa and the Middle East, ashwagandha’s botanical name is withania somnifera, though it’s sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. If this all seems a bit too far removed from your local supermarket, ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family, which includes potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and chilli peppers. While various parts of the plant are used, including the leaves, seeds, and even fruit, ashwagandha root is used most commonly.

“Ashwagandha adapts to the needs of the body, helping to support it and reduce negative changes during times of emotional and physical stress by strengthening the endocrine and nervous systems,” says Sebastian Pole, co-founder and master herbsmith at Pukka Herbs . This capacity to help the body adapt to stress “is reflected by its ability to thrive in very dry conditions in poor-quality soils,” he continues. “Most plants would suffer from severe stress in such an environment.”

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Ashwagandha supposedly smells like horses – ashva means ‘horse’ and gandha means ‘smell’ in Sanskrit – and the name also refers to the horse-like strength the herb is purported to stimulate. Don’t let the horse connotations put you off, though. Here, we run through the science-backed benefits associated with ashwagandha, including the dosage and side effects. Ashwagandha Benefits

While there are a whole host of health benefits associated with taking ashwagandha, spanning cognitive function, immune system support , adrenal function, sports performance, energy metabolism and more, human studies have so far been small scale.

There are also variables in the way ashwagandha is approached – the leaves, seeds, fruits and roots have been experimented with in different ways, and there isn’t a standard dosage that’s been studied by modern clinical trials. Even so, the science that does exist is promising.

“Ayurveda views ashwagandha as one of the most prized rejuvenating herbs, known as a ‘rasayana’ in Sanskrit,” explains Pole. “Rasayanas are thought to enhance both the quality and quantity of life, nourish the mind and enhance physical vigour, making them perfect for when we are feeling weak and exhausted .” 8 Things Not To Do At The Gym

by Men’s Health UK

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Refresh the page to resume playback.8 Things Not To Do At The Gymby Men’s Health UKBeginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteTransparencyOpaqueBackgroundColorBlackTransparencyOpaqueWindowColorBlackTransparencyTransparentFont Size50%Text Edge StyleNoneFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifEnd of dialog window. Replay “8 Things Not To Do At The Gym” Up Next01:28 Never, Ever Be This Guy in the Gym 01:2803:35 What women hate men doing at the gym 03:3500:39 MH UK Gym Chat – 1 00:39 Ashwagandha Soothes Anxiety and Stress The key chemical ingredients in ashwagandha are withaferin A and withanolide A. These mimic GABA, an amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter in your central nervous system and calms nervous activity, according to a rodent study by California State University .And human studies have shown it can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. When researchers in India asked people with chronic stress to supplement with ashwagandha root, 69 per cent reported a reduction in anxiety and insomnia, compared with 11 per cent in the control group.Related Story Why Multivitamins Could Help You Lose Weight Various studies – both animal and human – have found that ashwagandha helps to reduce cortisol levels, too. “Stress causes a surge in the adrenal hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – that increase alertness,” says Pole.Not only does ashwagandha regulate imbalanced cortisol levels and nourish the adrenal glands, Pole continues, it also acts as a tonic. “This means it will strengthen an exhausted or agitated nervous system while at the same time calming it,” he says. Ashwagandha Enhances Muscle Growth and Strength The herb could supercharge your gym sessions, too, since it’s been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase strength in men. In a study of 57 men , taking ashwagandha led to “significant increases in muscle mass and strength ” and more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage compared to a placebo group. Another study found that healthy men who took around one gram of ashwagandha per day saw gains in muscle strength after 30 days. “This quality of ashwagandha also makes it helpful for recovering from weakness in any post-illness convalescence period,” adds Pole. Corey JenkinsGetty Images Ashwagandha Boosts Brain Function and Memory Ashwagandha […]

Read more at www.menshealth.com

Ever find yourself staring into your closet, unable to recall why you’re there or what you needed in the first place? Or why do you sometimes jumble perfectly easy sentences or blank at a pivotal moment during a work meeting? You’re young and relatively healthy, so what’s the deal?

Brain blips can be unnerving, but they’re completely normal. The good news is that they’re rarely the sign of a declining mind. We tend to think of youth as a time of peak mental capacity, and that once our child-prodigy days are gone, there’s no hope left. But, in fact, the human brain is most likely at its best during midlife, when life experiences combine with decades’ worth of neural connections, resulting in peak intelligence and ability.

“We may not learn or recall information quite as quickly as we did in our teens and 20s,” says Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD, the founder and chief director of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas. “But during our 30s, 40s, and 50s, we get better at what matters most: making decisions, synthesizing information, and coming up with big ideas.”

That means, however old you are now, it’s never too late to adopt healthy habits that will get your brain in good shape—and even improve with time.

While it’s natural for neurons to fire more slowly with age, stress and anxiety cause people to pathologize perfectly normal experiences, like forgetting an acquaintance’s name (again). “You probably pay attention to the few things that go wrong, but don’t give your brain credit for the thousands of things it did right,” Chapman says.

Instead of focusing on the occasional lapse, concentrate on your daily habits. What you do today will play a major role in whether you operate optimally in the present—and whether you develop more serious cognitive deterioration, like dementia, later in life. When it comes to brain function, everyday behavior matters as much as—if not more than—your DNA.

Whether you’re 23 or 63, here are five proven ways to gain a mental edge for years to come.

Listening to classical music and doing the crossword every week will bolster your brain, right? Unfortunately, not as much as you think. While these habits are certainly more stimulating than zoning out to another Friends marathon, research suggests that a great way to boost brainpower is through learning something entirely new—either mental, such as learning a new language, or physical, like signing up for a different yoga class or learning how to knit. As we cultivate an unfamiliar skill, our brains get more flexible and form new neural connections that get stronger over time.

According to a 2013 study from the University of Texas at Dallas, older adults who learned cognitively demanding activities, like quilting and digital photography, improved their memories. Those who listened to classical music, watched classic movies, or engaged in social activities, on the other hand, didn’t have the same gains.

Another study from 2020 , published in The Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences , suggests that regularly deviating from a mundane routine and getting exposure to a diverse array of activities throughout adulthood can boost cognitive functioning and decelerate the signs of cognitive aging, such as memory loss and declines in information processing.

Take your learning to the next level by using your brain for what it does best: fusing existing and new information. “It will repay you by strengthening its complex neural networks,” says Chapman. For example, you know how to read and love to read—but now take your favorite cerebral passtime one step further and get more mental bang for your buck (so to speak). For example, next time you finish a great book, spend a little extra time writing a Goodreads review, blog post, or digital journal entry for your eyes only (a Word or Google doc will do). You might be surprised at what you come up with while mulling it over again. Or reach for a pen and your journal: Studies show that writing by hand, rather than typing, improves information processing as well as the ability to remember what you’re writing about.

Your brain, as much as your body, is affected by what you eat and drink. Thankfully, making things less complicated, good brain nutrition looks a lot like body nutrition. Notable research from Rush University and the Harvard School of Public Health, published in 2015, found that middle-aged and older adults who adhered to an eating plan called the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet were able to decelerate cognitive decline. In fact, they scored the equivalent of seven and a half years younger on cognitive tests after one year of eating that way. According to a Rush University news release, “[this] diet is based on the most compelling research on the foods and nutrients that affect brain health….As the name suggests, the MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets .”

Like the Mediterranean diet , the MIND diet emphasizes nuts , beans, whole grains , poultry, and olive oil . But unlike the former plan, it calls for consuming leafy greens daily and at least two weekly servings of berries, as both are rich in brain-boosting antioxidants.

It shouldn’t be news that exercise is good for your head . But working out on days when you have, say, a big presentation or a stressful test can give your mind the added sharpness it needs.

Take this study, for example: Adults who did aerobic exercise regularly for four weeks—and exercised the morning that they took memory tests—scored higher than did regular exercisers who skipped their workout on test day, according to a 2012 study from Dartmouth College. Exercise’s stress-thwarting effects may be partially responsible: “ Stress is toxic to the brain,” Chapman explains. “It releases the hormone cortisol onto the hippocampus, where memories are stored.” That can make you momentarily forgetful and may weaken neural connections over time, increasing the odds of dementia.

All that said, don’t miss out on regular sweat […]

Read more at www.realsimple.com

You can find a detox protocol for just about anything these days, including your brain.

With the right supplements, cleansing herbs, and a major overhaul of your diet, among other things, you can supposedly: banish grogginess

enhance your memory

boost your cognitive function

While certain lifestyle changes can certainly have a positive impact on your health, most medical experts agree that detoxes, including those that focus on your brain, aren’t necessary.

Also, there’s no compelling research to support the use of detoxes.

Your body already has processes in place to get rid of toxins and keep things running smoothly. When it comes to your brain, there’s actually an entire system dedicated to detoxification.

Here’s a look at how the process works and the simple things you can do to support it.

When it comes to detoxification, your brain is pretty good at taking care of business on its own.

Research published in 2015 explains this happens as part of the function of the glymphatic system, which removes waste products from your brain and nervous system . Think of it as the brain’s trash collector.

The glymphatic system does most of its work while you sleep. During sleep, your other bodily processes are less active, allowing glymphatic activity to take priority.

Animal research suggests that there’s also a higher volume of open space between the cells in your brain during sleep, which allows more room for your brain to take out the trash, so to speak.

This process is somewhat complicated, but here’s a quick look at how it works: First, the channels of the glymphatic system fill with cerebrospinal fluid.

This fluid collects “garbage” like proteins, toxins, and other waste products as it flows along the network.

Your brain then flushes this waste at different drainage sites, where it moves through your body and exits just like any other type of waste.

One important product removed from the brain when eliminating waste products is the protein β-amyloid (beta-amyloid), which experts believe plays a part in the development of Alzheimer’s disease .

Sleep plays an essential role in the function of the glymphatic system. Getting enough sleep each night is one of the best ways to support your brain’s natural detoxification process.

If you have trouble getting enough quality sleep, try these tips for a better, more refreshing rest. Maintain a regular bedtime

If you don’t have any particular reason to get up at a specific time each day, your sleep schedule might be all over the place. Maybe you keep a regular bedtime during the week but stay up late and sleep in over the weekend.

This might feel natural to you, but over time, it can do a number on your sleep-wake cycle .

Going to bed (and waking up) at approximately the same time every day can help you get better rest and improve your overall sleep quality.

You can still stay up a little later than usual and sleep in when you don’t need to get up early — just try to avoid varying your sleep schedule by more than an hour.

Part of consistent sleep involves getting the right amount of sleep, which can range from 7 to 9 hours.

Pro tip: Use a sleep calculator to figure out when you should go to bed. Consider your diet

Eating certain foods, especially later in the day, may disrupt your sleep.

For better sleep, try to avoid the following just before bedtime :If you feel hungry before bedtime, try a better bedtime snack , such as: a banana yogurt a small bowl of oatmeal cheese, fruit, and crackers Create a comfortable sleeping environment Keeping your bedroom cool and dark can help you get better sleep.If you tend to get warm or cold during the night, opt for layers of lightweight, breathable bedding.You might also consider adding a fan to your room, which can also help to block out any noises that tend to keep you up.Using your room only for sleeping and sex can also make it easier to fall asleep when you do go to bed.That way, your brain knows that getting into bed means you’re ready to sleep, not watch TV or scroll through social media. Set aside some de-stress time before bed Stress and anxiety are both common culprits behind sleep issues. Making time to relax before bed won’t necessarily get rid of these concerns, but it can help you put them out of your mind for the eveningAn hour or so before bedtime, try: writing out things you need to take care of the next day so you won’t worry about them You know that refreshed, focused feeling (despite your tired muscles) you have after a big workout? That’s the glymphatic system kicking in. Animal research published in 2018 suggests exercise can have a significant effect on waste disposal in the brain.According to the study results, mice that could exercise by running on a wheel displayed twice the glymphatic activity as mice that couldn’t exercise.It’s important to note that the increase in glymphatic activity is likely associated with running rather than a direct result of it.Exercise has plenty of other benefits , too.It can: help lower your risk for many health conditions decrease stress increase energy improve your mood improve cognitive function It’s also worth mentioning that exercise can help you get better sleep, which can also promote glymphatic system function.Experts recommend getting at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate aerobic exercise each week.You can also ramp up the intensity and see similar benefits with just 1 hour and 15 minutes each week of intense or vigorous aerobic exercise.You don’t have to get all your weekly activity at once, either. It’s usually best (and easiest) to get about half an hour of exercise each day.Any exercise is better than no exercise, so doing what you can to increase the amount of physical activity you get each week can help. Try squeezing in a 15-minute walk after lunch or dinner (or both), for example.Sleep and exercise are beneficial for your brain, but you can […]

Read more at www.healthline.com

Generic stock photo to illustrate drinking tea. iStock/PA. By Lisa Salmon

Britain’s Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) has found 80 per cent of people say tea provides relief from daily problems and stresses.

TAP says tea contains natural plant substances, including polyphenols, caffeine, and amino acid L-theanine (a building block of protein) which act on the body and mind. A recent major review found L-theanine improves the ability to manage stress and anxiety, and earlier studies have shown it triggers various parts of the brain linked with relaxation and mental focus to light up, helping us deal with distractions.

“We often turn to tea when in need of a boost or to help us handle stress,” says dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton. “Whether it’s a comforting mug of tea with family, or the peaceful ritual of brewing up some tea leaves in your favourite teapot, tea always seems to do the trick. Yet we know from the science that it’s not our imagination, as there are now several studies pointing to the mental health benefits of drinking tea every day.”

One study, she says, asked participants to drink black tea or a placebo drink daily for six weeks, and were then asked to complete a series of stressful mental tasks. The tea drinkers were found to have lower levels of stress hormones in their blood, and reported feeling more relaxed after the tasks.

Fellow TAP member Dr Tim Bond adds: “Tea is a healthy drink and can make a useful contribution to our daily fluid requirements and help maintain good hydration.

“Tea may contribute to immune function, partly due to a beneficial effect on the gut microflora. It’s a pleasant, comforting drink and can help us feel better. Enjoying four to six cups daily is good for our physical and mental health.” drinking tea. iStock/PA. Want more proof of how good that cuppa really is? Bond outlines the science…

It may reduce or delay dementia risk

A study of 957 elderly Chinese people found consistent drinking of black/oolong tea reduced the risk of cognitive disorders by 53 per cent, and for green tea by 43 per cent. The findings also suggested those genetically at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may reduce this by as much as 86 per cent.

It enhances cognition and memory

A review of 49 human studies found two ingredients in tea – L-theanine and caffeine – in combination are associated with improved attention, memory and alertness more than either ingredient on its own.

It helps reduce depression and anxiety

Another 2018 study found long-term tea consumption among elderly people was associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Theaflavins, compounds found in black tea, have been found to reduce depression and prevent memory impairment. Theaflavins have also been shown to reduce anxiety.

It lowers the risk of cardiovascular problems

A review published in 2012 found regular tea consumption could reduce the risk of heart and circulation problems by up to 20 per cent. Some studies have found this effect could even be as high as 45 per cent.

It helps prevent type 2 diabetes

Studies also indicate the beneficial effect of being a regular tea-drinker in relation to type 2 diabetes – particularly green tea. A study published recently by Cambridge University Press, of 12,017 people aged 20-70, found daily tea-drinking reduced diabetes risk in women by 32 per cent. Dark tea reduced the risk by 45 per cent.

It helps with weight management

Scientists are increasingly understanding the role of gut bacteria in obesity and weight management. A 2017 University of California study found both black and green tea changed the ratio of intestinal bacteria. The percentage of bacteria associated with obesity decreased, while bacteria associated with lean body mass increased.

It helps tackle high blood pressure

A study published in 2012 found drinking black tea could have a 10 per cent effect in reducing blood pressure, while separate research found regularly drinking green tea could reduce the risk of high blood pressure by 46 per cent. “Tea and its compounds have been shown to help relax smooth muscle and reduce inflammation in arteries, which may help to explain these effects on blood pressure,” explains Bond.

It’s good for oral health

“There’s evidence tea can combat bad breath and reduce inflammation, bone reabsorption and the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease,” says Bond. One study found tea helped with a 40 per cent reduction in dental decay risk.

It’s good for eye health

Research also shows daily tea-drinking could reduce the risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts. Tea catechins may also protect against age related macular degeneration, says Bond.

It keeps bones strong “Tea-drinkers tend to have stronger bones,” says Bond, who explains that researchers report that tea appears to improve bone mineral density, especially in the spine, hip and neck. A further study also found tea consumption may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Read more at cyprus-mail.com

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Lemon has been a saviour for mankind through centuries. From Ayurveda to cooking, lemons have been a boon for health treatments. Where has lemon originated from? It’s still a debatable topic but some horticulturists trace the origin of lemon to India.

Ancient Egyptians believed that drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons. In Early days, sailors carried lemon with them to prevent and treat themselves from scurvy, a dreaded disease resulting from a lack of Vitamin C. Lemon has been our one true companion.

While being healthy should always be a priority. It is a must especially at the crucial time of Covid-19. Nothing is more important than having a strong immunity and it’s to include lemon in our diets. Entrepreneur India spoke with Dr Mona Dahiya, Co-Founder and Director, Homefoodi who reveals various benefits of this citrus fruit.

“Lemon isn’t just a powerhouse of Vitamin C. It also contains essential nutrients and vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium,” said Dr Dahiya.

It is known to everyone that vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for our body to form collagen in bones, muscle, cartilage, blood vessels and supports the absorption of iron. Our body does not produce Vitamin C and the only way to have its intake is from what we eat.

“One lemon contains more than 100% of our daily recommended Vitamin C intake. Remedies don’t have to be new to be better and evidently, the time-tested ones are superior to modern replacements,” she said.

From weight loss, blood pressure to a lot more. You name it and lemon has its way to keep your strong and fit. Bringing you 10 remarkable benefits of lemon:

Builds Immunity:

Vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic acid, and essential oils present in lemon are antioxidants responsible to boost immunity. Vitamin C is central to our immune system and produces B and T cells, integral for our immune response.

“When we have optimum levels of Vitamin C, our bodies produce interferon which are proteins created by the immune system to fight viral infections, flu, and influenza. Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties that are essential to building immunity,” said Dr Dahiya.

Prevents Cancer:

Lemon has naturally present substances that have cancer-fighting properties. The two anti-carcinogenic properties found in lemon, are modified citrus pectin (MCP) and limonoid.

MCP is a carbohydrate found in lemon. Researches and studies have shown that it can inhibit the spread of breast, prostate, liver, bone, and skin cancer. Limonoid is a chemical present in lemon that is capable of slowing cancer cell growth.

“Vitamin C and other antioxidants in lemon help prevent free radicals to cause damage to cells that can lead to cancer. Studies corroborate the role of citrus juice and its derivatives as potential resources against cancer,” she highlights.

Kidney Stones:

Kidney stones are formed when urine in the kidney becomes supersaturated with stone-forming salts and an absence of preventive substances. Substances such as uric acid, oxalate, and calcium develop a concentration to form crystals in kidneys.

“Citrate present in lemon is a known source to break up stones. Lemon is full of natural citrate, which binds with calcium and blocks the formation of stones. The citric acid in lemon increases the urinary citrate level and is a strongly recommended treatment of Kidney Stones,” she said.

Weight Loss:

The proven way to reduce weight is to keep your liver and digestive system healthy by eliminating toxins. Poor digestion is a major reason for weight gain as the body is not able to burn fat because of the build-up of toxins that slow the metabolism.

“Lemon juice mixed with water is an effective way to increase the metabolic rate. It aids in cleansing the liver and helps in digestion and prevents bloating,” explains Dahiya.

Polyphenols present in lemon suppress body fat accumulation and are extremely beneficial for weight loss. It works as a natural diuretic and helps the body flush out extra water through urination

Blood Pressure:

Blood pressure occurs when the pressure of blood in the arteries is elevated. Lemon reduces hypertension by softening the blood vessels, reducing the rigidity, and making them flexible.

Explaining the relation between lemon and hypertension Dr. Dahiya said, “Lemon has auraptene, a key ingredient that helps hypertension patients. Pectin another component keeps the fat, cholesterol, and sugar in the blood at healthy levels that are linked to the hardening of arteries. Lemon also has flavonoids and vitamin P that strengthen the blood vessels and potassium lowers the blood pressure.”

Joint and Muscle Pain: Most of us go through joint and muscle pains. Have you ever wondered why? High uric acid levels in the blood is responsible for it. In many cases, this led to gout, a form of arthritis. Uric acid forms sharp crystals that collect in big joints and toes.”Lemon juice makes the body alkaline and balances the uric levels. It releases more calcium carbonate which bonds with uric acid to break it into the water and other compounds making the blood less acidic while lowering the uric acid levels. Also, a lack of potassium leads to muscle cramps. Lemon is a rich source of potassium, supports a healthy skeletal muscle function,” she explains. Pregnancy Health: Lemons pack essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help support a mother’s health and foetal development. Deficiency in mother’s Vitamin C can hinder foetal brain development, especially the hippocampus which is responsible for memory. Significant levels of flavones in lemons help in building immunity during pregnancy.”Folate is another key nutrient in lemon which is extremely essential for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These defects affect the spinal cord and brain and can develop at an early stage of pregnancy,” highlights Dr Dahiya. Skin Care: Starlets have long realized the benefits of lemon for skincare. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in most skincare products as it neutralizes free radicals and stimulates the renewal of cells by […]

Read more at www.entrepreneur.com

( Natural News ) Coffee and green tea are popular beverages, especially among those who need a pick-me-up to start their day. However, according to an expert, drinking green tea is ideal if you want to sleep better at night.

Caffeine is a stimulant and consuming too many caffeinated drinks can affect your sleep quality. But if you’re a hardcore coffee lover who can’t function without a cup of joe, you may want to switch to green tea, which offers many health benefits. Benefits of drinking coffee

Drinking coffee offers benefits, such as lowering diabetes risk. Coffee also helps reduce your risk for certain types of cancer and helps promote brain health.

Coffee is full of antioxidants, and it contains the same polyphenols you can find in matcha and other kinds of tea.

But drinking a lot of caffeine may trigger anxiety and aggravate your stress levels. Additionally, caffeine heightens the mental and physical indicators of anxiety such as an elevated heart rate, an increase in blood pressure and an overstimulated mind.

Caffeine keeps you alert until late at night, which can make it hard to fall asleep. Even if you fall asleep, the caffeine in your body keeps you in lighter stages of sleep. This then prevents you from reaching the deep, slow-wave sleep that is essential for restful sleep.

Consuming caffeinated drinks and drinking coffee isn’t particularly bad for you. However, it’s benefits are often enjoyed if you consume coffee moderately.

To make the most out of the benefits of coffee, limit your intake to no more than two eight-ounce cups per day. Benefits of drinking matcha

Matcha is a form of green tea that’s been ground into a fine powder. Matcha powder is made from the plant Camellia sinensis , which is also the source of other kinds of teas.

However, matcha is grown and processed differently. Unlike C. sinensis plants grown for other types of tea, those grown to make matcha are covered for a couple of weeks in their growth cycle.

When tea leaves are grown in shade, the plants increase their production of chlorophyll. This overproduction of chlorophyll is linked to higher concentrations of biochemical compounds in matcha, particularly polyphenols.

Polyphenols from plants are potent and they offer protective properties.

Ingesting foods or beverages with these compounds offer several health benefits , such as: Lowering your blood sugar levels

Lowering heart disease risk

Helping protect against cancer

Promoting healthy digestion

Improving focus and memory

Regular tea is steeped with hot water and strained, but matcha is combined with water or milk. Matcha contains more nutrients and beneficial compounds because the growing process creates leaves with greater concentrations of the tea plants’ healthy and natural biochemical compounds.

Drinking matcha means you ingest the plant leaves themselves instead of an infusion like when you consume regular tea.

While these benefits include some of the many reasons to add matcha to your diet, you must note that this kind of tea also contains higher levels of caffeine than regular green tea. L-theanine and why matcha is better for good sleep

Matcha’s sleep-related benefits are due to an amino acid called L-theanine . Tea is full of L-theanine, and matcha has a greater higher concentration of L-theanine than regular green or black tea.

This amino acid promotes alertness and a sense of calm at the same time. If you drink matcha, the beverage helps put you in a state of wakeful relaxation.

Unlike coffee, matcha will reduce stress and anxiety as it improves your focus and concentration.

L-theanine in matcha triggers the production of “calming” neurotransmitters that boost your concentration and mood also promotes restful sleep. The amino acid also reduces “excitatory” neurotransmitters that can make you stressed or anxious.

L-theanine boosts levels of alpha brain waves that are linked to calm alertness and mental focus. Finally, the amino acid can help reduce blood pressure and your resting heart rate. (Related: Does green tea really deserve its health halo? Experts say yes .) Considerations when drinking matcha

Matcha also contains caffeine. While the stimulant effects of caffeine are reduced in matcha because of L-theanine, they can still affect your overall health.If you want to consume matcha to take advantage of its focus-enhancing effects, don’t drink your cup of tea immediately after you wake up. When you get up, your body’s own cortisol is already in high gear to help you stay alert and energized.Wait a couple of hours before enjoying a cup of matcha . This ensures that your cortisol levels are making the first of several dips in the day.Ideally, you shouldn’t drink caffeinated beverages any later than mid-afternoon if you want to have a good night’s sleep. Sources include:

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