Sensual world

We may know in our minds that life in harmony with nature is healthier. But if we live apart from nature, or without rich harmony in our lives, we may miss or forget the experience of the remarkable natural world. Wild nature is a sensual world, overflowing with compelling experiences and evocative feelings. Perhaps this photo will inspire you to immerse yourself in the world around you more deeply and attentively. If you want more motivation, try Sensual World and see if you are not compelled to reach out to nature anew.

Brunch bliss

Yummy ground pork in a masala sauce with diced red onion and dried papaya, with mixed greens and raw veggies…garnished with pistachios, parsley, tarragon, coriander, and red pepper…

Olive life

A new study by the Université Bordeaux has concluded that high olive oil consumption – in cooking and salad dressings – is strongly correlated with a reduced risk of stroke. The latest findings align with earlier research showing similar olive oil benefits in reducing diabetes, hypertension, lipid profile, coronary artery disease, and obesity risks. Together, these extended findings suggest that olive oil plays an important role in the superior general health outcomes of the Mediterranean basin. The new study of more than 7500 people aged 65 and older adjusted results for other dietary and lifestyle differences, and found a nearly 75 percent reduction in stroke risk between high and low olive oil users. Learn more about the new study at Olive Oil & Stroke Prevention.

Light hike

We don’t always need a long or hard hike to improve our health…sometimes a light one is what we most need.

Stalling longevity

A new analysis published in the journal Population Health Metrics suggests that U.S. longevity progress has begun to stall. The researchers conclude that a decline in longevity is now occurring in absolute terms among women living primarily in southern states and representing almost 25% of the nation’s counties. They also caution that overall U.S. longevity is now broadly slipping relative to other industrialized countries and many industrializing ones, with the U.S. projected to be ranked 37th in the world for men and women based on the new analysis. Though high income inequality in the U.S. is predicted by some research to reduce health and limit progress on longevity, the new results are still startling given that the U.S. has the highest levels of health spending per capita in the world. Less surprisingly, the negative and trailing longevity trends are attributed by the researchers to increased smoking and high blood pressure among women, and to rapidly accelerating obesity overall. All are health risks that have proven resistant to traditional medical and public health efforts. Learn more about the new findings at U.S. Life Expectancy Slips or read the full report at Falling Behind.

Stay low

On the marine food chain that is, where the world’s healthiest proteins wait. No need to give up taste, as this spicy shrimp and broccoli salad shows…served with mixed greens and raw veggies, and garnished with almonds, parsley, anise, tarragon, and black pepper…

Veggies al fresco

Simple quartered vegetable omelet with mixed greens, tomatoes and diced cucumber…to the table in minutes…garnished with pistachio, parsley, paprika, marjoram, coriander, anise, and black pepper…

Misty delight

Can’t guarantee every hike or walk you take will offer views as big and uplifting as this, but you should still expect to be delighted each time you rise above the mist of everyday life and re-enter the larger natural world…

Diets ranked

A new comparison of popular diet plans has just been released by U.S. News & World Report. The plans were evaluated by a panel of experts, whose conclusions reasonably reflect our current scientific understanding of optimal human nutrition – including some gaps and open hypotheses that scientists have yet to resolve. Without singling out specific plans here, the panel concluded that programs emphasizing high vegetable and fruit consumption, moderation of processed carbohydrates and fats generally, and consistent interpersonal support during plan adoption were the most effective (in categories that included short and long-term weight optimization, cardiovascular health, and diabetes prevention). Notably, natural diets like HumanaNatura’s that follow these guidelines but further limit cooked grains, starches, and legumes were ranked lower due to the current lack of adequate long-term data on this approach. On the other hand, diets that recommend greatly limited carbohydrate consumption and calorie replacement via extra protein and fat intake were ranked lowest, based on growing data suggesting both long-term cardiovascular injury and weight instability from this approach. Learn more about the rankings at Diets Ranked or see a full summary of the panel’s conclusions at Best Diets.

Curry up

Spicy lean turkey patties and a melange of sauteed veggies with mixed greens, diced cucumbers, and cut grape tomatoes…garnished with pistachios, parsley, anise, and black pepper…