Some of the things they said were good for us
Organic foods may reduce cancer risk. For almost five years, researchers in France regularly asked nearly 70,000 volunteers how often they ate organic fruit, vegetables, meat, and other products. During that period, the quarter of participants who ate the most organic foods were 25 percent less
likely to get cancer than the quarter who ate the least, even after accounting for age, income, and other risk factors. Lead author Julia Baudry suspects the disparity is because organic foods have lower levels of pesticides, which can mimic hormones in the body and increase cancer risk. Promoting organic food consumption, she says, could be a “promising preventive strategy against cancer.”
Holding hands can reduce physical pain. In a University of Colorado Boulder study, 22 women were subjected to mild pain; first when their male partner was holding their hand, and then when he was
not. The women reported that holding hands reduced the intensity of their pain by an average of 34 percent. Brain scans taken during the experiment showed that when the couple linked hands, their brain waves became synchronized—and that this “coupling” effect was even greater when the women were in pain. Lead author Pavel Goldstein says the research “illustrates the power and importance of human touch.”
Saunas could be as beneficial for your heart as moderate exercise. In a study in Finland, 102 middle-aged adults with at least one heart disease risk factor—such as high blood pressure or obesity—had a 30- minute sauna session. Afterward, their blood pressure was lower, their heart rate was higher,
and their arteries had gained elasticity. Heat exposure can widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, and sweating has a natural diuretic effect, lowering blood pressure. “Sauna use is recommended,” says co-author Tanjaniina Laukkanen, “and it seems that more is beneficial.”
Full-fat dairy may help protect against heart disease and stroke. Researchers examined data from more than 130,000 people across 21 countries over nine years. Participants who ate two or more daily
servings of full-fat dairy—a serving was 8 ounces of milk or yogurt or a half-ounce of cheese—had a 22 percent lower risk of heart disease, a 34 percent lower risk of stroke, and a 23 percent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Study author Mahshid Dehghan says that while full-fat dairy
is high in saturated fat, it contains other important nutrients, including calcium and vitamin K.
To-do lists could help you sleep. A Baylor University study divided nearly 60 volunteers into two groups before a strictly enforced bedtime: half were asked to write a list of things they needed to do over the next few days, and the other half listed tasks they’d already completed. Brain scans taken
as they slept found that the to-do-list writers dozed off nine minutes faster on average—an effect similar to that of some pharmaceutical sleeping aids. “Throughout the day, we have all these things cycling through our head,” says lead author Michael Scullin. Writing “helps us hit the Pause button.”
Leg exercises appear to be crucial for brain health. Researchers immobilized the hind legs of mice for 28 days, then examined the subventricular zone in their brains, where neural stem cells produce
new neurons. They found that the number of neural stem cells—which help the brain renew itself—had plummeted by 70 percent. Declines in oxygen levels associated with reduced physical activity had also altered the rodents’ metabolism. The research suggests that leg movement sends signals to the brain that trigger new cell growth.
Turmeric could help improve memory and ease depression among those with age-related mental decline. Researchers recruited 40 volunteers, ages 50 to 90, all with memory complaints but none with dementia. Half took curcumin, an active compound of the Indian spice turmeric, twice a day for
18 months, while the other half received a placebo. Those taking curcumin saw a 28 percent improvement in memory function, chalked up better mood scores, and had less plaque buildup in the brain. Study leader Gary Small says curcumin may reduce brain inflammation, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s and depression.
TOP 10 CHEAPEAST COUNTRIES TO LIVE IN EUROPE 2019
One may think that Europe are mostly expensive countries, where expensive rental prices are the norm. However, the reality of European nations is quite different, while some countries are indeed expensive, others are surprisingly affordable. Here is the list of the cheapest countries to live in Europe, and why these countries are the best places to live:
10. Latvia
Latvia is a green country on the Northern coast of Europe. It's one of the cheapest places to live in developed Europe. Latvia boasts diverse top sectors, with many work opportunities for expats especially in international industries related to exports. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a charming city. The cost of living in Europe is rarely dirt cheap, but Riga offers much of the quaint romance of western Europe at a lower cost, and without the madness of some western European countries. The food price can be quite cheap. Even some of the city’s better restaurants offer business lunches for as little as five euros, which come complete with coffee, tea, or sometimes even wine. Monthly rent for an 900 Sqft apartment in normal area is $500.
9. Belarus
Belarus is an eastern European country that borders Poland, Ukraine and Russia, its major industries include metal-cutting machines, tractors and trucks. With about $450 in monthly estimated expenses plus about $440 in monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Minsk, a single person can live comfortably on under $1,000 a month. But monthly rent for 85m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area is only $340. The food can be really cheap. Usually, the dishes of Belarusian national cuisine are inexpensive even in restaurants ($7 for basic lunchtime menu in the business district). Living in Belarus means life in a laid-back and pleasant atmosphere; however, most of the services are still developing.
8. The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a cheap place to live in Europe. This European country borders Germany, Austria and Poland, and has a population of 10.6 million. However, if you travel away from Prague, the country offers excellent real estate bargains and pretty low cost of living. There are many picturesque towns in The Czech Republic, and you can get great real estate bargains on the country side, as foreigners and Czechs prefer to move to Prague. The standards of living in the Czech Republic is comparable to those of Germany, for half of the price. With around $800 per month you will be able to cover all of your basic costs in the country. It is also a great place for beer lovers, and those seeking nightlife, or outdoor activities.
7. Slovakia
Slovakia is not as cheap as Bulgaria, Romania, or Hungary, but it does offer better values than most of the rest of Europe, plus you get the advantage of feeling like a pioneer. Here you can eat well, drink well, and find plenty of sights to marvel over at a fraction of the cost of the countries to the west. You can get a big multi-course lunch and a glass or two of good wine for less than $10. Slovakia can offer to nationals and expats free education and healthcare systems, as well as an efficient infrastructure. Thanks to the rise in living standards and fall in unemployment, working in Slovakia is gaining in popularity with expats.
6. Poland
Poland has one of the higher local purchasing powers of the cheapest countries. Any incomes earned locally will go further, especially with the country’s lower prices on grocery and consumer goods. Poland is slowly becoming a hotspot for international travelers and expats. The big cities are very modern and have all the Western amenities you could need, but at half the prices spend in Germany. Teaching is an option, but there are also a whole set of professional service job opportunities to be found that can pay very well. Rent for a 1-bed apartment starts at around $350 and a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant is only around $5.
5. Hungary
One of the most thriving and best developed states in Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary represents a top destination for expats and tourists around the world. Hungary is certainly one of the best countries to live in Europe, even if it wouldn’t be quite cheap to live here. The monthly budget per person in Budapest starts from $700 per month to cover all expenses. Real estate prices are picking up in the central districts of Budapest, and a budget of $1000 is enough to live in one of these areas. If you get into smaller towns, you can get a large house for that money. But the major urban areas are of course where jobs are more plentiful for expats hoping to work in Hungary.
4. Bulgaria
Bulgaria, one of the oldest in the Europe, is situated in south – east Europe. It is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live and has quickly become a favorite among travelers. The Bulgarian people are some of the friendliest in Europe. With $1,000, you can have a better standard of living than the average of person living in countries such as Switzerland, Austria, Germany. This money will be enough for you to rent a 1-bedroom apartment, buy quality food, to go out with friends for a drink or to eat something, to buy clothes, and to go out to cinema regularly. Teaching English and tourism jobs are popular jobs here.
3. Romania
Romania is another country in Eastern Europe that offers great opportunities for expats. It has a diverse economy which includes self employed businesses, fast growing start ups, and high income job opportunities. The country has a delicious cuisine, a pretty affordable cost of living, and an unmatched natural beauty. The budget for a single person in Romania starts from $600 to cover all of his expenses. It is also easy to get a residence permit in Romania, even if you are not an EU citizen.
2. Ukraine
Ukraine is another eastern European nation situated next to Russia and the Black Sea. About 44.4 million people live in Ukraine, whose industries include coal, electric power, chemicals and more. More than 45% of expats saying that the cost of living is extremely affordable in Ukraine. Local incomes are still low, which gives it one of the lowest purchasing powers of the cheapest countries. Monthly rent for an apartment in normal area is $350.
1. Georgia
Georgia is a hidden gem that some people may not have heard of. With a famous wine region and sandy beaches along the Black Sea, the country offers stunning landscapes, a rich culture and very affordable living. From $500 per month you can already live in Georgia. However, anything above $1000 in Georgia will grant you a great lifestyle. The average net monthly salary in the country’s capital is just $300. Apart from its very low overall cost of living, the country has one of the most relaxed residence permit policy in Europe. With a very low investment and a company formation, you will be able to become a full time resident of Georgia.