Whole Life Magazine

February / March 2018

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16 wholelifetimes.com CLEAN BAY CERTIFIED RESTAURANTS CLEAN BAY CERTIFIED RESTAURANTS By Laura Owens Y ou've probably heard that eating food loaded with omega-6 fatty acids in- creases infl ammation in the body. Well, that may not be the case. Researchers at the Universi- ty of Eastern Finland recently ran a new data analysis of the 1984 to 1989 Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. The original study which included 1,287 healthy men aged 42 to 60, found that serum linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat- ty acid found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and animal p r o d u c t s ) i n c r e a s e d infl ammation. Infl ammation is cor- related with chronic dis- eases including car- diovascular and type 2 diabetes. But when the scientists ran a multi-variable adjust- ed analysis they found that a high intake of linoleic acid didn't increase infl amma- tion; it converted into various compounds that actually alle- viate infl ammation. The new analysis correlates with cur- rent fi ndings that show linole- ic acid lowers infl ammation. Other serum omega-6 fatty acids, including ara- chidonic acid, gamma-lino- lenic acid, or dihomo-y-lin- olenic acid, were also not associated with higher infl ammation levels. "In the light of these facts, it can be concluded that the theory according to which linoleic acid promotes low-grade infl ammation by increasing the body's ara- chidonic acid levels, is too simplifi ed," write the authors of the 2017 report. L adies if you don't already drink tea, you may want to start. In a study published in Human Molecular Genetics researchers examined wheth- er coffee and tea cause epi- genetic changes in genes known to interact with can- cer and estrogen metabo- lism (Epigenetic changes are chemical modifi cations that turn "good" or "bad" genes on or off). It's long been known that environment and lifestyle factors such as nutrition, smoking, and exposure to chemicals contribute to epigenetic changes in our genes. Prior studies found that the catechins in tea (cat- echins are antioxidants that belong to a group of fl avonoids) cause benefi - cial epigenetic changes in vitro and in cultured cancer cells. "Previous studies have shown that tea consumption reduces estrogen levels which highlights a potential difference between the bi- ological response to tea in men and women. Women also drink higher amounts of tea compared to men, which increases our power to fi nd association in women," says Weronica Ek, researcher. I t's no surprise that over time, even the closest couples some- times become unintentionally distant. Intimacy and their once sense of deep connection often gets lost in the routine and bustle of daily life. Eventually we lose sight of what drew us to our partner in the fi rst place. "We have more control of our romantic feelings than we may ever have realized," writes Ken Page, a mental counsel- or, in his Psychology Today article, "A Research-Backed Rec- ipe for Deep Romance on Valentine's Day.""There's a wealth of fascinating research that teaches us how to rekindle and nourish romance and sexual attraction through deeper com- munication, mindfulness, and the cultivation of gratitude and compassion." Page recommends trying the following simple 3-part exer- cise (and it's free, so no champagne or fi ne dining necessary). First, fi nd a Valentine's Day card (or any warm greeting card. Funny is fi ne. Sarcastic, not so much). Write two things you think will deeply touch your partner. Arielle Ford in her book Turn Your Mate into Your Soulmate: A Practical Guide to Happily Ever After, suggests thinking back to when you fi rst fell in love with your partner to try to reinvigorate those romantic feelings. Next, write a few qualities you love about your partner. "Generously de- scribe what this quality is and why it makes her so special to you," suggests Page. "Don't worry about being a gift- ed writer, just be sincere and unafraid in your appreciation." Finally, describe a quality in your partner that you aspire. Avoid irony or sarcasm. Sincerity and warmth are key. And in a series of studies out of the University of California, Berke- ley, scientists found that people who feel more appreciated by their partner are more appreciative in return, more responsive to their needs, and more likely to remain in the relationship long-term. If you're not used to expressing such raw sentiment, you might feel a little awkward and vulnerable. But in all likelihood your partner will be deeply grateful and immensely moved, both of which lead to better bonding and greater intimacy. Rock Body YOUR healthy living OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS MAY BE GOOD FOR YOU DRINKING TEA AND BENEFICIAL GENETIC CHANGES IN WOMEN A SCIENTIFIC RECIPE FOR STRENGTHENING YOUR ROMANTIC CONNECTION

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