SEPTEMBER INTENTIONS:
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH & LIVE A PREVENTATIVE LIFESTYLE
This month we are focusing on boosting brain health and taking steps to live a preventive lifestyle. Having some brain fog or have some issues concentrating? Maybe have a history of neurological disease in your family? You may want to introduce some habits (and maybe take out some) so your brain can perform its best short term and long term.
Grab a cup of GREEN tea, get comfy, and check out our tips to boost your brain health.
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SO WHAT'S THE HYPE ABOUT
GREEN TEA?
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The rumors are true, green tea is REALLY good for your brain health. Green tea and white tea in particular contain the highest quantity of polyphenols and catechins. These little miracle workers help prevent cell damage and reduce the formation of free radicals in the body that can trigger numerous diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
According to a recent study by the National University of Singapore, tea drinkers have healthier brains compared to non-tea drinkers. Drinking tea regularly can protect one from age-related cognitive decline, heart disease, and diabetes.
Does your green tea taste bitter or burnt? You might need to adjust your steeping practices. Never use boiling water, only hot water, and just steep for 3-4 minutes.
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So how often should you drink green or white tea to get the full benefit out of it?
Studies recommend drinking three 8oz cups of tea per day, but even just one 8 oz cup a day is great.
HEALTHY FOODS = BRAIN POWER
Your brain is the control center of your body, so it is kind of a big deal. Feeding your body (and brain) certain foods can keep your brain in top condition and can even improve your memory and concentration. On the flip side of the coin, there are certain foods that can actually do more harm than good to your brain.
Foods like soda, highly processed foods,and certain refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation of the hippocampus (the learning and memory center of the brain) and increase the odds of developing type 2 diabetes, which has been shown to increase risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Try incorporating these brain loving foods into your diet:
Salmon: Rich in Omega 3, helps fight chronic fatigue, and promotes better sleep.
Walnuts: Packed with Vitamin E that protects cells against free-radical damage, and counteracts oxidative stress and inflammation (two drivers of cognitive decline).
Dark Leafy Greens: Rich in Vitamin C, iron, and nitrates and improves blood flow to the brain.
Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and keeps aging neurons healthy, leading to improvements in cell signaling and memory.
FIGHT YOUR INFLAMMATION
Did you know that inflammation can turn into a silent killer that contributes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions like Alzheimer's? Thankfully, there is plenty you can do to fight back.
- Do an aerobic exercise everyday. Even just walking for 15 minutes can greatly reduce the inflammation in your body.
- Get 8 hours of sleep every day. Inadequate sleep not only robs you of energy and productivity it also elevates inflammation—which is especially hazardous to heart and brain health.
- Conquer chronic stress. Stress takes a toll on the body and the mind and can actually shorten your lifespan if it isn't controlled. Do some breathing exercises, set boundaries, eliminate toxic things in your life-whatever would help you feel less stressed.
We hope you spend September taking care of your brain and establishing daily care-tactics to keep it fresh as a daisy!
Happy tea time!
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