healthbriefs


No Benefit to Cutting Fat in Cheese A


nyone that has struggled to reduce their intake


of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) may have considered avoid- ing saturated fat in their diets, although the latest meta-study published in the Annals of Internal Medi-


cine now refutes this. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, conducted a test to determine if consuming low-fat versus regular cheeses impacts LDL cholesterol levels. The study divided 139 people into three groups. One


ate regular fat cheese, one consumed reduced-fat cheese and one didn’t eat any cheese at all for 12 weeks. Both LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) levels were tested at the beginning and end of the period. Researchers found no significant difference in the LDL lev- els of any of the groups and no difference between the HDL levels of the reduced-fat and regular cheese groups, sug- gesting that consuming low-fat versions has no measurable metabolic benefit.


An increase in HDL levels among those that abstained from eating cheese altogether was noted.


DHA Boosts Elder Brain Function R


esearchers from Tianjin Medical University, in China, have dis-


covered that regularly taking doco- sahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 219 adults over the age of 65 par- ticipated in the randomized, double- blind, 12-month trial. Half of the subjects were given two grams of this omega-3 fatty acid daily, while the others received a placebo. The researchers measured cognitive function, including a full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) test and two IQ sub- tests which serve as indicators of both short and long-term memory. The tests were administered after six months and again after 12 months. The DHA group showed a 10 percent higher IQ than the placebo group. There were also significant increases in both IQ subtests and brain hippocampus volume in the DHA group. Decreased hippocampus volume is a primary indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.


Natural Way to Ease Eyestrain and Impaired Vision T


ension, if left unchecked, can cause eyestrain, blurry vision, mental fa- tigue, lack of circulation and elevated stress levels. One of the simplest natural and holistic ways to quickly relax the eyes and decrease eye- strain is the gentle practice of palming.


A 2013 study by the Department of Health Reha- bilitation Sciences through the College of Applied Medical Sciences at King Saud University, in Saudi Arabia, found that palming for six weeks contributed to a significant improvement in visual acuity for patients with myopia (nearsightedness). To palm, sit comfortably with elbows resting on a table or desk. Rub both hands together briskly to create some heat through friction. Then, cup the palms and gently rest them over closed eyes with the fingers of one hand resting over the fingers of the other hand on the forehead. The center of each palm should be directly over the center of each eye. The hands are cupped so that there is no pressure on the eyes. Take a few deep breaths, relax the shoulders and imagine the darkest shade of black possible. The dark- ness soothes the optic nerves and the warmth relaxes the muscles of the eyes to encourage increased blood circulation and lymph flow.


Begin to focus the mind on a pleasant, happy


memory, like a beautiful place or joyful experience. Involve all five senses in this imagining to enhance and deepen the visualization. This process of mental relaxation replaces mental strain and enables the eyes to also relax. The more time spent palming the better; we can- not palm for too long. It’s okay to do it upon waking and right before going to sleep. Take frequent palming breaks throughout the day to prevent the accumula- tion of visual strain and maintain relaxed eyes and a focused mind.


Nathan Oxenfeld is a certified Bates Method teacher who offers individual coaching, group courses and online holistic vision programs for improving eyesight. For more information, call 910-859-1232 or visit IntegralEyesight.com. See ad, page 12.


natural awakenings March 2017 11


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