Herbals & Plants

Have another Cup Coffee has long been known as a rich source of antioxidants. For diabetics who also enjoy a hot cup of java, there's even more good news. Anew study from Harvard School of Public Health over a four year period reports that people who upped their daily coffee intake by more than one cup were found to have an 11 percent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Conversely, participants who decreased their coffee consumption by more than a cup had a 17 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Further evaluation of multiple study data revealed that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee yield the same benefits. One cause may be bioactive and phenolic compounds in coffee such as chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to improve glusoce metabolism in animals. 

Chia seeds Chia, you mean that fuzzy plant? As a matter of fact, yes. Although chia seeds are used as fun, playful items, they are also edible and extremely nutritious. Each 3 tablespoon serving of chia seeds contains just 160 calories and is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Add to that chia's 5 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber, 20 percent of your daily value of calcium and iron, 10 percent of your daily value of vitamin A, and 8 percent of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, and you'll find it easy to include a serving with every meal. Studies suggest that eating chia slows down how quickly our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, making the seed a perfect meal add-in for diabetics. The sedds can also assist with overeating issues, chia helps you feel fuller longer, while blocking a small amount of calorie absorption due to its gelling tendency within the gastro intestinal track. Chia also helps the body stay hydrated by absorbing liquid...

Lift for a longer life.  A little extra muscle has more benefits than helping you look good in the mirror, according to new research conducted by the Universitiy of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. Released in the  American Journal of Medicine  in February 2014, the report examined body composition data taken from 3,659 patients between 1988 and 1994, with a follow-up survey 10 years later to determine deaths from natural causes among the original study group. The numbers desplayed a significant correlation between greater muscle mass and a lowered risk of death. Thise findings add to a growing body of evidence that increased muscle mass, which can require sophisticated equipment to measure accurately, is a more accurate predictor of longevity than weight and body mass index.