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The fish oil supplements (omega-3) had no effect on mental abilities in a vast British study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, comparing their effects on mental functions with those of a placebo (inactive product) for 2 years.

Alan Dangour the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and colleagues conducted the study with nearly 900 health seventies. It is the longest study to date with placebo.

The participants took a combination of 200 mg of omega-3 type eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 500 mg of type docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily or placebo (olive oil).

After two years, participants taking the supplements actually had blood levels of omega-3 higher but no difference was found between the two groups on cognitive decline, different types of memory, concentration, speed of thought, reaction times, …

But, says the researcher, cognitive decline occurs over several years and, although it is the longest study of its kind, it is possible that it was not long enough for beneficial have been detected.

Omega-3 have been linked to cognitive benefits in observational studies that do not compare their effectiveness to that of placebo. A recent study of six months with placebo did not show any positive effects.

The chamomile, lemon balm, hops, the flower of the Passion, etc.. are all presented as herbal infusions and having sleep-promoting properties. You will find them often in blends of tea “to find sleep. Be sure to prepare your own herbal teas or infusions for at least 20 minutes to get all benefits as simply soak a bag of chamomile in hot water for 5 minutes (for example) does not remove enough of herbal extract to obtain a advantage to the organism.

Although their effectiveness has not yet been proven by large studies, many experts do not doubt that drinking herbal teas or infusions may make some people sleep better. Drinking a hot liquid as a tea or infusion (as well as hot milk, see No. 1 above) before going to bed can produce numbness in the generation of body heat.

Note, however, if you drink too much fluid in the moments before the hour of bedtime, you may make round trips to the bathroom at night. A cup of tea or hot tea at bedtime might be worth it … if you have a bladder that can hold (you can not have you awake at night).

There are numerous counter supplements designed to facilitate sleep. According to a 2006 study, more than 500 000 French have tried complementary or alternative therapies such as these, and more than half reported that their insomnia has greatly diminished.

However, no rigorous scientific study has proven that these supplements work better sleep. There are some exceptions however, as the root of valerian root or turnip or the burdock that seem to help improve sleep quality with rare and mild side effects (such as stomach problems). Do not waste your money on any natural supplement for better sleep, do not take the supplements valerian root or burdock (or the beet root) first.

A U.S. study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives shows high levels of phenols, phthalates and phytoestrogens in urine of girls aged 7 to 9. These pollutants are found in many everyday products such as plastics, cans inside, shampoos, nail polish, perfume, coating of drugs and dietary supplements, … These pollutants could be responsible for early puberty in girls.

Mary Wolff of Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York) and colleagues conducted the study in 1151 with girls aged 7 to 9 years living in three different regions of the United States.

The three categories of substances tested were largely detectable in urine and high exposures to phthalates and phytoestrogens in particular were associated, albeit modestly, to a premature development of breasts.

A phenol, 2 phytoestrogens, and a subset of phthalates were associated with delayed puberty.

“We believe that there are certain periods of vulnerability in the mammary gland development, and exposure to these chemicals may affect the risk of breast cancer in adulthood. Eating habits may also have an impact” says Dr. Woof. The study confirmed a link that had been shown by previous studies, between the body mass index and early puberty.

Research must continue to determine the importance of different factors, says the researcher.

Prof. Charles Sultan, CHU Montpellier, whose remarks have been collected by the doctor’s Daily, said that these pollutants can affect pubertal development. In certain regions, he says, of “epidemics” of puberty at the age of 8 years are reported. And the ‘window of susceptibility’ organic products tends to grow, for if the age of onset of breast development is more precocious than menarche has not changed much.

A Cycling requires a complete equipment and revised, so that technical problems do not take precedence over the pleasure to travel by bicycle.

A full check-up

The basic hardware required is obviously … the bike. But with an ill-equipped bike or poorly maintained, you have to hits many problems. Before you leave, you will leave him to undergo a minor revision to make sure you practice safe cycling.

Do not leave without checking:

- Part (if any dents or deformation);
- The handlebar;
- Tire quality and the possible presence of cracks on the surface;
- Wheels (deformations or curtains);
- Brakes (cables provided that the brake pads);
- The pedal;
- The system of changing gears, the gear and trays.

Note: for more guarantees that the good working of your bike, do not hesitate to call a specialist.
Practical accessories

Once the monitoring equipment is, you will in most cases improve your existing bike to make it suitable for hiking. The addition of some materials is strongly recommended:

- At least one mirror;
- A comfortable seat (preferably leather);
- Front and rear lights to be seen by cars if you ride at dusk or at night (to avoid);
- A rear rack;
- The door-side bags;
- The panniers (up to 4);
- The rain covers for your bags (to keep your things dry whatever the weather);
- A bottle holder for fixing on the frame;
- A horn;
- An odometer to see how easily place on the course you are;
- A card holder;
- A GPS fix on your handlebar, possibly with a rainproof cover.

Note: The GPS has the advantage of integrating your speed, travel time and the place where you are.
Correct maintenance

It is also important to dress the best to be comfortable and / or safety:

- A helmet;
- A K-way;
- A cap or hat;
- Sunglasses;
- A banana belt (available soon);
- Tweezers trousers (to prevent it rubs against the chain);
- One or more shorts;
- T-shirts more conventional or synthetic fibers.

Note: Although not mandatory, the helmet is strongly recommended bike.

And think of the breakdowns, during which you’ll need at least:

- Some tubes;
- A repair kit consisting of glue and patch;
- A few basic tools: screwdriver, adjustable wrench, Allen keys;
- Possibly a tire iron.
The traditional utensils

Once you are properly equipped, do not forget the essential accessories to any expedition, it is done by bicycle, on foot or ski. For example:

- A detailed map of the area you are going through;
- A Swiss Army knife;
- A flashlight or headlamp;
- Sun cream;
- A first aid kit with necessary to deal with possible injury (cons cream burns, relief kits for light bulbs, etc.).
- A survival blanket.

If you camp, add possibly:

- A tent;
- A sleeping bag and / or silk fitted sheet;
- A carpet floor.

Studies on some products containing probiotics have shown that “good bacteria” that contain these products can help prevent or reduce the duration of certain gastro-intestinal, uro-genital tract.

The probiotic foods or supplements, probiotics can be found in foods are easy to integrate into your daily diet. Buy fortified probiotic yogurt (like Activia and Actimel Danone), tempeh (Asian food made from fermented soybeans), the fortified cheeses, kefir drinks (beverage after fermentation of milk or fruit juice sweetened).

Do not just read the word “probiotics” or “acidophilus” labels on foods. Be sure to choose foods or probiotic supplements containing probiotic strains of bacteria that have already proven themselves as the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GR-1 or GG), the strain L. Defensis casei, and Bifidobacterium animalis strain (DN 114 001).

Get enough sleep to strengthen the immune system
Find enough time in your schedule to devote to sleep that your body needs. Most sleep experts recommend between 7 and 9 hours per night. A U.S. study found that women who sleep well have more destructive active cells (white blood cells that attack bacteria) than those who feel tired due to lack of sleep.

Try to fall asleep quickly, to keep cool in your room, get a quiet and dark. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and vigorous exercise for at least 3 hours before bedtime.

A deficiency of potassium is called hypokalemia. Because potassium is so abundant in foods, potassium deficiencies are rare. However, a lack of potassium can occur during and after excessive fluid loss (because of perspiration, urination, the Diarrhea, vomiting excessive).

Signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency are:

* Muscle weakness, muscle pain,
* Fatigue,
* Confusion and irritability
* Digestive problems,
* Heart problems.

What are your chances of suffering a potassium deficiency?
Although potassium is easily absorbed and available in abundance, some people may suffer from a deficiency of potassium:

* Athletes: because they sweat a lot, athletes lose more potassium than anyone else. Athletes should work with a nutritionist or a doctor specializing in sports to monitor their electrolyte levels and consider taking supplements of potassium,
* People suffering from digestive diseases: Any person suffering from celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or syndrome irritable bowel have more difficulty to absorb potassium,
* The drinking of alcohol: the more you drink alcoholic beverages, you need to urinate more and more so your body lose potassium,
* Persons under medical treatment, on diuretics or laxatives as: because some medications cause Diarrhea or loss of fluid, any person taking the drug daily doses should consult their doctor to ensure that their levels of potassium remain normal.

A cardiac arrest can occur especially if the changes in serum potassium have been abrupt.

The greens were not always popular. You’ve probably turned your head, pushing away your plate when your parents had a plate of broccoli or romaine lettuce when you were a child. But what you did not know at the time was that green vegetables, especially leafy vegetables like spinach, turnips, etc.. Are incredible sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber .

List the 3 best vegetables to eat Priority :

1) ARUGULA
The arugula is a plant with edible leaves of Mediterranean origin. The arugula feels strong and has a peppery taste, is rich in vitamin C (fighting against cancer) and potassium (good for the heart). Use arugula instead of basil to create an arugula pesto flavor.

2) BROCCOLI
The edible green vegetable resembling a tree gets its name from a small town in Italy. Broccoli is a super green vegetable. Not only the broccoli is rich in tens of vitamins (like vitamin A and vitamin C) but it also contains calcium, fiber, vitamin B6, which are all good to combat degenerative diseases and cancer). Read also: Do not consume enough vitamin C is he gaining weight?.

3) BROCCOLI RAPINI
This leafy vegetable is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine with its robust taste and full of flavors. Broccoli rapini is named for its flower (looks like normal broccoli), but is actually closer to the turnip. Read also our Recipes Slimming broccoli salad mimosa.

As cabbage, broccoli raab is also known to fight certain cancers due to its large amounts of phytochemicals (plant chemicals that occur naturally). A portion of 100 grams of broccoli rapini provides more than half of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A and vitamin C, and is an excellent source of folate (which protects malformations during pregnancy and heart disease), fiber and calcium. Read also: Health Foods: 20 Foods for good health.

Whether you are anxious, depressed, irritable or just irritable, chances for a food product can lend a hand quite useful for your state of mind and cheer you up.

4 foods to eat to be cheerful:

1) Salmon
A selenium deficiency can cause anxiety and irritability. A serving of salmon will give you about 75% of your daily requirement of selenium. Salmon is also loaded with essential fatty acids omega-3, which play an important role in brain function and is supposed to regulate mood and relieve depression. Eating salmon can definitely help you maintain a good mood.

Other fish and seafood can provide omega-3 herring, sardines, tuna, shrimp, catfish farming, haddock, blue crab of the Atlantic, etc..

2) Chocolate
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, the neurotransmitters that release endorphins in the brain and make you dizzy. Recall that the endorphins are compounds that have an opioid analgesic and ability to provide a feeling of well-being. Chocolate helps many people to find good humor in a bad way psychologically.

The reason why people love all the chocolate is not that chemical. The sweet taste of chocolate stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain. Eat preferably dark chocolate (with the highest percentage of cocoa available) to derive the benefits without feeling guilty afterwards.

3) Turkey
Although most do naps during the holidays are caused by too much greed and not by tryptophan (precursor of the sleep hormone, melatonin), this nutrient has comforting properties, it helps you relax and you calm. Indeed, tryptophan is an amino acid that is converted by the body into serotonin. But the levels of serotonin affect mood.

Eating the tryptophans is essential to produce serotonin, which in turn puts you in good mood. You do not need a special occasion to eat turkey and find the right mood, however. Chicken, tuna and even soybeans also bring tryptophans.

4) Lobster
Lobster is one food that most improves the mood because it contains a lot of tryptophan, as the turkey that we have seen above, but the lobster contains even more tryptophan than turkey. To avoid spoiling anything, the lobster was very tasty.

But the lobster is a delicacy available and cheap. Do not worry, other affordable foods also contain tryptophan: sunflower seeds, egg whites, cottage cheese, pineapple, tofu, spinach, bananas, soybeans, chicken fillet, turkey. Read also: Foods rich in protein food rich in protein.

The primrose, also known as evening primrose is a plant that produces a beautiful yellow flower. This flower is to turn a seed that is rich in essential fatty acid, which acts in the body in the way of vitamins (was described, there is still some time, vitamin E essential fatty acids).

Called an essential fatty acid, a substance the body absolutely needs and that can not synthesize. Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid important.
Role of essential fatty acids.

To clearly understand the importance of essential fatty acids must first know that these acids help the body, undergoing various transformations, producing substances called prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins were discovered by Swedish scientist von Euler. As he isolated from the semen, he thought they were from the prostate, hence the name he gave them prostaglandins. Subsequently, other researchers have discovered prostaglandins in virtually all body tissues.

Prostaglandins are involved in monitoring the activities of cells and regulate the activity of certain enzymes.
The most useful to the body and harder to get all that is prostaglandin E1 type. It is best known for PGE1.

Evening primrose oil and PGE1

Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acids that facilitate the production of valuable PGE1 in the body. This makes it a dietary supplement of paramount value.

In a simplified way, this is how evening primrose oil allows the body to produce PGE1:

1. Evening primrose oil contains the cis-linoleic acid. This fatty acid can be used to produce PGE1. But the first necessary step to achieve this is achieved with difficulty.
2. Evening primrose oil also contains gamma-linolenic acid. It is a fatty acid that constitutes the second step towards the production of PGE1. With the gamma-linolenic acid, it is no longer necessary from the cis-linoleic acid. It therefore avoids the complications of the first stage.
3. Of gamma-linolenic acid, obtained from dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid.

This latter substance, it eventually leads to protaglandines E1 (PGE1).
In conclusion, we can say that evening primrose oil contains a fatty acid precious, gamma-linolenic acid, which greatly facilitates the production of PGE1 into the body.