Cold soup, or gazpacho, is a typical summer dish. Now, we understand that summer is long gone, but a season of heavy and unhealthy eating is right around the corner. We don’t expect everyone to avoid the classically unhealthy and hardy holiday dishes. This chilled soup, however, may help balance those unhealthy dishes. It is light, refreshing, and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Just make sure to let it chill in the fridge before you devour it.

If you need a dish to help cleanse your digestive system after a day or weekend of heavy eating, this may be the dish you seek. This chilled soup is fantastic, if we do say so ourselves! In fact, a chilled soup such as this is a popular dish in the Mediterranean diet, which many health experts consider to be the best for heart health. Cold soup contains a high concentration of vegetables with the occasional fruit. Because you do not cook the ingredients, they retain their nutritional compounds, which can break down during the cooking process.

Chilled soups, such as this recipe, do a great job at keeping the body hydrated. Most of the ingredients, especially the cucumbers, contain a high concentration of water and electrolytes, which are necessary for optimal hydration. You can easily dehydrate during the winter, believe it or not, so this will help you up your water intake. It also contains essential vitamins, such as A, E, and C, which work to keep your immune system strong during winter cold and flu season.

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Lemon Zest is located in Glendale, CA and they focus on Mediterranean cuisine. Mediterranean diets usually contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats. It’s highly nutritious and may help manage your weight, protect your heart, and prevent diabetes. Join us as we try their vegan lule kebob!

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The concept of Blue Zones grew out of observing areas of the world, where people live the longest lives. Places like Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, California, or the Barbara region of Sardinia all have people who live over 100 years. These regions are healthy hotspots and show how much diet can influence how healthy you are as you age. 

Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet may be the key to healthy aging. This diet focuses on fresh fruits, vegetables, health fats like olive oil, and fish. Not only is this way of eating automatically anti-inflammatory, but it also is longevity-friendly. On the other side of the coin, there are many foods that can shave years off your life. Poor diet accounts for about one in every five deaths, according to a 2019 study. That is concerning because many of the foods that contribute to diet-related health issues are commonplace in the Standard American Diet. Below, we detail the worst of the worst and hope that you avoid these foods if you want a longer, healthier life. 

Processed Meats

Bacon, hot dogs, sausages, corned beef, roast beef, and deli meats all fall under the processed meat umbrella. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorized processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens. That means that there is sufficient evidence that links the chronic consumption of these foods to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The WHO reviewed hundreds of studies over many years before making this declaration. Additionally, there are no current guidelines that indicate how much processed meat is safe to consume regularly. Enjoying 50 grams of salami (about one hot dog) daily is linked to a 16% increased risk of colon cancer. The less processed meat you eat, the better!

Ultra-Processed Foods

While on the topic of processed meats, let’s shift gears to ultra-processed foods. It’s estimated that Americans consume more than 50% of the recommended daily amount of sodium every day. Ultra-processed foods, which include packaged snacks, help people exceed the recommended levels. While eating a bag of chips won’t end your life, recent research shows a link between the chronic consumption of ultra-processed foods to accelerated markers of aging. To understand that connection, you need to understand telomeres, which are associated with aging. Longer telomeres generally mean a longer life. Telomeres sit at the end of chromosomes and as they shorten, cell DNA becomes more prone to damage. That means that lifespan ultimately declines. Reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods, then, may give you a better shot at healthy aging. 

Fried And Charred Meats

By now, we hope that you understand the danger of processed meats and ultra-processed foods. Charring those processed meats, or other animal proteins, over high heat can also pose a threat to your health. High-heat grilling or frying are the two biggest offenders. Both of those cooking preparations can produce heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrogens (PAHs), both of which are harmful compounds. Each of these compounds form as a result of the interaction with high heat, protein components, fats, and creatinine. These compounds are mutagenic, meaning they have the ability to cause cell mutations that increase the risk of cancer. How many of these compounds are formed depends on the types of meats you cook and how you prepare them. A word to the wise: charring your chicken to a crisp may char years off of your life. 

Alcohol

Yes, folks, the social lubricant doesn’t do you any favors regarding longevity. Experts agree that alcohol is far from healthy, especially since it increases the risk of cancer. Alcohol also is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additional research shows that alcohol increases the risk of colorectal and breast cancers, even at low intake levels. Alcohol can also suppress immune function, which is especially problematic in older adults. While a few drinks here and there won’t be the end of you, drinking everyday doesn’t contribute to healthy aging. 

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

If you’re sipping soda every day, you are headed down a painfully unhealthy road. When it comes to added sugars in the American diet, sugar-sweetened beverages are leading the charge. Chronic consumption of these drinks can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease. Evidence suggests that sugar can also mess with your mind. Chronically high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of cognitive decline, according to a 2018 longitudinal study. Researchers noticed that study participants with diabetes experienced more rapid declines in memory and executive function during the study period compared to adults without diabetes.

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An occasional bout of stress is unavoidable, and may even come to your aid to help you accomplish tasks at times. Chronic stress, however, can take a serious toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Studies show that chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease, depression, and anxiety. And while certain mindfulness techniques, breathing practices, and forms of exercise may prove effective, eating the right foods can also be an effective strategy.

A 2015 article in the journal Stress found that eating quality nutrients over time can positively impact the body’s neural circuits that control emotion, motivation, and mood. Other research observed that eating foods that benefit gut microbiota can help you feel better. Increasing the amount of beneficial microorganisms in the digestive system has a positive impact on your mental and emotional health. Additionally, certain foods can help reduce or balance cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body. So the next time you feel anxious or stressed, consider taking a bite out of the following stress-relieving foods.

Sweet Potatoes

One of the keys to fighting stress through your diet is eating complex carbohydrates like the ones in sweet potatoes. These complex carbs may lower cortisol levels in the body. An eight-week study in overweight or obese women found that those who ate a diet rich in complex carbs had significantly lower levels of salivary cortisol than those who ate the standard American diet. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin C and potassium, both of which help with stress response. 

Avocado

A 2014 study found that participants who consumed half an avocado during their lunches reduced their desire to eat more than 40% for three hours following the meal. The participants also reported an increase in satisfaction, with a decreased desire to eat for hours after eating the avocado. Consuming regular portions of avocado may shut down your stress eating because they fill your belly and make you feel more satisfied. 

Parsley

Parsley may help you fight back against stress in a different way. The antioxidant compounds in parsley work to neutralize unstable free radicals, in addition to protecting against oxidative stress. Research indicates that oxidative stress is linked to many illnesses, including mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Studies suggest that a diet rich in antioxidants may help prevent stress and anxiety.

Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables have a long list of health benefits, and broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family. Several studies found that eating more cruciferous vegetables may lower your risk of developing heart disease, mental health disorders like depression, and certain cancers. In addition to the antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which may combat symptoms of depression, broccoli also contains a high amount of sulforaphane. This sulfur compound has neuroprotective properties and potential antidepressant effects. 

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are naturally rich in stress-busting vitamins and minerals, including zinc, copper, B vitamins, selenium, manganese, and potassium. They are also great sources of L-tryptophan, which the body needs to produce neurotransmitters that regulate mood. According to research, diets rich in plant proteins like chickpeas may improve mental performance and have better brain health. One study monitored two groups of people, one of which followed the standard American diet, while the other followed the Mediterranean diet. The group who consumed the Mediterranean diet consumed more plant foods and legumes. They experienced better mood and less stress than the standard American diet group. 

Seaweed

Seaweed is one of the few sources that is especially rich in iodine. Research states that too little iodine in the body can cause fatigue and depression. A quarter cup of seaweed salad packs over 275% of the daily value of iodine. You don’t need a lot to meet your quota, but if your anxiety or depression stems from low iodine levels, consider enjoying some seaweed. 

Swiss Chard

As a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable, Swiss chard benefits the body in myriad ways. One cup of cooked Swiss chard contains 36% of the daily value of magnesium, which plays an integral role in the body’s stress response. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to an increased risk of panic attacks and anxiety. Plus, chronic stress depletes the body’s magnesium stores, making this mineral absolutely necessary when you feel stressed. 

Kimchi

Fermented foods like kimchi contain beneficial bacteria that help to balance bacteria in the gut. According to research, fermented foods may play a role in reducing anxiety and stress levels. One small study found that those who ate fermented foods more frequently had fewer symptoms of social anxiety. Other studies found that probiotic-rich foods like kimchi have profound benefits on mental health overall. This is likely attributed to how probiotics interact with gut bacteria to affect your mood.

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It’s the beloved diet that promises all sorts of health benefits. In fact, it often tops the lists of “The Best Diets to Follow,” especially in regards to improving heart health and reducing inflammation. We are, of course, referring to the Mediterranean diet, which involves eating like you live on the coastlines of Italy and Greece. That means you eat bounties of fresh vegetables, lots of olive oil, fine wine, and fresh fish. 

Unfortunately, this way of eating doesn’t really encapsulate the entire Mediterranean region. There are 21 countries that touch the Mediterranean Sea. These countries include Algeria, Albania, Herzegovina, France, Croatia, Bosnia, Turkey, Malta, Tunisia, Monaco, Morocco, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Italy, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Spain, Cyprus, and Slovenia. While there is some crossover among these cuisines, the diets of locals differ from country to country. That means that the Mediterranean diet that health experts praise is exclusive, focusing on Greece, Italy, France, and Spain. 

Why The Exclusivity?

The reason that the Mediterranean diet receives a lot of praise is because researchers identified several blue zones in Italy and Greece. Blue zones are areas that have the highest number of centenarians (people that live over 100 years old). The foods that these people consume help to decrease the risk of heart disease and all-cause mortality. That’s why health experts began to promote this way of eating. Although other non-European cuisines in the Mediterranean are nutritious, they are not as nutritious as European Mediterranean diets, according to early research. 

Focusing On European Cuisines May Be Stigmatizing

No matter where you live, you can embrace the principles of the Mediterranean diet. Eat more plant-based foods (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes), wild caught fish and lean protein, and unsaturated fats (olive oil). When you only focus on the cuisines of Greece, Italy, France, and Spain, though, you realize that the Mediterranean diet’s food list lacks diversity. Non-European Mediterranean countries have foods that are just as healthy. Excluding them from the list can be stigmatizing, according to registered dietitians. Each country in the Mediterranean region has their own unique foods or cultural preferences. That means that these foods need to be highlighted just as much as the foods that are signature to European countries. 

How The Diet Differs From Country To Country

There isn’t one dish that epitomizes the Mediterranean region. The spice-laden dishes from Morocco are not the same as the lemon and caper-inspired dishes of Southern Italy, yet both exhibit myriad health benefits. Even though the cuisines are different, most Mediterranean countries tend to focus on high-quality ingredients and simple preparations. Dishes often involve more seafood than meat and poultry, in addition to olive oil, whole grains, beans, lentils, and fruits and vegetables. 

This is even true for the beverages that people consume. For example, people in Turkey drink cup after cup of Turkish Tea, also known as Cay, from morning until night. They drink it at weddings, funerals, work meetings, and more. In Spain and Italy, though, the get up and go drink is espresso. Tunisians tend to drink mint tea. All of these drinks have their own unique health benefits and are popular in the Mediterranean, so excluding one or the other from the Mediterranean diet is silly, to say the least. 

The Takeaway

Needless to say, you lose a lot of diversity when you look at the Mediterranean diet through a U.S. lens. There is nothing wrong with the foods that are on that Mediterranean diet list, though. In fact, we encourage you to eat a lot of them, especially vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. Much like America, though, the Mediterranean is a melting pot of cultures that should include all cuisines from that region. Should you decide to subscribe to a Mediterranean diet, make sure to embrace ingredients and dishes from all of the Mediterranean countries. Explore new spices, preparation methods, and unique ingredients to reap the most benefits from your food. 

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Often times, it seems like the unwritten agreement of aging is that your waistline expands. Some people maintain their figure into old age, only wavering 10 pounds from their lifetime weight. For women, however, weight gain is especially common during or after menopause. Body fat seems to shift to the abdomen, creating the fabled menopausal muffin top. 

If you are a woman in your mid-40s to mid-60s, it’s common to dedicate your time to diet and exercise without experiencing weight loss. The fat seems to cling to your body! Menstrual cycles end around perimenopause and menopause, which causes estrogen levels to drop. Additionally, levels of circulating androgens increase, which contributes to weight gain. The body, then, redistributes fat from the hips, buttocks, and thighs to the abdomen. The hips, buttocks, and thighs commonly have more fat because it is fuel reserve for breastfeeding. 

Is There Harm To Menopausal Weight Gain? 

Unfortunately, there is a downside to menopausal weight gain that outweighs the self-conscious feelings that come with it. Too much fat around the midsection creates visceral fat, which goes deeper than the abdomen. Visceral fat is toxic fat because it can cause inflammation in the body, which increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Additional research found that excess visceral fat increases the risk of premature death, regardless of overall weight. Some studies found that women with normal body mass index (BMI) and a larger waistline had an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. 

Despite the common belief, it is possible to lose weight during menopause. It may take some trial and error to find the right method, but it is possible. Use the following tips to help manage that menopausal muffin top. 

The Mediterranean Diet

Proper nutrition plays an integral role in preventing myriad health conditions and weight gain. Not only can a healthy diet improve physical health, but it can also enhance mental health, emotional health, and overall well-being. Several studies examined the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet for weight loss during menopause. Participants in these studies consumed whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, herbs, olive oil, and a low amount of eggs and animal fats. The results indicated that the Mediterranean diet improved metabolic and cardiovascular function. Additionally, women lost some weight, but weight loss differed depending on level of aerobic activity.

Avoid Excess Snack Consumption

Nuts, alcohol, snack foods, and keto treats can increase fat storage in menopausal women. Foods and beverages with little to no nutrition and lots of calories are bad news for women going through menopause. Low-carb keto snacks, nuts, fat bombs, MCT oil, and keto desserts are all rich in fat. They may fill you up and reduce cravings, but they also make it harder to burn the fat and calories you get from consuming them. Try to avoid snacking with these types of foods between meals to keep belly fat at bay. 

Resistance Training

It’s not all about cardio if your goal is to lose weight during menopause. Resistance training is more important than ever! Use weights or bands to preserve or increase lean muscle mass, which typically declines when the body undergoes big hormonal changes. Focus on more repetitions with lighter weight to reduce abdominal fat. This also encourages healthier muscle and bone function. Make sure to incorporate some aerobic exercise with your resistance workouts to establish a well-rounded approach to weight loss. Bid goodbye to your love handles when you incorporate hiking, interval training, swimming, and even yoga into your routine.

Get Quality Restful Sleep

Menopausal women notoriously experience night sweats, stress, and hot flashes that cause restless nights of sleep. Consecutive nights of poor sleep are just as bad as regularly eating junk food. When the body is sleep-deprived, ghrelin levels increase in the blood. Ghrelin is the “hunger hormone,” which can cause unhealthy cravings, especially midnight snacking. When you experience quality sleep, you experience higher levels of leptin, also known as “the satiety hormone.” If you aren’t sleeping well, weight loss will be incredibly difficult. 

When You Can, Stand

Movement means that the body burns more calories. Standing won’t yield the same “drenched in sweat” look that a HIIT workout does, but it does counteract the effects of sitting. Prolonged sitting can lead to higher levels of abdominal fat, and the accumulation of fat around certain organs. If you like to binge-watch TV shows, walk on the treadmill or use an elliptical while you watch. Place a stepper in the living room so you can move while enjoying your favorite show. You can also take a walk during a phone call or park farther away from where you need to go so you can walk more. Little adjustments can make all the difference in your weight loss efforts. Lastly, consider using a standing desk because studies show that standing while working can increase the amount of calories burned per day. 

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, health organizations and officials made many common symptoms aware to the public. Coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle aches, and new loss of taste or smell were/are common physical symptoms. Roughly 25% of people who contracted COVID-19 developed several neurological symptoms, the primary of which was brain fog. 

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is not a scientific or medical term. People use this term to describe feelings of sluggish or fuzzy thinking. When a person experiences brain fog, it’s very common to feel like the mind is slipping, or it simply isn’t as sharp. Many people experience it from time to time, for example, after a long flight or getting over the flu. Brain fog typically goes away and thinking returns to normal. But what if it doesn’t? 

COVID-19 Brain Fog

Some people who survived COVID-19 illness entered an acute recovery phase. They still experienced symptoms for weeks, or even months, after initial infection. Many reported lingering brain fog, which negatively impacted memory, focus, and overall cognition. There are those who survived COVID-19 infection and continue to experience brain fog. Compared to other viral infections, the novel coronavirus infection seemed to have a higher rate of mood or cognitive slowing. 

Why Does The Brain Fog?

Researchers continue to investigate the cause of brain fog in people who’ve had COVID-19. A preliminary theory is that the physiological and psychological factors contribute to this phenomenon. Once the virus enters a person’s system, it enters cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Because the virus is neuro-invasive, it can enter brain tissue. Some studies found that COVID-19 survivors developed encephalopathy, which is a general term that refers to brain damage or disease. 

Another study in January 2021 found that some COVID-19 survivors had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines in the fluid surrounding the brain. This study examined cases several weeks after COVID-19 infection. The immune system produces cytokines, and too many can cause chronic inflammation. Some post-COVID-19 brains even had changes to the hippocampus, which may impair cognitive abilities. 

One researcher believes that the higher levels of inflammation created by the immune system are more responsible for brain fog than the virus itself. Researchers found that an overactive immune response was indicative of COVID-19 infection. That led to breathing problems or hospitalization from infection. By theorizing that inflammation is more so the culprit than the virus, inflammatory levels in the body would have to be so high that they reach the brain. Perhaps the immune cells chase the virus into the brain, but this is merely a theory. It’s also possible that the virus reaches the brain after entering the nose. It then crosses the blood-brain barrier. Again, more research is necessary on this theory. 

Can Anything Clear Up Brain Fog?

In order to remedy brain fog that results from COVID-19, it’s best to make healthy lifestyle changes. There are several activities and habits that promote healthier cognitive function. The following tips may help improve mental function if you experience ongoing brain fog. 

Get Sufficient Sleep

Sleep researchers say that it’s best for adults to sleep between seven to eight hours every night. During sleep, the body and brain can eliminate toxins and work towards repairing and healing. Make sleep a priority!

Avoid Alcohol & Tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco products tend to raise inflammatory levels in the body. If the belief is that inflammation is the primary culprit of brain fog, eliminate these substances to decrease inflammation. Additionally, they can have adverse effects on the brain.

Engage In Aerobic Exercise

It’s possible that you won’t be able to accelerate to full throttle right out of the gate. Take your time and start slow with different aerobic exercises. A few minutes at a time will eventually turn in to 30 minutes a day, five days per week. There is a direct connection between regular exercise and improved brain health.

Follow A Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet includes a wide range of nutrients and heart-healthy fats. Some of the primary foods include olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts & seeds, and whole grains. Many of these foods have anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting properties that may improve focus and thinking. 

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Hummus is one of the healthiest dips out there. It is a simplistic dip, typically consisting of chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt. While Americans have recently developed an affinity for hummus, people in the Mediterranean have been enjoying hummus for many years. In the late 1990s, the American hummus industry was about a five million dollar business. Americans realized how amazing hummus was because food retailers sold $530 million worth of hummus in 2012.

One of the greatest things about hummus is that there are so many variations. While chickpeas make up the base of a classic hummus, it is possible to make hummus without using them. You can make black bean hummus, beet hummus, broccoli, hummus, cauliflower hummus, or even pumpkin hummus. You can get as creative as you want!

Chickpeas Contain Folate

Many people enjoy chickpeas because of their many health benefits, one of them being that they are loaded with folate. This naturally occurring B-vitamin has been known to reduce the risk of colorectal cancers. Research indicates that this may be attributed to the role folate plays on a cellular level. Additionally, the dietary fiber in chickpeas may help to promote healthy bacteria in the colon, which is a preventative step against cancer.

Eating Hummus Is Part Of The Mediterranean Diet…And That’s A Good Thing

Numerous studies have observed the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, which is replete with fresh herbs, olive oil, legumes, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and freshly caught fish. And hummus is a main staple in the Mediterranean diet! A study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine found that 30% of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease could be prevented for people who are at high risk by switching to a Mediterranean diet.

We’ve told you how amazing hummus is and now it is time to make some delicious dips! Try them out and let us know how you like them.

Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Hummus

The roasted garlic in this hummus really takes it to a whole other level. Swirl in the kale pesto for a great flavor combination that is both earthy and fresh.

Click here to make the pesto.

Raw (Bean-Free) Broccoli Hummus

If you’re on a raw foods diet, or participating in one of our cleanses, you may want to dip your veggies or raw crackers in something besides guacamole or salsa. This dip is a great alternative to regular hummus, and you can enjoy it without the starch that most hummus contains. Don’t be shy and dig in once you make it!

Click here to make the recipe.

Pumpkin Hummus

A lot of people don’t use fresh pumpkin to cook with. Instead of using processed canned pumpkin, use baby pumpkins because they are incredibly sweet. Plus, you can save the seeds and roast them in the oven for a snack.

Click here to make the recipe.

Homemade Tahini

We are giving you this recipe because some hummus recipes call for tahini. The cool thing about making your own tahini is that you can add your own flair, provided the flair you add is part of the raw diet. For instance, you can add different seasonings if you want it to taste a certain way. We have the very basic recipe that is for a classic tahini.

Click here to make the recipe.

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