Health and Wellness First

HEALTHY TIP: Sweet Potatoes - A Versatile Superfood!

Adding sweet potatoes to your culinary repertoire is one of the sweetest ways to make a healthy change. Sweet potatoes contain a host of antioxidants, phytochemicals including beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, folate, calcium, copper, iron, and potassium.

The antioxidants are widely believed by medical experts to play a role in the prevention of heart disease and cancer.

These tubers are also high in fiber and that promotes a healthy digestive tract.

The natural flavor of roasted sweet potatoes is delicious without any additional oils, butter or flavor enhancers.

As always, we encourage you to do your own research. Here are some references to get you started:
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-your-immune-system-super-foods-optimal-health
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/fiber

To be effective in all aspects of your life, you need time to recharge. Take that time and don't feel guilty!

HEALTHY TIP: Exercise for Your Brain

To get your brain buzzing, we've got one word for you: Neurobics! This term was coined by American researchers to describe exercises that activate the brain's existing biochemical pathways as well as create new pathways and help strengthen and retain the brain's proper function.

One example of a neurobics exercise is to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand. You could also choose a new route for you daily commute. Or close your eyes and select your clothes for the day based on your sense of touch.

One of the benefits of mental agility is a tendency towards lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and other age-related cognitive problems.

As always, we encourage you to do your own research. Here are some references to get you started:

https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/new-book-says-cross-train-your-brain-increase-mental-function
https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-brain-research-neuroscience/

Sometimes, the best thing to do is let your body heal itself. Seek help when you need it, but otherwise, let nature do its thing.

HEALTHY TIP: Don't Drink Sugary Drinks

One of the worst things you can do for your health is to drink sweetened drinks: sodas, "energy" drinks, sweet tea, etc.

The reason for this is that your brain measures calories from liquid sugar differently than solid food. So, you wind up eating more than you need because your brain doesn't think you're full.

Also, sweet drinks are commonly linked with various diseases, poor nutrition and generally poor health.

Remember that some fruit juices have just as much sugar as sodas. The small benefit you might gain from antioxidants in fruit juice do not justify the severe negative effects on your health.

As always, we encourage you to do your own research. Here are some references to get you started:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21519237/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19248858/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1829363/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11229668
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0057873
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22412070/
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(14)70013-0/fulltext

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The best thing I've done for my health is really look at my food choices and start eliminating the things that are known to lead to poor health. Fresh and organic whenever possible!

This is how I want to live my life. No matter what the world throws at me, I want to face it with a healthy attitude! Hopefully, it will rub off on those around me! ;-)