It’s no secret that neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are on the rise. Various factors contribute to the diagnosis of such conditions, but certain lifestyle considerations increase a person’s risk of memory loss or accelerated brain aging. Researchers  from the University of Oxford identified three lifestyle factors that increase the rate of aging and cognitive decline. This article will explain what they found. 

About The Study

Nature Communications published the recent study, during which researchers looked at the brain scans of about 40,000 people over the age of 45. These participants belonged to the UK Biobank database. The primary area of interest was how genetic and lifestyle factors impact areas of the brain that are vulnerable to the effects of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. 

• Genetic factors: usually classified as non-modifiable, but lifestyle habits may influence whether or not certain genes turn on. 
• Lifestyle: considered a modifiable risk factor because you have the power to change your habits and choices. That can ultimately increase or decrease the likelihood of developing a certain disease or illness. 

3 Risk Factors That Age The Brain Faster

Study authors noted three things that drove earlier degeneration of certain brain regions. These factors were: traffic-related air pollution, type 2 diabetes, and the frequency of alcohol intake. Interestingly enough, both traffic-related air pollution and alcohol intake have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. 

• Air Pollution: You do not have full control of the amount of the air pollution you are exposed to on a daily basis. As a society, however, we can work to reduce the amount of pollution we produce. According to emerging data, exposure to pollution over time increases the risk of dementia.
• Diabetes: Previous studies have linked type 2 diabetes to an increased risk of dementia by as much as 60%.
• Alcohol frequency: Drinking alcohol, especially too much alcohol, can damage the brain. A 2023 study included over three million people in Korea and found that sustained heavy drinking increased the risk of dementia by 8%. Researchers noted that limiting alcohol consumption reduced the risk by 8%.

What differentiated this study from previous studies was the why factor. These factors are so dangerous to brain health because they target the brain’s weak spots. 

How Do Genetics Influence Cognitive Decline?

There have been some findings about the relationship between genetics and the way the brain ages. Most of this information is useful in research settings, and not in individuals. Certain genes, for example, code for immune and inflammatory recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain that influence poor brain aging. Those genetic factors are also connected to some modifiable factors, so lifestyle improvements may help you overcome genetic predispositions to early brain aging. Such modifiable categories include blood pressure, body weight, smoking, depressive mood, inflammation, sleep, social patterns, physical activity, and education status. 

How To Protect The Brain And Prevent Dementia

Based on the findings in this study, the researchers encourage the following actionable recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain:

• Invest in an air purifier: Although you cannot control the pollution outside the home, you can help keep the air inside the home as clean as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in an air purifier. Just make sure that you get one with a HEPA filter because they are the best at removing particles from the air. 
• Increase your fiber intake: Researchers note that people who eat high-fiber diets are less likely to have type 2 diabetes. Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that works to stabilize blood sugar and promote healthy digestion. Only 5% of American adults consume the recommended daily amount (RDA) of fiber. Women should consume between 21-28 grams per day, while men should consume 30-38 grams per day. Get more fiber by focusing on fibrous foods, such as lentils, avocados, beans, chia seeds, and other fruits and vegetables. 
• Limit your alcohol intake: Alcohol is a known toxin, especially in regards to cognitive health. You don’t have to completely avoid alcohol, but mindful consumption is best. Reserve a drink or two for special occasions and spend less time indulging just because.

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When you find something that you like, especially a smoothie, it can be hard not to stick to it. That’s how we feel about green smoothies, anyway. Most people struggle to find a green smoothie that they actually enjoy. A green smoothie that is too bitter or tastes like fresh cut grass doesn’t entice your taste buds to return to that flavor. Mix the right fruits with the right greens, though, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

The great thing about this detox smoothie is that it contains many beneficial ingredients that support the body in myriad ways. So as not to bore you, we are going to focus on two standout ingredients that aid the body’s natural detoxification processes: grapefruit and pineapple. Both of these ingredients aid the body in the following ways:

Grapefruit: This citrus fruit exhibits antiseptic properties and acts as a digestive tonic. Many studies have found grapefruit to be highly beneficial for the lymphatic system, as it boosts lymph gland activity. That can help remove lymphatic waste and prevent circulatory issues, allergies, fluid retention, breakouts, and even cellulite.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a great ingredient for your detox smoothie, particularly because it aids digestion and is full of nutrients. One cup of pineapple contains almost 75% of your recommended daily intake of manganese. Pineapples are naturally rich in carotenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols, all of which work to neutralize free radicals and aid the removal of toxins from the liver and bloodstream.

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Constipation is defined by a person who has not had bowel movement in a few days. Lacking bowel movements while on a trip is referred to as vacation constipation or travel constipation. This can be highly inconvenient and uncomfortable, and it is usually brought on by alterations to your normal routine. Drinking less water, eating meals at odd times, and other alterations can mess up your digestive system and back you up.

What Causes Constipation?

There are several things that can cause constipation. Sometimes, more than one cause at a time is backing you up. The following causes can result in constipation:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (IBD or IBS)
• Not going to the restroom when you feel the urge
• Certain vitamins or medications
• Reduced physical activity
• Lack of fiber in your diet 
• Not drinking enough water
• Slow stool movement through the colon

What Causes Travel Constipation?

It is possible for the same causes of regular constipation to cause travel constipation. There are usually other factors at play, though, some of which include:

• Your bowels have not adjusted to your destination
• Changes in the size and timing of your meals
• Increased time spent sitting
• Lack of hydration
• Travel-related stress that affects digestion
• Your sleep schedule is off, due to changing time zones
• The long journey on a plane or road trip limited access to comfortable bathrooms
• Jet lag affects the body as it crosses time zones
• Changes in your exercise routine

If you take the right steps, you can avoid travel constipation and stay regular, wherever your plans take you. Continue reading for tips on how to stay regular while traveling.

Listen To Your Body

This is the first rule to follow because you should go when you feel the urge to go. Ignoring this urge can lead to travel constipation very quickly. If you ignore your body’s urge to eliminate, the stool material stays in your rectum and gets harder. The harder the stool, the harder it is to pass. If you don’t feel comfortable using a public restroom for a bowel movement, try listening to music in your headphones to help you relax and let go. Do your best not to strain! If you can’t eliminate after sitting on the toilet for five to 10 minutes, get up and try again later. 

Move, Eat, And Drink Water At Your Destination

How often your move and what you put in your body dictate how easily and regularly you have bowel movements. Consuming the right foods, drinking enough water, and moving your body can help you avoid constipation during your trip. You don’t have to hit the hotel gym or do HIIT workouts in your room; rather, walking from point A to point B can encourage elimination. Sip water throughout the day, but be mindful of water sources depending on where you’re traveling. Try to incorporate fiber-rich foods, including vegetables, oatmeal, fruits, and legumes into your meals, while also indulging in local delicacies. 

Eat A Good Breakfast

It can be tempting to avoid breakfast while you are on vacation because you either want to sleep in or get the day started. Most people tend to have a bowel movement in the morning, and you’ll enhance that natural urge by consuming a healthy, fiber-rich breakfast. Try to eat a balanced meal and avoid meals that are starch- or protein-heavy. You should, however, consume foods that are rich in healthy fats because they help stimulate the release of hormones that trigger the urge to have a bowel movement.

Drink Lots Of Water

It is very common for people to exert a lot of energy or sweat while traveling, especially in warmer climates. Despite that, it is very common to avoid water, or only drink it when necessary. If you feel that you need water, you are already in a mild state of dehydration. If the body doesn’t have enough fluids, it draws water from fecal matter in the intestines to compensate. That can make stools hard and difficult to pass. While traveling, make a conscious effort to drink plenty of fluids, including water and electrolytes. Regarding fluids, not all fluids are kind to your bowels, such as milk, which has a reputation for causing constipation.

Try To Stay On A Schedule

If you are like most people, then you have your bowel movements narrowed down to a time of day. The body’s internal clock determines hunger, sleep, bathroom needs, and other life patterns. If you keep your body on a consistent schedule, you will help your bowels out a great deal. Whenever possible, make sure you have enough time for a relaxed bathroom visit. That will take less pressure off you and give you a similar bathroom experience to the ones you usually have at home.

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Star fruit is not something you see in the average grocery store. Native to Southeast Asia and other tropical areas, star fruit gets its name for the star-like shape, which is particularly evident when you cut the fruit into slices. It exhibits a sweet and slightly tart flavor profile that goes great in a fruit salad. 

Both the skin and flesh are edible and it can be sweet or sour, depending on how ripe the fruit is. If the fruit is greener in color, it will taste more sour, while a yellow fruit will taste sweeter. Just watch out for the seeds that are in the center of the fruit! 

Star Fruit Nutrition

According to research studies, star fruit offers a lot of vitamin C and fiber. For a single, medium-sized star fruit (about 91 grams), the nutrient content is as follows:

• Fiber: 3 grams (g)
• Protein: 1 g
• Folate: 3% of the daily value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 52% of the DV
• Copper: 6% of the DV
• Vitamin B5: 4% of the DV
• Potassium: 3% of the DV
• Magnesium: 2% of the DV

Based on the above information, the nutrient content for a star fruit seems relatively low. Keep in mind, though, that this serving only has 28 calories and six grams of carbohydrates. Calorie for calorie, star fruit is highly nutritious. Continue reading to learn more about star fruit’s health benefits.

Vitamin C Superstar

As a powerful micronutrient with antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps to protect against cellular damage. A 2022 umbrella review included 57 meta-analyses and concluded that vitamin C consumption reduced the risk of multiple cancers, including breast, esophageal, lung, pancreatic, bladder, and gastric cancer. Researchers noted that vitamin C works to protect against cancers by reducing oxidative damage to cells and protecting tissues from carcinogens. Currently, the recommended DV of vitamin C for men is 90 milligrams (mg) and 75 mg for women. That said, those numbers only help people avoid vitamin C deficiency. Based on current findings, people should take at least 200 mg per day to promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Beneficial For The Heart And Digestive Health

The average medium star fruit contains three grams of fiber, which benefits both heart and digestive health. Regarding digestion, fiber add bulk to stool and helps regulate bowel movements. It also acts as food for the healthy bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract. That promotes a healthy intestinal lining and microbiome. Additionally, adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet can help protect against certain digestive disorders, including colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Eating fiber-rich foods is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart. Fiber works to lower blood lipids, blood pressure, and may regulate blood sugar, all of which help lower your risk of heart disease. The vitamin C in star fruit may also offer protection from heart disease. Some studies show that increasing your intake of antioxidants and flavonoids, such as those that exist in star fruit, may help lower the risk of coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease in America. 

Safety And Side Effects

Because star fruit has a high oxalate content, it may cause adverse effects in certain groups. People with kidney problems should avoid star fruit and its juice, or at least consult a healthcare professional prior to consuming it. Eating star fruit may lead to kidney damage or star fruit toxicity, which may cause neurological problems like seizures. If you take prescription medication or drugs, proceed with caution. Just like grapefruit, star fruit can alter the way certain drugs are broken down and used by the body.

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This salad has so many superfoods in it, you may just develop some super body capabilities, for example, better digestion, more energy, and a stronger immune system!

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If you are trying to lose weight, you don’t have to shy away from fruit. In fact, you don’t have to shy away from a lot of food groups, despite what people say or don’t say. Nowadays, fruit is either your best friend or the enemy if you are informing yourself about weight loss foods. In fact, there is no shortage of claims about how you should eat fruit. “Experts” tell you what time of day to eat fruit and which fruits to avoid to support weight loss. 

What is true and what is false? Well, each person processes fruit, and food, differently, so the way one person metabolizes fruit may be different to the way another person does. Not only that, exercise habits also play a role in how much fruit you can eat while you are trying to lose weight. What we can say is this: below, we have outlined the top myths about fruit and weight loss, along with what you should believe. 

Myth 1: Fruit Makes You Gain Weight Because It Is High In Carbs

Fruit contains carbohydrates, but they are complex carbs that primarily come from dietary fiber. Dietitians note that dietary fiber supports gut microbiome and keeps people full for longer, in addition to supporting regular bowel movements. Fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar and the more you have in your diet, the better it is for your weight loss efforts. You don’t have to cut out fruit because they have carbs; rather, keep your serving sizes in check. Some fruits may count as two servings of fruit, but you can safely consume between 1.5 to two cups of fruit per day.

Myth 2: Blending Fruit Destroys Fiber And Reduces Nutrients

Do you enjoy sipping smoothies instead of chomping on apples, bananas, and kale? Don’t let the Internet lead you astray because blending fruit does not take away from the nutritional profile, nor does it destroy the fiber. Blending fruit exposes it to oxidation, and too much oxygen exposure for too long can reduce nutrients. If you blend and sip immediately after, there’s no need to worry. Blending fruits into a smoothie is a great way to get more servings of fruit into your daily diet. Just make sure that you incorporate vegetables into your smoothies, so as not to only consume fruit in one sitting. You can also increase the fiber, protein, and healthy fat content by adding nut or seed butters to the smoothie.

Myth 3: You Shouldn’t Eat Fruit Because Of The Sugar

A big misconception about fruit is that it contains a ton of sugar because of the inherent sweetness, so that means it is unhealthy. There is a difference between the natural sugar in fruit (fructose) and added sugars in foods. In large amounts, fructose can be harmful, but it is very difficult to consume in excess in its natural form. Different fruits provide an assortment of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They are also rich in water, which helps you meet your daily hydration needs. Even if fruit contains natural sugars, it provides other health benefits from the myriad nutrients it offers. Eating some fruit is better than eating a candy bar!

Myth 4: Avocados Are Fattening

A lot of people eliminate avocados from their diet when trying to lose weight because they are relatively high in fat. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to eliminate fat from your diet to meet your weight loss goals. Avocados contain healthy fats, which can help you manage appetite and keep you fuller for longer. That means you will be less likely to snack and you will probably eat less overall. Cutting out fats can cause some people to feel unsatisfied after meals, which may cause them to eat processed foods or other foods that are rich in sodium. If you want to feel full, combine your avocados with some whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein to make a nutrient-dense, filling meal.

Myth 5: You Shouldn’t Eat Fruit On An Empty Stomach

The myth is that eating fruit on an empty stomach allows it to rot in the gut, which slows down the digestion of other foods. The theory is that that “rotting” contributes to gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. That “rotting” in the stomach is complete fiction because the stomach naturally prevents overgrowth due to its acidity. In fact, most microorganisms don’t stand a chance in there! The fiber in fruit can actually help you feel full and inhibit blood sugar spikes after eating meals. If you want to eat fruit first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it will not just sit and rot inside the stomach. Pair fruits with protein sources such as almond butter, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt because these foods help further stabilize blood sugar.

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If you’re cleansing, this recipe is the one for you! Our favorite smoothies are loaded with diverse nutrients and lots of flavor, because nobody wants to drink a smoothie that doesn’t taste good.

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After dealing with a bad case of indigestion or food poisoning, the first foods you reach for when you’re ready to eat are simple and easy to digest. Nobody has the desire to wolf down a double cheeseburger after dealing with stomach issues. More often than not, you choose plain crackers, soup, bread, or rice to remedy symptoms. 

A common theme among easy to digest foods is that they are low in fiber, fat, and flavor. They lack acidity, spice, and are usually soft or easy to chew and swallow. Eating foods that are harder on the digestive system may worsen symptoms, so you choose foods that are more digestible to give your digestive tract a break. Digestion requires energy, which includes mechanical and chemical energy processes like chewing or the work done by acid in the stomach. 

By choosing foods that are easy to digest when you don’t feel 100%, you give your gastrointestinal (GI) tract a break. Your body has to work a little less hard to carry out the digestive processes. That is what you want if you experience diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, or other digestive issues. Continue reading to learn about some of the easiest food groups to digest when your digestive system isn’t in the best shape. 

Well-Cooked Vegetables

Raw vegetables can be harder to digest than cooked vegetables. When you cook vegetables, their plant cell walls soften and their starches become readily available to enzymes in the digestive system. That makes for an easier digestive process. Consider cooking the following vegetables if you need easily digestible healthy options: 

• Spinach
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Zucchini and squash (seeded)
• Beets
• Potatoes (peeled)

Peeled Or Stewed Fruits

Just like raw vegetables, fresh fruits are high in fiber, which can make them tougher for the body to digest. Because the bulk of dietary fiber in fruit exists in peels and seeds, health experts suggest eating peeled and seeded fruits after dealing with an upset stomach. It can be beneficial to choose fruits lower in fiber, such as ripe bananas or melons, especially if you struggle with diarrhea or nausea. If you choose to eat fruits like pears and apples, remove the skin. Softer fruits like stewed peaches or plums are also good options if you have an upset stomach.

Soups, Smoothies, And Purees

The way you prepare food can influence how your body digests it. Texture modification strategies, such as blending, doesn’t change the fiber content, but it can reduce the size of fiber particles in plant-based foods. That’s why smoothies, soups, and purees are much gentler on the digestive system. Raw kale, for example, is bulky and tough, while cooked or blended kale is soft. The change in texture allows for easier digestibility. The same goes for berries and other fibrous fruits, which you can enjoy if you blend into smoothies. Blending or pureeing these plant-based foods essentially pre-digests food, which takes the majority of the work away from your digestive system. 

White Flour Products

After a bad bout of food poisoning or general GI discomfort, you usually choose white foods, including rice, bread, and plain crackers. As you know by now, high-fiber foods can be difficult to digest if you’re experiencing abdominal bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. White bread, white pastas, and white rice, although not the healthiest foods, have had their fiber components removed. You can temporarily choose these foods to enjoy when dealing with digestive problems, but don’t eat them regularly. 

Soft Proteins

Animal proteins don’t contain fiber, but they are difficult for the body to digest, especially if they are rich in fat, tough, or chewy. Choose softer, easy-to-chew proteins that are low in fat. Scrambled eggs, smooth nut butters, and soft tofu are nourishing options that are typically easy to digest.

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Lemon Balm was used to attract honeybees to cultivate honey production. Lemon Balm has also been used for digestion, and using it as an essential oil can help with stress.

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No, this article is not a joke. Those little tiny green peas that you see in the freezer section of grocery stores are nutrient powerhouses. They are rich in protein, lots of fiber, and exhibit impressive antioxidant activity. They also offer lots of micronutrients, including vitamins C and K and manganese. Besides their impressive nutritional profile, green peas are very versatile and deserve to be a staple food in your diet. 

What Are Green Peas?

Green peas are technically the seeds of the pod fruit and considered a fruit, not a vegetable. The reason for this is because they have seeds and develop from the ovary of the pea flower. These pods contain several small peas, either yellow or green in color, and (despite their fruit classification) are popularly used as vegetables in culinary applications. Different pea varieties offer different flavor profiles and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or added to soups, stir-fries, and even desserts.

Peas have a rich history of culinary use, being a staple food in Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, and British cuisines. In fact, archaeologists found evidence of wild pea consumption dating all the way back to 9750 B.C. Different civilizations consumed peas throughout the course of history, but were they aware of their nutritional benefits? Even if they weren’t, you can be by reading about the following health benefits of green peas.

Rich In Protein

Protein makes up the foundation of your skin, muscles, bones, and hair, but it plays a role in overall health. The body uses protein to build and repair tissues as well as synthesize enzymes and hormones. A protein deficiency can impair immune function, stunt growth, and decrease energy levels. Green peas are naturally rich in pea protein, with a cup of peas providing 8.6 grams. That makes green peas on par with other plant-based proteins, including quinoa, hemp seeds, and nutritional yeast. 

Support Healthy Digestion

In addition to the impressive protein content, green peas boast 8.8 grams of fiber per cup, which fulfills 35% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Studies suggest that incorporating more fiber-rich foods into your diet benefits several aspects of your health, especially digestion. Fiber passes through the digestive tract undigested, which adds bulk to stool to increase stool frequency. Some research indicates that fiber may benefit digestive conditions, including stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

May Protect Against Cancer

Green peas contain a lot of antioxidant compounds, which work to fight free radicals. They also help to relieve inflammation and reduce oxidative damage to cells. In some in vitro studies, some antioxidants in green peas have exhibited anti-cancer properties. Saponins are a type of antioxidant compound found in green peas, and they may inhibit tumor growth. According to a 2009 review from Canada, saponins in green peas and other legumes may have therapeutic effects against some types of cancer. Another review of in vitro studies found that saponins were able to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. That said, more research is necessary to confirm the promising anti-cancer activity of green peas. 

Support Blood Sugar Control

The fiber and protein in green peas may help regulate blood sugar levels. In turn, these efforts may prevent symptoms like fatigue, increased headaches, and frequent urination (more common among diabetics). Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Increasing protein intake has also been associated with lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Not only that, but green peas have a low glycemic index. One review found that eating lots of foods with a low glycemic index, such as peas, can help lower the risk of diabetes.

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