TEA LOWERS DEMENTIA RISK
A cup of tea a day could keep dementia away. Researchers at the University of Singapore say the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant benefits of tea might help protect the brain from deteriorating later in life. Scientists found that regular tea drinkers reduced their risk of dementia by 50 percent. And it doesn’t matter if you drink black tea or green tea, both work the same.
FEEL LIKE YOU WON THE LOTTERY
According to researcher from Great Britain, getting a good night sleep can make you feel like a million bucks. The research suggests a good night’s sleep can improve your happiness as much as winning $250,000 in the lottery.
CONSIDERING CREATINE?
A large body of research has shown that taking creatine increases strength, power, and endurance. Here’s a few things to know:
- Only choose high quality products. Go for German or North American-made brands of monohydrate creatine.
- Consume three to five grams mixed in grape juice.
- Start with the lowest dose and gradually increase dosage over a few weeks to help avoid the risk of bloating.
- You may experience a slight weight gain of 0.5 to two pounds, due to increased hydration.
- For best results, use creatine in addition to a high-quality diet and consistent exercise program for up to six weeks.
- Check with your doctor before starting creatine.
HEALTH TIP
Cancer and infection share three common traits. 1) They both thrive in an anaerobic environment (low oxygen) 2) They both thrive on glucose and 3) They must have iron. To obtain optimal health and minimize risk of cancer and infection, 1) Maintain aerobic, oxygenated blood with exercise and a healthy diet 2) Limit sugar and high fructose corn syrup consumption and 3)Check iron levels to prevent fueling cancer growth.
KNOW YOUR CDE’s
Research has shown that athletes are susceptible to vitamin deficiencies caused by imbalanced diets, especially when combined with heavy training. If you’re lax with your vitamin intake, you may want to consider upping these three powerhouses – seek them out in dietary sources or talk to your doctor about supplementation:
- VITAMIN D
This is essential for calcium metabolism and absorption. It also plays significant roles in regulating inflammation and immunity, as well as numerous genes in the body. In skeletal muscle, it has been shown that vitamin D is important for calcium regulation, protein synthesis and muscle growth. A bit of sun exposure is the best bet for hitting your daily quota, but if you’re protecting your skin from harmful UV rays (smart move), you may not be getting enough. - VITAMIN C and E
Studies have shown that exercise promotes increased free radical production, which can alter the function of many cells and lead to muscle cell damage and fatigue. Vitamins C and E work as powerful antioxidants in the body. These antioxidant properties help buffer free radicals and oxidative stress to minimize cellular damage. For example, it has been shown that vitamin C’s antioxidant effects can boost the production of nitric oxide during exercise, which promotes blood flow and nutrient delivery.