Merrimack Valley Magazine

Wellness Wednesday – 2/3/21

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If there is one thing that everyone thinks that us New Englanders can’t live without, it’s our Dunkin’ iced coffee. In my experience growing up right here in New England, they’re not wrong. But I’ve also noticed that for many, drinking tea is just as much of a habit as drinking coffee is for others. Most people in my circle are “either or” meaning that they prefer one over the other. For example, while my mother drinks tea every morning, my stepfather drinks coffee, and neither opts for anything different.

So what is it about coffee and tea? Why has their popularity seemingly surpassed that of water? This week, we’re taking a look at articles that discuss coffee, tea, and the awesome health benefits of both. So settle in with a warm cup of … whatever you’d like.

 

THE GOOD IN A CUP O’ JOE

Whether you drink it hot or iced, drinking coffee daily provides a variety of health benefits that go beyond simply giving you energy. According to Healthline, coffee helps burn fat, contains vitamins B2, B3, B5, and potassium and helps fight depression. Moreover, drinking coffee regularly helps lower your risk for type two diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s and liver cancer.

For those of you, like myself, who want to live as long as they possibly can (I’m shooting for 125 years old) coffee is a great daily supplement. Numerous studies, such as the one described here, have found that drinking coffee is linked to a longer life. Italian scientists even found that drinking espresso, or “Italian-style coffee,” makes you less likely to die.

For those who are concerned about their caffeine intake, Thomas Merritt explores the science behind decaffeinating coffee in a fascinating article found here.

“All commercially grown coffee contains caffeine. To produce decaf, between 97 and 99.9 per cent of the caffeine is removed,” Merritt writes. “There are several ways to do this, but they all depend on the caffeine being dissolved out of the coffee beans before they are roasted. Natural solvents include CO2, coffee oil or water, but other chemicals are also used, including methyl acetate and ethylene chloride.”

Now, these health benefits are great, but it is important to note that there are many common additives that make coffee less healthy. Sugar packets, cream shots and caramel swirls may boost flavor, but should only be consumed in moderation. If you tend to load up morning coffee order with cream and sugar, fret not, for there are ways to make your coffee healthier that can be found here. One of the most surprising is the “coffee nap:”

“You probably think of coffee as a pick-me-up. But its effects don’t kick in for about 30 minutes. That means if you enjoy a cup of coffee just before taking a 20-30 minute nap, you may wake up feeling extra-energized.”

PINKY’S UP, IT’S TEA TIME

And now for my own personal preference, tea. What can be confusing about tea is that there are many different kinds of tea and tisanes (herbal teas which contain no actual tea), each with their own individual health benefits. There are herbal teas that relieve throat aches, teas that promote a “flat tummy,” teas that aid sleep and teas that give you an energy boost. For more details on the different types of tea and their specific benefits, check out this article here.

As far as the real stuff, studies have shown that drinking tea boosts your immune system, improves focus, promotes a good night’s sleep and helps prevent cardiovascular disease. According to an article from The Beet, drinking tea has been linked to burning fat, improving gut health and even reducing dental decay.

“Weight loss aside, tea comes with a myriad of other health benefits, stemming largely from natural plant compounds called flavonoids. … In a study from Advances in Nutrition, researchers found that with each cup of green or black tea you drink, you lower your risk of death from all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease.

According to an article from Today.com, green tea (my personal favorite) is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which are “bioactive compounds that can lessen oxidative stress, relieve inflammation, and provide other health benefits.” Without additives like honey, milk or sugar, loose leaf tea is extremely low in calories. Like coffee, teas that contain caffeine, such as green tea and matcha, can provide that extra energy boost to kick off your morning or revive you during the day. Unlike coffee, there are also a variety of teas that can be drank before bedtime.

So regardless of what you prefer, coffee and tea both provide immense health benefits that can be tailored to one’s specific health needs. Just be sure to go easy on the sugar the next time you’re in the Dunkin’ drive-thru.

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GOOD WATCHES

This week, I’ve decided you have read enough. Here are interesting videos that provide coffee and tea recipe ideas that are sure to spice up your daily drink. Plus, you can skip the drive through and make these at home.

Coffee — Check out this video for five different refreshing recipes for iced coffee. Mint mocha and toasted coconut cream are at the top of my list.

Tea — For those looking for calming teas, check out this video for nine healthy calming herbal tea recipes. If you are looking for more of a boost from your daily tea, try one of these six tea latte recipes. Drink up!

Wellness Wednesday Caffeine Edition – 12/2/20

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It’s an all-caffeine edition of Wellness Wednesday

Ah, caffeine. While this mighty molecule seems as much maligned as praised, a predilection for its effects seems intertwined in the DNA of the Merrimack Valley’s hard-working people. And now that the real-deal winter is upon us, we have all sorts of ways to savor its electric poetry: after a frosty afternoon of leaf raking, during a chilly morning commute, or alongside a cozy read of your favorite local magazine.

I’m not above a little bias confirmation when it suits me. I love caffeine in all its forms, and if a scientific paper comes out suggesting the drinks that contain it might be good for me? Count me among the believers. Fortunately, science seems to confirm my faith more often than not.

 

Starting with the mild — yes, cocoa counts. Legit hot chocolate can boast around 25 mgs of caffeine, whereas the stuff made with powder might only have 5. You might want to consider this when dispensing it to children before bedtime. But otherwise, the health benefits of chocolate are well-documented. Add to the claims made in its favor a small study published last month and reported on at Insider.com.

The author notes: “Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign looked at 18 healthy adult men who completed two increasingly difficult cognitive tests. The participants were tested after receiving either a cocoa drink high in flavanols, or a placebo drink of processed cocoa without flavanols.

“The study found participants who drank the flavanol-rich cocoa performed significantly better on the cognitive tests, completing them 11% faster on average compared to when they drank the placebo.” In short, hot chocolate seems to boost cognitive abilities, and this appears to correlate with its abundance of flavanols — plant compounds that appear to have a positive impact on human health. The abstract of the original study notes, “Emerging evidence also suggests that flavanol-rich diets protect against cognitive aging, but mechanisms remain elusive.” The implications are big, particular when you them in the light of age-related conditions such as dementia.

Brew a cup and read on.

Another organic plant compound, polyphenols, seem to confer health benefits in the appropriate dose. They are thought to help with weight control, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and are used traditionally to aid digestion. Tea is abundant with them, but not all teas are created equal. Want to know the breakdown? TeaGuardian has an infographic that makes it easy to understand. In short, if you want to boost polyphenol content, drink the real stuff: tea freshly brewed from tea leaves, not tea bags, not the stuff that comes in a bottle. But you probably figured that, right? Additionally, opt for the leaves from the top of the plant.

At last, we come to coffee, the King of Caffeine. Big claims are made for its health benefits over at BGR.com. Dig this: “Based on the latest research, it seems that drinking a seemingly large amount of coffee is not only not bad for you (at least in terms of overall health) but it may actually boost your defenses against things like Alzheimer’s disease as well as heart disease. It’s also been shown to reduce stroke risk and mitigate the chances of developing diabetes.”

This is the point where I’m supposed to blah blah blah say all things in moderation blah blah and check with your doctor, blah blah. And you really should. I mean, I’m joking, but I’m not. You’re really not going to trust important health decisions to some dude on the internet just because he can string some sentences together, are you?

I can only speak for myself. For me, the kettle is on, and I’ll continue to measure out my life with coffee spoons, and drink the stuff in Balzacian quantities.

And if all this has you curious and wanting to learn more about how to brew, and not just why, the coffee curious should check out YouTuber James Hoffmann, a cafe owner, barista champion and mad scientist of all things ground and steeped. See for yourself, here. He has no peer in the tea world, although Tea House Ghost does a great job of teaching techniques that will up your tea game. You can find his videos here.

Wellness Wednesday – 10/28/20

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WELLNESS AROUND THE WEB

How to Embrace a Coronavirus Winter

After a summer of socially distanced outdoor activities, cold weather acts as a stark reminder that a coronavirus winter is upon us. In a recent article, BlueZones.com discusses the concept of “open-air living” and embracing the outdoors regardless of the forecast.

Friluftsliv is a Norwegian word that illustrates commitment to celebrating time outdoors. And it doesn’t have to be skating or skiing — it’s a long walk outside, a picnic in the backyard, a hike through the woods, a bike commute, daily dog walks, or a drink at an outdoor heated patio.

It’s been shown that spending time outdoors can boost happiness, improve productivity and reduce stress. This winter, don’t let the cold weather keep you from getting out of the house. To help motivate you, BlueZones has shared tips to help promote outdoor time even in the coldest months. Some of the tips include dress to linger (make it as comfortable as possible to be outside), put your winter boots by the door (to remind you to walk daily) and aim for at least 10 minutes of outdoor time a day.

 

Coffee and Green Tea May Lower Death Risk for Some Adults

Coffee and tea are two of the most consumed beverages on the planet. They are both enjoyed by billions of people for various reasons, and an increasing number of studies suggest they are good for you.

In a recent article, BigThink.com discusses another study attesting to the health benefits of these drinks. A several-year review of the health and dietary habits of nearly 5,000 Type 2 diabetics shows that those who drink more coffee and tea can enjoy a dramatically reduced death rate.

The study found that subjects who drank more than one cup of tea or coffee per day demonstrated lower odds of dying than those who had none. Those who consumed the most tea and coffee, more than four and two cups a day, respectively, enjoyed the most significant reductions in their risk of death. This level of consumption was associated with a 40% lower risk of death.

Most interestingly, the effects of drinking tea and coffee appear to combine to reduce risk even further. Those who reported drinking two or three cups of tea a day and two or more cups of coffee were 51% less likely to die during the study, while those who drank a whopping four or more cups of tea and two or more cups of coffee had a 63% lower risk of death.

This doesn’t mean that you should start swimming in a tub of coffee every day, but a cup or two probably won’t hurt.

Scientists Weigh in on the Great Trekking Pole Debate

Trekking poles elicit mixed feelings. Some love them but others suggest that using poles too much will sap your balance and coordination, thus raising the risk of accidents in situations like crossing ridges that are too narrow for poles.

There have actually been quite a few studies investigating the pros and cons of pole use, and they’re summarized in a new review article by Ashley Hawke and Randall Jensen in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine.

Some of the points may come as a surprise. Data suggest that trekking poles actually help burn more calories. It’s about a 20% calorie bonus thanks to the added demands of using your upper body muscles. Additionally, the use of trekking poles helps take some if the load off your joints and muscles. Poles also help you brake when you’re descending, reducing the eccentric muscle contractions that damage your muscles and leave your legs sore the next day.

L.A.’s Coast Was Once a DDT Dumping Ground

Not far from Santa Catalina Island, UC Santa Barbara scientist David Valentine decoded unusual signals underwater that gave him chills.

The LA Times report that Valentine was supposed to be studying methane seeps that day, but he discovered as many as half a million barrels filled with banned toxic chemicals littered across ocean floor.

Tales of this buried secret bubbling under the sea had haunted Valentine for years: a largely unknown chapter in the most infamous case of environmental destruction off the coast of Los Angeles — one lasting decades, costing tens of millions of dollars, frustrating generations of scientists. The fouling of the ocean was so reckless, some said, it seemed unimaginable.

From 1947 to 1982, the nation’s largest manufacturer of DDT — a pesticide so powerful that it poisoned birds and fish — was based in Los Angeles.

To read more about the history and affects of DDT and its dumping, click here.

Wellness Wednesday – 5/6/20

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WELLNESS TIP OF THE WEEK

Pentucket Medical Has Established a Respiratory Illness Clinic

Pentucket Medical has established a Respiratory Illness Clinic (RIC) to eval­uate patients with respirato­ry symptoms and to determine whether they can be treated safely in the outpatient set­ting. Since March 16, over 1400 patients have been well cared for at the RIC.

Patients need a referral from their primary care provider before coming in. Once the referral is made, patients will be tested via drive thru testing or evaluated in the clinic with testing. For more information, click here.

 

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WELLNESS AROUND THE WEB

On With The Learning

The weather grows warmer and our patience grows shorter. So, we adjust our face masks and patiently await May 18. This time has not only been a true test of how we adapt under pressure, but of our ability to endure the most unusual, frightening circumstances. Our collective safety and sanity remain paramount, and we’ve got just that in store for you this Wellness Wednesday.

Schools may be closed, but work hasn’t has stopped for middle school science teacher and founder of Whiz Kids, Mark McKellar. Whiz Kids began as a way to bring the wonder of science right to your home by offering STEM-based birthday parties for children between the ages of six and 12. 

Like many local businesses across the Merrimack Valley, Whiz Kids has ceased operations during what would be a busy season of spring birthdays due to the effects of COVID-19. However, McKellar, who goes by “Metric Mark,” has persisted with remote learning videos to help continue bringing  science to children throughout this new normal.  “I’m trying to support our parents who suddenly have the job of ‘teacher’ thrusted upon them,” says Metric Mark. “Many parents are struggling with supporting their kids with remote learning and keeping their kids engaged. What we’ve been doing is posting short videos of easy, interesting experiments parents can do with their kids.”

These video experiments, called “Saturday Morning Science,” encourage children to use household items in place of scientific equipment, such as test tubes or flasks. These videos cover a wide range of scientific topics, from growing plants at home to air pressure to the electrolysis of water. They can be accessed here.

Check out our interview with Metric Mark on today’s episode of The 495 podcast at 12:30 p.m.

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Enjoy Less Traffic, But Remember to Drive Safe

While quarantine means that your morning commute might be swifter, the roads are not any safer. In fact, they might be more dangerous. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, some states, including Minnesota and Louisiana, are experiencing an increase in traffic fatalities during the COVID-19 crisis. While there may be less congestion, it is important to pay attention and drive safely at all times.

Using Technology Wisely

Quarantine doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Thanks to technology, we can lift our spirits and connect with friends while remaining safe and socially distant.

Are you missing out on a birthday celebration during quarantine? These days, we can remotely celebrate with apps such as Zoom and FaceTime. Bianca Rodriguez from Marie Claire offers ten ways to have a virtual birthday party. Even if you’re not celebrating a birthday, there’s still reason to come together. Rodriguez wrote another piece with advice on throwing a virtual game night, which can be found here.

If it seems as if you have tried everything to keep busy, add taking a virtual tour to your quarantine activity list. Yahoo offers a list of numerous virtual tours which you can find here. From art museums and national parks, to pyramids of Giza and even outer space, you can explore the world from the comfort of your couch.

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On Food and Preserving It

Adjusting to this new normal may have made you a bit sluggish and more dependent on the morning cup o’ Joe. For a healthier substitute that helps calm the mind and boost the immune system, Real Simple encourages you to try a tisane made with peppermint. An added bonus: it helps freshen morning breath.

Have you been trying to avoid the grocery store? As lines outside many local Market Baskets have been out the door and down the sidewalk, it is important to only take necessary trips during this time. HuffPost offers ways to keep your fresh food lasting longer. Not only will these simple tasks save you money, you won’t be running to the grocery store as often!

Wellness Wednesday – 3/11/20

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WELLNESS AROUND THE WEB

Older Adults Who Drink Tea Are Less Likely To Be Depressed

Depression is common among older adults, with 7% of those over the age of 60 years reporting “major depressive disorder.”

According to MedicalNewsToday.com, a study by researchers from the National University of Singapore and Fudan University in Shanghai found a statistically significant link between regular tea drinking and lower levels of depression in seniors.

Research shows that tea and some of its ingredients — catechin, theanine, and caffeine — can produce positive effects on mood, cognitive ability, cardiovascular health, cancer prevention and mortality.

To read more, visit MedicalNewsToday.com’s article here.

 

The Source of Peanut Allergies

An article by Inverse.com reports that scientists have discovered an allergy factory in a surprising place: the human gut.

A study recently published in Science points to the gut as the home of these allergy-causing antibodies, which offers insight into the mechanisms that drive their existence. The research was conducted on people with peanut allergies, but the findings could be game-changing for the estimated one in 10 adults with food allergies. Down the line, guided by this information, researchers may be able to hijack this production line and stop allergic reactions in their tracks.

You can read all about it at Inverse.com, here.

Mustaches May Guard Against Sun’s Rays

Not just a masculine addition to one’s appearance, mustaches, according to a new study, can also guard against lip cancer.

WebMD.com recently reported that researchers from the University of Kentucky Health System determined that years of mustache-wearing ultimately translates into a 16 times lower risk for developing actinic keratosis, an early sign of skin cancer, on their lower lip. The finding held up even after accounting for other risk factors, such as family history of skin cancer, a personal history of sunburns, a smoking habit, and/or age.

To read more about the study, visit WebMD.com‘s article here.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

March 13

3rd Annual ‘Dream Builders’ Gala & Auction

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host the 13th Annual “Dream Builders” gala  and auction
at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center from 6 to 10 p.m.

Lowell, Mass. | Build2020.GiveSmart.com

March 24

Billerica Garden Club’s 90th Anniversary

Billerica Garden Club’s 90th Anniversary presents Spring Fling with floral designer Christina of Platinum Posies.

Billerica, Mass. | GCFM.org

March 26

Annual Thomas G. Kelakos Community Spirit Award

Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell honors Kathy and Scott Plath for their many contributions to the Lowell community.

Lowell, Mass. | LowellKiwanis.org

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