Exactly
It’s no secret that exercise is great for your body. But did you know that physical activity can also be a major workout for your brain? @ClevelandClinic
Lemon juice is a simple ingredient that can add flavor and nutrition to your meals. It provides vitamin C, antioxidants and citric acid, which may support your immune system, help your body absorb iron and reduce the risk of certain kidney stones. @ClevelandClinic
Recipe: Asparagus Salad With Lemon and Parmesan @ClevelandClinic
This bright, lemony salad is best made with farm-fresh asparagus, which is dressed and eaten raw here. Look for stalks that are bright green with firm, tight tips. Buy it in season from your local farmer’s market.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon shaved Parmesan
8 fresh chives
Directions
- Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and discard.
- Use a vegetable peeler to make long thin ribbons of asparagus. Add to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. Drizzle over the asparagus ribbons and toss well.
- Use the vegetable peeler to shave thin strips from a piece of fresh Parmesan (about 1 tablespoon) and scatter over the salad.
- Use kitchen shears to cut the chives into small pieces directly over the salad.
Nutritional information (per serving)
Makes 4 servings
Calories: 70
Total fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Protein: 4 g
Total carbohydrate: 7 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 95 mg
— Developed by Sara Quessenberry for Cleveland Clinic Wellness.
Make coffee 🤗part of your morning routine.@HarvardHealth
Coffee may help your skin stay healthy
By Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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Here’s a medical news story that combines a common habit (drinking coffee) with a common skin condition (rosacea) — and it even has a happy ending.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is probably something you’ve seen plenty of times and didn’t know what it was — or perhaps you have it yourself. It’s that pink or red discoloration on the cheeks some people have, especially fair-haired women. Sometimes there are small bumps that may look a bit like acne. If you look closely (after asking nicely for permission, of course), you’ll see tiny blood vessels just under the surface of the skin. In more severe cases it may involve the chin, forehead, nose, ears, and other skin surfaces. It may affect the eyes, eyelids, and cause thickening of the skin over the nose.
We don’t know what causes rosacea. However, there are theories that it may be, at least in part, a genetic condition, as it can run in families. Because the immune system seems to be involved in the inflammation of rosacea, and because other autoimmune conditions (such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis) may accompany rosacea, abnormal immune function may play a role. Medications (such as topical anti-inflammatory drugs) and antibiotics can reduce redness and inflammation but there is no cure. Many people seem to be able to reduce signs of rosacea by modifying their diet to avoid foods that trigger it.
Rosacea affects more than 14 million people in the US, including some celebrities, such as Bill Clinton and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. And while it’s not dangerous, it can have a significant cosmetic impact. Caffeine, sun exposure, spicy foods, and hormonal factors are thought to be able to trigger rosacea’s development or make it worse once present. Yet, a new study challenges the connection between caffeine and rosacea.
More coffee, less rosacea?
A recent study analyzed health data from surveys provided to nearly 83,000 women over more than a decade and found that:
- Those drinking four or more cups of coffee per day were significantly less likely to report a diagnosis of rosacea than those who drank little or no coffee.
- Those drinking less than four cups of coffee each day were also less likely to have rosacea, though the protective effect was smaller.
- Consumption of decaffeinated coffee was not linked to a lower incidence of rosacea.
- Caffeine intake from other foods or beverages (such as chocolate or tea) had no impact on the likelihood of developing rosacea.
Why is this important?
These results of this study are more than just interesting observations. If other research can confirm the findings, it could lead to a better understanding of why rosacea develops in some people and not in others. Because inflammation driven by the immune system is thought to play an important role in rosacea, insights into the development of this disease could extend to advances in other autoimmune disorders. Finally, many people with rosacea (or a family history of the disease) who like coffee may avoid it because of the widespread notion that coffee will make it worse. The findings of this study suggest that’s not true.
There are always caveats
As with all research of this type, there are limitations to consider. For example, this study
- only included women, most of whom were white — we’ll need additional studies of men and other ethnic groups to know if the findings extend widely.
- relied on health surveys and study participants’ memories regarding past diagnoses and diet; such survey data may not always be accurate.
- found a link between higher coffee consumption with lower risk of rosacea, but it cannot determine whether coffee consumption actually caused a reduction in rosacea.
The bottom line
Coffee is one of the mostly widely consumed beverages on the planet, and it’s also among the most widely studied. While it can cause problems for some people (such as heartburn, tremor, or palpitations), it’s a source of pleasure and enjoyment for millions. In addition, coffee has been linked with a number of health benefits, ranging from reductions in type 2 diabetes and liver cancer to greater longevity. From this latest research, it appears that you can add the possible prevention of rosacea to the list.
About the Author
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School. … See Full Bio
Knowledge – Authority – Science – Hands on ✋️ 👐 #physiotherapy 😊
The Colour 😍 ✨️ ♥️ 🌷
Nature trails, gardens, lakes, wildlife, flowers @LoughRynnCastle
Berry Smoothie Bowl 🤪 😍 @ClevelandClinic. creamy, crunchy
Recipe: Berry Smoothie Bowl
A creamy smoothie with crunchy toppings — in a bowl!
Ingredients
Smoothie base
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup berries of your choice
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder, optional
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
Directions
- Blend all base ingredients together until smooth, adjusting for sweetness and thickness.
- Serve immediately in a large bowl with toppings.
Ingredient health benefits
- Yogurt: With probiotics and prebiotics to go around, yogurt is a great way to show your stomach some love. Yogurt is also a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to function properly (but can’t make on its own). And, most famously, it has calcium to keep your bones happy and healthy.
- Bananas: Most everyone knows that bananas are a great source of potassium, but there’s so much more to this zany-looking fruit than popular knowledge conveys. Bananas also have magnesium and vitamin B6, which help regulate blood pressure and metabolism. And they have fiber to keep your gut working properly.
- Flaxseed: This little seed really is worth the hype. Flaxseed is a source of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s, for short), which are vital for your body to function as it should. Flaxseed also has fiber and antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals and chronic inflammation.
- Almonds: This nut may seem ordinary, but its benefits certainly aren’t. Almonds are rich in calcium and unsaturated fats that raise your “good” (HDL) cholesterol. Your brain will also thank you for the flavonoids and vitamin E.
- Chia seeds: Another tiny seed with plenty of perks, chia seeds improve your digestion and promote the growth of good bacteria that keep your gut healthy. Their quirky ability to expand in fluid can help you stay fuller for longer when they’re in your stomach juices, which can be helpful if you’re trying to lose weight.
- Pomegranate seeds: These little gems are as good for you as they taste. The squishy packets around the seeds contain juice that’s high in antioxidants, which might support the health of your heart. Pomegranate juice may also have cancer-fighting abilities, but research is ongoing. Still, incorporating pomegranates into a hearty, nutritious diet wouldn’t hurt!
Nutrition information (per serving)
Makes 4 servings
Serving = 3/4 cup
Calories: 160
Carbohydrate: 27 g
Sugars: 17 g
Fiber: 4 g
Saturated fat: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg
Protein: 9 g
Sodium: 70 mg
THANK YOU, DOLLY! Dollie’s support helped fund early research into Covid vaccine @VUMChealth
Vanderbilt Health
@VUMChealth
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We love hearing @DollyParton
sing “vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacciiiiiiiinnnnne” on our campus today, just before she got hers. Dolly’s generous support helped fund early research at Vanderbilt Health into what is now a vaccine that’s helping end the pandemic. THANK YOU, DOLLY!
