Hot Peppers Help the Heart F
ebruary is Heart Health Month, and individuals that like hot peppers have another reason to continue their spicy habit, according to recent research. A study presented at the latest National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society focused on the benefits of capsaicin and its fiery-hot relatives, a piquant family of sub- stances termed capsaicinoids, that give cayenne, jalapeños, habanero and other chili peppers their heat. The research team discovered that these substances boost heart health in several ways: They block the action of a gene producing a substance that makes arteries contract and restrict the flow of blood to the heart and other organs; lower cholesterol by reducing its accumulation in the body and increasing its breakdown and excretion; decrease the size of cholesterol deposits already formed in blood vessels that narrow arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes; and reduce overall levels of so-called “bad” choles- terol while not affecting levels of “good” cholesterol.
Mindful Meditation Eases Loneliness V
alentine’s Day can increase feel- ings of loneliness, especially for
the elderly, and may pose an addi- tional risk factor for health problems such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. A new study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, of- fers fresh evidence that mindfulness meditation reduces negative thoughts about being alone in older adults and also improves their physical health. The ancient practice dates back to the time of Buddha and focuses on creating an attentive awareness of the present moment.
In the study, researchers at Carnegie Mellon Univer-
sity, in Pennsylvania, recruited 40 healthy adults between the ages of 55 and 85 that were interested in learning the technique. Subjects were assessed at the beginning and end of the study using an established loneliness scale, and blood samples were collected. After eight weeks of meditation training, participants reported decreased feelings of loneli- ness, and new blood samples revealed reduced pro-inflam- matory gene expression (manifestion of encoded informa- tion). Inflammation is thought to promote the development and progression of many diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Lead researcher J. David Creswell reports, “Mindfulness
meditation training is a promising intervention for improving the health of older adults. It’s important to train your mind like you train your biceps in the gym.”
Natural Awakenings Singles Site Single?
Ready to Meet Your Beloved?
eco-minded, spiritual singles now!
A
Join for free and manifest an extraordinary, enlightened relationship! Upgrade to a subscription package and receive a 20% Valentine’s discount when joining in Feb. by using referral code, “NASingles”!
ccess multi-thousands of health conscious,
B
THE SALTSHAKER THIEF
efore reaching for the saltshaker, con- sider that excessive dietary salt not only burdens the kidneys and increases the risk of hypertension; it may also deplete vital calcium. Research by Canadian medical researchers at the University of Alberta recently discovered an important link between sodium and calcium, which appear to be regulated by the same molecule in the body. When sodium intake becomes too high, the body excretes it via urine, taking calcium with it and creating a risk for developing kidney stones and osteoporosis. So, pass the pepper instead.
2 Year certification program starting in Minneapolis Seminar 1 February 13-17, 2013
Contact Guy at 612-859-7709 or
www.bodyintelligence.com
NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com February 2013
natural awakenings
9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32