Golden berries (the scientific name is Physalis peruviana) are native to South America. They are the size of a cherry tomato and have a sweet and tart taste. They are delicious on their own and can be incorporated in to many types of dishes ranging from salads to baked goods.
On the health front Golden Berries are:
Anti inflammatory
High in antioxidants
Contain linoleic and oleic acid, two essential fatty acids that aid in insulin sensitivity
Help normalize blood sugar level
Contain hydroxywithanolide E, a compound research has shown to be very effective at preventing genetic mutations in the DNA of the cells in our lungs. Also it has been shown to have anti cancer effect in oral cancers
Consistently getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your good health on so many levels. For instance sleep is essential for:
Healing and repairing your heart, blood vessels, cells and tissues
Detoxification
Weight management
Blood sugar management
Immune strengthing
Brain health and memory function
But what exactly is a good night’s sleep? Well, it’s a combination of adequate duration coupled with experiencing the 4 phases of quality sleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep is experienced in 4 phases ending with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and the stages repeat in order every 90-110 minutes as follows:
Stages 1 and 2 are a progression from light sleep through to a gradual slowing of brain waves. In Stage 3 we enter a deeper sleep. If we are awakened during this phase we may feel quite disoriented. Stage 4 is the REM phase. In this final stage our breathing quickens and our eyes move beneath our eyelids. This is our deepest stage of sleep where we can get our most powerful dreams.
So knowing the importance and the characteristics of a good night’s sleep, the question becomes how do we go about achieving it? As they say there are many ways to skin a cat but here are my top 5 recommendations:
Create a bedtime routine. This will send a signal to your body that rest is coming and then those lovely sleepy time hormones will kick in. For example, turn the lights down, brush your teeth and get in to your jammies at the same time each night.
Turn all electronics off 1/2 hour before bedtime and keep them out of the bedroom. This will allow your brain to settle down for the night.
Sleep in a cool, dark room.
Do not eat right before bedtime. You want your body to be in repair mode not digestion mode.
Once you are in bed do some deep breathing to slow everything down. I always recommend Dr. Weil’s 4-7-8 technique. Breathe in for 4. Hold for 7. Breathe out for 8. Repeat this a few times.
Start working these tips in to your nightly routine and let your good sleep get to work!
Every Tuesday from 11am -12pm I host The Health Hub, an interactive, forward thinking talk show on Radio Maria Canada. Call, tweet or email your questions as together we explore health issues that are relevant to you from new and innovative points of view.
This Week on TheHealthHub…
Matt VanderHelm from Master Chef Canada Season 4
Feeling unfulfilled, Matt VanderHelm left the corporate world to follow his passion for cooking. After applying for and winning a spot on Master Chef Canada Season 4, Matt made it to the Top 8 of the current season before elimination. Currently Matt is living out his dream as a caterer and is also working on opening a Gastro Pub in downtown Toronto.
Join us this Tuesday May 16th, 2017 as I talk to Master Chef Matt VanderHelm about healthy cooking, Master Chef and living out your passion!
Check out Matt’s Master Chef application on YouTube right HERE and visit his website HERE
Every Tuesday from 11am -12pm I host The Health Hub, an interactive, forward thinking talk show on Radio Maria Canada. Call, tweet or email your questions as together we explore health issues that are relevant to you from new and innovative points of view.
This Week on TheHealthHub…
Greg Herriott from Mettrum Originals
For over 24 years, Greg Herriott has been defined as a pioneer in the hemp industry.
Well ahead of the curve and after two years in R&D, Greg launched
HEMPOLA®, the first hemp food brand in Canada in 1995. Working alongside
Health Canada to pave the way towards industrial hemp legalization, Greg
grew the first history-making hemp harvest on Canadian soil in 1998. He
subsequently developed oil extraction methods that set the industry standard
world-wide. With numerous inventions and awards, Greg is considered a
leader in hemp innovation. From his octagon hemp straw bale & bio-fuel
heated farm home to his longstanding partnerships within the hemp farming
community and industry stakeholders, Greg remains a pivotal voice in the
Canadian hemp industry.
Please join us on Tuesday May 9th, 2017 as we talk to Greg Herriott from Mettrum Originals.
Every Tuesday from 11am -12pm I host The Health Hub, an interactive, forward thinking talk show on Radio Maria Canada. Call, tweet or email your questions as together we explore health issues that are relevant to you from new and innovative points of view.
This Week on TheHealthHub…
Wize Monkey Coffee Leaf Tea with Max Rivest
Max Rivest is the co founder of Wize Monkey Coffee Leaf Tea based in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in November 2014, Wize Monkey has won Best New Product at the World Tea Expo in 2015 and most recently has won Best Mission-Based Product at Expo West, the world’s biggest and most globally influential Natural Product Expo.
Join us on Tuesday May 2nd, 2017 as we talk to Max Rivest of Wize Monkey and learn how his company has not only had a positive impact on the tea market but also on the region of Finca La Aurora in Nicaragua.
