April 7 is World Health Day, and it marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization; an organization built to create a better, healthier future for people all over the world. It’s easy to forget how big the world actually is and it’s impossible to comprehend how many people reside on it, not to mention the assortment of health concerns out there. We here at Bel Marra have rounded up some of the best articles on the topics of maintaining a healthy heart, brain health, heart health, and some healthy food tips to stay strong and fit.
5 food groups to feed your brain
A new restaurant has opened in New York City that is taking the idea of “brain food” to the next level. The eatery consulted and went into business with Dr. Alon Seifan—a neurologist specializing in aging and dementia—and serves up meals that consist of only five food groups: fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats. According to Dr. Seifan, these food groups are the basis of many diets found in Blue Zones—regions where people tend to live longer, healthier lives and are less likely to lose brain volume as they age. (Conquer the aging process with this one thing.)
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One notable Blue Zone is the Mediterranean, which may have sparked the recent trendsetting Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is mostly plant-based and consists of plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, olive oils, and oily fish—foods that fall into the food groups outlined by Dr. Seifan. This diet has also been found to prevent cerebral atrophy, or brain volume loss, in older adults who followed it strictly. Continue reading…
These 7 foods can help keep you healthy
You may have heard about antioxidants, but do you fully understand what they are or how they can improve your health?
Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds found in many varieties of fruits and vegetables. These compounds help maintain health by protecting the body’s cells from damage resulting from oxidants. Oxidants are beneficial in their own right—they help fight off harmful bacteria—but too many oxidants can lead to free- radical damage, which harms cells and puts a person at risk for illness.
To maintain good health, it’s important that you keep a good balance of antioxidants and oxidants. In order to do so and prevent free radical damage, you need a steady intake of antioxidants. (Your best defense against premature aging.) Continue reading…
8 superfood swaps to eat healthy on a budget
We often assume that eating healthy costs a lot of money, meaning if you can’t afford big-name superfoods, you end up buying cheaper fast food to satisfy your hunger. Unfortunately, as you know, not eating well can contribute to various health problems.
There are many “superfoods” out there that health experts have advocated for. But what exactly makes a superfood? Well, for starters, these foods are often packed with nutrients that work to promote good health. You receive an ample supply of vitamins and minerals known for supporting overall well-being. As mentioned, though, these foods often come with a hefty price tag, which can make healthy eating practices difficult to follow. Continue reading…
Eat like this for a healthy heart
There are few basic principles to a healthy heart: don’t smoke, reduce stress, exercise, and eat healthily. Easy, right? Well, these fundamentals of heart health may be simple, but heart disease continues to be America’s number one killer. Obesity rates are rising, Americans are living sedentary lifestyles, and we are more stressed than ever, working long hours and not getting enough sleep. Even if you have difficulty controlling your stress, you can still try to be more active and eat better.
Diet is an important contributing factor to your heart health—and it’s a modifiable one. In a recent study, researchers developed evidence-based dietary recommendations for heart health. Continue reading…
7 tips for a healthy mind
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While we know how important it is to keep our body in shape, exercising our mind is just as important for preserving our brain’s health. So, how can we ensure our minds are getting the workout they need? Here are seven tips to help you keep your mind in shape.
Seven tips for a healthier mind
1) Meditate. Meditation has been found to provide multiple neurological benefits including stress management, improved emotional well-being, and concentration. Taking time out to meditate for just a few minutes a day can help improve your mental well-being while reducing stress. Continue reading…
