BodyWellness360

Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder, "What happened?" What happened is that you grew up and matured! Although you may want to look old enough to know what you're doing, you most likely also want to look young enough to still be able to do it! But how can you slow down the clock? One of the critical keys to aging well is getting plenty of antioxidants. Surely you've heard that antioxidants are good for your health. But why, exactly, are they so important? And how do they help slow the aging process?  Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals. Studies indicate that the damage caused by free radicals can cause major diseases, including cancer, as well as contribute significantly to the aging process. So antioxidants help protect you from disease and slow down the effects of aging. Here are some essential antioxidants and where you can find them: 1.  Vitamin C   (#ad) . This is a very important antioxidant, and perhaps the best known for its deficie...

Chances are you know the importance of vitamins and minerals to your health, but are you aware that your body also relies on fatty acids for many of its functions? Fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. You may know them as Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9. These "good fats" are created by breaking down other fats. Since they're essential for health and aren't produced by the body (except for Omega-9), we need to eat food or take supplements that include them. Fatty Acids Are Essential For Health Fatty acids strengthen your health in many ways, including: Help in the movement of oxygen through the bloodstream Develop healthy cell membranes and tissue Aid in the proper functioning of organs Retain healthy lipid levels in the blood Aid the functioning of the immune system Aid brain function Control inflammation Help in blood clotting and regulating blood pressure In addition to these critical functions, fatty acids can also bring you other desirable benefits, from helping...

A cup of tea is a pleasant way to enjoy many potentially important health benefits. Learn about the latest research and the most effective ways to consume tea for health purposes. Manage Potentially Harmful Interactions 1. Relax about iron absorption. You may have heard that the tannins in tea and coffee interfere with your body's ability to absorb iron. Fortunately, most Americans get more iron than they need so it's usually not an issue. 2. Avoid mixing tea with aspirin and some prescription drugs. C onsuming tea and aspirin together can cause internal bleeding because they both inhibit platelets from clotting. The same is true for prescription blood thinners. Follow your doctor's recommendations for all prescription drugs. 3. Visit a tea shop. If most supermarket brands leave you feeling disappointed, visit a tea shop to discover new blends. You can sample a cup before buying a batch you’d like to take home. 4. Switch from soft drinks to tea. While many doct...

You may have read headlines saying that eating out can contribute to weight gain, heart conditions, and other health issues. Now there’s a study that says too many restaurant meals or fast food trips could also disrupt your hormones. The culprits are a group of chemicals called phthalates, and they’re a subject of growing concern. This latest study found that adults who ate out frequently had phthalate levels 35% higher than those who prepared most of their meals at home. While all kinds of restaurant, cafeteria, and fast food items increased phthalate exposure, cheeseburgers and sandwiches appeared to carry the highest risk. This news is important because these chemicals have been linked to serious conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity, and reduced fertility. Find out what you can do to limit your exposure and eat healthier. Cutting Back on Phthalates It would be difficult to avoid phthalates completely because they’re in many items. That includes shampoo and dish detergent,...

People love their pets. There’s a lot to love about having a pet, but there’s more to appreciate about your little friend than you realize.  Pets can be great companions, but they do so much more for you than just keep you company. Everyone in your household can benefit from the presence of a pet. A pet provides for more benefits than meets the eye:   You always have a walking partner. It can be more enjoyable to walk with a companion. Dogs are always excited to go for a walk, too. There are even a few cats that like to take a stroll. Studies show that dog owners walk almost 25 minutes longer each day than non-dog owners. Having a pet can improve your fitness. Your blood pressure will be lower. Having a pet that you find soothing has been shown to lower blood pressure. This can decrease the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Pets are great for kids. Kids adore pets. Having a pet can help children to be more social, develop stronger immune systems, and le...