Health and Lifestyle
Health and Lifestyle
If you've ever had trouble sleeping, you may have been advised to keep off your phone - and any other electronic screen for that matter - at least an hour before bed. This is because the blue light that your screen emits interferes with your body's inner biological clock, your circadian rhythm, and confuses it with the daytime when it is bright outside and you're wide awake.
Does heat affect blood sugar? What if we told you that jumping into the pool on a hot, summer day could actually be beneficial for your blood sugar? No, cold water does not take excess sugar (glucose) out of your blood, but it does keep you cool, which reduces your risk of becoming dehydrated and ultimately keeps your blood glucose concentration better balanced.
Food and Nutrition
Focusing on heart health, it has become increasingly clear that a diet rich in prebiotic fiber-rich foods can reduce risks for heart disease by improving blood lipid levels. Furthermore, the ability of prebiotics to help restore gut balance and reduce systemic, chronic inflammation pays downstream dividends that also support heart health.
Polyphenols are linked to improved cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved gut health — all of which ultimately support heart health.
Grains, also known as "cereal" in some parts of the world, are the edible (after processing) seeds at the end of certain grass plants that are cultivated for food. Wheat and barley are two of the most important grains, and both are found widely and in a variety of formats that have unique nutritional profiles and health benefits. Of the two grains, barley tends to be nutritionally superior, with more fiber and vitamins than most forms of wheat.
Red wine has long been touted for its potential health benefits, which include improved cholesterol levels, improved blood sugar regulation, and protection against certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. But is red wine good for you in reality?
Typically found oversalted and steeped in oil, sardines may not at first glance seem good for you - but in fact they are nutrient-dense, inexpensive and definitely a worthy pantry staple. Sardines are high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (associated with heart health benefits), and filled with certain important vitamins (especially D and B12) and minerals (such as calcium).
Proper food nutrition allows individuals with diabetes to better manage their blood glucose levels and avoid diabetic episodes and other complications. But having to grocery shop for the right foods and cook meals following diabetic guidelines can be a frustrating aspect of having this condition.
Most of us automatically think of big pizza chains like Dominos, Papa Johns, Little Caesars or New York City's infamous dollar slices when we hear the word pizza. It's the usual late-night grub or party food staple - and as delicious as they can be, most traditional pizzas are not very healthy for you.
Long-form content written for the Blender Bottle blog