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The Benefits of a Trampoline Workout & Rebounding

The AHA! Team — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:23:54 +0000

Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe – Many people first fall in love with trampolines as children, but did you know that a trampoline workout can benefit adults just as much as trampolines bring joy to the little ones? It’s true. In addition to being fun, a trampoline workout, also known as rebounding, has many great health benefits — particularly for your lymphatic system. For instance, did you know that rebounding can burn more calories than walking or jogging? Or that it’s a great way to work your major muscle groups because it allows you to work them through their full ranges of motion? Or that it’s downright fun?! A trampoline workout can also strengthen your body while detoxifying the cells within it. Plus, it’s a low-impact exercise option that’s very easy on the joints — something running can’t match. While you may think the type of large trampolines you seen in backyards may be a bit much, there are small versions that can fit right in your living room and are easy to store. So get ready to jump around and improve your health all at the same time. Read on to learn how to do a trampoline workout and how exactly it strengthens the body. What Is Rebounding? Trampoline and tumbling exercises have been around for a very long time and can be traced to archeological drawings found in ancient China, Egypt and Persia. The firs modern trampolines were developed in 1934 by George Nissen and Larry Griswold at the University of Iowa, according to the official website of the Olympics. Trampolines were originally used to train astronauts and as a training tool for other sports, such as acrobatics, tumbling, diving, gymnastics and freestyle skiing. Eventually, trampolines became so popular to the point of becoming a sport in the Olympic Games. The first Trampoline World Championships took place in 1964, and trampoline was first recognized as a sport in the U.S. in 1967. The double mini-trampoline competition was added in 1978 and began as two individual mini trampolines, separated by a small table covered by a mat. Later, a one-piece unit was developed by Bob Bollinger and is used today as the official equipment for that event. Trampolines have become useful in the understanding of gravity and its effects on exercise. The Journal of Applied Physiology recorded a study by NASA in 1980 on rebounding by testing eight young males ages 19–26. The goal was to understand body acceleration distribution and its relation to how it was created. Here’s what the researchers concluded: The results indicate that, for similar levels of HR and VO2, the magnitude of the biomechanical stimuli is greater with jumping on a trampoline than with running, a finding that might help identify acceleration parameters needed for the design of remedial procedures to avert deconditioning in persons exposed to weightlessness. Trampoline Workout Benefits We all know there are many benefits of exercise, but what are the benefits of rebounding, specifically? Let’s explore. 1. Easy on the Joints Working out on the trampoline, or rebounding, has way less impact on the joints, soft tissue and skeleton. Due to how a trampoline is made, most often using either springs or bungee bands, it absorbs much of the impact at every bounce. G-force The NASA study previously mentioned notes that there seems to be more balance of pressure or force, known as G-force, when on the trampoline. Pressure is more evenly distributed at the ankle, back and forehead when rebounding, whereas when running, the pressure is mostly all placed on the ankles, often causing more frequent injury. That means simply switching to a trampoline workout routine can help naturally reduce joint pain and help you avoid common running injuries. 2. Strengthens Cells and Improves Cardiovascular Development A trampoline workout can provide impressive aerobic exercise benefits by strengthening the heart. When tested, the work required to perform trampoline exercise at equivalent levels of effort was significantly greater while on the trampoline than while running. Increase oxygen uptake When oxygen reaches our cells, it helps strengthen them and provide the ability to endure more exercise efficiently, and because the body is able to increase oxygen uptake when rebounding, versus some other physical activities, it’s possible to get a much better workout. Rebounding can increase oxygen uptake because more oxygen can reach the cells due to the gravity changes that occur when bouncing. In some studies, when testing on the treadmill, the ability to uptake more oxygen was greater when on the trampoline. This could allow participants to perform exercise for longer periods of time. Effects of daily short bouts of trampoline exercise A study regarding the effects of daily short bouts of trampoline exercise during eight weeks on the pulmonary function and the maximal oxygen uptake of children with cystic fibrosis was reported by the International Journal of Sports Medicine. Six girls and two boys with cystic fibrosis, 10–13.5 years of age, participated in a prescribed exercise program on a mini trampoline. The training consisted of three short rounds of trampoline exercise. The study showed that their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) improved during the exercise period. In addition, trampoline exercise programs are suggested as other types of training to add in order to avoid monotony in the training for many patients. 3. Can Improve Immune System Function Due to Lymph Flow Rebounding can lead to increased lymph fluid circulation, which helps boost the immune system by providing a greater white blood cell activity. The lymphatic system is part of your circulatory system and transports a clear, colorless fluid, called lymph, that flushes toxins from your body. It’s believed that there is an increase in the circulation of this fluid when the lymphatic valves are opened during a change in gravitational pull. This particular change occurs upon the moment you land on the trampoline, thanks to gravity. Then, upon leaving the surface, the lymphatic valves are opened. The increased G-force g that occurs when you land causes a surge of lymphatic drainage, which improves circulation and, therefore, may help detoxify your entire system. 4. Helps with Balance Another study reported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine cited the effects of different types of exercise on postural balance in elderly women. These exercises can help prevent functional limitations due to aging, therefore reducing the risk of falls. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three different exercises: mini trampoline, aquatic gymnastics and general floor gymnastics. Seventy-four physically independent elderly women were randomly assigned to three intervention groups. Each group performed physical training, including cardiorespiratory, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and sensory-motor exercises, for 12 weeks. To determine the effects on each intervention group, postural balance tasks were performed. The study concluded that there were significant improvements in the postural balance of elderly women after 12 weeks of training and ultimately provides further evidence that exercise, like a trampoline workout, that includes balance postures can promote health in elderly women. 5. Builds Physical Strength, Muscular Development and Proprioception for Athletes Rebounding is often said to improve physical strength and muscular development as well as proprioception, which is the ability to sense the position, location, orientation and movement of the body and its parts. A study published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine randomly divided 20 patients with Parkinson’s disease “into two equal groups of weight-bearing exercises and rebound exercise with no significant differences in age, weight, and height.” They compared results on range of motion, proprioception and quality of life after eight weeks. The researchers found that both groups saw significant improvements in all three areas, but the improvement rate was greater across the board in the rebounding therapy group. How to Choose a Good Rebounder Because many injuries can occur while on a trampoline, it’s critical that you don’t go the cheaper route because cheaper trampolines tend to break or malfunction, causing injury. They also can lack the support needed to be effective. It’s important that your rebounder has at least 32 springs that taper at the end. This provides the proper flexibility and a more even bounce. Steel construction lasts longer, too. Some models offer support bars, which may be useful, especially for beginners or the elderly. How to Start Using Your Rebounder Rebounders, or mini trampolines, can be used almost anywhere indoors or outdoors. Remember to start slow with small jumps, and make sure you get used to the equipment before you increase to bigger jumps. A trampoline workout is one idea for burst training at home. You can include some traditional exercise, such as jumping jacks, to get you started. Rebounding is a great low-impact exercise that’s fun and different. In just 15–20 minutes a day, you can burn calories, gain muscle strength and enhance your balance while improving your immune system — and helping turn on the afterburn effect. Trampoline or Rebounding Workout Time: 20–45 minutes, depending on number of sets performed Warmup: Basic Trampoline Bounce The basic bounce can tone your quads, glutes and calf muscles. Stand on the mini trampoline with your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your arms and shoulders but with a slight bend at the elbow. Lightly bounce up and down while keeping a slight bend in the knees. Your feet should come just a few inches off the trampoline. Repeat 20–30 times. Rest for 15 seconds, and repeat two more times for a total of three rounds. Main Set: Jumping Jacks A classic, this gets your heart rate up while engaging the inner and outer thighs. Standing with feet together, jump out while extending arms out, up and overhead. Then return to the starting position, and repeat. Perform 30–45 jumping jacks. Planks This plank exercise variation works your entire core. Start in plank position with your forearms in the middle of the trampoline and your feet on the floor (unless your trampoline is large enough for your entire body). Hold the plank position for 20–30 seconds. Release for 10 seconds, and repeat three to four times. High Knees This is a great exercise hack that gets your heart rate moving while working your core muscles. Stand with feet hip distance apart. Raise your right knee, return to start, then raise your left knee. Once you feel comfortable, begin doing it as if you are running in place. Repeat 20 times (one on each side counts as one full rep). Planks to Pushups Advanced Move This exercise works your entire core and provides some upper-body strength in the arms and chest. Keeping abs fully engaged, start in plank position with your forearms in the middle of the trampoline and your feet on the floor (unless your trampoline is large enough for your entire body). Transition to your hands one arm at a time, then do a pushup and return to your forearms for another plank. Make sure that your abs are engaged the entire time. Do this exercise for six to 10 reps. Trampoline Squats Wondering how to strengthen your core? Well, this exercise requires you to engage your core muscles. It strengthens glutes and quads as well as your core if properly engaged. Stand on the mini trampoline with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides. Jump up, and land in a squat position with your knees bent, butt back and thighs parallel to the ground, like sitting down in a chair. It may be helpful to place your arms straight out in front of you for balance. Return to the starting position, and repeat 15–20 times. At first, you may want to take it slow. Once you have mastered the exercise, you can begin to do it a bit faster with continuous movement similar to a jump squat that you would do on the ground. Repeat the entire set three to four times or as best as possible. Precautions It’s extremely important that children are always supervised when on a trampoline of any sort. The condition and quality of trampolines are critical in preventing injuries. Because there...

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Energy Drinks Increase Heart Attack Risk Within 90 Minutes of Consumption

The AHA! Team — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:11:31 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Most people reach for a cup of coffee to increase their energy levels. However, in recent years, energy drinks have become the pick-me-up of choice, especially among younger people. But here’s the warning: Researchers have found that these high-caffeine, high-sugar beverages negatively impact heart health. In fact, within just 90 minutes of having one of these drinks, blood vessels can constrict dramatically – by as much as half in some cases. This reduces the blood supply and nutrients to the body’s organs and inhibits their function. How energy drinks put a squeeze on our blood circulation Keep in mind: blood flow constriction to the heart increases the risk of both heart attacks and stroke. And that’s exactly what happens when you drink these beverages. In addition, their high sugar content raises blood glucose levels – which can cause (or make worse) metabolic disorders like diabetes and prediabetes. In one study, the researchers examined 44 college students from the McGovern Medical School at UT Health. All participants were non-smokers, in their 20s, and generally ‘healthy.’ Since the subjects were young, they all had strong endothelium, the layer lining the inner walls of blood vessels. Endothelium integrity is crucial to heart health. Now, for the shocking results: the effect of energy drinks on otherwise normal endothelium was measured using ultrasound before and after consuming a 24-oz. energy drink. Ninety minutes after consuming the drink, endothelial function was tested for vessel diameter and arterial blood flow. How perfectly good blood vessels get damaged by just ONE drink After just 90 minutes, the artery’s inner diameter was reduced by half – from 5.1 percent to around 2.8 percent on average. The researchers believe this effect is due to the high levels of caffeine, sugar, taurine, and many other stimulating ingredients. As agitating as too much caffeine can be, the researchers believe it’s the high sugar content of these drinks that is the biggest culprit of severe blood vessel constriction. A drink like Red Bull contains 37 grams of sugar – equivalent to over NINE TEASPOONS. However, caffeine is also a factor, causing the body to release adrenaline rapidly. Each 250-ml drink contains around 80 mg of caffeine, which is 2.5 times the amount in a can of soda. Editor’s note: This article should be considered a ‘red alert’ for young athletes. Don’t combine your high-intensity training with these drinks. The result could be a deadly heart attack. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that around one-third of teenagers aged 12 to 17 consume these high-caffeine sugary drinks regularly. Find natural alternatives to energy drinks Finding natural, low-sugar ways to boost energy is always better for long-term health. If you’re a parent of a teenager reaching for one of these beverages, warn them about the risk of heart attack, restrict their consumption, and encourage healthier options. For example, green tea, coconut water, and fresh vegetable-fruit juices have (natural) energizing properties, and they are much healthier than high-sugar, caffeine-infused options. Once you get started, you’ll never look back. Remember: good health is our greatest asset. We should do everything possible to protect it. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov News-Medical.net To read the original article click here.

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Blood thinners: A Leading Cause of Death in Emergency Rooms

The AHA! Team — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:09:07 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, have been around for many decades. These medications have been used for a variety of conditions and situations where there is a risk of clot formation. Clot formation can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). But at what cost? Blood thinners come in many types – intravenous drugs like heparin and medications taken by mouth like warfarin and Pradaxa. Since blood thinners are considered a ‘preventative’ medication, many doctors prescribe them, believing the benefits outweigh the risks. However, a cardiologist from Duke University notes that blood thinners like warfarin are actually one of the leading causes of death in United States emergency rooms. Therefore, it is important to fully understand the dangerous side effects of warfarin and other blood thinners before blindly accepting a doctor’s prescription for these medications. Anticoagulants: Lifesavers or lethal lottery? The side effects of warfarin are many and include fever, diarrhea, vomiting blood, dizziness, bruising, black or bloody stools, blood in urine, heavy menstrual bleeding, and tissue death (necrosis). Each of these scary symptoms could signify internal bleeding and require immediate emergency medical attention. In fact, the drug’s links to increased bleeding risk and death forced manufacturers to add a ‘black box’ to the product’s label in 2006 that warns of the potentially deadly side effects of warfarin. For many decades, warfarin was the only option for administering blood thinners. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new type of blood thinner: Pradaxa. It was supposed to be easier to take than warfarin, just as effective, and still cause fewer side effects. Since the approval of Pradaxa (dabigatran) in 2010, several additional novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been approved in the United States. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto): Approved by the FDA in 2011. Apixaban (Eliquis): Approved in 2012. Edoxaban (Savaysa): Approved in 2015. Betrixaban (Bevyxxa): Approved in 2017, specifically for extended prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients. The life-threatening side effects of blood thinners The introduction of NOACs promised a new era in blood clot prevention. However, these drugs come with their own set of potentially life-threatening risks. NOACs, including drugs like Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis, and Savaysa, often cause alarming side effects. Patients frequently report bloody stools, vomiting blood, and severe digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Other reported side effects include dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, hives, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. The most severe risk associated with NOACs is internal bleeding, which can be fatal. In 2011, an FDA review of adverse events revealed a concerning statistic: Pradaxa, the first approved NOAC, was associated with a high number of deaths and injuries. The numbers were significant – hundreds of fatalities and thousands of serious events were reported. However, it’s important to note that this data was specific to Pradaxa and not representative of all NOACs, some of which were approved later. Nonetheless, there’s no (good) reason why pharmaceutical companies should be allowed to operate this way with such troubling safety records. The so-called “safety” of these drugs is nothing compared to the potential dangers. Ongoing litigation claims that manufacturers failed to adequately warn doctors about the lack of reversal agents for uncontrolled bleeding in some of these medications. Moreover, many patients remain unaware that NOACs can interact dangerously with other medications and pose heightened risks for those with conditions like kidney disease. The takeaway is clear: no one should prescribe or take anticoagulants without fully understanding every possible complication. As the adage goes, “Let the buyer beware.” We urge you to be fully informed before making any healthcare decisions involving these powerful and potentially dangerous drugs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov DrugWatch.com DrugWatch.com Reuters.com To read the original article click here.

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Artificial Veins Could Boost Success of Organ Transplants

The AHA! Team — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 08:24:03 +0000

Zachy Hennessey via Israel21c – Bonus Biogroup has developed microscopic biodegradable tubes that run through an engineered transplant organ, supplying a steady flow of blood. Globally, there is a persistent shortage of viable organs for transplantation. This unmet need has spurred the development of “engineered organs” — cultivated tissue that mimics the structure and function of livers, hearts, lungs and other vital viscera. While these in-vitro inside parts can be used to fill the gap in organ supply, it’s really hard to supply blood throughout the newly transplanted tissue. To solve this problem, Bonus Biogroup, an Israeli biotechnology company specializing in next-generation tissue regeneration therapies, has developed a method of producing a sophisticated network of artificial blood vessels that will enable reliable blood flow to transplanted artificial organs, drastically increasing their viability. Tomer Bronshtein, VP of Business Development at Bonus Biogroup, elaborates on the issue it aims to resolve. “One of the biggest challenges in implementing engineered tissue is making sure that it is vascularized. If it isn’t, only the periphery of the tissue which is exposed to blood vessels will be nourished,” he tells ISRAEL21c. “Now, the body knows how to build blood vessels into new tissue, but this process takes time. After two or three days, if the new tissue is deprived of nutrients, these cells will die,” he says. “Even if the immune matching is superb — even if you could take it from your twin brother — if it’s not vascularized, it will not work.” You’re so vein Enter the Haifa-based company’s latest product: a network of microscopic biodegradable tubes that run throughout an engineered organ, acting as a “scaffold” that holds the cultivated cells together while supplying a steady flow of blood throughout the transplanted tissue. Thanks to its biodegradable qualities, the scaffold ensures the newly embedded organ gets a steady flow of blood until the body replaces the artificial veins with the real deal, at which point it decays and makes its way out of the system. The blood vessels are created through a process called “electrospinning,” which Bronshtein compares to the process of making cotton candy. “There you have sugar that is making fibers because of heat. In electrospinning, you have biomaterials that are making fibers as a result of an electric current,” he says. The cultivated vessels can be spun to customizable diameters ranging from single microns to tens of microns. The artificial bundle of veins hooks up to the body’s blood supply via a port bundled at one end, spreads throughout the transplanted organ, and comes together at the other end into another port hooked up to the body. Picture an apartment building that has one water main which then splits into pipes that run through every floor of the building, and then they all meet back up again to head into the sewer system. Bonus Biogroup made that plumbing system, but for in-vitro organs. Enough to grow around As of 2022, the engineered tissues market was valued at approximately $12 billion and is projected to grow at an annual rate of about 11%, reaching $33 billion by 2032. Bonus Biogroup is banking on its innovation helping this market reach even greater potential. The company’s bone grafting product, BonoFill, stands to serve around 6.2 million patients in the US alone. By utilizing accessible and cost-effective methods, the company can streamline production processes and make its technology more widely accessible, while maintaining its competitive edge through patent protection. The publicly-traded company, which employs 53 people, has obtained patent approvals in 17 European countries and England, safeguarding Bonus Therapeutics, its wholly-owned subsidiary, until 2036. To date, the company has raised $60 million, and it stands to serve around 6.2 million patients in the US alone with its bone grafting product, BonoFill. With that in mind, Bonus intends to grant access to its technology to anyone who wants to use it — so long as they go through the proper legal channels. “This technology is something that we have no intention to keep to ourselves. Once we have established the global patent coverage on this technology, we are able to extend its use to other potential users,” says Bronshtein. While the company is using its vascular network primarily for its prior products — engineered bone and soft tissue for transplantation — it could be used for other needs as well. “Our goal is to make it the first available choice to patients in any indication,” notes CEO Shai Meretzki. “We know that there are groups in the world trying to do what we’ve done and failing to do it. And we are willing to allow them to use the technology developed by us within their products.” “It’s like how only one company developed the Intel chip, but you can find that chip in many devices. It’s the same concept here. You can put our blood network inside a liver or kidney or pancreas or any other tissue. Because the market is so wide, we are willing to share it,” Meretzki says. “When we founded Bonus, we were looking for a real change. Our goal from scratch was to create blockbuster products that will treat millions in each indication. And I believe that’s exactly what we are doing.” To read the original article click here.

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Create BETTER Blood Circulation with These 3 Nutrients

AHA Publisher — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Over the course of an average lifetime, the human heart beats an astounding 3 billion times, pumping blood through a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries totaling a stunning 60,000 miles. We may take these phenomenal inner mechanisms for granted, but we do so at our own risk. The all-important circulatory system ensures that oxygen-rich blood reaches the organs and tissues and clears away carbon dioxide and waste products. In addition, efficient circulation facilitates better coronary health, quicker healing of wounds, sharper mental function, and a more effective immune system. Fortunately, natural nutrients and supplements can go a long way toward keeping veins and arteries healthy and functional. For example, recent research supports the ability of grape seed extract to significantly boost blood flow efficiency. So let’s look at three of the most effective natural substances for supporting healthy circulation. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Support Healthy Circulation, Enhance Workout Recovery Omega-3 fatty acids, naturally found in fatty cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are believed to have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective effects. These beneficial fats support healthy circulation by promoting the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. In addition, omega-3s inhibit the tendency of blood platelets to form into clumps and clots, thereby helping to keep blood free-flowing. In a study published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research, scientists found that fish oil supplementation significantly increased blood flow to the legs of healthy male participants after exercise – and concluded that supplementation could benefit those undergoing high-intensity workouts. For maximum benefit, look for fish oil that contains both EPA and DHA, considered the two most beneficial types of omega-3s. Natural healers typically advise fish oil amounts of 500 mg to 1,000 mg a day but consult your integrative doctor before supplementing. Ginkgo Biloba Supports Healthy Circulation With Two Groups of Beneficial Compounds For thousands of years, healers in traditional Chinese medicine have recommended ginkgo biloba for improving vein health. Modern analysis has supported this ancient use, revealing that ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidant flavonoids – which scavenge harmful free radicals – and terpenoids, which dilate blood vessels and promote blood flow. Ginkgo biloba is available in capsule and liquid form, with natural health experts advising products standardized to contain 23 to 32 percent flavonoids (also called heterosides) and 6 to 12 percent terpenoids. Herbal healers typically recommend amounts of 120 mg to 240 mg a day to promote healthy circulation – but consult your experienced integrative doctor before trying ginkgo biloba. (Important: ginkgo biloba extracts are made only from the leaves. The fruits and seeds of the ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, may be toxic and should not be eaten). In addition to promoting healthy circulation, ginkgo biloba is also believed to offer cognitive and memory benefits. Grape Seed Extract Improves Blood Flow and Protects Health of Arteries Derived from the seeds of grapes, grape seed extract contains high levels of proanthocyanidins, a group of purple/bluish plant pigments also found in blueberries and other “superfoods.” Proanthocyanidins have been “wowing” researchers over the past few decades with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities – so it’s not surprising that they benefit circulation. In addition to decreasing oxidative stress, proanthocyanidins are believed to protect the delicate walls of arteries, regulate blood pressure and reduce the “stickiness” of blood platelets, making them less likely to form clots. A 2019 double-blind controlled study published in Nutrients, researchers found that grape seed extract reduced arterial stiffness, increased elasticity, and lowered blood pressure in a group of adults with prehypertension or elevated blood pressure. Within a separate study, healthy young women who took grape seed extract for two weeks experienced 40 percent less leg swelling after six hours of sitting. Grape seed extract is antibacterial and antifungal, meaning it could potentially improve the balance of gut bacteria and protect the body against pathogens and “nasties” such as S. aureus and Candida fungal overgrowth. Yet another “plus” for grape seed extract is that it may help support healthy cognitive function as people age. Typical amounts may range from 300 mg to 800 mg a day – but get the “go-ahead” from your integrative doctor before supplementing. Optimize Blood Flow Naturally You can help keep the highways and byways of your circulatory system clear by maintaining a healthy weight and eating a diet rich in antioxidant-laden, fiber-containing organic fruits and vegetables (particularly nitrate-rich dark leafy greens and anti-inflammatory cherries and berries), along with sufficient quantities of healthy omega-3 fats. Good to know: ginger, walnuts, turmeric, and cayenne pepper also receive high marks from natural health experts for their ability to stimulate healthy circulation. If you still smoke, quitting is one of the most vital steps you can take for circulatory health. You can also improve vasodilation through regular exercise. Finally, it’s important to manage stress through natural means, such as guided meditation, biofeedback, yoga or acupuncture. Look at it this way: Protecting the health of your arteries and veins is a way to say “thank you” to your hard-working circulatory system. Sources for this article include: ClevelandClinic.org Healthline.com NIH.gov HenryFord.com MedicalNewsToday.com MountSinai.org Healthline.com CFS.gov To read the original article click here.

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Spicy Food Choice Offers 5 SURPRISING Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Mon, 03 May 2021 07:34:57 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – What is curry? Contrary to popular belief, curry is NOT native to India! Instead, modern-day foodies and historians assert that “curry” was introduced to the Western World in the 1700s by the British in an attempt to mimic the spicy and savory dishes explorers found in India. And while traditional Indian dishes are loaded with healthy spices, they don’t use curry powder — although you certainly might want to. From boosting heart health to promoting improved blood sugar control, it’s time to explore the possible health benefits of curry and the mix of spices it contains. Curry Contains Several Spices with Powerful Health Benefits Curry powder isn’t a single type of spice. Instead, it’s a blend of healthy spices, including turmeric, coriander, and chili pepper. Together and individually, the spices that make up this spice offer some impressive benefits to human health. Here are a few you might want to know about: Would you like to improve blood flow? One 2014 randomized trial published in Nutrition Journal found that consuming a meal containing this powder improved arterial blood flow in the arm, possibly due to the powder’s high antioxidant content. What about achieving better cholesterol levels? A 2016 review from Nutrition Research and Practice found that triglyceride levels appear significantly lower in people who regularly consume curry. This relationship remained even after the researchers adjusted for confounding factors like chronic disease, physical activity level, and smoking. A natural way to promote better blood sugar control. The same 2016 review concluded that blood sugar levels were consistently lower among people who ate curry anywhere from 2 or 3 times per month or once per week. If you feel like you eat too much … keep reading. A 2018 randomized controlled trial published in the peer-reviewed journal Foods found that eating 6 to 12 grams of curry powder with a meal was associated with reduced hunger and a reduced desire to eat among men. Reduce the risk of oxidative stress. In 2018, the journal Frontiers in Physiology published a study that found that consuming a meal with 6 to 12 grams of the powder was associated with lower levels of a compound called allantoin, a marker of oxidative stress. Individual spices in curry, including curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) and coriander, are also well known for their powerful antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. Need Some Kitchen Inspiration? Check Out These Delicious Ways to Use Curry in Your Cooking Curry is a versatile powder that will taste a little different depending on where it’s made and what spices it contains. Once you find a brand you like — ideally, one that contains high-quality and sustainable ingredients — you can add it to a variety of dishes for enhanced flavor. Try it on: Eggs Potatoes Basmati, brown, or wild rice Chicken Fish Veggies Cashews, or almonds Fruit (try tart apples or pineapple!) Stews and soups As with any herb blend or dietary supplement, you often get what you pay for in terms of quality, so look for curry powder from reputable brands. And if you’ve had some curry powder in your pantry for a while, be sure to check the label — on May 21, 2020, the FDA issued a recall of certain bottles of Radhuni brand powder due to concerns of contamination with Salmonella. Sources for this article include: Standard.co.uk NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Purdue.edu Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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