HOLIDAYS CAN MAKE YOU YOUNGER!
If you are still in two minds as to whether to take that sunny holiday in the Med listen to this. Stress and daily ups and downs can take their toll on certain genes linked to ageing and a longer life. Recent US research has shown that certain factors such as vitamin D from the sun, resveratrol found in red wine, and omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna) can have a positive effect on a group of genes responsible for helping to fight the effects of ageing. So book that flight now!
MEN’S HEALTH WEEK: STRESS
June 13-19 is men’s health week and this year’s theme is stress. If we don’t release stress it can turn into something much more serious so taking steps to manage it is very important. Exercising, singing, dancing, volunteering, learning something new as well as learning to say ‘no’ can all help. There also several herbal remedies that can help to keep us on an even keel.
Rhodiola is often used is to treat symptoms associated with stress such as fatigue, exhaustion, and mild anxiety. In a clinical study it was found that rhodiola rosea exerts an anti-fatigue effect that improves mental performance – particularly the ability to concentrate – and decreases stress in burnout patients with fatigue syndrome.
Another useful herb is valerian especially if stress is leading to sleepless nights. The reason? Extracts of valerian root contain natural compounds known as iridoids that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help relaxation, putting you in the mood for slumber. Valerian is also often combined with other herbs such as lemon balm and hops, both of which are noted for their calming properties.
To find out more about men’s health week, and tips on beating stress, visit the Men’s Health Forum
CHERRIES CAN HELP REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE
When it comes to reducing high blood pressure, researchers from Northumbria University in Newcastle have found that drinking cherry juice could be as effective as medication. The male participants in the small study, who all had early signs of high blood pressure, saw a 7% reduction after drinking 60ml of Montmorency cherry juice a day compared to drinking a fruit flavoured cordial.
VITAMIN E PROTECTS AGAINST AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is a real problem for lung health. And now it seems that vitamin E may help protect against its harmful effects. A study from King’s College London and Nottingham University showed for the first time that people exposed to high levels of pollution had significantly lower levels of vitamin E as well as poorer lung function. This finding adds weight to existing evidence that fine particles may damage the lungs through ‘oxidative attack’ (the same process that causes rust and apples to go brown) and that vitamin E may be protective of this.
