Capsaicin is the compound that gives cayenne peppers their eye-watering kick. It is well known for its ability to help with weight loss, but according to the journal Open Heart, there are new findings that show that capsaicin also has a positive effect on type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and stroke as well as other conditions. Hot peppers are also good sources of antioxidant vitamins A and C. Foods rich in capsaicin are cayenne peppers, green and red chili peppers and tabasco peppers. It is also present in sweet peppers more commonly known as bell peppers, and it is found in ginger as well.
Cold and flu season is here again in the U.S. Flu season in the U.S. is considered October through May. Flu season in Australia is considered May to October. Flu seasons also exist in the tropics and subtropics, but are usually less sharply defined.
Most uncomplicated colds will last between eight and nine days. Up to 25% of colds will last about two weeks or more, and about 5-10% can last up to three weeks.
Colds and flu symptoms can make us feel so uncomfortable that many of us will need to take some time off school and work.
According to a report by the CDC in 2011, approximately 38 million school days are lost annually in U.S. because of seasonal flu, and 22 million school days are lost annually in U.S. because of colds. Additionally, up to 111 million workdays are lost in U.S. because of seasonal flu.
During cold and flu season it is especially important to optimize our immune system to help protect against these infections. Some of the ways that we can do this are:
1. Increase your Vitamin D levels through healthy sun exposure.
2. Limit sugar intake.
3. Keep your gut flora in balance.
4. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables.
5. Get between 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
6. Exercise with care.
7. Avoid emotional stressors.
I have included for your viewing pleasure a wonderful video from Dr. Mercola called "First Thing To Do When a Cold or Flu Strikes", in which he discusses many important tips on what to do when a cold or flu strikes, and how to optimize our immune system during cold and flu season.
How do you take care of yourself during cold and flu season? What are some of the ways that you optimize your immune system?
Now that warmer weather has arrived, we all want to get out there and do more of what we love to do. We want to go for those beautiful walks. We want to exercise more, enjoy our favorite sports, and we want to run that extra mile.
You're ready for all of that, but are your athletic shoes ready? Do you know how to lace up your athletic shoes for total comfort?
In the video below, you will be shown three ways to lace up your shoes for maximum comfort which can lead to better performance.
Take a look at your athletic shoes. Do they have extra eyelets near the top that you never use?
Until we viewed this video, we had no idea how to use the extra eyelets. They have a purpose, but not many people know about it. The video explains those extra eyelets.
Gardening is a relaxing hobby. It gives us peace, quiet, and it gives us tomatoes! There are few activities that are as much fun, and are as fulfilling as gardening. Now that gardening season is upon us, have you examined your tools? Do some of your tools need replacing, or have you decided to add some new tools to your inventory? Here are 10 tools and items that can make gardening more enjoyable.
