BEE POLLEN – FOUNTAIN of youth
Want a smoother complexion, fewer wrinkles and less reactive skin? Bee pollen could be the solution. Dermatologists in Sweden researching acne treatment found the pollen powerfully encourages skin cell growth. As a rich source of B-complex vitamins, folic acid, vitamin A, C, E, carotenoids, amino acids and minerals, some nutritionists believe it’s possible to live on bee pollen alone. Bee pollen creams are available in the market at pharmacies, beauty stores and health food stores. You can also get it in supplement form.
FEELING BLUE OR TIRED?
Eat two kiwi fruit every day if you are feeling blue or tired, researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand advise. In their study, participants were asked to either eat two kiwis or half a kiwi fruit, every day for six weeks. Those who ate two experienced less fatigue and less depression than the other group. The researchers suggest that the concentrated source of vitamin C in a kiwi fruit is responsible for the benefits, as it activates a number of enzymes in the body linked to increased energy and helps produce chemicals in the brain that alter mood. Add kiwi to smoothies, juices, fruit salad or enjoy as a snack.
SILENT STDS ALERT
Many people are unaware that they have sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Research consistently shows that many people are unknowingly infected with gonorrhoea and chlamydia – two of the well-known ‘silent’ STDs. Research findings reckon there are more ‘silent’ infections than diagnosed and treated cases. Even though both gonorrhoea and chlamydia are highly contagious, they often cause few or no symptoms, but, if left untreated, increase the risk of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and HIV infection. If you are sexually active and not in a mutually monogamous relationship, always use a condom and also be regularly screened for STDs. The common belief that spermicides protect against STDs by killing the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea and chlamydia is, unfortunately, not true and using a condom every time you have sex is your best bet.
WORST SNACKS WHEN YOU ARE STRESSED
If you tend to turn to high fat foods when you are anxious or under pressure, you could be compounding the negative effects of stress on your health. Research from Ohio State University in the US found triglycerides (a type of blood fat that, when elevated, increases heart-disease risk, particularly in women) are broken down more slowly when you are under stress. The longer fat lingers in the body, the more likely it will contribute to heart disease.
Published in August 2016
