In the fast-paced modern world, where time is of the essence, we use everything at our disposal to make ourselves more efficient. This sometimes means using caffeine to pull off all-nighters, to complete assignments, or to do away with the mid-morning drowsiness at work. But is caffeine good for your health? Does it have any health benefits? Caffeine is a methylxanthine drug which helps to stimulate our Central Nervous System to change our brain function by altering our perception, mood, consciousness or behavior. It is found in a wide variety of plants, most commonly in the leaves and beans of the coffee plant, in tea, and in cocoa. Benefits of Caffeine Consumption A majority of the world consumes caffeine daily, in some form or other. Caffeine is absorbed in the stomach and usually reaches the bloodstream within an hour or two of consumption. It is mostly used to increase alertness, but research has shown that caffeine, in the form of coffee, reduces the risk of diseases like strokes, certain cancers (mouth and throat), Parkinson’s, etc. Caffeine can also increase the effectiveness of certain drugs, and most commonly of pain relievers. It is for this reason that a number of headache drugs have caffeine included in their formula.

Everyone wants to know the secret to a good life and a healthy body is, of course, a necessary part of that ideal state. So what’s the secret to a healthy body? Well, there are no easy answers there. But blueberries are probably the closest thing you can have to one. Blueberries are a veritable treasure-trove of nutrients . Consuming a single cup of blueberries gives you Resveratrol, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Gallic acid, Vitamin C (25 % DV), Vitamin K (36 % DV), Manganese (25 % DV) and Fiber (17% DV). Bogged down by all the nutritional data above? Fret not! Read on to have the numerous health benefits of blueberries demystified for you. Health Benefits of Blueberries Helps you lose weight Blueberries are high in fiber , low on the glycemic index and low in calories – three factors that make them a powerful means of losing weight. Low glycemic index foods are absorbed in a slower rate by the body and remain in the digestive tract for longer (which has earned them the nickname ‘slow carbs’). Consequently, consuming them helps you control your appetite and restrain your hunger pangs. So consider having some blueberries if you want those (weighing) scales to shift in your favor!

Do you know that your diet is not complete without some essential nutrients? These nutrients perform crucial functions. Also, the deficiency of these nutrients could lead to serious cognitive disturbances, neural problems, and other health issues. Sounds scary? Relax and just add seafood to your diet! Seafood contains a lot of these essential nutrients and is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). So, here are 6 health benefits of seafood: Your heart will be grateful to you Yes! Seafood is essential for the proper functioning of your heart. Essential fatty acids found in seafood help prevent heart diseases by reducing the fat content of the blood. Research shows that people who consume seafood have lesser heart problems than those whose diet is devoid of seafood. It boosts the grey matter of your brain The essential fatty acids in seafood increase the grey matter of the brain, thereby positively affecting behavior and cognition. These fatty acids improve memory, learning, and other psychological skills. This, in turn, reduces long-term cognitive decline and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. For essential fatty acids to be fully available to you, eat baked or boiled fish. Essential for your skin and hair Your skin and hair require the essential fatty acids present in seafood.

Frequently, we come across people who say that they are dieting yet they see no results . Neither do they see a reduction in their pounds, nor do they see any change physically. Given below are the main reasons why you are not losing weight in spite of dieting. Common Diet Mistakes Not having a realistic goal Yes, you read it right – you may not have a realistic goal! Most people set too lofty goals to reach when it comes to losing weight without understanding their underlying physiology. Before-After transformation programs where we hear stories of people losing 20 pounds in a month also do not help with out goals. You need to understand that you are unique and how much weight you gain or lose depends on your genotype, eating habits, metabolic rate, life style, workout, and the amount of sleep you get each day. Before you start dieting you must experiment a little so that you understand how your body reacts to various types of food, how much sleep you get on an average, what your the metabolic rate is, and if you have any toxic food habits that might be silently adding to your weight. After understanding this, set realistic goals that you can achieve in five to six months that are based on the amount of commitment you can offer.

Is there something fishy in your diet? Well, if not, you might be missing out a very important source of nutrition. Experts recommend a regular intake of fish at least twice a week so that you can get a good supply of the essential fatty acids, protein and other nutrients that are mostly present in fish. But when it comes to eating fish, not all types of fishes can be entrusted with the job of providing the above-said nutrients. There is also the problem of mercury toxicity in fish. Sustainability of the sea ecosystem is also a matter of concern. Many times, due to reckless fishing, the aquatic ecosystem is damaged, which also leads to other environmental damage. So, as citizens of this planet, we need to be aware of the moral responsibilities that are connected with consuming fish. But why do we even need fish? Most types of fishes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, namely Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are important for the heart, brain, immune system, skin, and hair. The deficiency of these fatty acids leads to cardiovascular problems, diabetes mellitus, behavioral and cognitive problems, skin and hair problems, etc. Can’t we get this from vegetables or synthesize in the body?