Social interaction is a basic human need. Studies have shown infants who don’t receive touching and involvement with others often fail to thrive, and even die young. And the world’s jailers have certainly figured out that solitary confinement is a terrible punishment. The need for social interaction doesn’t change as we age. In fact, it [...]
Genes are the "command centers" of cells. They instruct cells to make specific proteins, which then determine what kind of cell it will be. Genes also control a cell’s construction and operation, as well as assist in cellular repair. Genes are also delicate. Even small changes in a gene (known as "variants" or "mutations") can [...]
In our last issue, I covered some fascinating research that shows regular (and moderate) Champagne drinking is good for the brain. At the same time, I cautioned that daily drinking still doesn’t seem like a good idea to me. This issue we’ll look at some of the reasons why. There’s a lot of contradictory evidence [...]
All Champagne is sparkling white wine, but not all sparkling white wine is Champagne. According to European law, to be labeled a true Champagne, the bubbly must be bottled within 100 miles of the city of Champagne, France and undergo the specific two-step fermentation process known as Méthode Champenoise -- Champagne Method. Champagne is usually made from [...]
Getting a good night's sleep is important for maintaining brain health. Poor sleepers tend to have a greater build-up of beta-amyloid -- the protein linked to Alzheimer's -- and perform worse on memory tests. The reason, scientists believe, is that sleep activates the brain's waste disposal system, allowing it to clear away debris, toxic proteins [...]
New research emerges all the time about the benefits of drinking wine… The findings about fermented grape juice got some folks so excited, they started testing the benefits of beer too. And for good reason: when it comes to amount consumed, beer ranks #3 among all the beverages in the world, after water and tea.1 [...]
The vegetables in the genus Allium are full of medicinal properties and have been used as such for thousands of years. This group of foods includes leeks, onions, scallions, shallots, and chives. While all these have benefits, there is one that stands out from all the others. It qualifies for that overused term "super food" [...]
In my years of writing about ways to lower the risk for Alzheimer’s, I’ve covered a long list of lifestyle habits that can improve your memory. I’ve explained how exercise protects the brain. How various nutrients keep neurons functioning effectively. How a better night’s sleep boosts the brain. So what if we took all those [...]
Aristotle did it for clarity of thought while he lectured his students. Virgin boss Richard Branson does this with his associates to help generate ideas. For the poet William Wordsworth, it was an essential daily habit that fired up his imagination. For philosophers, poets, and chief executives alike, walking is a good way to stimulate [...]
Ever get one of those days where you feel like your brain isn’t on top of its game? I do from time to time. And it’s awful. On one of those days, it’s hard to stay focused on what you’re trying to accomplish. Distractions are impossible to ignore. Your mental powers and your thinking slow [...]
