This week’s wellness roundup highlights surprising research on dairy and dementia, alongside practical lifestyle "hacks" to navigate the holiday season with less stress and better health. From Scandinavian rituals to travel tips, here is how to optimize your upcoming week.
The "Cheese" Factor in Brain Health
A 25-year study involving 28,000 adults suggests that high-fat dairy may be a powerful ally against cognitive decline. Consuming approximately 50g of high-fat cheese daily was linked to a 13% lower risk of dementia, likely due to bioactive compounds produced during fermentation. Similar benefits were found in high-fat cream, though notably, butter and low-fat options did not yield the same results.
8 Tips for a Healthier Week
Embrace "Fredagsmys": Adopt the Swedish tradition of "Cozy Fridays"—putting away phones for a night of candles, movies, and snacks to signal the brain that the work week is over.
Strategic Swearing: Research shows that letting out a swear word during a workout can lower inhibitions and help you push through physical challenges.
Sleep in Socks: Warming the feet dilates blood vessels, helping the body’s core temperature drop faster—a key signal for deep sleep.
The "First In-First Out" Rule: Combat food waste by organizing your fridge so older items stay at the front.
Avoid "Destination Constipation": On holiday flights, prioritize high fiber (oatmeal/berries) and excessive hydration to keep your digestive system on track.
Dance for Cognitive Power: Learning a new dance combo forces the brain to focus, offering more neuroplastic benefits than repetitive workouts.
The Bell Pepper Hack: For a cleaner cut, slice the top and bottom of the pepper off first, then roll the pepper away from your knife to avoid the seeds.
Smart Food Bank Giving: When donating, prioritize nutritious grains (quinoa/oats) and shelf-stable proteins with pull-tab lids for easier accessibility.
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