Tag: Alive

  • Homegrown garments

    Homegrown garments

    Homegrown garments

    Bringing textiles back to the land

    Contrary to appearances

    You wouldn’t know it to look at them, but our standard wardrobe picks leave a carbon-emissions wake larger than the aviation and shipping industries combined. Churning out the latest jeans or moisture-wicking shirts en masse takes a whole lot of water, chemicals, and underpaid labour—realities that go unseen by most of us in North America.

    Harder to ignore, since no body or waterway can escape it, is the problem of microplastics pollution caused in large part by polyester’s growing ubiquity in clothing.

    Consumers are purchasing at five times the rate they did two decades ago and tossing at a rate of one garbage truck every second. Not exactly a recipe for a livable planet or a fulfilling way to relate to our goods.

    Weaving an alternative

    Fibresheds are a response to this. Like a watershed, a fibreshed is a network of producers and processors supplying their region with local and sustainable garment materials.

    Pioneered in California in 2011, fibreshed organizations now exist across the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond. Everyone from shepherds, flax growers, and spinners to natural dyers, mill owners, and designers are collaborating to build a sustainable garment system that develops local livelihoods and stewards the air, land, and water.

    Tailored approach

    “Fibre,” under this model, might be linen (from flax), hemp, cotton, silk, hides, wool, or any other plant or animal material appropriate to the place and conducive to a “soil-to-soil” cycle. At this smaller, more intentional scale, seed varieties and animal breeds can be chosen for local hardiness and compatibility with the bioregion.

    Cultural fabric

    Fibresheds also help develop the deep repositories of skills and knowledge required to grow natural fibres and turn them into usable textiles. There is a need for infrastructure (small-scale mills, for example), and for human experience with different materials and processes―challenges that are best tackled collectively.

    The goal is to have thriving cottage industries and local economies, plus the resilience of knowing how to clothe ourselves sustainably amid whatever environmental, economic, or political disruptions occur.

    What you pay for

    The truth is that this “farm-to-closet” approach doesn’t come cheap. The first step toward affordability is, of course, to consume less. Mending and repurposing are equally essential.

    If you do invest in a wool sweater, linen pants, or a pair of buckskin moccasins made ethically from the land and people of your region, you’re bound to hold that item dear and, chances are, it will be a very long time indeed before you toss it. Even then, it can return to the soil with no harm done.

    by Jackie Skrypnek

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Underwater gardens

    Underwater gardens

    Underwater gardens

    Advocates are taking seaforestation efforts into their own hands

    Nurturing seafood to grow

    The objective of “Chiix̱uu Tll iinasdll: Nurturing Seafood to Grow” project, an initiative aimed at restoring an area of kelp forest in Gwaii Haanas between 2017 and 2021, was collecting urchins to help rectify the area’s unbalanced food chain. Sea otters were important consumers of urchins before their local extinction during the maritime fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Without predation, urchins have become hyperabundant, leading to the overgrazing of kelp, an important cultural resource to the Haida Nation, as well as an integral component of the world’s biodiversity and environment.

    Kelp lives near shorelines around the world and helps to nourish and house important underwater life. Much like forests on land, kelp’s photosynthesis process absorbs carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphorous and releases oxygen—an important system in slowing the rate of climate change.

    But the Haida Nation isn’t the only area grappling with kelp loss. More than half of kelp forests worldwide have declined in the past 50 years, jeopardizing coastal biodiversity, water quality, and atmospheric carbon levels.

    An overlooked issue

    Underwater gardens are disappearing at alarming rates due to factors like habitat destruction, overharvesting and overgrazing, and pollution. Other challenges include climate change and sedimentation caused by runoff from deforestation, dredging, or storms. And, while ocean conservation has been around for decades, kelp preservation and restoration are relatively new.

    A 2021 paper published in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal measured the invisibility of kelp forests in international environmental governance. Researchers found that for every mention of kelp forests, seagrass meadows were mentioned seven times, salt marshes 20 times, coral reefs 38 times, and mangroves 43 times.

    A global call to action

    In 2023, The Kelp Forest Alliance launched the Kelp Forest Challenge, a global movement calling on everyone—from individuals to corporations and governments—to join the challenge of restoring 1 million hectares and protecting 3 million hectares of kelp forest habitat by 2040.

    Measures to restore and preserve kelp forests begin with the identification of their causes for decline. Controlling urchin populations or cleaning polluted water and sedimentation can help conserve threatened kelp, while seeding or transplanting baby kelp can aid in the growth of new forests.

    While countries like Japan and Korea have a long history of restoration efforts, and regions like California and Washington state are building conservation and restoration frameworks, to date, the Kelp Forest Challenge is the only conservation initiative that exists at an international level.

    An interconnected system

    In Haida Gwaii, the Haida Nation’s ethics and values serve as their guiding principles. Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid, which means interconnectedness—an understanding that everything depends on everything else—serves as an important reminder about the biosphere’s fragility and vulnerability.

    by Alexa Everett

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Calling Dr. Tree, MD

    Calling Dr. Tree, MD

    Calling Dr. Tree, MD

    In 2023, health workers and volunteers planted more than 1,000 trees at Edmonton’s Grey Nuns Community Hospital. It’s all part of a nationwide movement to tap into one of the most well-documented forms of healing medicine: nature, green spaces, and forests.

    Trees are medicine

    Trees for Life, a national organization focused on creating a “healthier, happier Canada by planting native tress where we live, work, and play,” worked with the city in 2023 to plant nearly 20,000 trees across Edmonton, including the ones at Grey Nuns Hospital. Today, the hospital’s staff, patients, and the broader community have access to an enhanced public greenspace.

    It was the charity’s biggest tree-planting project in its history, but it wasn’t just about beautifying an urban space—it’s also the irrefutable evidence of how forests and nature improve every aspect of our general wellness and health.

    Take mental health, for instance. Researchers at Stanford University found that simply being exposed to nature decreased overall risks of mental illness.

    But that’s not all:

    • People with an office view of trees take fewer sick days and see a significant rise in productivity compared to those who don’t.
    • A systematic review of more than 50 different studies found that access to nature significantly reduced the odds of mortality from heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
    • Hospital patients with a view of trees recover faster than patients who don’t have an outdoor view or who have a view but without trees.

    Experts say there may be many reasons for this since trees contribute numerous benefits, including increasing an area’s oxygen levels, muffling sound pollution, and creating cleaner air. While the underlying factors are multifaceted, the results are clear.

    And you can see that taking shape from coast to coast to coast.

    The growing movement to plant trees for health

    In 2023 alone, Trees for Life worked with 19 partners and 2,400 volunteers to plant 137,000 trees in Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick.

    Other organizations and projects include the Canadian Health Care Forests by the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care; Trees for Hamilton, which recently worked with St. Joseph’s Urgent Care; and the City of London’s Million Tree Challenge, which has partnered with health care facilities like London Health Sciences Centre.

    From fewer hospital visits to lower reported stress and anxiety levels, these tree projects align perfectly with these hospitals’ goals. It’s a movement that continues to gain momentum to this day.

    by Joshua Duvauchelle

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Staying young with friends

    Staying young with friends

    Staying young with friends

    How social relationships can lead to better health outcomes

    An abundance of research indicates that the quality of our social relationships can play a critical role in our well-being as we age. The strength of our social ties may even have effects on our physical health, contributing to how well we age.

    Importance of meaningful relationships

    In an analysis of data from a longitudinal study, my colleagues and I found that individuals with greater social support and community cohesion experienced better mental health later in life, particularly amongst those who had had challenging childhoods.

    Among the resources examined, the quality, rather than the quantity, of these relationships was found to offset some of the negative experiences that participants had had in early life, leading to greater resilience and better mental health as they grew older.

    Functions of friendship

    A systematic review of adult friendship and well-being speaks to several important functions of close adult friendships, including three forms of social support:

    • Emotional support: friends offer acceptance, sympathy, love, and encouragement—a critical buffer against life’s stressors.
    • Instrumental support: friends may also provide practical help, such as financial assistance or help with daily tasks.
    • Informational support: friends share advice or guidance as a key function of friendship.

    And the six functional components that generally determine the quality of the relationship include the following:

    • Help, which includes the three aforementioned forms of social support.
    • Stimulating companionship, which involves participating in activities with another person.
    • Emotional security, in which close friends provide a sense of safety during new or challenging situations, thus reducing stress.
    • Reliable alliance, where trust and loyalty form the foundation of any deep friendship, making sure someone will always have your back.
    • Self-validation, where friends provide the reassurance and encouragement needed to maintain a positive self-image.
    • Intimacy, where the willingness to share personal thoughts and feelings builds a unique bond that is essential for emotional well-being.

    Health benefits of strong social relationships

    A recent study found that social isolation reduced physical activity levels in older adults, leading to diminished cognitive performance. This was especially evident in individuals over 65, with effects on memory and executive function. This research emphasizes that staying socially connected, either through direct interaction or through group activities, can significantly affect the physical and mental aspects of aging.

    Conversely, loneliness and social isolation have been linked to a higher risk of developing health issues such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature mortality. Social isolation can reduce motivation for physical activity, and loneliness can increase stress levels, contributing to a range of health problems.

    Embrace and cultivate rich relationships

    Take this time to reflect on the people in your life. Which relationships bring you joy and fulfillment? Who can you reach out to today to make a positive connection? Whether it’s a close friend or a family member, deepening your social ties may bring health and happiness into your life.

    Healthy aging is more than a matter of diet and exercise—it’s also about keeping those rich relationships that help us bloom, even as we grow older.

    by Theodore D. Cosco, PhD (Cantab), CPsychol

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Extend your biological clock

    Extend your biological clock

    Extend your biological clock

    Time keeps moving forward, and while we can’t turn back the clock, maybe we can “slow it down” a bit. Biological age assesses the vitality of your cells, offering insights beyond the measured years on a calendar. This differs from our chronological age, which is simply the number of years we’ve lived. Biological age consistently outshines chronological age in predicting health; a younger biological age often means better health and reduced age-related disease risk. You can help nudge your body’s internal timekeeper to adopt a more relaxed pace, ensuring your cells and tissues remain as lively as your spirit.

    Foods that fuel longevity

    Nutrition is crucial for preserving youth. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients can noticeably decelerate aging. Foods like berries, nuts, leafy greens, and fish support skin and body wellness.

    Move it or lose it

    Exercise is not just about staying fit—it’s also about keeping your spirit young. Regular physical activity boosts endorphins and enhances mood, while also preserving muscle and bone strength. Whether you dance, practise yoga, or make time for a brisk walk, daily movement wakes up your body and keeps you feeling young.

    Sleep―your secret weapon

    Quality sleep is essential for cellular repair and rejuvenation, aiding muscle recovery, memory consolidation, and hormone regulation. While sleeping, your brain clears out toxins that accumulate during the day, boosting mental clarity and cognitive function. Restful sleep does wonders for your long-term health. And, it’s nature’s simplest (and cheapest) beauty secret.

    Social relationships help us live longer

    Human connection acts as a powerful ingredient for a longer, happier life. Chatting with friends, sharing a laugh, or just knowing someone’s got your back can help slow down your biological clock. Join a book club, volunteer at your local library, take that Italian cooking class you’ve always dreamed about, or invite your neighbour to go for a walk.

    Maintain your zen (and your youth)

    Chronic stress accelerates aging by raising cortisol levels, leading to inflammation and skin issues. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can effectively manage stress. Stress significantly impacts skin health, making relaxation a vital antiaging strategy.

    Lifelong learning―stay curious

    A curious mind is a youthful mind. Embracing new challenges isn’t just soul enriching—it can add years to your life. Curiosity and a love of learning keep the brain agile, so engage in interesting hobbies, pick up that book you keep meaning to read, or learn a new skill. Be a student for life.

    The power of positivity―laugh your way to a longer life

    Positivity enhances mental and physical health, boosting immunity, reducing stress, and extending lifespan. Cultivate optimism through affirmations, social connections, self-care, and humour. Laughter, a natural stress reliever, lightens life’s burdens

    by Nancy Hillis

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Break free from conventions with traditional medicine

    Break free from conventions with traditional medicine

    Break free from conventions with traditional medicine

    Bridge the gap between conventional and traditional medicine to enhance health

    Traditional Chinese medicine

    Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) revolves around qi, a concept in Chinese culture describing the energy that flows through everything. An imbalance of qi can cause disease. The ancient Chinese believed that good health comes down to achieving an equilibrium between your internal organs and natural surroundings. Acupuncture, tai chi, and cupping therapy are all TCM modalities.

    Traditional Indian medicine

    In India, traditional medicine is divided into three categories: Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Ayurveda, the most used, is a holistic, personalized system aimed at promoting longevity. As in TCM, Indian medicine is centred on balancing bodily organs and external elements.

    Traditional Indigenous medicine

    For centuries, Indigenous populations in North America have practised their own traditional forms of wellness through ceremonies; plant, animal, or mineral-based medicines; energetic therapies; and physical or hands-on techniques, all of which rely upon an emphasis on Mother Earth.

    Traditional African medicine

    Traditional African medicine is deeply rooted in the spiritual, with many practitioners using divination to connect with the gods and ancestral spirits for diagnosis before treatment with herbal medicines.

    How is traditional medicine different?

    Traditional medicine is often treated as pre-scientific, but a lot of conventional medicines come from plants. For example, aspirin was derived from the bark of a willow tree and morphine is extracted from the opium poppy, while vincristine—long-used in chemotherapy treatments—was isolated in 1961 from a Madagascar periwinkle flower.

    Benefits of traditional medicine

    One of the key benefits of traditional and alternative medicine is its holistic approach to health. Alternative medicine practitioners often spend over an hour with a patient each session, addressing a myriad of different concerns.

    Complementary and alternative medicines

    HerbUses
    garlicmay help reduce inflammation, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels and to help support immunity
    gingermay help treat nausea, heartburn, and bloating; may help reduce inflammation
    elderfloweris used to help treat colds, flu, and constipation; may help lower blood pressure
    ginsengmay boost energy and sex drive
    shea butteris anti-inflammatory; protects skin cells; is used to treat skin and eczema
    ashwagandhamay reduce inflammation, pain, and anxiety
    cuminmay help reduce cholesterol; may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
    turmericmay help treat arthritis pain, anxiety, and inflammation
    cardamommay help treat nausea; may help to reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation
    echinaceamay help treat colds, flus, infections, and wounds

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

    Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

    Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

    This dish takes inspiration from two classic fish dishes―the mushy peas served with fish and chips and spicy fish tacos. We’ve made the peas fresh, bright, and a little spicy by using fresh or frozen peas, lots of fresh cilantro, serrano pepper, and lime juice. Combined with lightly marinated and baked halibut and topped with radishes and more cilantro, these tacos are satisfying and delicious.

    Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

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    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Pea Purée
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and crushed
    • 1 shallot finely diced
    • 1 cup frozen or fresh shelled peas
    • Pinch salt
    • 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves and stems plus more for garnish
    • ½ serrano pepper
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeeze lime juice
    Fish
    • 8 ounces halibut fillet
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil divided
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and crushed
    • ½ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • Pinch cayenne pepper
    • Pinch salt
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 6 corn tortillas
    • 6 radishes sliced

    Method
     

    1. In glass container with lid, drizzle olive oil over fish. Crush garlic overtop and use brush to coat fish on both sides.
    2. In small bowl, combine paprika, cumin, cayenne, and salt; sprinkle on both sides of fish.
    3. Drizzle lime juice on both sides. Marinate fish, covered, in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Prior to cooking, remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.
    4. Preheat oven to 375 F°.
    5. Place fish on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 4 minutes on each side.
    6. While fish is cooking, in large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté garlic and shallot on medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
    7. Bring 2 cups water to the boil. Add peas and pinch of salt. Cook peas for 4 to 6 minutes. Drain.
    8. Use rubber spatula to scrape garlic, shallots, and olive oil into bowl of food processor. Add cooked peas, cilantro, serrano pepper, lime juice, and a further 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend to a fine purée.
    9. Toast or grill tortilla shells. Spread some pea purée onto each tortilla shell, top with fish, and garnish with sliced radishes and additional cilantro.

    by Helena McMurdo

    Recipe Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Spicy Ginger and Garlic Braised Bok Choy with Egg and Rice

    Spicy Ginger and Garlic Braised Bok Choy with Egg and Rice

    Spicy Ginger and Garlic Braised Bok Choy with Egg and Rice

    This is a quick and easy meal full of powerful flavour that you can throw together in minutes from a handful of cupboard ingredients. The starring green is delicate baby bok choy which is lavished with ginger, chili, and crispy garlic, then braised just enough to make it tender with a bit of a bite. Serve it on green onion-studded rice, top it with an egg, and you’re done.

    Spicy Ginger and Garlic Braised Bok Choy with Egg and Rice

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    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup jasmine rice
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 Thai chili
    • 6 cloves garlic peeled and sliced crosswise
    • 1 1-inch piece of gingerroot sliced into matchsticks
    • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns crushed with a rolling pin
    • 4 baby bok choy quartered, rinsed, and held in cold water
    • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
    • 2 green onions green and white parts sliced
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 4 organic eggs
    • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

    Method
     

    1. Cook rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
    2. In large skillet, on medium-high, heat sesame oil and sauté chili, garlic, and ginger for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to keep garlic from burning. Add crushed peppercorns. Lower heat slightly, drain bok choy pieces and, without drying them, add to pan and sauté for a further 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The garlic should start to get crispy but if it doesn’t, turn heat up slightly. Add vinegar and remove from heat.
    3. Add green onions to cooked rice and stir to combine.
    4. Place a scoop of rice on each of 4 plates, place 4 quarters of bok choy on top, being sure to include crispy garlic, chili, and ginger. To a skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and fry eggs. Place one fried egg on each plate atop rice and bok choy. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds.

    by Helena McMurdo

    Recipe Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Kale and Grapefruit Salad with Buckwheat and Pumpkin Seed Granola

    Kale and Grapefruit Salad with Buckwheat and Pumpkin Seed Granola

    Kale and Grapefruit Salad with Buckwheat and Pumpkin Seed Granola

    This is a refreshing kale salad highlighted by juicy red grapefruit. Thinly sliced kale and a slightly spicy dressing of garlic, grapefruit juice, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes give this spring salad a zingy flavour. The whole thing gets topped with a crunchy buckwheat and pumpkin seed granola for an interesting texture.

    Kale and Grapefruit Salad with Buckwheat and Pumpkin Seed Granola

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    Servings: 8
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Buckwheat and pumpkin seed granola
    • ½ cup raw buckwheat
    • ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • ¼ teaspoon hot smoked paprika
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    Salad
    • 2 bunches cavolo nero central ribbed removed and sliced lengthwise to make about 4 cups
    • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon reserved
    • 2 ruby red grapefruit cut in sections, and ⅓ cup juice reserved
    • 1 small garlic clove peeled and crushed
    • ¼ teaspoon hot smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • ⅔ cup sliced green onion (white and green part)
    • 1.7 ounces radish microgreens (about 1 cup)

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350 F°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In small bowl, combine, buckwheat, pumpkin seeds, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon hot smoked paprika, and pinch of salt. Spread mixture out on parchment paper in even layer and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, stirring at  4- and 8-minute marks. Remove from oven and allow to cool without stirring.
    3. In Mason jar or small bowl, measure out 3 tablespoons olive oil. Remove 1 teaspoon and add to large bowl with kale. With clean hands, massage kale for a few minutes, working oil into kale. Set aside.
    4. Add reserved 1/3 cup grapefruit juice to Mason jar with 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1/4 teaspoon hot smoked paprika, crushed garlic, and 1 teaspoon honey. With your hands, break up half of granola mixture and add to kale with radish microgreens, green onion, and 3 tablespoons of dressing. Toss to combine.
    5. Arrange salad in serving bowl or platter and place grapefruit pieces overtop. Break remaining granola into bite-size chunks and add to top of salad.

    by Helena McMurdo

    Recipe Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Maintaining the brain as we age

    Maintaining the brain as we age

    Maintaining the brain as we age

    How to leverage nutrition and lifestyle science to slow brain aging

    A 2024 brain-imaging study in older adults compared intake measures of key nutrients with signs of brain health, identifying the foods and nutrients most strongly associated with slower brain aging.

    Omega-3 fatty acids

    Individuals who demonstrated signs of delayed brain aging tended to have higher bodily concentrations of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids Inflammation is considered a hallmark of brain aging as it disrupts the blood-brain barrier, making the brain more susceptible to structural damage over time.

    EPA and DHA are found in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout, while ALA is found in flaxseed, hempseed, chia seed, soy-based foods, and walnuts.

    Carotenoids

    Oxidative stress, which carotenoids help to combat, is considered another hallmark of brain aging. It’s unsurprising that a high carotenoid intake was associated with better brain health.

    Carotenoid sources include spinach, kale, bell peppers, tomato, watermelon, broccoli, carrots, grapefruit, and cantaloupe.

    Vitamin E and choline

    Having higher bodily levels of vitamin E is associated with better cognitive health. Vitamin E is found primarily in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and fish.

    Choline is a precursor to creating a compound known as phosphatidylcholine, which populates brain cell membranes and regulates the release of various neurotransmitters required for optimal brain function. Choline is found in foods including eggs, edamame, cauliflower, beef, chicken, peas, pork, broccoli, and milk.

    The gut-brain connection

    Older adults with cognitive issues are much more likely to have a gut microbiome characterized by imbalances in good and bad bacteria, with an overrepresentation of pro-inflammatory species.

    A healthy gut microbiome produces beneficial compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have an anti-inflammatory influence and facilitate healthy gut-brain communication via multiple pathways.

    These influences include enhanced nutrient absorption and keeping the intestinal lining strong, thus preventing toxins from entering the blood stream and crossing the blood-brain barrier via the gastrointestinal tract. This is where polyphenols come in.

    Polyphenols―the gut-brain connectors

    Polyphenols are a family of plant-based compounds known to encourage gut bacteria to produce beneficial SCFAs.

    In 2018, Neurology published a study—involving 1,329 older adults followed over 12 years—that found those in the highest consumption category of polyphenols had a 50 percent lower risk of dementia than those in the lowest consumption category.

    Easy ways to boost your dietary exposure to polyphenols include cocoa powder, ground flaxseed, artichoke, blueberries, and more frequent use of culinary herbs/spices.

    by Andy De Santis, RD, MPH

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine