Friday's Top 5 Tips and Trends

Happy Friday! It’s time for our weekly recap of all the health news that you can use.

1. Celebrate Noodle Month!

Did you know that March is Noodle Month? Yes, there is such a thing, and why not? Noodle dishes are delicious, nutrient-packed, and span many cultures around the world. To celebrate Noodle Month, check out all-star recipe developer Matthew Kadey’s article “Oodles of Noodles” and get cooking!

2. Get more sleep, for your brain’s sake!

According to a recent animal study, prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to the loss of 25 percent of certain brain cells. Yikes! Although researchers can’t say for sure whether the results apply to humans, they certainly might. The truth is: many of us don’t get enough sleep each night. Learn how to stay synchronized with your natural body clock and finally get enough shut-eye.

3.  Vigorous exercise reduces flu risk

The flu season may be on its way out, but it’s not quite done yet. Thankfully, a new study gives us a tip for one way to help prevent it: vigorous exercise. Participants in the study who exercised vigorously for two and a half hours each week were less likely to get the flu. The most effective exercise appeared to be cycling, running, and competitive sports.

4. More benefits of oats uncovered

It’s no surprise that oats are high in fibre and have been shown to help reduce cholesterol, but now, new research is showing that they also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and anti-cancer properties. Why not serve up a steaming hot bowl of homemade oatmeal for breakfast, or use oats in savoury cooking during the rest of the day? Get inspiration from these delicious oat recipes!

5. Warm up well to protect your knees

Athletes who play sports such as basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, and skiing are at high risk of long-term knee damage due to the sports’ stress on knee ligaments during hard landings and sudden changes in direction. Researchers at Columbia University have uncovered a simple, convenient way to help protect your knees before exercising: warming up! Check out our article “Warming Up and Cooling Down” to learn how.