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20 Jan 10 Increase Your Memory Brain Power

Have you ever forgotten where something is, and then spent an hour hopelessly searching for the item, without being able to remember where you put it?  That’s a problem everybody goes through once or twice.  Have you ever thought about increasing your memory power so that doesn’t happen anymore?

There are several benefits to improving memory.  You’ll increase your brain power overall.  Plus giving your memory a workout fairly often, at as early an age as possible, is a great way to fight against memory problems that come with age.  The best way to do that is to get your sleep.

Medical professionals always stress how important getting at least 7-8 hours sleep a night really is, and that fact can’t be overstated.  Lack of sleep causes and inflames all manner of health problems, including problems in your brain.  One of those issues, is memory.  Not getting enough sleep increases the likelihood that you could develop memory problems.

Eat plenty of brain health foods to provide the opportunity for your brain to function at it’s peak effectiveness.  Fish like Salmon are extremely good for you because of the beneficial Omega-3s that help your brain and cardiovascular system.  The same principle is true for berries such as blueberries and acai.  Both also contain natural healthy Omega-3s.

Play a few brain specific puzzles a few times a week to increase your brain power.  Things like crosswords, or even a game like Scrabble.  Something that forces you to think, and learn new facts or words as you play, to flex your brain power.  Also reading is a big help, as reading requires a lot more brain activity than other forms of entertainment.  Reading is a fantastic way to work out your mind, and keep your memory in tip top condition.

Remember also to keep a healthy lifestyle.  Exercise and a healthy diet are just as important to your brain as the rest of your body.  By eating healthy and exercising you increase what your body can do in all aspects of life.  Your brain health is no different, and you should follow the same principles.

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08 Oct 09 Reasons To Have A Healthy Heart

The reasons why you should strive to maintain a healthy heart are obvious.  Beyond feeling great, you’ll live longer, and the added blood flow will keep your skin looking great.  Your heart pumps roundabout 2000 gallons of blood every day, why not make that job as easy as possible?  An overworked heart is no good, and these benefits will show you why keeping yours fit is a good idea.

-Better Cardiovascular Health.  Your cardiovascular system is tasked with circulating oxygenated blood throughout your body.  This way your muscles receive the appropriate oxygen that they need to survive.  The more effective your system works, the better the oxygen distribution in your body is going to work.  So being cardiovascularly fit improves all aspects of life.  You’ll have more endurance, and more energy for all of your daily tasks.  So make sure to get your cardio exercise.

-Lower Blood Pressure.  High blood pressure is bad, not only because it’s a sign that your veins and arteries may be the victim of plaque build up.  But also because high blood pressure can damage your heart, and your vital organs, arteries, veins, etc.  When your heart has to work harder it puts a strain on your whole system.  Your heart overworks which is bad for the muscle, your veins are put under extreme pressure, and most importantly your kidneys are put under unnecessary pressure.  All of which is bad.  A low blood pressure keeps things flowing smoothly and effectively, without damaging arteries and organs.

-Relief From Stress.  Something you may not even think about from having a healthy heart.  Working out is stressful if you’re out of shape.  But exercise when your body is fit releases endorphins, creating a calming and more relaxing atmosphere.  Stressing your body is good, because it helps your muscles get stronger and relax, and works out your tension.  The healthier your heart the more effective your workout, and you’d be surprised at how much stress you can run out of your body.

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28 Apr 09 Is Chocolate Good For You?

A very good question, especially considering how much most of us do love the occasional chocolate bar, wouldn’t it be great if you weren’t doing damage to your health but actually something positive with your cravings?  Well as the facts point out, chocolate actually is good for you, cocoa itself that is, but not all chocolate is good for you.  Dark chocolate in particular is the stuff that has high health benefits, and few to no negative side effects.

This is because cocoa is rich in flavanols, which are extraordinarily good for you because they are proven to increase blood vessel function and blood flow, reduce blood pressure, reduce the tendency of your blood to form clots, and increase blood flow to the brain.  All of which fantastic things, and all of which offered by the flavanols found in cocoa.  However that’s not to say you should run out and buy as much chocolate as you want, as that would just hurt you in the long run.

To receive the full health benefits from chocolate that you could,  you want to concentrate on dark chocolate which is low in fats and sugars, whereas milk chocolate is loaded with fat, sugar, and cholesterol, all of which completely erase any benefits from cocoa’s flavanols.  Also you have to factor in how much you’re eating and adjust your diet accordingly, as you have to reduce calories elsewhere to allow yourself room for chocolate calories.  Otherwise you’re eating extra calories which is going to lead to weight gain.

You want to measure out your chocolate intake, have a little dark chocolate every once and a while as a treat, and then you allow yourself the health benefits without having to worry about any negative side effects.  Although it’s also good to note that fruits and vegetables are still the best way to go for antioxidants and beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Like kiwi which has the highest concentration of antioxidants, vitamin c, and numerous other beneficial minerals for your cardiovascular system.  Chocolate will never, nor should ever, be a substitute for something as ridiculously healthy as a kiwi.

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