Your daily cup of java may do more than get you going and out the door. It might also reduce your risk for blood sugar disorders.
Research shows that coffee might decrease the risk of developing diabetes by about 25 percent. But watch the sugar. Here's why.
People who add sugar to coffee or tea don't get the protective blood sugar effect, and they may run a higher risk of developing cancer of the pancreas. That's because the risk of developing pancreatic cancer is related, in part, to the amount of sugar in the diet. People who drink fizzy or syrup-based sweet drinks twice a day or more have a 90 percent higher risk of getting cancer of the pancreas than those who never drink them. Suddenly, that sweet stuff doesn't seem so sweet! (Here's another reason to avoid sodas.)
Caffeine Caution
Coffee isn't for everyone. If you're sensitive to caffeine's effects, you may want to avoid it. And even if you aren't, it's best to limit yourself to about 250 milligrams of caffeine a day.
Blueberry Fields Forever!
Think berries of the blue variety and your mental brawn could go on and on.
Compounds in this tiny fruit may help protect you from two processes linked to brain-cell aging: inflammation and oxidation. And there's no tastier way to keep your brain keeping on!
Potent Polyphenols
Research shows that polyphenols -- powerful plant-based substances that are abundant in tea, red wine, and blueberries -- have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Why does that matter to your brain? Because both oxidative stress and inflammation appear to play a part in Alzheimer's disease. (Here's another dark-hued berry that may stave off memory decline.)
Brain Builders
Although you can't turn back time, you can take steps to get peak performance from your brain. Start with these options:
- Bend your mind with word games. (Try this word puzzle.)
- Boost your memory with mnemonic techniques. (Here's how to do it.)
- Take your vitamins. (Here's why.)
Nuts to Cancer
f you're not already snacking on a handful of nuts daily to help protect your heart, here's a reason that might sway you.Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios contain a potent substance that may thwart cancerous tumors. Legumes are similarly loaded with the mighty compound, so there's no reason to leave those peanuts at the bottom of the can of mixed nuts.
A Tongue-Twisting Treat
A key enzyme involved in cancer growth may be inhibited by -- you ready for this? -- inositol pentakisphosphate. Luckily, you don't need to know how to say it to benefit from it! Just know that it's good for you and found in abundance in nuts, wheat bran, and most legumes. Apparently, the compound is so powerful it could hold promise for future cancer treatments. And a nontoxic way to kill cancer cells would surely be welcome. (Know someone facing cancer? Learn about treatment options and recovery.)
More Nutty Nutrients
Nuts are chock-full of good-for-you vitamins, nutrients, and phytochemicals, along with healthy monounsaturated fats that help keep cholesterol down and arteries clear. But stick to about an ounce a day so you don't overload on calories.
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