Pumpkin seeds are one of the best natural sources of magnesium, a mineral that’s important for keeping blood pressure in check. They’re also a good source of several other minerals, unsaturated fats, and fiber.
While there is no cure for the common cold, there are plenty of remedies, such as zinc lozenges, vitamin C, and even old-fashioned chicken soup. Taking them at the first onset of symptoms like a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, and achiness may reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. While the science is somewhat mixed on their effectiveness, experts suggest there is often little harm in trying them.
The color and smell of a person’s urine can be affected by foods, vitamins, or medications, but there are also medical conditions that can cause changes in urine.
With the effectiveness of multivitamins in question, it is possible to get the required amounts of vitamins and minerals through diet alone, even for those watching calories, by focusing on nutrient-dense foods.
A study published July 8, 2020, by The BMJ found that people with the highest intakes of fruits and vegetables were 25-50% less likely to get diabetes during the study period, compared with people who ate the least.
Flavonoids, a class of micronutrients found in most plant foods, have been shown to possibly reduce the risk of dementia by protecting brain cells, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Following a plant-based diet and aiming for at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day can help people get sufficient amounts of flavonoids.
Even slightly elevated blood pressure in middle age has been linked to a 30% higher risk of dementia two decades later. High blood pressure accelerates atherosclerosis and leaves people prone to an ischemic stroke, which may contribute to vascular dementia. But high blood pressure can also cause the walls of smaller arteries to thicken, raising the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Minor strokes in smaller vessels may go unnoticed, but the damage from many small, silent stokes may accumulate, leading to cognitive problems. Taking blood pressure drugs may help people avoid these risks.