Health Bits
There are many things you can do to improve your health . We share some simple tips to make you
feel better and live a healthier life .
Love your pet To lower your risk of a heart attack and / or stroke , a pet is an excellent investment . Numerous studies show that playing with or petting an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol . Petting an animal also helps to keep blood pressure under control when you ’ re stressed .
Sniff some rosemary to boost your brain power Studies have shown that the scent of rosemary can help with better mental performance and make individuals feel more alert . A team of scientists from the University of Northumbria , UK , discovered that one of the active essential oils in rosemary helps improve speed and accuracy when performing mental tasks . This can lead to higher marks on tests and better functioning mentally .
An apple a day , could keep the doctor away If you ’ re looking for a great snack idea , reach for an apple . Apples contain high amounts of fibre , antioxidants , vitamin C and flavonoids , all of which may lower the insulin requirements of diabetics by up to 35 %. In addition , apple juice could help keep your brain young . Researchers found that just two glasses a day reduced the formation of the sticky plaques found in the brains of dementia patients .
Go green Green tea is so good for you that it has researchers raving . Green tea has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol . A 2013 review of many studies found green tea helped prevent a range of heart-related issues , from high blood pressure to congestive heart failure . As a bonus , one study also showed that green tea can help with weight loss .
Wash the car and burn some calories Make a serious dent to your calorie output by washing the car . If you do a proper job , both inside and out , this could take you up to two hours , during which time you may have burned off up to 800 calories .
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2022