Health Benefits of Blueberries

News In Brief - New Strain Of Deadly Bird Flu

Experts are said to be concerned about a new deadly strain of bird flu, that has already claimed the life of one woman in China. The 73-year old caught the H10N8 virus after visiting a live poultry market. 
Scientists who have studied the new H10N8 virus say it has evolved some genetic characteristics that may allow it replicate efficiently in humans. The concern being that it could ultimately pass from person to person, although experts say there is no evidence of this as yet.


The World Health Organisation say the globe is facing a huge 'tidal wave' of cancer, and restrictions on alcohol and sugar need to be considered. The prediction is that, by 2035, there will be 24 million people diagnosed with cancer, compared to current levels of 14 million. 
The World Cancer Research Fund there was an 'alarming' level of naivety about diet's role in cancer.


Eating too many sugary sweets, desserts and drinks can lead to increased risk in having a heart attack, according to experts in the US. 
In the study, which looked at data on sugar consumption amongst tens of thousands of people in the US, as well as death rates from heart related problems, there was a significant link to the amount of sugar consumed and heart risk. 


Check back soon for more news, and also great tips and advice on healthy living and healthy foods.

Protect Your Body

I’ve gone through a lot of articles over recent weeks, looking at foods to boost your brain and memory, ways to cut your stroke risk and protecting your heart. The latter being an essential topic, especially coming to the 5^th anniversary of my dad’s sudden death from a heart attack. All of the foods listed have numerous essential health benefits, and should be a key part of everybody’s diet.

FOODS TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN AND MEMORY

ONIONS – Keep your brain fresh; researchers in Japan say their sulphur compounds neutralise toxins which limit cognitive function.

RED CABBAGE – Boost your memory; studies completed on a number of people found that 100g significantly raised brain-boosting anthocyanins.

KIDNEY BEANS – These offer a great combination of inositol and choline, B vitamins which work together to aid the functioning of brain cells.

SARDINES – High in vitamin D; studies done at the University of Manchester found that vitamin D aids memory by protecting key brain pathways. 

CUT YOUR RISK OF STROKE

Here, I’ve listed 3 quick tips to help cut your risk of strokes. Start today, and protect your life, it’s precious!

1. 27% reduction in your risk of stroke if you swap red meat for chicken.

2. Cut your risk of strokes by eating white-flesh fruits or vegetables, such as apples, bananas and cauliflower. Studies completed in Holland found that one portion of any of these a day, can reduce stroke risk by a massive 52%.

Further studies were to be carried out to establish exactly what causes this highly positive effect.

3. Drinking coke on a regular basis significantly increases your risk of stroke say the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

PROTECTING YOUR HEART

As I mentioned above, this topic has significant importance to me, as my dad died of a sudden heart attack in 2008, and over the years I’ve wanted to pass on vital tips and information to protect your heart. It’s in our own hands, but more teaching is required, and hopefully that’s what I will do.

So, firstly I have a recipe for a smoothie which sports nutritionist Matt Lovell says will strengthen your heart due to its perfect blend of sodium, potassium and good fats.

Ingredients;

- 1 Banana

- 150g Raspberries

- 1tbsp Peanut Butter

- 120ml Low Fat Chocolate Frozen Milk

- 240ml Fresh, Semi-Skimmed Milk

Just add it all to your blender and blend until smooth, then enjoy! 

Quick Tip; Men who drink 5 glasses of water each day have a 54% lower risk of heart disease, says the American Journal of Epidermiology.

That’s all from my latest post, I hope you enjoyed it and learnt something new. Please check back regularly for more posts on living a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for visiting.