The surprising way to PREVENT CATARACTS
Turns out Vitamin C does more than just thwart colds: The nutrient also wards off sight-clouding cataracts. Dubbed “scurvy of the eye”, cataracts earned that moniker after research revealed that a deficiency in C can trigger their growth. Fortunately, Spanish investigators discovered that taking 500 mg. of Vitamin C daily reduces cataract risk by 64%, plus helps block their growth if you already have them. Researchers say that the nutrient prevents eye fluids from oxidizing and causing cloudy, blurred vision.
The daily sip that MELTS A MUFFIN TOP
Turns out losing pesky fat around your midsection is easier and cheaper than you may think: Simply sip an 8-oz. glass of water spiked with 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar daily. The sip’s acetic acid has been proven to switch on fat-burning genes and balance blood sugar to dial down appetite. Those are effects that have helped study subjects effortlessly lower their daily calorie intake by 275 with no other lifestyle changes. The payoff: You’ll shed up to 10% of your body weight (including stubborn belly fat!) in six weeks.
The simple trick that DE-BLOATS CANKLES + ERASES CELLULITE
The key to soft, supple skin and no cankles? Dry brushing! This invigorating, spa-inspired DIY massage enhances lymph flow to flush fluids before they pool in your ankles and calves. Plus, it stimulates oil-producing skin glands, lessens the appearance of cellulite and rebuilds connective tissue for smooth, radiant skin. To do: Use a medium-firm body brush and make short, brisk strokes from the ends of your legs and arms inward toward your heart. Aim for 5 minutes twice weekly.
The simple way to ERASE SCARS
Summer is all about making great memories! But one thing you don’t want to remember: that new scar on your hand from a minor grilling mishap. Gotu kola to the rescue! Research in the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found the Asian herb can fade existing scars, prevent new ones from forming and encourage the growth of healthy new skin by revving collagen production. To do: Dab a paste made from water and Gotu kola powder (Nuts.com) on scars twice daily; cover with a gauze pad until skin heals or scar fades.
The daily habit that HELPS YOU SLIM
Wouldn’t it be great if something you enjoy daily could boost your health and melt fat? Good news: Sipping your morning coffee will do just that! The brew has gentle diuretic properties to flush water weight. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, the most abundant of which is chlorogenic acid (CGA). CGA curbs appetite boosts metabolism by 50% and cuts blood-sugar fluctuations in half. So you stay slim and lower your risk of diabetes. Even better? Opt for medium or light roasted brews, which have more CGA.
The easy way to EAT HEALTHY ON VACATION
For travelers who don’t want to spend hours researching restaurants with tasty and nutritious fare, the Templeton List (TempletonList.com) can help! Created by health advocate and author James Templeton, the list rates eateries based on use of locally sourced ingredients, avoidance of unhealthy oils and chemicals and safety of preparation methods. Whether you have a gluten allergy, sensitive stomach or just want to eat smart, the list makes dining on vacation a cinch.
The Surprising Way to Protect Your Heart
Daily brushing does more than safeguard your smile – it keeps your mind sharp too. Researchers say P. gingivalis the bacteria that causes gum disease, produces a protein linked to memory loss and brain-cell damage, and it’s been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. To keep memory-hampering bacteria at bay, try this pennies-a-day DIY antibacterial toothpaste: Mix a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide into 2 Tbs. of baking soda until it forms a thin paste. Then use a toothbrush to massage the paste into the gums and gumline; rinse well.
The DIY toothpaste that PROTECTS MEMORY
Daily brushing does more than safeguard your smile – it keeps your mind sharp too. Researchers say P. gingivalis the bacteria that causes gum disease, produces a protein linked to memory loss and brain-cell damage, and it’s been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. To keep memory-hampering bacteria at bay, try this pennies-a-day DIY antibacterial toothpaste: Mix a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide into 2 Tbs. of baking soda until it forms a thin paste. Then use a toothbrush to massage the paste into the gums and gumline; rinse well.
The simple way to MELT FAT FAST
Ever wish there were a vitamin you could take to erase stubborn fat? Good news: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), dubbed the “liposuction nutrient”, has been found to slow production of lipase, an enzyme that tells the body to store fat. Plus, CLA helps build lean, fat-burning muscle and increases functional strength to keep you nimble as you age. In one study, women who supplemented with the nutrient (a type of fatty acid) for 12 weeks shed 20% of their body fat without dieting or exercise. Aim for 1,400 to 3,000 mg. daily. Try: Uni Key CLA-1000 (UniKeyHealth.com)
New discovery may SLASH DIABETES
For the more than 35 million adults with type 2 diabetes, help is here: New research out of Italy found a highly absorbable form of vitamin B-3 called niacinamide helps stabilize blood-sugar levels, In their small study, scientists had folks with type 2 diabetes take 500 mg, of niacinamide daily for a month, then drop to 250 mg. per day for another five months. The results: Their blood-sugar levels normalized, even allowing several people to discontinue their diabetes medications. The vitamin improves function of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
