Here’s what you need to know about kelp, its health benefits, and how to take it as a supplement. Kelp plays an important role in the underwater ecosystem. Kelp forests, which grow primarily on the Pacific Coast, provide food and shelter for thousands of fish and marine mammal species. Kelp is also one of the fastest-growing plants on earth and can grow as much as 300 feet in a single year, meaning it can feed and shelter a lot of fish....
Since then, alarming research has surfaced about the plastics lurking in nonstick cookware1 and potentially seeping into our food. Determined not to consume plastics (and always mindful of avoiding harmful PFAs2), I did a lot of research on the best nontoxic cookware. American cookware companies have largely stopped using these materials—and, while this makes for more options in the nontoxic space, it did prove to be a bit overwhelming. I knew what not to look for, but what materials should I seek out in my cookware?...
The name comes from the idea that this alignment creates a “portal” for manifestations to take place, with “lion” coming from the sun in Leo. As astrologer and holistic psychiatrist Kayse Budd, M.D., notes, “During the Lion’s Gate portal, Sirius separates sufficiently from the sun to come into view. Since Sirius is the brightest star in our night sky, some ancient (and even current) mystics believed it infuses the earth with extra energy and light....
Here’s what plant experts say you need to know to keep these choosy beauties alive and well. The genus name Adiantum is actually derived from the Greek word adiantos, or “unwetted,” because these ferns’ leaves repel water, explains Maria Failla, the host of the Bloom & Grow Radio podcast, and therefore need to frequently replenish water supplies to stay healthy. “Drainage holes are also important with ferns because they like moist soil but not soggy soil,” she adds, “so it’s important for the water to be able to drain out the bottom of the pot during the frequent waterings....
A popular sleep aid, melatonin’s job is to help regulate the circadian rhythm and keep the sleep-wake cycle on track. But if you frequently take melatonin or have recently tried it to get on a sleep schedule, you might find it’s not as effective as it should be. Here’s why and what to do about it. “Melatonin is also referred to as the ‘hormone of darkness,’ because it’s produced by the pineal gland in response to low light, like the evening sunset....
Well, a large new meta-analysis of dozens of studies on the theory just called BS. The biggest factor that affected how much of a person’s brain got activated? The particular type of sexual content they viewed. The least predictive factor? Gender. “Following a thorough statistical review of all significant neuroimaging studies, we offer strong quantitative evidence that the neuronal response to visual sexual stimuli, contrary to the widely accepted view, is independent of biological sex,” the researchers write....
Thanks to neuroplasticity, it is possible for the brain to change and learn. And contrary to popular belief, neuroplasticity isn’t something that infants have a monopoly on or that you suddenly lose one day. Instead, it’s normal brain function and a fascinating cognitive ability, waiting to be shaped by your life experiences. Curious? Read on to learn about neuroplasticity, plus how to exercise it through lifestyle changes and key brain nutrition strategies, including supplements....
Here’s what you need to know about this useful but dangerous resource: Since the U.S. enacted mandatory trans fat labeling laws nationwide in 2008, palm oil has served as its replacement in a ton of packaged cookies, crackers, ice creams and other calorie-high treats. Earlier this summer, the FDA called for a complete ban of trans fats in food by 2018, which will most likely drive demand for the oil up even more....
But here’s the reality: Plant-based and vegan diets are not actually synonymous. While vegan diets are generally plant-based, plant-based diets are not, by definition vegan. To offer some clarity, we tapped two registered dietitians to get the scoop on these popular diets—including what they are, what foods they include, and what benefits you can expect. According to The Vegan Society, the word simply came from the first three and last two letters of “vegetarian....
For many of us, the kitchen has long been the social epicenter of the home. Since the health crisis hit, it’s evolved to take on more roles—home office, elementary school, conference room—so it’s understandable if you’d like to take a break from cooking once in a while. Fear not, though, because there are a few handy solutions to this “cooking fatigue.” Below are some of our best tips, favorite strategies, and essential tools—like Sun Basket’s all-new Fresh & Ready menu—that get the job done....
Women often experience shoulder and upper back pain from engorged breasts, changes in posture, different sleep positions, and poor body mechanics during their pregnancy. (According to the March of Dimes, women can gain two pounds in their breasts alone!) As your pregnancy progresses, there is more stress on your upper back muscles. Your center of gravity shifts forward and your muscles are working hard to maintain your posture. What can you do?...
It would be helpful to give more information about the negativity I have been experiencing, but to do so would be difficult without breaking the confidentiality of those concerned. Suffice to say, the situation has involved consistently antagonistic, intimidating and aggressive behaviour and communication that is accusatory, blaming, belittling and defensive. Those concerned refuse to accept responsibility for the behaviour and have been unresponsive to feedback and attempts by others to address the behaviour....
Though it isn’t a scientific process by any means, reading your aura’s color is thought to offer a glimpse into your emotional and spiritual state, and it can be a helpful tool for introspection and reflection. One common aura color is purple, and we reached out to aura reader Rachelle Terry and spiritual author Gabriela Herstik to get the lowdown on what this particular shade is thought to symbolize. That said, purple can mean a lot of different things depending on where it shows up around your body on any given day: “A dull purple in a muscle, for example, could mean muscle strain,” Terry explains....
Quinoa oil is rich in the healthy fats our skin is thirsty for, but it also provides significant antioxidant protection. As a refresher, antioxidants help our skin fight the free radicals3 that can lead to skin damage, wrinkles, and inflammation. This golden oil has high concentrations of polyphenols (micronutrients proven to protect our skin from the sun4), carotenoids (“powerful antioxidant substances5”), and tocopherols like vitamin E, also protecting our skin6 from the sun and free radicals....
Speaking of energy: White rice is a great option to eat before endurance exercise. “Simple carbs without a lot of extra insoluble fiber are the way to go the night before a race,” Amy Shah, M.D., previously told mbg. Carbs with soluble fiber are harder to digest and may lead to an upset stomach during intense or prolonged exercise. More nutritionally dense options for everyday eating include brown rice and black rice....
A page-turner lights us up on every level: mind, body, and spirit. Beyond merely entertaining us, our brain reaps a handful of benefits while we read, in ways we seldom acknowledge. In fact, it’s such a healthy pastime that we say reading IS wellness. In partnership with Penguin Random House, we’ll show you exactly what we mean…with plenty of recommendations for what books will strike your fancy this summer. Our recommendation: With Chatter, award-winning psychologist Ethan Kross takes a closer look at our inner voice and shows us how to harness it to combat anxiety, improve physical and mental health, and deepen our relationship with others....
And we’re here to help you do that, alongside our partner Brentwood Home, and wellness coach, yoga instructor, and mama Juanina Kocher. In this 12-minute yoga flow, Juanina will guide your little ones through some basic breathing exercises, playful variations of your favorite yoga poses, and a restful lie-down at the end. This means 12 minutes of mindfulness work for your kiddos and free time for you to take a well-deserved break....
That’s right, just when you got your winter skin care routine locked down and perfected, it’s time to make a few changes to your regimen so you can have your best skin yet this summer. Thankfully, the changes aren’t overwhelming, and to no surprise, there’s a clear theme (hello, sun protection!). This can include powders, sticks, or sprays. Whichever formula you choose, just remember sunscreen is essential, even on a cloudy, overcast day....
Monsteras are climbers and do well in homes that receive a substantial amount of indirect sunlight during the day. You can also plant them outdoors as long as you place them in a spot that gets enough sunlight and partial shade. If it’s happy and thriving, be prepared for your Swiss cheese plant to grow 1 to 2 feet per year. “Grown inside, a medium-size plant (10- to 12-inch pot) should be watered every seven to 10 days in the warmer months, and about every 12 to 20 days in the colder months,” says Lindsey....
Instead, one of the main ways we get this beneficial vitamin is from—you guessed it—exposure to sunlight. However the length of time needed to get enough vitamin D differs by person (season, latitude, skin tone, etc.), and it may require partaking in unsafe skin practices to reach the optimal amount. Considering how much of our time is spent sitting indoors at a desk or watching Netflix on the couch, it’s no surprise that many people are still struggling to hit the recommended vitamin D intake levels of at least 3,000 IU per day (which is still on the low end)....
