Health Benefits of Black Rice

Black rice is a type of whole grain rice that has recently gained popularity due to its numerous health benefits. This rice variety is known for its dark color, which comes from the high levels of anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds found in blueberries and blackberries.

Black rice (also known as forbidden black rice or emperor’s rice) is used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the olden days, it was once reserved only for the wealthy and powerful to ensure their health and long life. No one else was allowed to eat it.

Fortunately, that’s no longer the case, and black rice is widely available in, grocery stores, supermarkets and online.

Early research discovered that black rice is even more powerful than blueberries in its antioxidant effects. It may also help boost immunity and protect your body against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions.

What gives black rice its dark color?
Black rice is especially high in nutrients compared to other types of rice as it’s particularly rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant pigments that protect your body’s cells from damage. Anthocyanins are what give this rice its unusual color, similar to eggplant, açai berries, blueberries and Concord grapes.

Along with protective anthocyanins, black rice contains high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids known for their role in supporting eye health.

In this article, we will explore the many health benefits of black rice and why it is an excellent addition to your diet.

1.  High in antioxidants

Black rice contains high levels of antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals that can cause cellular damage and lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. The anthocyanins present in black rice have been found to be effective in preventing oxidative damage and reducing inflammation.

A bowl of cooked black rice, also known as "forbidden rice."

2.  Rich in fiber

Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and preventing constipation. Black rice is an excellent source of fiber, with one cup of cooked black rice containing about 3 grams of fiber. This can help keep you feeling fuller for longer and prevent overeating.

3. Lowers cholesterol

Black rice has been found to help reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the body. LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The high fiber content in black rice, combined with its antioxidant properties, can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

4.  Good for weight management

Black rice is a great food choice for those looking to manage their weight. The high fiber content in black rice can help keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals. Additionally, black rice has a low glycemic index, which means that it can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes.

5.  Boosts the immune system

Black rice contains high levels of iron, zinc, and copper, which are essential minerals for a healthy immune system. Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body, while zinc and copper play a crucial role in maintaining healthy immune function. Incorporating black rice into your diet can help boost your immune system and improve overall health.

6. Support eye health
Carotenoids (a type of antioxidant) help protect the healthy cells in your eyes, especially your retinas. Carotenoids have also been shown to reduce the potentially harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Vitamin E in anthocyanin also protects the health of your eyes, as well as your skin and immune system.

Recent findings found that black rice contains anti-cancer properties and protection on the kidneys and liver:

Some sterols and triterpenoids with potential anticancer properties already tested in vitro and in vivo have been isolated and identified from bran extracts of black rice.

Protection against osteoporosis has been suggested for the first time for black rice extracts. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, black rice also protects liver and kidney from injuries.

One clinical study reported the interest of black rice in case of alcohol withdrawal.

In conclusion, black rice is an incredibly nutritious and healthy food option that offers numerous health benefits. Its high antioxidant, fiber, and mineral content make it an excellent addition to any diet. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy and delicious rice option, consider trying black rice!

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Why You Should Steam Your Food Over Grilling And Frying

Steaming is a cooking method that involves exposing food to steam from boiling water. This gentle cooking process has many benefits, including preserving the nutrients and flavors of food. In this article, we will explore why steaming your food is a healthier option than frying or grilling.

Photo boiled green vegetables in stainless steel colander fullframe closeup

  1. Retains Nutrients: Steaming your food helps retain more of its nutrients than frying or grilling. When you cook food using high heat, some of the vitamins and minerals are lost. Steaming, on the other hand, is a gentle cooking process that allows the food to retain its nutritional value.
  2. Lowers Calorie Intake: Steaming is a low-fat cooking method that can help you reduce your calorie intake. Frying and grilling often require the use of oil, which can add a lot of extra calories to your meal. Steaming, however, doesn’t require any additional fat or oil.
  3. Reduces Risk of Cancer: Frying and grilling produce carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds can increase the risk of cancer. Steaming, on the other hand, doesn’t produce HCAs or PAHs, making it a safer cooking method.
  4. Preserves Flavor: Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps to preserve the natural flavor of food. Frying and grilling can alter the taste of food and make it less enjoyable to eat. Steaming ensures that the flavors of the food are retained.
  5. Easy to Cook: Steaming is a simple and easy cooking method that doesn’t require much preparation. All you need is a steamer basket or a pot with a lid and a steaming rack. You can cook a variety of foods using this method, including vegetables, fish, and chicken.
  6. Less Mess: Lastly, steaming your food is almost mess-free with little to no oil splatters compared to deep frying, stir frying and grilling.  You will have lesser cleaning up to do after cooking when you steam your food.

In conclusion, steaming your food is a healthier cooking method than frying or grilling. It helps retain the nutrients, reduces calorie intake, lowers the risk of cancer, preserves the natural flavor of food, and is easy to cook. By making the switch to steaming, you can enjoy a healthier and tastier meal. Plus you don’t have to sweat over cleaning up the aftermath of frying.

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Vegetable Soup: A Healthy and Delicious Way to Boost Your Overall Health

Vegetable soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides many health benefits. It is a low-calorie, low-fat meal that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Whether you make your vegetable soup from scratch or buy it at the store, this dish is an excellent way to increase your vegetable intake and promote good health.

Free photo minestrone soup on the table

Here are some of the health benefits of vegetable soup:

1. Nutrient-rich
Vegetable soup is packed with vitamins and minerals. Vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and other minerals. Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are also excellent sources of calcium and iron. When you make your vegetable soup at home, you can add a variety of vegetables to ensure that you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.

2. Low in calories
Vegetable soup is a low-calorie meal that can help you maintain a healthy weight. Because vegetables are high in fiber, they help you feel full without adding a lot of calories. Additionally, vegetable soup is a great way to fill up without consuming a lot of fat or added sugars.

3. Good for digestion
Vegetable soup is high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly by moving food through your system and preventing constipation. Additionally, many of the vegetables used in vegetable soup are high in water, which can help prevent dehydration and promote healthy bowel movements.

4. Boosts the immune system
The vitamins and minerals in vegetable soup can help boost your immune system. Vitamin C, found in many vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes, is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your body from harmful free radicals. Additionally, many of the vegetables used in vegetable soup are high in phytonutrients, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Free photo soup set mushroom lentil pumpkin tomato chicken side view
5. Promotes heart health
Vegetable soup is a great choice for heart health because it is low in saturated fat and high in fiber. A diet high in fiber can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, some vegetables like garlic and onions have been shown to have heart-protective benefits.

6.  Prevents constipation

Vegetable soup can be a helpful addition to a diet that is aimed at easing constipation. Vegetables are rich in fiber, which can help promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation. Additionally, the high water content in soup can help keep the stool soft and easier to pass.

Some specific vegetables that are particularly high in fiber such as broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are good choices. Adding these vegetables to a homemade soup or choosing a vegetable soup with these ingredients can provide a good source of dietary fiber.

In conclusion, vegetable soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that provides many health benefits. It is low in calories, high in fiber and essential nutrients, and can help promote healthy digestion, boost the immune system, and improve heart health. If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty way to increase your vegetable intake, vegetable soup is a great choice.

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What Are Body Shaping Dresses And The Benefits Of Wearing Them

When it comes to getting dressed up for a special occasion, finding the perfect dress can be a daunting task. You want something that looks great, feels comfortable, and enhances your natural figure. Fortunately, garment designers have come up with an innovative solution to help you look and feel your best with body shaping dresses.

A body shaping dress is a type of clothing that is designed to smooth out and contour the shape of the wearer’s body. It is typically made from a stretchy, form-fitting material that compresses the body and creates a streamlined appearance.

Built-In Shapewear Slip Maxi Lounge Dress – with shapewear beneath the dress

The benefits of wearing a body shaping dress can include:

1.  Improved confidence

Body shaping dresses can help to smooth out bumps and bulges, helping the wearer look more polished and as a result, feel more confident carrying herself.

 

2.  Slimming effect

By compressing the body and creating a streamlined silhouette, body shaping dresses can make the wearer appear slimmer.

 

3.  Better posture

Many body shaping dresses are designed with built-in support for the back and shoulders, which can help to improve posture.

 

4.  Streamlined silhouette

The shapewear aspect of the dress helps to smooth out bumps and bulges, creating a streamlined appearance.

 

5.  Can be worn in many settings

Shapewear dresses can be worn to cocktail parties, weddings, formal functions, and office. They are versatile and elegant. You can dress up or down in it.

Built-In Shapewear Slip Maxi Lounge Dress – the features

If you’ve been eyeing on some sexy low-back dresses but can’t figure out how to wear your bra, a U plunge backless strapless bodysuit is the perfect solution.

6.  Comfort

Despite their compressive properties, many body shaping dresses are designed with breathable, moisture-wicking materials that are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

It’s worth noting that while shapewear dresses can provide temporary slimming and contouring effects, they are not substitutes for a healthy diet and regular exercise for achieving and maintaining a healthy and slimmer body.

In conclusion, dresses with built-in shapewear and bras are a game-changer for women who want to look and feel their best. They offer convenience, comfort, and style in one amazing package. Whether you’re looking for a dress for a special occasion or just want to upgrade your wardrobe, consider investing in one of these innovative garments, along with a wide gusset underwear from Popilush. Your body will thank you for them.

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Health Benefits of Plums

Plums are a delicious and nutritious fruit that offer a vast range of health promoting benefits. These small, juicy fruits that come in red, yellow, black, green and purple are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help improve overall health and wellness.

Below are some of the key health benefits of plums.

1.  Rich in Nutrients

Plums are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and copper. They also contain small amounts of other important nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.

Free photo green plum

Green plums

2.  Aid in Digestion

Plums are a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps keep food moving smoothly through the digestive tract and promotes regular bowel movements, which can prevent constipation and other digestive problems.

3.  Boost Immune System

Plums are rich in vitamin C, which plays a key role in supporting the immune system. Vitamin C helps boost the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.

4.  May Lower Cholesterol

Plums are rich in antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids, which can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, so adding plums into your diet may help protect against these conditions.

Free photo fresh organic plums in water drops in a wooden box closeup selective focus shallow depth of field photo of a beautiful ripe fruit plum harvesting prunes in autumn eco products from the farm

Fresh black plums

5.  May Improve Bone Health

Plums are a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for strong bones. Vitamin K helps promote the production of osteocalcin, a protein that is necessary for bone mineralization. This can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.

6.  May Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Plums are a low glycemic index fruit, which means they don’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes them a great snack option for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.

7.  Promotes Digestive Health
Plums are a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining good digestive health. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of colon cancer. Plums also contain sorbitol and isatin, two natural laxatives that help to regulate bowel movements.

8.  Reduces Inflammation

Plums contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to a wide range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

In conclusion, plums are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is versatile and can offer a wide range of health benefits.  Plums are a healthier snack alternative to unhealthy snacks like chips and candies.   The next time you’re at the supermarket, grab some plums to reap the health benefits of plums.

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An Orange A Day May Fight Cancer

An orange a day could keep doctors at bay, researchers have found.

Oranges are not only delicious but are a nutritional powerhouse that are packed with vitamins and minerals. The most noteworthy of these is vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that prevents cell damage and strengthens your immunity.

Every cell in the body contains DNA, which is vulnerable to damage, or mutations, when exposed to free radicals. When DNA mutation occurs, it can lead to the growth of cancerous cells. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and can prevent this mutation.

orange fruits on white ceramic plate

Thus, eating fruits high in vitamin C, like oranges can prevent certain cancers according to an Australian study in 2003.  The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia found consuming citrus fruits could reduce the risk of mouth, larynx and stomach cancers by up to 50 percent.

According to CSIRO researcher Katrine Baghurst in a statement, citrus fruits protect the body through their antioxidant properties. By strengthening the body’s immune system, our body can inhibit tumor growth and normalize tumor cells.

close up photo of sliced orange fruits

The Australian study, which was based on 48 international studies on the health benefits of citrus fruits, also found “convincing evidence” that citrus could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes.

The study also revealed that eating one serving of citrus fruits a day as well as the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables could reduce the risk of stroke by 19%.

An orange has over 170 different phytochemicals and over 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties, as well as strong antioxidant effects.

Scientists found out that a chemical called limonin, found in all citrus fruits, can protect against a range of cancers.

Initial tests revealed that limonin can reduce the spread of cancerous cells in human cells. The researchers also believe it can reduce cholesterol levels and they hope to begin large-scale human trials to monitor the effects of regularly drinking orange juice.

This is great news for orange lovers and could lead to new natural remedies, but there’s a caveat.  It is all about having a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.  No doubt limonin may help prevent cancer, but drinking several glasses of orange juice a day isn’t really practical and this may raise your blood sugar.

Oranges are a great source of a lot of different chemicals with health properties.  We should definitely consume whole oranges and not just orange juice as part of a healthy diet.

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Can You Wear Shapewear Every Day?

The simple answer to this question is ‘yes’, you can wear shapewear or a body shaper every day.  However, there are some caveats to this practice.  As shapewear is very restrictive, the compression can lead to health issues such as abdominal discomfort, difficulty in breathing, and skin problems if the garment is worn for long periods of time.  While you can wear shapewear on a daily basis, just ensure that you follow these basic rules to ensure safe and comfy wearing:

1.  Choose light control

Shapewear comes in different degrees of control, depending on the amount of contouring you wish to achieve. Generally, there are three levels of control:

Light control:

This shapewear is perfect for gentle body shaping as it provides comfortable contouring and is therefore ideal for use every day.

Medium control:

The increased compression means it achieves a higher level of body contouring than light control shapewear pieces. This shapewear can still be worn on a daily basis, but the wearer may feel uncomfortable by the end of the day.

Firm control:

Firm control pieces provide amazing slimming results with intense compression. This may cause the wearer to feel uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.

If you’re the type who’s very active and dashing from home to the office and for school runs, not to mention constantly bending down to look after your babies and fur babies, then light control shapewear is recommended.

 

2.  Wear the right size and choose a breathable fabric

Although shapewear is made of stretchy fabrics, that doesn’t mean you should wear something that’s a size too small thinking that sizing down will improve the slimming effect.  This isn’t the case. In fact, wearing shaping garments that are too small for you will only create unsightly bulges. In addition, you’ll feel terribly uncomfortable.  If you’re a plus size looking for a suitable waist trainer for plus size women, Sculptshe.com has a range of shapewear and waist trainers for women of all sizes.  If you plan on wearing shapewear daily, ensure that you’re wearing the right size shapewear made from breathable fabric for optimum comfort.

3.  Give your body and skin time to relax

Now that you know it’s pretty safe to wear shapewear every day as long as you opt for light control, wear the right size and select pieces that are made of breathable fabrics, it is also important to allow your body to relax in the evenings.  Make time to enjoy some comfort for yourself and slip into those cozy loungewear.  As you head into the cold winter months, switch up to a long sleeve shapewear bodysuit to keep yourself warm.  Choose bodysuits made of soft and breathable fabric that feels like a second skin once it glides onto your body.  These bodysuits go well with jeans or overcoats and accentuate your frame.

Paired with a daily regimen of exercise and a healthy diet, wearing shapewear daily can make you feel and look fabulous.  Worn with a little common sense, your little miracle worker is safe and can help you achieve your everyday body-shaping goals.

 

 

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Blueberries Health Benefits

Blueberries are named for their deep blueish-purplish hue. They are delicious, nutritious and contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are bursting with notable health benefits.

Packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists.  They are anti-inflammatory and may lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, when eaten regularly in the right amount.

According to a research led by the University of East Anglia, in collaboration with colleagues from Harvard and across the UK, eating a cup of blueberries (approximately 150g) a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Blueberries are among the most nutrient-dense berries. A 1-cup (148-gram) serving of blueberries contains (1):

Fiber: 4 grams
Vitamin C: 24% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI
Manganese: 25% of the RDI
Small amounts of various other nutrients.

The following are some of the potential health benefits of blueberries.

1.  Protect Against Heart Diseases

Blueberries are chock full of vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, potassium, folate and phytonutrients that support heart health.  These berries are also cholesterol-free, which are beneficial to the heart. Fiber content helps to reduce the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Photo dark blue ripe blueberry close up

Vitamin B6 and folate prevent the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine. Excessive buildup of homocysteine in the body can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems.

A study from the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of East Anglia, in the United Kingdom (U.K.) found that women (young and middle-aged women) who consumed at least three servings of blueberries or strawberries per week showed the best results in reducing the risk of heart attack.

2.  Reduce DNA Damage, Which May Help Protect Against Aging and Cancer

Oxidative DNA damage is an inevitable part of everyday life.  This process occurs tens of thousands of times per day in every cell throughout your body.

As blueberries are high in antioxidants, they can neutralize some of the free radicals responsible for damaging your DNA.

In one study, 168 people drank 34 ounces (1 liter) of a mixed blueberry and apple juice daily. After four weeks, oxidative DNA damage due to free radicals was reduced by 20% .

These findings agree with smaller studies that use either fresh or powdered blueberries.

3.  Prevent Cancer

The various phytonutrients, Vitamin C, and vitamin A found in blueberries provide powerful antioxidants that may help protect cells against free radicals that cause diseases.

Researches have found that antioxidants may inhibit tumor growth, decrease inflammation in the body, and help ward off or slow down esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate, and colon cancers.

Folate in blueberries also plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair. This can prevent the formation of cancer due to mutations in the DNA.

4.  May Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.

In an eight-week study, obese people who had had a high risk of heart disease saw a 4–6% reduction in blood pressure after consuming 2 ounces (50 grams) of blueberries per day.

Other studies have observed similar effects — especially for postmenopausal women

5.  Help Maintain Brain Function and Improve Memory

Population-based studies have shown that consumption of blueberries is connected to slower cognitive decline in older women.

Studies have also found that in addition to reducing the risk of cognitive damage, blueberries can also improve a person’s short-term memory and motor coordination.

6.  Prevent Constipation

Blueberries are high in insoluble fiber, which help maintain regularity in the digestive tract and ultimately can prevent constipation.  The skin adds extra fiber and they’re over 50% water.

 

7. May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

If you suffer from UTI frequently, take heart that eating blueberries or drinking blueberry juice may help prevent this type of infection.

Cranberry juice is well known for preventing UTI but if you find cranberry juice a tad tart for your liking, you can try blueberry juice.

As blueberries are closely related to cranberries, they boast many of the same active substances as cranberry juice. These substances are called anti-adhesives and help prevent bacteria like E. coli from binding to the wall of your bladder.

Blueberries have rarely been studied for their impact on UTIs, but they likely have similar effects as cranberries.

All year round, wherever you are, you can make any day better with a boost of  delicious and healthy blueberries.

Blueberries taste great, the blueish-purplish hue is enticing, they boost your heart health, brain function and numerous other aspects of your body.  Blueberries can be eaten fresh, frozen, dried and there are endless ways to enjoy them.  What’s not to love about blueberries?

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Nursing and Baby Feeding Silicone Products

In recent years, silicone utensils and baby-feeding items have grown in popularity as safer alternatives to plastic.  Silicone baby bottles are among some of the newest and most inventive products that have flooded the market.

Silicone is naturally free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and other chemical substances that rank highly toxic on the Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s website.

Besides silicone baby bottles, custom silicone cups, baby feeding utensils, and baby teethers have become ubiquitous over the past few years. The bright, alluring colors, fun designs, and practicality have made silicone products the go-to for many parents who are trying to minimize the usage of plastic in their households.  Some of these plastic products contain carcinogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Due to its hygienic and hypoallergenic properties (it has no open pores to harbor bacteria), flexibility, lightweight and easy-to-clean, food-grade silicone can be a safe and convenient alternative to plastic.

As silicone is a very soft material, baby feeding utensils made of silicone won’t crumble or break into several sharp pieces when dropped, making them safe for your toddler. Plus, they are odorless and are easier to clean and store.  These advantages make silicone a great material for snack containers, cooking utensils, bibs, milk bottles, pacifiers, bottle nipples, mats, and bath toys.

Whether you are looking to purchase a baby milk bottle or a silicone breast pump, always opt for silicone products that are made from the best silicone materials, such as those manufactured by Newtop Rubber.

Newtop Rubber uses food-grade and medical-grade liquid silicone materials to produce high-quality products. As a source manufacturer, they have better price advantages than intermediate traders and stricter quality control.

A product needs to pass through several rigorous phases in order to be FDA-approved.   Food-grade silicone products that are FDA-approved are made from a non-toxic type of silicone that does not contain any chemical by-products, making them safe with food, for cooking, and for babies.  They are safe for use in devices such as ovens, microwave ovens, stoves, freezers, and dishwashers.

Many health organizations such as Health Canada state that there is still no conclusive evidence that silicone baby feeder products are unsafe. The organization promotes silicone baby feeders as a safer alternative to plastic as they don’t react with baby food or beverages or produce any hazardous fumes. They advise buying only approved premium-grade silicone-based baby spoon feeder products.

 

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Juggling Boosts Brain Development And Prevents Dementia

Many of us juggle tasks every day.  As a mother of 3 teenage girls, I juggle house tasks, work-related tasks, and tasks of caring for my daughters every single day.

Did you know that juggling is a great exercise for your brain?  But it is not juggling with daily tasks that help boost our brain development, rather, the juggling of objects like balls!

Juggling is scientifically proven to increase gray matter and help strengthen your brain cells’ connections. It can even help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.  Juggling is an exercise for your brain muscles. It’s part of a brain-building process that helps your brain fight the injury and infection that may lead to dementia.

As a total mind body workout, juggling helps to work virtually every upper body muscle from the reaching and throwing motion of juggling as well as bending down and picking up the props you drop.

When you juggle heavier objects or more objects at the same time, you  can even build or tone your muscles.  Juggling is a fantastic exercise for your brain as you focus on multiple objects in the air and the pattern as a whole all at the same time.  This works both sides of the brain as objects are continuously crossing between the left and right sides of your body.

Many people fail to realize that exercising their brain is not something that they need to do. However, our brain is like a muscle and it needs regular exercises or activities that stimulate it in order to sharpen our mind. Failure to do this may result in our brain losing its efficacy, just like any other muscle in our body.

World renowned juggler and performer David Ferman once struggled with ADHD as a child.  When he started juggling, his parents noticed that his attention span had increased and he was able to sit still for extended periods of time.  David has appeared in the finals of the popular TV program, America’s Got Talent, and has won multiple medals in juggling competitions.

Research shows that learning to juggle accelerates the growth of neural connections related to memory, focus, movement, and vision. The beneficial changes persist even after weeks without practice.  However, after three months of no practice, it was discovered that the participants who learned to juggle lost their gained brain power and the enhanced brain regions decreased in size.

Thus, in order to see continuous improvement in brain power, you should consistently juggle.  Just like physical exercise where you have to train regularly in order to feel the health benefits, juggling should also be a continuous effort in order for you to reap the brain health benefits.

Since juggling on a regular basis has been shown to improve brain density in gray matter, more and more people are turning to juggling recreationally to help stave off dementia, as well as alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Gray matter is the part of the brain that does all the calculations and computations, and by increasing the density of the gray matter in your brain, your brain will be able to perform more efficiently, just like upgrading the central processing unit (CPU) of your computer.

After you’re done reading this article, go buy 3 oranges or juggling balls and juggle away to keep your brain mentally sharp always!

 

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