Hello Yahoo Life readers! My name is Kaitlin and I share health and wellness tips to help you live your best life.
August is in full swing, so follow our monthly guide to learn how to make it your greatest month yet, from playing golf to opening oysters properly.
As always, check the weather in your area and your horoscope for starry-sky wisdom. (And be sure to look up to see the Perseids, the meteor shower of the summer, as it streaks through the sky through September 1.) Then read the tips below to help you have your happiest, healthiest week yet.
🍆 Eat more fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables should be your first line of defense against kidney disease-related high blood pressure, says a new study published in the American Journal of Medicine. The researchers hypothesized that fruits and vegetables are good for the kidneys because eating more fruits and vegetables lowers the overall acidity of your diet, thus reducing the burden on the kidneys. In their tests, the researchers found that the kidney health of participants who ate more of them was better than those who took baking soda, which is used in medicine to reduce acid in the body.
You don’t have to have kidney problems to benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables. But there are many benefits to eating more fruits and vegetables, from lowering your risk of cancer to keeping your brain healthy. Fall in love with big salads or snack on apples or baby carrots to help you reach your goals.
🎻 Immerse yourself in the classics
Classical music can boost mood, according to a new, small study published in the journal Cell Reports. The study, which included 13 people with treatment-resistant depression, found that listening to classical music activated brain circuits associated with emotion and reward, resulting in antidepressant-like effects that were strongest in those who reported an increased appreciation for music.
This is just another example of how music can improve your health. A previous analysis found that classical music improved participants’ heart rate, blood pressure and mood. So, put on your Bach and see if the music touches you.
📱 Use these tips to turn off your phone
If you’re addicted to your phone, you may be looking for ways to reduce your phone time. Dr. Samantha Boardman tells Yahoo readers how to unwind with seven simple tips. One key tip? Invest in a non-digital hobby so your hands don’t immediately reach for the phone when you’re bored. That might mean tucking a book in your purse or even trying crocheting or embroidery when you need to kill time.
Even harder? Try leaving your phone at home unless you really need it. Go to the supermarket with a paper shopping list, or take a relaxing walk where you look at your surroundings – not your X-feed.
🍯 Add honey to your yoghurt
Yogurt is full of good bacteria—and adding honey may boost its positive effects, according to two studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A spoonful of honey increases the chances of survival of the probiotics in yogurt, which are responsible for healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. But remember that honey is still sugar, so don’t overdo it when you squeeze the plastic bear.
⏰ Skip the nap
One doctor rose to prominence for declaring a harsh truth: Using the snooze button in the morning can severely impact your REM cycle, meaning you get less than ideal sleep, leading to drowsiness, fatigue, and even mood swings. Sleep experts who previously spoke with Yahoo Life agree: While it’s tempting to get a few extra minutes of sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene (such as having a nightly wind-down routine) can increase the chances that you’ll get a restful night’s sleep that doesn’t require a morning nap.
đź’Ş Ignore these beliefs about strength training
Personal trainer Rachel MacPherson spoke to Yahoo Life about common myths about strength training and discovered that, despite popular belief, lifting weights doesn’t make you bigger or less flexible. (In fact, strength training can make you look leaner and more flexible!) If you’re hesitant about lifting weights, you can try resistance training using just your own body weight, like squats, push-ups and lunges.
🥒 Try a cucumber salad
Logan Moffitt’s cucumber salad recipes have taken over TikTok. There’s a lot to love about them: Cucumbers are hydrating, easy to make, and super versatile, whether you’re making a deconstructed smoked salmon bagel dish or a Chinese-inspired side salad. If you eat these foods in place of a meal, just make sure your salad includes protein and healthy fats.
🥕 Go vegan
The Mediterranean diet often ranks high on lists of the healthiest diets, but a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition says a plant-based diet may have greater benefits.
The research found that those who followed a low-fat vegan diet reduced harmful compounds called AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts) by 73%, while the Mediterranean diet (which includes animal products) did not reduce these compounds at all.
AGEs, which are created when animal products are cooked at high temperatures, like in grilling, cause inflammation in the body. Over time, this inflammation can increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. This is not a problem with plant-based foods, which is one reason why a vegan diet may lead to less inflammation overall.
🥔 Add a potato to your plate
Rice or potatoes? According to a small study, you should opt for the latter, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Study participants who ate a baked potato (with the skin on) every day for 12 weeks had slightly lower fasting blood sugar levels compared to the group that ate rice. This may be due to the potassium content in potatoes, which is good for regulating blood sugar, as well as the presence of “resistant starch,” which slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and thus helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Overall, the humble potato is a great addition to your plate. Besides its potassium content, nutritionists love the (often maligned) food because it’s high in vitamin C and fiber—and if you go for the colorful variety, you’ll get a dose of healthy antioxidants, too. But remember, this mostly applies to whole potatoes—chips or fries soaked in oil often contain salt and fat, which can negate the healthy effects.
