Tag Health | resveralife

March 19, 2016 by Mayank

Beware of Stinging Insects

Spring brings new life with fresh green grass and blooming flowers, but it also means the return of stinging insects. If you’ve ever been stung, and chances are that you have been, you know that insect stings can be incredibly painful and in the worst instances, they can cause severe allergic reactions. Below, find out what you need to know about four of the most common stinging insects.

Honeybees
Honeybees are highly social insects that are found throughout the world. These bees are active pollinators and they are responsible for pollinating more than 100 crops within the United States. Honeybees are about ½ inch in size, they have six legs and their bodies are predominantly golden yellow and brown bands. Honeybees, as their name implies, produce honey which helps feed their colonies during the winter months, and they are the only social insect who have colonies that can last for several years. Honeybees are a stinging insect, but they only sting once because when they sting, the stinger remains with the person or object that was stung. The stings of honeybees are most likely to be painful if the stinger is not removed immediately after the sting. If you find that you have a honeybee colony lurking in your attic or one of your trees, call a professional for removal. Honeybee colonies tend to be very large, and with the addition of honey, they are a mess to try and remove.

Paper Wasp
Paper wasps are a semi-social stinging insect that live in small colonies. These insects are also referred to as umbrella wasps because they make their nests in the distinctive shape of an umbrella. Paper wasps are anywhere from ⅝ to ¾ of an inch long and are brown with yellow markings, although some species of paper wasps are brown with reddish markings. Paper wasps feed off of nectar and other insects, and are not incredibly aggressive by nature. However, they will sting if they are disturbed or if their nest is threatened. Wasp stings are among the most painful, and can cause allergic reactions.

Yellowjacket
Yellowjackets are social insects that live in colonies of up to 4,000 workers and are most frequent during the late summer and early autumn months. Worker yellowjackets are usually ⅜ to ⅝ of an inch long and have a black abdomen with yellow patterns that often resemble bands. Yellowjackets are shaped more like a wasp than a bee, and they are a bigger threat to human than most bees. Yellowjackets are highly territorial and they will sting repeatedly if threatened. Allergic reactions are common with yellowjackets due to the number of times they will sting on person, and if you receive 10 or more stings at one time, experts recommend you go to a doctor or hospital for treatment. To keep the threat of yellowjackets down, keep all garbage covered, remove garbage frequently and be sure that your doors and windows have screens in good condition. Never attempt to remove a colony of yellowjackets, call a professional for your safety.

Bumble Bee
Bumble bees are considered to be incredibly beneficial because they pollinate crops and plants, but they are still a stinging insect. These bees are usually about one inch in length and are black with yellow stripes. Bumble bees often build their nests underground, but they may also use areas like decks and patios for a nesting spot. Bumble bees are highly aggressive when it comes to defending their nests and they often chase intruders for a considerable distance when they have been threatened. Like wasps and yellowjackets, bumble bees can sting more than once and their stings are among the most painful of stinging insects.

While removing a nest yourself seems like a pretty straightforward task, you should always call a professional for removal. All of the above stinging insects protect their hives and nests, and attempting a do-it-yourself removal can be highly hazardous. When stung, it’s always important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible and then to wash the area. Apply an antibacterial ointment and consider taking an antihistamine and over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Take care outdoors this spring by knowing what insects can be threatening and how to respond if stung.

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March 2, 2016 by Mayank

Avoiding Cooties: Cold, Flu and Retrovirus

The common cold, the flu and retroviruses make their rounds during winter time and it can seem impossible to stay healthy. Luckily, there are lifestyle changes and medical interventions that you can use to help protect yourself and your loved ones from coming down with the cold, flu and retrovirus. Use the following five tips to keep your family and yourself healthy during cold and flu season this year.

Wash Your Hands
The number one thing you can do to prevent the common cold, flu and retroviruses is to wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that “handwashing is like a do-it-yourself vaccine” when it comes to preventing illnesses. Properly washing your hands consists of five steps:

Wet your hands
Lather your hands – don’t forget the backs of your hands, in between fingers and under fingernails
Scrub your hands – do this for at least 20 seconds for maximum cleanliness
Rinse
Dry

Get Vaccinated
When it comes to the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that getting vaccinated is the first, and most important, step in preventing the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older be vaccinated annually to prevent the flu virus. “Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to the flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths,” according to the CDC. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which flu vaccine is the most appropriate for you.

Stay Home
To protect yourself from illness, you want to limit your time and prevent close contact with individuals who are already sick. If you begin to exhibit any flu-like symptoms, do those you surround yourself with a favor and stay home. You need to rest to recover, and staying home reduces the risk of spreading the illness to others. If you have a fever, experts recommend that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without using fever-reducing medicines.

Woman sleeping

Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is an important part of staying healthy and not getting enough sleep can make you more vulnerable to the common cold, flu and retroviruses. For otherwise healthy adults, the National Sleep Foundation recommends getting between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.

Practice Good Health Habits
In addition to making sure you are well-rested, there are things you can do in your daily life to help prevent the colds, retroviruses and the flu. First, a healthy diet and exercise can go a long way in keeping you healthy, so be sure that you are following a sensible eating plan and staying active. Next, avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as much as possible, because germs from your hands enter the body this way. Cover your mouth and nose any time you cough or sneeze to protect those around you from your illness and clean and disinfect any surfaces that are frequently touched both at home and work to protect yourself from illness.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to avoid germs altogether, but practicing healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk of coming down with the common cold, flu or retrovirus. Remember to wash hands thoroughly and frequently and avoid putting your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent illness. Keep those around you healthy by using the above tips to avoid colds, the flu and retroviruses.

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March 1, 2016 by Mayank

Handwashing Keeps You Healthy

When it comes to your health, handwashing is the single most important thing you can do to prevent illnesses, infections and diseases. There is no way to completely isolate yourself from germs, but you can minimize exposure to germs and other disease-causing microbes by frequently washing your hands. Keep reading to learn why you need to wash your hands, and when and how you should be washing your hands.

Why Washing Your Hands Is Important
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that “microbes are all tiny living organisms that may or may not cause diseases,” and “germs, or pathogens, are types of microbes that can cause disease.” As you go through each day, your hands accumulate tons of germs by touching people, surfaces and objects. Because you are constantly being exposed to germs, and it is impossible to stop that, it is important that you don’t let these germs remain on your skin. Infection and illness occurs when your germ-filled hands touch areas like your eyes, mouth or nose and enter into your body. Washing your hands frequently is the best way to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing microbes.

When to Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands before or after certain activities can help prevent illnesses and the spread of germs more effectively. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that you should always wash your hands:

Before eating
Before and after food preparation
Before and after treating a cut or wound
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
After cleaning up a child who has used the toilet or changing diapers
After touching garbage
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching an animal, animal waste or animal feed

How to Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands properly is important to stopping the spread of germs. To be sure you are thoroughly cleansing your hands you should:

Wet your hands with running water that is either warm or cold. There isn’t any definitive data that states the temperature of the water impacts how clean your hands get, and hot water is irritating to the skin and weakens the natural moisture barrier, which can allow more germs and bacteria to enter the skin.
Turn off the faucet. You want to do this because when the water accumulates in the sink, it can bring any germs from the sink to your hands, and turning off the faucet saves water.
Apply soap and work into a lather. When doing this step, be sure to lather the backs of your hands, under your nails and in between your fingers.
Scrub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands under running water that is either warm or cold.
Pat hands dry with a towel. Because you’ve just washed your hands, if it is possible you want to turn off the faucet with your elbow or a towel to avoid adding germs right back to your hands.

Washing your hands protects your body against the spread of bacteria, viruses and other germs that make you sick. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and properly to keep yourself as healthy as possible.

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February 25, 2016 by Mayank

Health Meanings Behind Nail Discoloration

Your body is incredible at giving you signs that there is a problem somewhere. One place that many people often overlook when it comes to performing self-checks is their nails. Nails, both finger and toe, can help doctors identify certain diseases, disorders and other conditions. Keep reading for a look at the health meanings behind nail discoloration.

Blue Nails
Unless you’ve recently taken off blue nail polish, blue-tinged nails can be indicative of a number of health concerns or conditions including:

Cyanosis – Cyanosis is defined as a bluish discoloration of the skin or nails that is the result of inadequate circulation to the blood or poor circulation. If your nails return to normal color after you massage or warm your fingers, then the condition is likely caused by cold constriction, which occurs when your fingers don’t get enough blood supply.
Respiratory Problems – Blue fingertips could also be an indication of lung and breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis or other respiratory disorders.
Raynaud’s Syndrome – Also called Raynaud’s Phenomenon or Raynaud’s Disease, this occurs when your fingertips and nails change from white to blue to red. Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which certain areas of your body, like your fingers, toes or nose, feel numb or tingly in extreme weather or stressful situations.

Green Nails
Sporting a green manicure for St. Patrick’s Day is festive, green colored nails on your fingers naturally can indicate:

Allergic Reactions – You use your hands constantly and cleaning is a part of your life. If you find that your nails have a green tint, you may want to examine all of the cleansers you use. Cleansing agents can cause allergic reactions, and green nails can be a signal that you’re body doesn’t agree with something you’re using.
Fungal Infection – Green under your nails may also be a symptom of a localized fungal infection. Onychomycosis, or tinea unguium, is “…a fungal infection that affects either the fingernails or toenails,” according to Healthline. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that green nails as a result of fungal infections affect toenails more than fingernails.

Black Nails
If you have recently injured any of your nails, they may turn black due to blood under your nail and this is a common occurrence. However, if the black nail does not go away, it could indicate:

Anemia – The appearance of black nails may be an indication that you are anemic. Anemia is when your body is deficient in iron, and can be remedied through iron supplements under the care of your doctor.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency – The National Institutes of Health states “[v]itamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak.”
Melanoma – Very rarely, black nails can indicate the presence of a melanoma. This is an uncommon occurrence and is found more in people with darker skin tones than lighter skin tones.

Most often, nail discolorations are harmless, but there are times when different colored nails can indicate something else is happening inside your body. To make sure your doctor can give you a thorough examination, always remove nail polish prior to your appointments. Paying attention to the color of your nails can help you keep your body healthy.

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February 23, 2016 by Mayank

What Your Hands Say About Your Health

You use them every day for everything, but when was the last time that you actually took the time to care for your hands? If it’s been a while, you may be surprised at what you find, and even more surprised at what those findings can indicate. Below, find out some common occurrences regarding the appearance of your hands and your health.

Flaky, Peeling Skin
Fingertips that suddenly begin to peel or become flaky are often an indication of a vitamin B deficiency. Two B vitamins that are important for the health of your skin are biotin, B7, and niacin B3. You can up the amount of niacin and biotin by eating foods like fish, peanuts, avocados and mushrooms, and you can also add a supplement to your diet. “Taking a biotin supplement helps to promote healthy skin and nail growth; niacin helps protect and repair skin by preventing the formation of melanin, boosting collagen growth, and improving your skin’s natural moisture barrier,” says David Bank, M.D, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York City’s New York-Presbyterian/Columbia.

Discoloration Under Your Nail
If you notice a black or brown streak under your nail, seek medical attention immediately. According to David J. Leffell, M.D., Chief Section of Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at Yale University School of Medicine a black or brown streak under the nail can be a sign of acral melanoma, a rare skin cancer that often occurs in people with darker skin tones. Although this nail discoloration may be an early sign of melanoma, this type of cancer only accounts for about one to three percent of all cases of melanoma.

Pale, White or Blue Fingertips
Fingertips that change in color from blue to white to red could be an indication of Raynaud’s syndrome. According to Bank, “this condition causes coldness of the fingers and toes and can be accompanied by pain, numbness and tingling.” Experts believe that Raynaud’s syndrome is caused by spasms of the blood vessels that narrow them and lead to decreased circulation. You may also notice that your ears or nose go numb when temperatures drop or when you are put under a significant amount of stress.

Woman scratching her arms.

Dry, Itchy Skin
Your hands are frequently dried out because they are in constant use. “Repeated hand washing, which can dry your hands, and then touching paper and other harsh material all day long, will doubly dry them out,” warns Bank. However, if your skin seems to remain dry and itchy or if you have rashes, you may have eczema. Check with your doctor to determine whether or not your skin is just dry or if you have eczema. Bank says to apply products containing vitamins A and E to your hands and cuticles at night. “Because we don’t wash our hands while we sleep, these products will have a good amount of time to penetrate into your skin,” says Bank.

Pale, White Nail Beds
Not to be confused with pale or white fingertips that may be a symptom of Raynaud’s syndrome, pale or white nail beds can be a sign that you are anemic. Anemia means that your body is not making enough healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying adequate oxygen to your tissues. Generally, the treatment for anemia is quite simple and involves iron supplementation, but you should confirm this diagnosis with a doctor before taking additional iron.

It is useful to check your own body, if you find any of these signs or symptoms on your hands or nails, contact a medical professional. Paying attention to your body helps you to remain healthy and informed, and don’t forget to give your hands a little extra TLC every so often.

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February 12, 2016 by Mayank

Eat Well: Berries, Spinach and Almonds

Diet is one of the most influential and important factors in your health, and you can improve your health by eating, or avoiding, certain foods. Three incredible superfoods that are easy to incorporate into a diet and that taste great are berries, spinach and almonds. These foods all have the ability to seriously boost your health with benefits ranging from lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s to preventing cardiovascular disease. Below, find out some specific information on why these superfoods should be put on your grocery list right now.

Bowl full of berries.

Berries
Although berries are small, the health benefits they provide for your body are huge. According to a study published in the Annals of Neurology, women who ate two servings of strawberries or one serving of blueberries per week showed delayed and decreased mental decline. “We think that the effect might be related to a class of compounds called anthocyanidins, which is a type of flavonoid. These compounds, found almost exclusively in berries, are known to cross the blood-brain barrier and locate in learning and memory centers in the brain,” explains study author, Elizabeth DeVore, ScD, a professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. The flavonoids and antioxidants found within berries are also associated with a lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the flavonoids in berries are believed to help prevent Parkinson’s disease.

It isn’t just your brain that berries help. Even though berries are sweet, they also have plenty of fiber and liquid, which make these the perfect snack for those looking to manage weight. The liquid and fiber content in berries will help you feel satiated and full in ways that a snack with refined sugar can’t. Although no clinical studies have been done yet, many health experts believe that berries are also a heart-healthy food that can lower your blood pressure. The antioxidants in berries are known to reduce overall inflammation in your body, which contributes to problems like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Bowl of spinach

Spinach
Popeye made spinach famous when he used it as fuel to fight off foes, and sometimes there is some truth on TV. While you won’t immediately sprout Popeye-sized muscles from eating spinach, you will be getting some amazing health benefits. “Eating spinach is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, hair and strong bones, as well as helping with digestion, lowering the risk for heart disease and improving blood glucose control in diabetics,” says registered dietician nutritionist, Megan Ware. Just one cup of spinach provides 987 percent of your daily recommended value of vitamin K, which is important in keeping strong bones. A 2003 study found that low levels of vitamin K in women were associated with low bone density (the same is not true for men), and subsequent studies mention how necessary vitamin K is to healthy bone growth. Spinach also is a great source of iron, vitamin A and chlorophyll – which is thought to fight cancer.

Almonds

Almonds
Almonds are a very nutrient-dense food that contain vitamin E, magnesium, copper, B vitamins, iron, phosphorous, calcium, monounsaturated fat and potassium. While almonds are a source of fats, the monounsaturated fats can actually help you lose and maintain weight. One study found that people who consumed nuts twice weekly were 31 percent less likely to put on weight than those who didn’t eat nuts. Additionally, almonds may be beneficial to those who are pre-diabetic or struggle with blood glucose levels because it reduces the spike in blood sugar levels following a meal or snack. Almonds are also considered an excellent food for your heart, because they are able to lower your blood pressure and lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, both of which are major factors in cardiovascular disease.

Berries, spinach and almonds provide health benefits that are absolutely astounding. Just a few servings of these foods each week can go a long way in fighting some very serious diseases, while also improving your skin, hair, bones and tasting great all the while. Whip up a healthy spinach salad that includes berries and sliced raw almonds for an incredible dose of flavor and health.

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February 11, 2016 by Mayank

Destress for Healthy Skin

There are so many factors that contribute, whether positively or negatively, to the health of your skin and stress is one of them. Stress levels continue to rise with a seemingly endless to-do list, commitments and responsibilities. In fact, stress and its impact on your skin has given rise to a new field of skincare known as “psychodermatology.” Karen Mallin, PsyD and an instructor in the departments of psychiatry, behavioral science and dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, predicts that psychodermatology is going to become increasingly popular over the next few years.

“Psychodermatology is a field that addresses the impact of an individual’s emotion as it relates to the skin. The mind and skin are connected on many levels. A lot of nerve endings are connected to the skin, which wraps around the organs, so as emotions are played out neurologically, they can be expressed through the skin just as stress can be expressed through gastrointestinal symptoms, increased anxiety or hypertension,” explains Mallin. Below, find a few ways to destress so both your brain and your skin can remain calm.

Woman exercising

Exercise
A quick way to relieve stress and boost your mood is to take a quick exercise break. Even a 10 minute walk around the block or spending a few minutes going up and down stairs will help you clear your head and minimize stress. Exercise also boosts your circulation, which increases blood flow to the skin. Try to take a walk each day during your lunch hour to fight stress and improve your skin.

Green tea

Drink Some Tea
Some people find tea to be not only a relaxing drink, but also an entirely relaxing experience. Green tea is an excellent drink for fighting stress and for keeping your skin healthy. The antioxidants in green tea provide protection from free radicals, which can cause additional harm to your skin.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy
Essential oils are another way that you can reduce stress levels while also providing benefits to your skin. Lavender essential oil promotes relaxation, but it can also stimulate the regeneration of skin cells and can fade the appearance of signs of aging like sun spots or scarring. Lemon essential oil is a stimulating scent that brings feelings of peace and positivity. Additionally, it is a natural astringent and antibacterial, meaning that it can be especially helpful if you struggle with breakouts or acne.

There are other ways that you can reduce stress such as meditation or engaging in a hobby or activity that you find particularly enjoyable. Taking some time out of every day to focus on eliminating stress not only has a positive impact on your mood, but it also significantly impacts the health of your skin.

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December 31, 2015 by Mayank

Tech Apps are Changing Women's Health

You’ve heard “there’s an app for that” so many times by now that it’s probably a bit obnoxious to hear, but quite honestly, it’s true. Health apps are not necessarily new, but when it comes to women’s health apps, tech companies are realizing the needs of women and creating apps that really can revolutionize how women engage in their own health. Even though there is a seemingly endless supply of health apps, just how are these tech apps changing women’s health?

Being Aware
There are probably a million things you have to keep track of daily and your health may be an area that you let slide with everything else you have on your plate. Health apps are perfect for busy women because they take the stress out of having to remember every little thing. There are apps that track your birth control and that send you reminders when it’s time to take your pill.

Some of the most popular women’s health apps are period trackers which do exactly as the name implies. One of the most popular period tracking apps is aptly titled Period Tracker and it lets you keep track of your menstrual cycles. While anyone can do that with a desk calendar, this innovative app also lets you record any symptoms you experience day-to-day and can help you predict when your most fertile days are if you want to become pregnant.

It’s way too easy to snack throughout the day and completely forget that you are doing so and the result can be significant weight gain. Apps like Myfitnesspal let you record everything you consumed for the day including how many glasses of water you drank, and you can put in any exercise you engaged in.

A Sense of Empowerment
When you use women’s health apps, you are taking an active role in your own health and that can feel incredibly empowering. For women that are trying to get pregnant, being able to determine ovulation days and keep track of important factors like your basal body temperature is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal. If you struggle with infertility, having some sense of control over your body and the process can help keep you thinking positively along the way.

Catching breast cancer early is one of the best ways to increase your likelihood of being a cancer survivor and doing monthly exams is perhaps the most important detection tool you have. One app, iBreastCheck, not only sends you reminders as to when your next self-exam should be, but they include an introductory video that walks you through the steps of completing one.

Community and Understanding
Facing health issues like infertility or obesity can be a very isolating experience, and it can be hard to open up to your loved ones about these struggles. Many health apps, like Myfitnesspal and Period Tracker, have communities where users can gather to share their stories, tips, tricks and be a source of comfort and inspiration for other users. Sometimes, just knowing that you’re not alone can go a long way in helping you to cope with a health issue, and these apps provide just that.

Health apps are certainly quickly becoming one of the most empowering tools women have regarding their health and wellness, but they come with a caveat: these apps do not replace your doctor. Yearly mammograms, breast exams, gynecological check-ups and general health check-ups are still a very important part of keeping your health at its highest and these apps can help you give more precise and accurate information to your doctors at the time of your appointment. Apple has announced that even more women’s health apps are on the way, so be on the lookout for more ways in which you can monitor and participate in your health.

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December 29, 2015 by Mayank

Why You Need a House Plant

If you’ve ever been surprised by a bouquet of beautiful flowers or a pretty potted plant, you know the instant mood lift you can get just by seeing them, but you might not realize that these plants actually do have significant health benefits. A houseplant is so much more than a decoration, it can improve your breathing, reduce the number of illnesses you suffer from and increase your mental functioning. Learn five reasons you need a houseplant below, and find out which houseplant varieties are thought to be the most beneficial.

Better Breathing
When you inhale you bring oxygen into your body then you release carbon dioxide as you exhale. Your houseplant does the reverse in a process known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Keeping a houseplant increases oxygen levels, which leads to better breathing. Photosynthesis is a process done during daylight hours, but some houseplants such as orchids and succulents, continue to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen throughout the night. An orchid in your bedroom can improve breathing during your sleep, which leads to a better, more restful sleep.

Air Cleaning
According to space agency NASA, both the plants and the roots are used in removing trace levels of toxic vapors from tightly sealed buildings. Low levels of chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide can be removed using plant leaves alone. Some of the most effective houseplants for air cleansing are:

Peace lily
Gerbera daisy
Bamboo palm
English ivy
Spider plant

Reduce Illness
The roots of plants tap into the groundwater table and then release this as moisture in the air in a process known as transpiration. The moisture produced by transpiration is responsible for about 10 percent of all moisture in the atmosphere. Houseplants complete the same process indoors thereby increasing the moisture level in your home. While this may not sound that like an impressive reason to get a houseplant, studies conducted by the Agricultural University of Norway associate an increased moisture level in your home has been linked to a decreased incidence of colds, dry skin, sore throats and dry coughs.

Promote Healing
Bringing flowers or a houseplant to someone recovering from a chronic illness or rehabilitating after a surgery is a common practice, and some research shows that this may be more than a kind gesture. A study conducted at Kansas State University revealed that simply looking at plants during recovery from a surgery was associated with lowered systolic blood pressure and decreased levels of pain, anxiety and fatigue when compared to patients without plants in their rooms. The study labels plants as a “noninvasive, inexpensive and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.”

Increase Mental Function
Have you ever gone outside for a quick walk and found that your concentration and mental clarity seemed improved? If so, that’s because simply being in the presence of nature provides some significant brain benefits like concentration, memory and productivity. A study from the University of Michigan suggests that merely being near plants can increase memory retention by up to 20 percent. Notes Texas A&M, “keeping ornamental plants in the home and in the workplace increases memory retention and concentration. Work performed under the natural influence of ornamental plants is normally of higher quality and completed with much higher accuracy rate than work done in environments devoid of nature.”

A houseplant expresses your personality, adds beauty to your home and improves your physical and mental health. Bring a houseplant home today to breath easier, work better and enjoy the presence of natural beauty around you.

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October 1, 2015 by Mayank

Sip Your Way to Better Health with Resveratrol Smoothies

Our focus this week has been on resveratrol, and the clinical trials and studies underway that make this powerful antioxidant such a great investment in your health. Resveratrol is still being studied, but the research and studies seem to suggest that resveratrol may be beneficial for a number of health conditions. With these exciting results, you’re probably wondering how you can incorporate more resveratrol into your diet. Of course, you know that red wine is an excellent source of resveratrol due to the skin of red grapes, but what you may not know is that you can still sip your way to health. Try any one of these supercharged smoothies for a boost of resveratrol and other healthy ingredients.

Peanut Butter Smoothie.

Peanut Butter Smoothie
Resveratrol is also found in some nuts, including peanuts. If you love peanut butter, grab some and indulge in this smoothie. To avoid using ice, freeze your banana beforehand. When freezing bananas, always remember to remove the peel before your pop it in the freezer.

Ingredients

1/2 banana (fresh or frozen)
½ cup milk or milk substitute
2 tablespoons all natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon honey or agave

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
If you decide to use frozen bananas rather than ice, use a whole banana.

Dark Chocolate Green Smoothie
If you love all things chocolate, this smoothie is perfect for you.

Ingredients

1 cup milk or milk substitute
1 cup frozen berries (blueberries or strawberries are awesome)
3 cups baby spinach (or other dark leafy green)
2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cacao nibs)
1 mango peeled and cubed

Directions

Add the milk and mango to your blender and blend until smooth. Then add the frozen berries, cacao powder and mango.
Blend until thoroughly mixed.
Add your baby spinach and give it all another good blend.

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Mixed Berry Smoothie
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are also sources of resveratrol. You can use one of these types of berries, or a mix of all three, when you make this smoothie.

Ingredients

1 banana
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 cup frozen strawberries
½ cup orange juice
1 cup vanilla (or plain) yogurt

If you plan to use fresh berries rather than frozen, add ½ cup of ice to your ingredient list

Directions

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Smoothies are an excellent way to receive not only the benefits of resveratrol, but also other essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body requires. They are also a great way to start your morning or energize your afternoon. Perhaps the best part of smoothies is how customizable they are; you can tweak these smoothie recipes to your tastes. Add cacao powder to your peanut butter smoothie or substitute a peach in place of banana in your berry smoothie. Enjoy experimenting with different fruit and flavor combinations while also receiving the vitamins and minerals, and resveratrol, that smoothies provide.

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