A while back I wrote about apples as a natural remedy; you can read the post here. I recently came across some information I thought neede to be shared.
A recent study at the University of Massachusetts Lowell found that animals who consumed apple juice (about the equivalent of a person drinking about a pint of apple juice or eating 2-3 apples daily) had higher levels of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals nerve cells release to carry messages to other nerve cells, acetylcholine helps memory.) Higher amounts of acetylcholine in the brain improve memory function.
Other studies have shown apples are rich in antioxidants, which help protect against free radical damage. (Free radicals oxidize and damage healthy cells in the brain and body, much like iron is damaged by oxidation, which shows up as rust. Think of antioxidants as cellular antirust treatments.)
Many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and other phytonutrients (phyto means that it comes from plants); eating a variety of fruits and vegetables makes good nutritional sense.
Apples are widely available year round, and with many different varieties, make a delicious addition to any health regimen.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
Laughter Is A Natural Remedy
I just returned from a vacation trip to San Francisco. Apart from jet lag, I feel wonderfully refreshed.
While traveling back, I read an article which reminded me of the power of laughter in promoting health.
I was first introduced to the idea of laughter as a natural remedy by Norman Cousins, who used laughter to decrease his pain so he could sleep at night; he also credited laughter with putting his illness into remission. (He documented his experience in a book which I think was titled Anatomy of an Illness)
Some time after Norman Cousins' book was published, the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article which concluded that laughter (especially if regularly used) offers immediate relief of some symptoms to patients with chronic illnesses.
Other research claims that laughter may boost the immune system, relieve stress, even improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels.
Laughter is a very safe natural remedy, with a variety of benefits, and no negative side effects (unless you are worried that people around you will think you are silly; but research seems to say that silly people live longer; they certainly have more fun).
I think Norman Cousins used Marx brothers' comedies as part of his regimen; if they work for you, great, but whatever you find funny should be as regular a part of your life as brushing your teeth.
Laugh out loud, and laugh often; it may help you live longer.
While traveling back, I read an article which reminded me of the power of laughter in promoting health.
I was first introduced to the idea of laughter as a natural remedy by Norman Cousins, who used laughter to decrease his pain so he could sleep at night; he also credited laughter with putting his illness into remission. (He documented his experience in a book which I think was titled Anatomy of an Illness)
Some time after Norman Cousins' book was published, the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article which concluded that laughter (especially if regularly used) offers immediate relief of some symptoms to patients with chronic illnesses.
Other research claims that laughter may boost the immune system, relieve stress, even improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels.
Laughter is a very safe natural remedy, with a variety of benefits, and no negative side effects (unless you are worried that people around you will think you are silly; but research seems to say that silly people live longer; they certainly have more fun).
I think Norman Cousins used Marx brothers' comedies as part of his regimen; if they work for you, great, but whatever you find funny should be as regular a part of your life as brushing your teeth.
Laugh out loud, and laugh often; it may help you live longer.
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