TAG | lifestyle
If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, it might be beneficial for you to get used to the flavour. Lots of new research is showing how great spicy foods can be for your stomach and can even help to ward off diseases.
There have been long-standing myths that have said that eating spicy foods can cause stomach ulcers and other problems for the stomach. This is not true. Research actually shows that eating ho chili peppers can protect stomach lining and can also prevent gastric damage that is associated with anti-inflammatory pain killers. Chilies are also high in various nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. There has also been some research that shows that hot chilies can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research has also shown that eating hot chilies can help to prevent diabetes and boost metabolism and may also have the ability to prevent certain types of cancer.
It is important to note that you shouldn’t go overboard. A Mexican study found that those who ate approximately 9 to 25 jalapeños a day were slightly more likely to have a raised risk of getting stomach cancer.
Research is showing that hot chili peppers are going to be an up and coming health power. A study done in the United Kingdom found that capsaicin (it’s responsible for the burning sensations in chili), can kill pancreatic and lung cancer cells without damaging the cells around it.This is why many researchers believe that those living in India and Mexico who regularly eat spicy food, tend to have lower rates of certain cancers than those living in Western countries who have more bland diets.
An Australian study found that adding chilies to meals can also help protect against the buildup of cholesterol in the blood.
Chilies are great because they make food more flavourful, increase metabolism, keep us full for a longer period of time, and helps to burn fat as well. Add more chilies to your diet today!
The new year is a time where many people try to follow through with the new year’s resolutions. People tend to follow their resolutions of eat healthier and exercise more for a few weeks into the new year but slowly stop.
Running or running more frequently is often on people’s list of new year’s resolutions. This is our beginner’s guide and plan to running:
For every week:
1.) Warm up for three minutes. Start easy at first and progress to a power walk.
2.) Cool down for three minutes. Gradually dial down your workout to an easy walk.
3.) How frequent should you be running? Perform running workouts 3-4 times every week or every other day if possible.
Week 1
Get the proper gear – Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment. Ensure that the shoes fit well as the wrong pair of shoes can give you knee pain, shin splits, and various other issues. It is imperative that you get properly fitted for these shoes by professionals.
1.) Warm up.
2.) Run 2 mins, walk 2 mins.
3.) Repeat 7 times for a total of 28 mins.
4.) Cool down.
5.) Finish with 5 minutes of stretching. Stretching after a run allows you to maintain a health range of motion in your joints and prevents tight muscles. Tight muscles can lead to injuries and inefficient form.
Week 2
Breathing is more important than pace – You should run to the pace of your breath for the perfect pace. If you are gasping for air and you are not able to speak, that means your running pace is too fast, so you should slow it down a notch.
1.) Warm up.
2.) Run 3 mins, walk 1 min.
3.) Repeat 7 times for a total of 28 mins.
4.) Cool down.
Think about your form – Before you start a run, think about proper running posture. Ensure your head is balanced over your shoulders and focused forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed so that your lungs can expand when you run.
Week 3
Keep running fun – Great running habits are created by happiness and success. It is better to keep running fun rather than pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion.
1.) Warm up.
2.) Run 4 mins, walk 1 min.
3.) Repeat 6 times for a total of 30 mins.
4.) Cool down.
Work on your stride – One mistake that runners often make is covering too much ground with every step.Larger strides require a lot more energy and have a much larger impact on your body compared to shorter strides. Aim for shorter, quicker strides.
Week 4
Listen to your body – If your body has aches that don’t go away after a few days, it’s time for a lower-impact activity such as swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine.
1.) Warm up.
2.) Run 5 mins, walk 30 secs.
3.) Repeat 6 times for a total of 33 mins.
4.) Cool down.
Week 5+
Continue to add to your running regimen by adding 3-5 minutes to your workout time and decrease your walking time every 1-2 weeks.
Tag(s): Nutribar
There are natural ways to boost your energy without having to take any energy drinks. They are all related to the five human senses. Here are our tips on how to boost your energy naturally:
1.) Sound – Listening to music for approximately an hour a day can reduce daytime fatigue according to a recent study. Listening to music can also play an important part in the growth and repair of cells. The music should be upbeat, it can be classical or by Lady Gaga as long as it’s upbeat! Talking to a friend or family member can also help you gain energy. Hearing the voice of someone familiar can release oxytocin – a stress-fighting and mood-elevating hormone.
2.) Touch – Touching something smooth such as a ring or flat rock with your thumb can help to calm social butterflies. A hand or foot massage can also help to lower heart rates.
3.) Sight – The colour yellow is most closely linked with a healthy mood. Other colours that can be deemed as positive are orange and lilac. Sitting next to a light box for 45 minutes a day can also help to increase wakefulness during peak hours according to a study done by Harvard Medical School and Northeastern University.
4.) Smell – The smell of orange and peppermint have been linked to people having more positive experiences at events. The smell of peppermint is a natural stimulant that can lessen stress according to the North American Journal of Psychology. The smell of lemons can also bump up your energy.
5.) Taste – A combination of cooling and tangy citrus flavours can also boost your energy by activating nerves in the mouth and throat that can trigger an increased level of brain activity. Chewing gum can also increase energy. Chewing gum increases energy by increasing heart rate and alertness. It also stimulates the nervous system.
Tag(s): Nutribar
In something that is sure to spark debate and criticism [among other things], primary schools in England are banning treats for kids. Yes, you read that right. You can read the full ‘Nurseries ban children from having birthday cake‘ article, but here’s a sampling…
“The “Pre-School Nutrition Project”, which was set up by Knowsley Borough Council and Chester University, sets out strict rules for nurseries which critics claimed risk “spoiling childhood”. Sweets and cakes brought in for children’s birthdays cannot be eaten in the nursery, but must be handed to parents at the end of the day.”
What do you think? Is the world getting carried away regarding the health of our children? Or should kids be taught healthy habits while they’re young, ensuring a healthy lifestyle trend? Hopefully we’ll know soon enough. The article finishes by saying that the the project will be evaluated by researchers at Chester University, who was partly responsible for setting it up. Apparently, a final report will be delivered May 28 to council chiefs.
Feeling guilty about your lifestyle? A recent study might make you think twice before indulging yourself too much. Here’s an excerpt we found on telegraph.co.uk about some startling health news:
A study has found that the combination of four unhealthy lifestyle factors; smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and drinking too much increased the risk of dying by such a large degree that it was the equivalent to being 12 years older. The study found just over six per cent of people admitted to having all four bad behaviours.
Read the rest of the ‘An unhealthy lifestyle makes you ‘12 years older‘ article – what do you think? Are you going to alter your lifestyle?
