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Did You Know These Foods Are Rich in Antioxidants?

May 19, 2016 by

You’ve likely heard about the health benefits of antioxidants, but do you know where they come from? If you’re one of the many people who would say that they aren’t entirely sure how to get that daily dose of antioxidants, these antioxidant-rich foods are great places to start.

  • Raisins. Dried fruits, like raisins, contain well over 2,000 total antioxidants per serving.
  • Blueberries. These sweet, plump berries have more antioxidants than a whopping 40 other types of fruits.
  • Strawberries. One of the next best berries is the delicious strawberry, which helps to protect your body’s cells.
  • Plums. Plums contain more than 4,800 antioxidants per serving, and dried versions offer even more.
  • Oranges. Oranges are rich in the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin. It helps to lower your risk for arthritis.
  • Spinach. That’s right—some veggies contain antioxidants, too. Spinach is packed with the types that promote healthy eyes and prevent blindness.
  • Brussels sprouts. This tasty vegetable is becoming increasingly popular, which is a great thing because it is packed with isothiocyanates antioxidants that help to prevent cancer.
  • Beets. Pink beets not only look pretty on top of a salad, they also deliver a hearty dose of antioxidants.
  • Eggplant. Eat eggplant to take in the antioxidants that protect against plaque buildup in the arteries and prevent cancer.

20 Common Foods With the Most Antioxidants [WebMD]
Which Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Should You Be Eating? [Reader’s Digest]
8 Foods Rich in Antioxidants [FitDay]
10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods [Food Network]

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How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea

March 17, 2016 by

Even if you drink tea every day, you may not be brewing it properly. Don’t sweat it, however; simply read up on these simple tips for brewing the perfect cuppa.

  • For hot teas, such as black tea, you’ll want to first bring cold, filtered water to a boil to ensure the best possible taste. Add the tea bag to the cup first, and then gently pour the now-boiling water on top of it, using wide circular motions. Let the tea brew for three to five minutes, no more, and then serve with milk, sugar or by itself.
  • For large batches of iced teas, bring one quart of cold water to a rolling boil in a pot or kettle. Remove it from the stove and add eight to ten tea bags, depending on how dark you like your tea. Let it brew for three to five minutes, and then immediately pour it over a large quantity of ice cubes. You’ll also want to pop the whole thing in the refrigerator to get it completely cold.
  • For green tea, there is an entirely unique process. Because this tea is much more delicate, it can easily burn. Once the water starts boiling, you’ll want to let it sit for about 10 minutes to cool off. Then, pour it over the tea bag and let it brew for just one minute before serving.

How to Steep Hot Tea [The Republic of Tea]
Tea 101 [Teavana]
Brewing Tea [Tea Association]
Make a Perfect Brew [UK Tea & Infusions]

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Craving Potassium? Load Up on These Superfoods!

September 17, 2015 by

Filling your diet with the proper amount of potassium prevents against fatigue, hypertension, and increased blood pressure, and it also helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance throughout your body. If you’re unsure of which foods to eat in order to take in enough potassium, these two recommendations can help.

  1. White beans. These lightly textured, creamy beans are packed with fiber and protein, and they’re also incredibly rich in potassium. White beans contain approximately 1,189 milligrams of potassium per cup, which can easily be obtained through eating a bowl of chili, making a simple bean salad, or just eating white beans as a side dish with any meal.
  2. Leafy greens. If you thought that leafy green vegetables couldn’t possibly be any healthier, their potassium levels will make you think again. On top of their wide assortment of vitamins and minerals, greens also contain an impressive amount of potassium. For example, just one cup of Swiss chard contains 961 milligrams of potassium, which is more than double the amount in a banana. Beet greens also contain around 1,300 milligrams in a cup, while spinach has approximately 839 milligrams.

Top 10 Foods Highest in Potassium [Healthaliciousness]
15 Foods That Are High in Potassium [Health.com]
Foods With More Potassium Than a Banana [Huffington Post]
Potassium and Your CKD Diet [National Kidney Foundation]

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Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained? Take These Quizzes to Find Out!

July 23, 2015 by

Most people know the old study that says that people who are left-brained are more organized and logical, while people who are right-brained are more creative and spontaneous. If you’re unsure about which side of the brain is your dominant side, these fun and fascinating quizzes can help you to find out.

Left Brain / Right Brain Test [PsychTests]
This online quiz from PsychTests helps you to zone in on your dominant brain hemisphere by offering a series of 12 situations with options for how you would respond to each one. At the end, you’ll receive a detailed description of your results based on your unique personality.

30-Second Brain Test [Sommer+Sommer]
Sommer+Sommer created this fun game to help you discover more about the way that your brain thinks and operates. It tells you whether you use your brain’s right side or left side more by giving you a series of photos, mini games, and simple quizzes to analyze.

Are You More Right-Brained or Left-Brained? [Buzzfeed]
This quiz from Buzzfeed is more straightforward, offering a list of traits and asking you to check off all that apply to you. One section of traits applies more to those who are right-brained, while the other section relates to people who are left-brained.

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New to Yoga? Check Out These Beginners’ Tips!

April 2, 2015 by

Yoga is a great way to center your mind, but if it’s your first time practicing it can also be a bit intimidating. If you’re unsure of what to wear to class or what to expect from your instructor, read these helpful tips before heading to the studio.

  1. Wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing. Instead of wearing loose shorts or pants like you normally would while exercising, you’ll feel more comfortable in something that fits closer to the body. Also, be sure to tie long hair back and remove your shoes before entering the studio.( See if your studio's website provides tips about what to wear to your first class.)
  2. Bring the proper supplies. You’ll need to stay hydrated throughout your class (even more so if it’s a hot yoga class), so be sure to bring a large water bottle. If you don’t own your own yoga mat, you can likely rent one at the studio for a small fee.
  3. Prepare your body. Most yoga experts recommend not eating large meals for up to three hours before class. To avoid low blood sugar, have a small snack right before class.
  4. Research. If you’re feeling nervous about your practice, look up basic poses like downward facing dog, child’s pose, and the sequence of warrior poses.
  5. Have the right attitude. Your instructor may adjust you during class, but it doesn’t mean that you’re doing a bad job. Stay positive, stay focused, and stay open to advice!

4 Essential Yoga Tips for Beginners [About.com]
7 Common Beginner Yoga Fails (And How to Avoid Them) [Women’s Health]
12 Yoga Tips for Beginners [Care2]

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How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

January 22, 2015 by

Getting a little cold is fairly commonplace during the colder winter months, and it doesn’t usually require much treatment other than rest and chicken noodle soup. The flu, however, is a more serious issue, and although this virus usually requires antibiotics to kick, it can be quite difficult to tell the two apart. Here are a few smart ways to tell if you have a cold or the flu—and maybe even help you to catch it early on. (Remember to seek the professional advice of your physician!)

  1. A cold usually comes with a sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes even a cough in the fourth or fifth days. These symptoms are usually fairly mild and cause more discomfort than pain and misery. If it is a cold, these symptoms will last for about a week.
  2. The flu, on the other hand, comes with similar but more severe symptoms very early on. Your throat will be sore, your head and other muscles will ache, and you’ll likely have congestion and a cough. These symptoms could last for one week or longer, but they can turn into pneumonia if left untreated.
  3. While an everyday cold doesn’t usually come with a fever, the flu often does. If your temperature reaches 100 degrees or higher, you're likely looking at a case of the flu.

Is It a Cold or The Flu? [NIAID]
Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center [Web MD]
The Common Cold vs. The Flu… What You Need To Know [Health.com]

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Are You Washing Your Hands Correctly? Find Out Here!

December 4, 2014 by

Washing your hands thoroughly can help to prevent you from contacting diseases, reduce the risk of food borne illness, and can even stop you from spreading germs if you’re already sick. Here are a few tips that will show you the correct way to wash your hands.

  1. Apply soap and water. First, completely soak your hands with warm water. Apply as much soap as you need in order to cover both hands—remember, the more the better.
  2. Rub palms together. Vigorously rub your palms together in a circular motion to clean germs from the center of your hands.
  3. Clean between fingers. Clean the hard-to-reach places between your fingers by placing one hand on top of the other as if you were holding hands with another person. Rub the fingertips from one hand between the fingers of the other hand, and then vice versa.
  4. Clean fingernails. Rub the fingernails of one hand across the palm of the other hand to remove dirt and germs. Clasp the hands together with the backs of your fingers to the opposite palm, and then rub the hands back and forth.
  5. Rinse and dry. Rinse hands completely with water, and then dry them with a single-use paper towel. Don’t forget to use the towel to turn off the faucet in order to prevent contacting more germs, and then toss it away.

When & How to Wash Your Hands [CDC]
How to Wash Your Hands Properly by Mary Calvagna, MS [BIDMC]
Clean hands protect against infection [World Health Organization]

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