Category Archives: Diet And Food

Diets designed to boost brain health, targeted largely at older adults, are a new, noteworthy development in the field of nutrition.

The latest version is the Canadian Brain Health Food Guide, created by scientists in Toronto. Another, the MIND diet, comes from experts at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Both diets draw from a growing body of research suggesting that certain nutrients mostly found in plant-based foods, whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetable oils and fish help protect cells in the brain while fighting harmful inflammation and oxidation.

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Both have yielded preliminary, promising results in observational studies. The Canadian version similar to the Mediterranean diet but adapted to Western eating habits is associated with a 36 percent reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimers disease. The MIND diet a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) lowered the risk of Alzheimers by 53 percent.

Researchers responsible for both regimens will study them further in rigorous clinical trials being launched this year.

Still, the diets differ in several respects, reflecting varying interpretations of research regarding nutritions impact on the aging brain.

A few examples: The MIND diet recommends two servings of vegetables every day; the Canadian diet recommends five. The Canadian diet suggests that fish or seafood be eaten three times a week; the MIND diet says once is enough.

The MIND diet calls for at least three servings of whole grains a day; the Canadian diet doesnt make a specific recommendation. The Canadian diet calls for four servings of fruit each day; the MIND diet says that five half-cup portions of berries a week is all that is needed.

We asked Carol Greenwood, a professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto and a key force behind the Canadian diet, and Martha Clare Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University Medical Center and originator of the MIND diet, to elaborate on research findings about nutrition and aging and their implications for older adults.

NUTRITION AND THE BRAIN

Its not yet well understood precisely how nutrition affects the brains of older adults. Most studies done to date have been in animals or younger adults.

What is clear: A poor diet can increase the risk of developing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, which in turn can end up compromising an individuals cognitive function. The corollary: A good diet that reduces the risk of chronic illness is beneficial to the brain.

Also, what people eat appears to have an effect on brain cells and how they function.

I dont think we know enough yet to say that nutrients in themselves support neurogenesis (the growth of neurons) and synaptogenesis (the growth of neural connections), Greenwood said. But pathways that are needed for these processes can be supported or impaired by someones nutritional status.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

Several nutrients have been shown to have biological mechanisms related to neuropathology in the brain, Morris said.

On that list is Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant found in oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy green vegetables, which is associated with slower cognitive decline, a lower risk of dementia, and reduced accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins a key culprit in Alzheimers disease.

The brain is a site of great metabolic activity, Morris said. It uses an enormous amount of energy and in doing so generates a high level of free radical molecules, which are unstable and destructive. Vitamin E snatches up those free radicals and protects the brain from injury.

Also on her list is vitamin B12 found in animal products such as meat, eggs, cheese and fish and vitamin B9 (folate), found in green leafy vegetables, grains, nuts and beans.

Because aging affects stomach acids that facilitate the absorption of B12, everyone who gets to middle age should have a doctor check their B12 levels, Morris said. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to confusion and memory problems, while folate deficiency is associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts oils, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are highly concentrated in the brain, where they are incorporated in cell membranes and play a role in the transmission of signals between cells.

A primary focus has to be maintaining healthy blood vessels in the brain, Greenwood said. So, heart health recommendations are similar in many ways to brain health recommendations, with this exception: The brain has higher levels of Omega-3s than any other tissue in the body, making adequate levels even more essential.

Other studies point to calcium, zinc and vitamins A, C and D as having a positive impact on the brain, though findings are sometimes inconsistent.

FOODS TO AVOID

For the most part, the Canadian and MIND diets concur on foods to be avoided or limited to once-a-week servings, especially saturated fats found in pastries, sweets, butter, red meat and fried and processed foods.

As for dairy products, theres no evidence one way or another. If you like your yogurt, keep eating it, Morris said. Greenwood adds a caveat: Make sure you consume low-fat dairy products as opposed to whole-fat versions.

OTHER HELPFUL DIETS

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that both the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet have a positive impact on various aspects of cognition, although neither was created specifically for that purpose.

At the end of the day, our [Canadian] diet, the MIND diet, the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet are not that different; theyre all likely to be helpful, Greenwood said.

THE PATTERN COUNTS

Studies promoting the cognitive benefits of drinking tea or eating blueberries have garnered headlines recently. But a focus on individual foods is misguided, both experts suggested. What matters instead is dietary patterns and how components of various foods interact to promote brain health.

The bottom line: Concentrate on eating an assortment of foods that are good for you. As long as people are eating a healthful diet, they shouldnt have to worry about individual nutrients, Greenwood said.

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2 diets that may help ward off Alzheimer's - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Tribune

In celebration of Earth Day, think about your diet and ask yourself how green is my diet?

Most peoples first thought is salad greens. Lettuce is the third most popular vegetable eaten by Americans, behind potatoes and tomatoes. A large salad can go a long way to meet the daily-recommended 2 to 3 cups of vegetables for adults. To get the most health benefits of your salad greens, choose deeply colored greens. These greens contain vitamins A, C and K, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, folate and fiber.

Remember there are other healthful fruits and vegetables to add this earthy color to your diet. Green cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage are a great start. Cruciferous vegetables contain cancer-fighting plant compounds and vitamin C. Kale also provides vitamins A and K as well as anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Another potent cruciferous veggie is Brussels sprouts, with its vitamins A and C, folate and potassium.

Green beans and peas are common side dishes in the American diet. The fiber in these foods help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. Zucchini is another option, which is low in calories but rich in nutrients, including fiber, potassium, folate, vitamins A, C and B vitamins.

Green peppers can be eaten raw as a snack dipped in hummus or added to salads. Add them to stir-fry dishes or make stuffed peppers for a colorful entre. They provide a good source of many important nutrients, including vitamin C, beta carotene, folate and vitamin K.

A popular springtime vegetable, asparagus, is famous for its healthful dose of inulin, a prebiotic that promotes digestive health. The protein in asparagus (an amino acid called asparagine) helps cleanse the body of waste and is responsible for the odd-smelling urine some people experience after eating it.

Many people avoid avocados because of their high fat content. The fat (23 grams in a medium-sized fruit) is the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind. Avocados also contain lutein, an antioxidant that protects eye health and they are rich in vitamin E. Research shows that people who get the most vitamin E from their diet (not supplements) have a lower risk of Alzheimers disease. Add them to salads, tacos, soups, and sandwiches.

Kiwifruit is a nutrition powerhouse. This fuzzy green fruit provides 230 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C (almost twice that of an orange), more potassium than a banana, and 10 percent of the recommended daily allowances of vitamin E and folate. Slice some kiwi into your cereal, yogurt, or salad for a refreshing health boost.

Edamame, soybeans found in Japanese diets, are a complete plant-based protein popular for vegetarian and vegan diet. Whole soy foods like edamame are a smart and healthy choice and may lower cholesterol when eaten in place of fatty meat.

Go green with your diet by adding more of these fruits and vegetables to get a nutritional boost.

Lisa McCoy is a family and consumer-sciences educator with University of Maryland Extension in Washington County.

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Go green with your diet for Earth Day - Herald-Mail Media

HAMDEN >> Skepticism was apparent by most of the people who came to learn what a road diet could mean for Whitney Avenue Wednesday night.

And after almost two hours of discussion, most left not convinced the plans are in the best interest of the town.

The state Department of Transportation has proposed the road diet for this summer, when it has plans to pave 2 miles of the road. After the new pavement is in place, the traffic lines drawn would reduce the number of lanes on the road, from two in each direction to one, with a third common lane down the middle that would be used by motorists on both sides to make left turns.

The plans are only for a portion of the road, according to DOT traffic engineer Ken Lussier. Its not a widening program, he said. The current edges would remain. We are simply repaving the road.

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The lane reassignment would be implemented from School Street to the Route 40 connector, Lussier said. The portion of Whitney Avenue from the Route 40 connector north to Mount Carmel Avenue will be paved but the lane configuration wont change, he said.

It wont come at any additional cost, since they will be repainting the lines with the repaving, Lussier said, and the project doesnt cost the town anything because Route 10 is a state road.

Traffic studies show that more than 20,000 cars use the portion of the road from School Street to the connector, Lussier said, while that number drops to between 15,000 and 17,000 from the connector to Mount Carmel Avenue. The higher number meets the criteria for considering a road diet, Lussier said.

We have found that roads with traffic of 20,000 or more cars are good candidates, he said. Its also the area with the most number of accidents, he said. There were 164 accidents there in the last two years, he said, and many of those were rear-end crashes involving cars making left turns into businesses or homes.

A road diet has a safety focus, he said, admitting that it can lead to more congestion in heavier traffic times.

But several in the audience said they dont think the road reconfiguration will improve the roads safety.

How the heck are you supposed to look at all that and not have an accident, one woman asked, referring to the middle lane shared by cars going in both directions that are turning left.

It takes getting used to, Lussier admitted.

These are relatively new to Connecticut, he said. A portion of State Street in New Haven near the Hamden line was reconfigured using the road diet system, as well as Burnside Road in East Hartford, he said. The goal of those projects was to provide more shoulder room for bicyclists and pedestrians, he said, while the plan for Whitney Avenue is to improve safety.

One woman said she is afraid the change will lead drivers to take different routes to avoid that part of the road. I live off of Evergreen Avenue, and my concern is they will use it to cut through to avoid Route 10, she said. The road is busy enough already.

But resident Dan Garrett said he thinks the changes could improve the safety of the road. The fault for the problems on the road lies with drivers, he said.

If this will make it much safer, then its a great idea, Garrett said.

The change doesnt have to be permanent, DOT engineer Fred Kulakowski said. After the road is paved, the lines would be drawn using water-based paint that easily could be removed after a year if its decided the change hasnt improved safety, he said.

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YOUNG people could be putting their health at risk by following dieting fads such as going dairy free, experts have warned.

A survey by the National Osteoporosis Society found a fifth of under-25s are cutting out or reducing dairy in their diet, which can be dangerous if they do not get enough calcium from other sources.

The charity said that many young people take their dietary advice from bloggers and while some of it is sound, it is not always based on science and may not be right for everyone.

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Here, Sun nutritionist AMANDA URSELL sorts fact from fiction and answers eight of the most common questions about our diets.

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THE grapefruit diet was created in the 1920s and has been praised by celebs such as Kylie Minogue.

But scientists at Oxford University found no difference in weight between groups taking grapefruit or a placebo.

When eaten as the whole fruit, pink grapefruits are one of your five a day.

Check with your doctor before eating if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medication, as super-nutrients can interfere with them.

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CHOCOLATE is low on the glycaemic index, which measures how quickly carbohydrates are digested and how quickly they raise the level of blood sugar.

Chocolate squeaks into the low-GI bracket because digestion of the 24g of sugar in a 50g bar is slowed down by the 15g of fat it also provides.

But it will never be the same as a bowl of strawberries, so keep it as a treat.

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FULL-fat, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk all contain roughly the same amount of calcium, as the bone-building mineral is found in the watery part of milk not the fatty part.

So when fat is removed for semi-skimmed and skimmed milk, none of this vital mineral is lost.

A 200ml glass of skimmed milk contains around 250mg of calcium, compared to 240mg in the same amount of full-fat milk.

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There is little scientific evidence either way for this claim. But given that a stick of celery provides just two calories, the numbers really arent worth worrying about.

If you enjoy it, eat it. If you dont, choose another vegetable you like.

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NOT always. Wholemeal bread and pasta, natural yoghurt, porridge and frozen vegetables all undergo processing and these foods are not considered bad for us.

In fact, some processed foods, such as red kidney beans, are better for you than before they are treated.

On the other hand, overly refined processed foods, such as cakes, pies and biscuits, should be limited.

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GOOD news there is no strong conclusive evidence that chocolate or dairy products cause acne. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants that may actually help to protect the skin.

For healthy skin you should drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.

Foods with vitamins A, C and E, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and selenium will also help.

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DRIED fruits, beans and seeds do contain calcium.

But they also have substances known as oxalates and phytates that grab on to the calcium they contain and reduce how much you can absorb.

The British Dietetic Association advises that they should not be used as your main source of calcium.

Milk, yoghurt, almond milk and fortified oat, rice and soya milk are much better sources.

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WE should have at least two portions of fish a week, including one serving (about 140g) of oily types such as salmon and mackerel. Oily fish is full of omega-3 essential fats, which are good for our hearts and the nervous systems of babies and children.

But some oily fish contain low levels of pollutants that build up, so pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to stick to a maximum of two servings per week.

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We debunk fashionable diet trends and sort healthy facts from fiction about calcium, chocolate and whether your diet ... - The Sun

Health and productivity are essential to an entrepreneur's potential for growth. Without these good habits, your business will suffer and so will you.

There's a plethora of content on the internet to wade through about how to achieve well-being at work, but if you focus on just a few key things, you can reap big results.

Here are four habits to let go of in the quest to improve your health and productivity:

1. Consuming too much information

We live in the golden age of information. Anything you want to know, find or learn can happen through the magic of a 15-second Google search.

I can learn the basic step pattern for salsa dancing, but I can also become overwhelmed with the countless salsa videos at my disposal.

The big glaring problem with this wealth of information is that the abundance of it starts to overwhelm me. What's right and wrong? Which diet to choose? Which ad campaign to run? Which email service to use? Which sales strategy to implement? Which workout regimen to follow? How to lose weight the fastest? And on and on.

It's great to have this information, but the excess of information becomes counterproductive because it leads to analysis from paralysis. Information overload is in full effect, and the more information and decisions presented to you, the more likely nothing gets chosen and started.

Find just enough information, pick a plan and leave everything else out. Otherwise, you'll jump from program to program with your fitness and try the next shiny object each week in business.

All diets can potentially work. All business strategies and tactics can work. The key is to stick with the plan, follow it and give the process time to work out. Your most important step is to find a plan that acknowledges and meshes with your personality and skills, and then get started.

2. Trying to do everything yourself

You can't succeed in this world alone. This leads to burnout, which affects your health and business.

Seek help when you need it. It's better for your business to let someone take over jobs and tasks that don't fit your strengths. This frees up more time to focus on your strengths, which leads to better productivity overall and an improved bottom line.

It's better to let someone take over your fitness and nutrition than to continually guess and jump from program to program but still not get anywhere meaningful with your progress in the long run.

Marvin Gaye had a team of songwriters and producers to bring out the best of him for the Let's Get It On album. Steve Jobs had a talented team at Apple. Even the Avengers couldn't save the world until they came together as a unit.

Don't waste time trying to do and be everything.

3. Trying to be a perfectionist

Labeling yourself as a perfectionist and not taking action until it's right is nothing more than procrastination and fear talking.

In business, if you wait for the perfect moment, you're too late the competition has the leg up on you. In fitness, if you wait for the perfect moment, those desired pounds lost and dream body are still waiting to happen. Building a million-dollar business and body requires more than just planning, it requires action (imperfection action is better than no action).

Don't miss the big picture when you're trying to improve your health and productivity. The main point is to get started. Perfectionists waste time over-analyzing all the small details that don't play a pivotal role in the outcome. The perfect moment to start is now.

4. Not creating systems

Life is chaotic and can quickly become overwhelming, which is why creating systems is critical to succeeding in business and fitness.

Systems help you not rely on willpower (a fleeting asset). With systems, you can automate the everyday mundane tasks so you can focus on your tougher tasks of the day, rather than waste unnecessary energy.

Struggle with what to eat? Use a catering service for lunch because that's your busiest work time and the most tempting time to fall off your healthy regimen.

When you create this system for your nutrition, you're freeing up your brain power for big decisions in your business. Plan your morning, afternoon and evening work slots while setting assigned times designated for email and administrative tasks.

Julian Hayes II is a health and fitness coach.

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These 4 things are holding you back - Chicago Tribune

Ifyou fancy a diet which still allows you to eat all your favourite foods, then this could be the one for you

WEIGHT Watchers is a diet with a difference which promises great results while allowing you to continue to eat your favourite foods.

Its a well-established diet brand endorsed by scores of celebrities.

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If youre thinking about signing up to your local Weight Watchers group, heres what you need to know.

Weight Watchers works on a Smart Points system, where foods are rated on their protein, carbs, fat and fibre content.

Its essentially calorie counting made easy, and theres absolutely no limit on the amount of fruit and vegetables you can eat.

Dieterseven get a weekly Smart Points safety net, meaning you can treat yourself on a night out, as well as a personalised exercise plan.

Weekly meetings and weigh-ins keep people on track.

Overall, the plan is less extreme than many other diets but the results are still promising, with dietersable to lose up to 2lb a week.

This is a well-balanced diet, which is less restrictive than many of its competitors.

No foods are completely banned, meaning dieters shouldnt be tempted to cheat.

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While a 2012 NHS study found that men and women who attended Weight Watchers classes lost more than those who went to other slimming clubs.

The main cons are that counting the points can be time consuming, and the NHS warn: Some people feel pressured into purchasingWeight Watchers-branded foods.

However, health-wise there are unlikely to be any negative effects.

Former Holby City star Patsy Kensit credits Weight Watchers will her 1 stone weight loss.

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While American singer Jessica Simpson used the plan to shed her baby weight, after giving birth to son Maxwell Drew.

The Voice judge Jennifer Hudson lost 5st 10lb when she completely transformed her body a couple of years ago, and says Weight Watchers and regular exercise keeps her trim.

Comedienne and actress Tina Fey is also said to be a fan, as is talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

While Sally and Paul Jones lost a combined 19 stone, and found love with each other at Weight Watchers.

And it's not just celebrities that have been successful withthis diet plan.

One couple found love and shed 19 STONE together after meeting at Weight Watchers.

And another super-slimmer shed over 11 stone after her boyfriend told her she "had gained weight".

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What is the Weight Watchers diet, how does it work, is it safe and are ... - The Sun

COLORADO SPRINGS -

Many people remember hearing that they shouldn't eat eggs because they contain too much cholesterol.

According to Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, of Cleveland Clinic, eggs may have, unfairly, gotten a bad reputation in the past.

"There is no longer this strong link that we once thought there was of cholesterol in the diet linking with cholesterol in our body,? said Kirkpatrick.? And so once that was taken away we could actually, kind of, take the veil off and look at some of the real benefits of eggs."

Kirkpatrick said today we have strong evidence that folks can safely have one egg every day if they choose.

"Eggs do have a lot of benefits,"said Kirkpatrick. "They have a vitamin called choline in it and choline we know is really important for health, and we also know that individuals who have fatty liver disease, they?re more likely to progress with that disease if they have low levels of choline."

Kirkpatrick said eggs also have minerals like iodine and selenium, which are not always easy to find in the standard American diet.

While egg whites are chock-full of vitamins, the yolks are okay to eat too. Kirkpatrick said egg yolks are a good source of vitamin A and D.

Eggs are also great because they're not difficult to prepare. Scrambled eggs are easy to make and hard boiled eggs are easy to transport on the go - just make sure they are cooked fully to avoid food borne illness

But Kirkpatrick said folks don?t have to save all of their eggs for breakfast.

"For dinner a lot of times, frittatas are a great option,? said Kirkpatrick. ?It?s a great option because with a lot of frittatas you add a bunch of vegetables - so chopped red peppers and onions and garlic and things like that - and it?s really yummy and you can actually pick up a frittata like a piece of pizza."

Kirkpatrick said that like any food, moderation is key. She recommends eating no more than one a day and no more than five per week.

She also cautions folks about egg salad,because even though it contains eggs, it also has other ingredients, such as mayonnaise, which are not healthy.

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Your Healthy Family: Eat those left over Easter Eggs - KOAA.com Colorado Springs and Pueblo News

Red wine is perhaps the most widely praisedalcoholic beverage for its health benefits.Regularly consumed in moderation as part of a healhty Mediterranean diet, red wine is made from grapes that are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are known have cancer-fighting and longevity benefits.

In a new study conducted by Virginia Tech researchers, it was discovered that a compound found in red wine called resveratrol has the power to help keep the brain young and healthy. Resveratrol is anaturally-occurring compound inraspberries, pomegranates, blueberries, mulberries, raw cacao, dark chocolate and the skin ofgrapes, whichhas been shown to protect against the age-related breakdown ofmuscle fibers and connections between synapses in the brain.

To examine the effects of resveratrol, the researchers took two year-old mice (considered to be old in mouse years) and treated them with resveratrol for a period of one year. The researchers specifically looked at the effects of the resveratrol on synapses associated with voluntary movement, called neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), which carry motor commands flowingfrom neurons within the spinal cord towardthe muscles.

In a previous study, researchersdiscovered that a low-calorie diet and exercise helped protect NMJsynapses frombreaking down during the aging process. The mice that were treated with resveratrol had more youthful NMJsynapses compared to two-year-old mice that didnt receive treatment, showing similar effects to that of how diet and exercise benefited the youthfulness of NMJsynapses.

Theres just one big downside to this new discovery: humans cant get the same neuroprotective benefits as the mice did in this particular study just by deciding to make red wine a part of their healthy diet. Red wine contains such small amounts of resveratrol that theres no way to drink enough of it safely to get the benefits that were seen in mice, withprevious research on the effects of resveratrol in human subjects showing no significant benefits.

The next step for the researchers is to dive deeper into examining the mechanics of howresveratrol protects NMJ synapses. Once this is known, either modifications can be made to resveratrol, or the researchers can work on identifyingcompounds that have similar or better neuroprotective benefits.

This doesnt necessarily mean red wine has nothing to offer and that it should be given up altogether. If you enjoy drinking red wine in moderation, theres no reason to stop unless your doctor tells you so.

FollowingtheMediterranean Diet, women can enjoy one glass of red wine a day while men can have up to two glasses a day. So pour yourself a glass, breathe in the aromas, take a sip and dont forget to maintain a healthy diet overall because the bigger picture is what really counts.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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Red Wine Compound Benefits Brain Health, But There's a Downside - Care2.com

Cape Town - Local actress Nicole Bessick and TV presenter Jade Hbner are set to face off in the boxing ring for charity.

Nicole has been training hard, and has dedicated herself to training just like a professional boxer. She has lost 10 kilograms in the last month and a half and is feeling and looking healthier than ever.

The fight is taking place in Cape Town on June, 10 and will be hosted by actor and presenter, Siv Ngesi.

The purpose of the celebrity fight is to raise awareness around the bullying epidemic in South Africa, and encourage South Africans to start talking about this important issue.

Here's what Nicole had to say:

How have you been preparing mentally and physically for the fight? It's been tough, especially given that I'm preparing for the fight from the other side of the country. I live in Johannesburg whilst my coach, Bruce Benjamin, lives in Cape Town. Maintaining a steady training regime is hard, especially with the distance and our conflicting schedules, but he really is the best in the biz. As concerns the physical element, he flies in every weekend to keep my boxing up to speed. As concerns the mental element, he's just a call away should I need an ear or a shoulder.

How did you get into boxing? At the beginning, boxing formed part of my training regime only insofar as keeping fit goes. We incorporated boxing into my workouts in small increments. I took quite a liking to the sport and we started incorporating it into my workouts more and more. I never intended to box competitively, but Bruce was adamant that I could hold my own in a ring... especially after I chipped a piece of his tooth with my left hook at one training session hahahaha.

Have you always been athletic? Yes. I was a figure skater for 10 years. Started when I was 3 years old, and went on to represent my province at the age of 8, and my country at the age of 10.

You lost 10kgs in the past month, how did you accomplish this? Cardio, resistance training and boxing here and there.

Tell us about your training and diet regime My diet consisted of lots of white proteins and healthy veg. I eat about 6-7 meals per day and train 5 times a week.

Why is it important for you to be involved in the campaign against bullying in SA? This cause hits close to home. I was bullied for 12 years. Literally every single day... for 12 years. From my experience, no bully is simply malicious... nine times out of ten, bullies are children who are going through the most at home, and don't know how to grapple with or channel what they're experiencing at home. They get to school and end up taking those frustrations or unhappiness out on other kids.

I firmly believe that had my bullies engaged in some sort of combat training... I would never have been bullied. Boxing, first and foremost, teaches you discipline. Secondly, it teaches you how to understand emotions you may be feeling, and thirdly, how to channel what you're feeling, safely. You're so much calmer after training. Boxing centers you in ways you can't imagine!

Most importantly boxing teaches you to be mindful and have an understanding of not only your body, but of your opponent's too. You're constantly needing to understand their headspace, their intentions, their motions... Perhaps had I trained when I was a kid, I would have never been a victim of bullying. I would have known and understood where my bully's emotions were coming from, may not have internalized their actions in the ways that I did, and most importantly, would have been able to shake it off.

After the fight, will you continue to train? Absolutely! But maybe only like a week after my fight. Really craving a cheeseburger! Think a good week of stuffing my face is in order!

Originally posted here:
We chat to Nicole Bessick about prepping for her celeb boxing match - Channel 24

Diet can protect against type 1 diabetes Nature.com Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease with a strong genetic basis, but a progressive rise in its incidence indicates that environmental factors also contribute to the disease. Now, Mario et al. report that mice fed diets that release high ...

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Diet can protect against type 1 diabetes - Nature.com