Did you know that...

• a simple breathing technique can easily put a halt to a heat flush? Breathe in deeply though your nose, six to seven times per minute, and very slowly out through the mouth.
• environmental pollution with a.o. heavy metals will increase dramatically in the forthcoming 15 years, unless adequate measures are being taken as soon as possible?
• and that - as a consequence of that development - the number of Alzheimer cases will also increase dramatically in the forthcoming 15 years, again if no adequate measures are being taken a.s.a.p?
• the annual rates of death by cerebral infarcts, on the other hand, has remarkably reduced since 1998? Since that year, folium acid is being added to certain food products.
• 85 Percent of the people with overweight will deny that they are too heavy?
• The risk of getting asthma can be significantly reduced by eating lots of green leafy vegetables, carrots and tomatoes?
• raisins contain a certain substance that can help prevent tooth decay?
• tests have proved that kissing and sharing the same cutlery can spread bacteria that can cause tooth decay? So, parents: attention: keep this in mind when "tasting" your little one's snacks, treats or meals!
• children who spend hours watching tv or sitting in front of the computer run more risk of getting overweight, concentration disorders or ADHD?
• people who have eaten with chop sticks all their lives, have more chance of getting arthritis of the thumbs?

Give us a hug!

A recent US study found that just seeing trees or driving down a tree-lined street lowers our blood pressure within five minutes. So go and find a handsome tree to hug orclimb or picnic under in your neighbourhood!

Heartbreak can lead to heart disease

We all know that break-ups take their toll on our emotional wellbeing, but now it seems they can affect our health, too. According to a recent study by the University of Texas, divorced women are 50% more likely to develop heart disease later in life than women who stay married. The researchers believe this is down to the stress splitting up can place on women, raising their blood pressure and pushing them to bad habits like drinking too much. If your relationship is going through a rough patch, don't let it affect your health. Speak to a Relate counsellor about coping mechanisms - like channeling all that angst into a run in the park, for example, or having a stress-busting night out with the girls...

Did you know...

• that banana and applejuice make a good asthma remedy?
• that a regular intake of onions will help protect against intestinal cancer?
• that oatmeal has a positive influence on our cholesterol?
• that eating raw broccoli is even healthier than boiled broccoli?!
• that your favourite perfume could irritate your skin and cause a rash during hot weather? Avoid spraying it on your body and spritz your hair instead. This will make you smell just as good!

Banana and apple juice are excellent remedies to prevent getting asthma

A daily intake of one banana and a glass of applejuice can drastically reduce the risk of getting asthma.

This is the outcome of an investigation by the Heart and Lung Institution in London. 2.700 Children of primary schools in South London were tested. Those pupils who drank applejuice daily, appeared to have 50% less chance of developing asthma. It turned out that the drinking of applejuice is much more effective than eating of the fruit itself.

According to the investigators, eating of a whole apple doesn't contribute to diminishing the asthma risk. On the other hand, eating bananas turned out to have a positive effect. Regular intake of bananas will reduce the asthma risk with one third.

Eating onions on a regular base will help protect you against intestinal cancer

Onions contain quercetine, which has turned out to stop development of tumor growth in animals. It is also said that onions could help prevent cancer of the brain, oesophagus, lungs and stomach.

Hmm... I guess we'll just have to accept the "gasification" aspect, after reading all these positive things about onions!

Oatmeal has a positive influence on fighting high cholesterol levels

Various studies show that with only 3 grams of oat fibres a day (equivalent of one bowl of oatmeal) will reduce the cholesterol level with 23%.

Eating of raw broccoli is even better than the boiled version

The phytonutrient isothiocyanate in raw broccoli appears to be three times higher than in boiled broccoli. Did you know that broccoli is a great preventor of many sorts of cancer, because of the isothiocyanate? Eat broccoli a couple of times a week!

White tea

Green tea is good for us, we know that by now. But at the moment, white tea is becoming very hip! And not only that: this tea is a real booster, it contains loads of antioxidants and they have a very positive influence on our body, a.o.:

• they help prevent osteoporosis
• they are natural warriors against viruses and bacteria
• they have a positive effect on the heart and they help to fight low blood pressure
• they are excellent remedies for inflammations and stress.
• they help to lower the cholesterol level.

Remarkable health facts

Did you know...

• that treatment with acupuncture can reduce 24-hour blood pressure readings by up to 5mmHg? (Source: Medical Journal, "Circulation")
• that oranges can make you cheerful? The smell of oranges stimulates the brain to release serotonine, a hormon that makes you feel happy. The scent of fresh orange juice and an orange scented candle have the same effect.
• that women who drink a lot of Coca Cola may have bone problems? The bones can become weaker by this habit and therefore the risk of breakage is higher. Peculiar fact: tests showed that this problem does not affect men...!
• that chewing gum can help you to lose weight? Studies show that eating of chewing gum speeds up the metabolism. Trial persons who chewed gum burnt an average of 11 cals more in 12 minutes than non chewing gum eating persons. On an annual base, this can make a difference of 5 kilos! But take care: excess use of chewing gum has also negative effects: the pancreas, responsible for the production of enzymes that are essential for the digestion process, will be confused by all the chewing, get the wrong signals and consequently bring the body into a state of disbalance.