Eye health

EYE & EAR HEALTH: FOODS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY VISION AND HEARING

We all know that our eyes and ears play a vital role in helping us to function in everyday life. I for one know that my vision and hearing are two things I often take for granted. 

Ensuring our eyes and ears stay in tip-top shape directly relates to us living our best lives. And as it turns out, there are certain foods that can help us to do that. 

Foods for eye health

Do your eyes have all the minerals and vitamins they need to prevent glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts? Food has a HUGE impact on not only our mental wellbeing (pssst, here’s a great blog on handling anxiety in the workplace), but it also plays a role in our body’s health and wellbeing. 

Kale

This popular leafy green is a great source of zeaxanthin and lutein, both of which are closely related to beta carotene and vitamin A which are known to protect health issues with your eyes as a result of sun damage and reduce your risk of macular degeneration (eye disease that results in vision loss) and cataracts. 

Other great sources of these nutrients include collard greens, spinach, broccoli, kiwi, red grapes, oranges, corn, mangoes, honey melon, and yellow squash! 

Keep in mind that your body needs fat in order to properly absorb zeaxanthin and lutein, which is why it helps to eat these with some healthy fats such as avo or olive oil. 

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, this is a powerful antioxidant that gives orange vegetables and fruits their vibrant colour. 

The body converts this nutrient into vitamin A which helps prevent night blindness and dry eyes. Vitamin A and beta carotene also reduce your risk of eye infections. Carrots and butternut squash also contain this nutrient! 

As mentioned above, vitamin A and carotene are best absorbed when eaten with a healthy fat.

Strawberries

These contain plenty of vitamin C, this is an antioxidant which can help reduce your risk of cataracts.

Salmon

Suffer from dry eyes? The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other fish can help treat this! 

I suggest you aim to eat fish two to three times a week or include omega-3 supplements in your diet.

Green tea

The antioxidants found in green tea help lower your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Green tea also contains catechins which have anti-inflammatory effects.   

What’s an antioxidant? 

Antioxidants are important substances that can protect the cells in your body against the effects of free radicals. These molecules are produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation

Foods for ear health

Thinking about foods for your ear health is not really a common thought. But there are in fact a number of yummy and delicious foods that contain a variety of properties that can help to maintain healthy ears and lower your chances of hearing loss. 

Bananas 

Bananas contain magnesium (which also assists with cramping from sports and gym), but this nutrient is known to help expand blood vessels and improve circulation, all the way into your inner ear! 

Magnesium is also responsible for controlling the release of glutamate. Glutamate contributes to hearing loss related to noise. When glutamate is controlled, this lowers your risk of hearing loss. 

You know what they say – a banana a day keeps hearing loss at bay! (Well, I mean they should say that!)

Salmon

This wonder food makes a second appearance in this blog! 

The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon are well known for their ability to reduce your risk of age-related hearing loss. 

The trick is to start eating two to three servings of salmon a week and including omega-3 supplements into your daily routine BEFORE you reach old age.  

Broccoli 

Broccoli is full of folic acid which has incredible effects when it comes to slowing down hearing loss. 

Broccoli also contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre which are all nutrients that help reduce damage to the sensitive and delicate tissue in your ears. 

Dark chocolate

Your tummy may have already started grumbling a little after reading about all these healthy and delicious foods, and this grumbling is just about to start getting worse because here comes something bound to get your mouth watering…

Drum roll, please…

DARK CHOCOLATE!

This delicious treat is high in zinc. A deficiency in zinc is linked to age-related hearing loss. This means that eating a square (note I didn’t say the whole block), is a great way to keep your hearing in good shape as you get older. 

Want some more advice on healthy living?

Get in touch with our team of health and wellness experts! 

November 5, 2019 Eat Well Comments Off on EYE & EAR HEALTH: FOODS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY VISION AND HEARING
6 Incredible Health Benefits Of Laughter

6 INCREDIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER (BACKED BY SCIENCE)

When it comes to our health, laughter truly is the best medicine. 

One of the greatest feelings in the world is laughing so hard your tummy hurts and tears start to form in your eyes. Having a laugh with friends and loved ones is all the therapy you need after a stressful day. And as it turns out, according to science, laughter is so much more than just a mood booster. 

Laughter can bring people together and form amazing connections. From a little giggle to a ‘can’t breathe, deep-rooted down to your belly’ kind of laugh, it all helps to contribute to a happier and healthier life.

So, if you’re ready for a good giggle, let’s get to laughing, I mean learning…

1. Laughter can reduce blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a negative side effect of an unhealthy lifestyle and stress. It is also a big risk factor for stroke and heart disease (yikes). 

But, when we laugh, we feel a weight lifted off of our shoulders. It’s pretty difficult to stress when you are laughing, am I right? 

Researchers wanted to know whether laughter could, in fact, bring down your blood pressure through investigating the effects of humour therapy. After extensive studies, they discovered that laughter significantly decreases high blood pressure. 

Because of these studies, this led to the creation of Laughter Yoga. This form of yoga initiates laughter through bodily exercise and eye contact to create a contagious kind of laughter. 

So the next time you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and a little rundown, then pop on something funny, phone a friend, or join in on some laughter yoga and have a good giggle! 

2. Laughter can boost your immune system and improve your health

When the flu cold seasons hit, perhaps all you need is a shot of laughter…

A number of studies have found laughter to stimulate the production of T-cells in your body. These specialised immune cells help to fight off invading pathogens. 

Laughter allows for antibodies cells like the T-cells to develop at much faster rates, as these hormonal shifts from laughter change your body’s chemistry for the better. 

3. Laughter can help ease the effects of anxiety

Anxiety is something so many of us deal with on a daily basis. 

Many of us quietly suffer from overwhelming thoughts of self-doubt and stress. 

However, because laughter is able to reduce stress levels, this simultaneously reduces your anxiety. 

Studies conducted on Laughter Therapy found that it can improve anxiety in patients suffering from depression, improve optimism and boost your self-esteem. 

Overall, laughter was found to provide people suffering from anxiety and depression with a form of a positive coping mechanism to help you get through the difficult periods in your life. 

4. Laughter is a natural form of exercise 

The next time you want a great ab workout – have a laugh! 

Laughter is a natural way to exercise a number of muscle groups in your body. 

When you laugh, you use muscles to create the movement, laughter engages your diaphragm and your abdominal muscle groups. And depending on how hard you laugh, your arms, shoulders, back and legs might also get a bit of a workout too!

5. Laughter makes you feel great (and eases pain)! 

This is probably one of the most obvious benefits of laughter, but as it turns out, there is science to back this! 

Studies have shown that smiling or laughing can improve your mood and overall well-being through the release of endorphins. These are hormones are linked to an increased pain threshold, meaning laughter is a natural painkiller. 

Did you know that endorphins attach themselves to the same receptors in your brain’s as opiates, meaning that the release of endorphins is like a natural high, without the adverse side effects? This eases your mood, tension and any pain in your body. 

6. Laughter promotes creativity and healthier brain function

Laughter has a number of positive effects on the various chemical processes taking place in your body. 

With the combination of a reduction in stress hormones, an increase in endorphins and an increase in oxygenation to the blood and brain, this causes an increase in creativity. 

Because laughter improves your overall brain health, it means your creative mind can work more effectively as your brain is now a place where ideas can foster and grow! 

Something to giggle over…

In the spirit of laughter, our team at WellBe have put together some giggle-worthy healthy happy meals. These meals are designed to lift your spirits and naturally release your serotonin levels in your brain (the happy hormone). 

Click here to have a look and have a laugh over a deliciously healthy meal!

August 2, 2019 Eat Well Comments Off on 6 INCREDIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER (BACKED BY SCIENCE)