The simple move that EASES MUSCLE ACHES
To keep sore, stiff muscles at bay, take a cue from your cat and enjoy a good stretch. Our muscles are surrounded by a thin sheath of connective tissue called fascia, and when that tissue becomes tight or inflamed, it can lead to aches. Luckily, spending just 10 minutes reaching for the sky and bending toward your toes five times a week thwarts discomfort. The key: Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds. It takes time for tissues to release, and holding a stretch a little longer releases more fascia, so you feel even better!
The fun to-do that SHARPENS THINKING
Next time your mind feels a little sluggish, hum your favorite tune. The vocal cords are connected to the vagus nerve, a key communication pathway linking the brain and other parts of the body (like the heart, lungs and stomach). Humming creates vibrations that stimulate the nerve, which spurs the release of acetylcholine, a compound that quickly clears away brain fog to sharpen thinking. For an even stronger vibration (and bigger mental boost), open and close your mouth while humming your favorite Motown song.
The quick spritz that THICKENS HAIR
For the more than 50% of women over age 50 who have thinning hair, help is here! One of my favorite ways to combat sparse strands is with rosemary. The herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to boost circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth as effectively as minoxidil. To get the benefits: Add 4 Tbs. of dried rosemary to 4 cups of boiled water. Steep for 40 minutes, then strain the brew into a large spray bottle and add 4 Tbs. apple cider vinegar; refrigerate. Spritz onto the scalp once or twice a week after shampooing.
The simple secret that STOPS AGING
We love cookouts with friends and family on beautiful summer days. The hitch? This high-heat way of cooking creates sneaky compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that accelerate aging by contributing to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. Luckily, you can curb the formation of AGEs just by marinating before grilling. For 2 pounds of meat, combine 2/3 cups of avocado oil, 2 Tbs. of fresh lemon juice, and your favorite seasonings. Pour over your food, cover, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before cooking.
Simple Trick for a STRONGER HEART
Enjoying a cool glass of water on a hot day is more than just refreshing: It can safeguard your ticker with every sip! Turns out chronic, low-level dehydration is common in women over 50 since the body’s thirst mechanism weakens with age. And even mild dehydration can cause muscles like your heart to temporarily shrink while thickening your blood, making your ticker work harder. The easy fix: drinking at least 8 glasses of water or herbal tea daily, ideally spread throughout the day, as your body can only absorb so much fluid at a time.
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.
