The consumption of added sugars can lead to increased inflammation, which has been shown to affect mood and cognitive function. Inflammatory markers can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.
Why I regret my tattoos…
Ellie Grey writes:
I got tattooed during a time in my life when I wasn’t fully informed about what was going into my body or what I was allowing onto my skin. Back then, it was about art, self-expression and creative identity. Today, I see it differently.
Tattoos are not harmless.
Here’s what they don’t tell you when that needle touches your skin…
Red ink often contains mercury sulphide (cinnabar)—a toxic heavy metal linked to allergic reactions, skin inflammation and systemic toxicity.
Black ink, the most commonly used, contains carbon black, which may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – classified as Group 2B carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Many tattoo pigments also include lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminium – heavy metals with known neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects.
Tattoo ink particles don’t stay in the skin. They travel through your bloodstream and often accumulate in the lymph nodes, where they can disrupt immune function and remain for life.
When exposed to UV light or laser removal, these inks can break down into even more dangerous substances, including formaldehyde, benzene, and hydrogen cyanide…all linked to cancer.
Recent studies have started exploring the link between tattoo inks and various cancers, especially skin cancers, lymphoma and other immune-related cancers as well as auto immune disorders. While research is ongoing, the emerging evidence is deeply concerning – especially when you consider how unregulated tattoo inks are in many countries.
I didn’t know this. I wish I had.
Now, as someone who lives as clean and naturally as possible…from what I eat to what I put on my skin, my tattoos feel like the one thing I can’t take back. They’re a permanent reminder of a version of myself who didn’t yet understand the consequences.
This isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness. About informed choices.
If you’re considering a tattoo, I urge you to research the ingredients, the risks, the long-term impacts. If you already have tattoos, know that detox is possible to a degree and awareness is the first step.
We deserve to know what we’re being sold as “art.”
Building Muscle At 60 by John Hansen
Three key tips.
1. Do compound exercises.
2. Make sure you have a rest day for the muscles to grow.
3. Don’t do too much cardio.
Click to view the video:
Charles Babbage And The Difference Engine
In the 1820s, Charles Babbage dreamed of eliminating deadly calculation errors that threatened sailors’ lives. His solution? The Difference Engine – a massive mechanical calculator designed to automate the creation of mathematical tables used in navigation.
Though Babbage’s original project was abandoned in 1842 due to funding issues, his detailed drawings survived. In 2002, engineers at London’s Science Museum achieved what Babbage couldn’t – they built his engine exactly to specification. The result was breathtaking: a 7-foot-tall brass and steel masterpiece containing 8,000 precision parts and weighing 5 tons.
When activated, this beautiful machine springs to life with hundreds of gears working in perfect harmony. It can calculate complex mathematical tables with flawless accuracy – proving that Babbage’s 19th-century design was sound all along.
The working Difference Engine stands today as a testament to Victorian ingenuity and the timeless pursuit of technological advancement. While it took nearly 200 years, Babbage’s mechanical marvel finally became reality.
Sources: Science Museum London, Computer History Museum, Babbage’s collected papers and correspondence.
Handyman Tips For Life
Some good ones in here!
Watch video: https://x.com/TodayiLearrned/status/1911089742516453783
Tile Remover
Interesting process for removing tiles without damaging them.
Click to view the video: https://x.com/HowThingsWork_/status/1909931547140264219
Chair That Moves With You
A practical chair that follows your movements
Click to view the video: https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1910367824234664436
‘Welcome to Planet Earth’ – Sci Fi Short Film 8 min
An astounding sci-fi animation short film created by graduating students of the ESMA Film School in Montpelier, France.
(I do recall reading somewhere that the population of Earth is composed majorly of managers, engineers, artists, sex perverts and ciminals.
Click to view the video: https://www.flixxy.com/film-school-short-animation.htm
The Worst Exercises People Still Do (And What’s Better)
Further to my previous post…
The comments are as educational as the video. Here are some:
1. The purpose of the plank is for strengthening the inner spine muscles. To use them for building is ridiculous. To use them to strengthen inner muscles for the purpose of back recover is priceless.
2.Remember that this is body building advice. Planks are good for general core stability and back pain.
3. As a career trainer and rehab specialist (23 years) I train general population. There are many factors that go into program design. I wish all my clients could safely execute the most concentric/eccentric full range of motion exercises. Alas, their injury, mobility, rom, and other limitations require “less optimal” exercises.
Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
With Easter approaching the supermarkets are full of sugar-laden super-processed unhealthy goodies, it’s time to whip up batches of these healthy and delicious Hot Cross Bun Muffins, pop them in the freezer ready for Easter. Oh and of course you should taste test a few first.
We found this recipe and just had to share it. It comes from emmaeatsandexplores.com and please check out her full blog.
These Hot Cross Bun Muffins are grain-free, gluten-free & refined-sugar free. Suitable for Paleo, Primal, Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and Vegetarian diets.
Makes 6 muffins
INGREDIENTS
170 g cashew nut butter (3/4 cup)
1 orange zested
1/2 orange juiced
3 eggs
50 g almond flour (1/2 cup) (ground almonds)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground all spice
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
100 g raisins, currants or sultanas (1/2 cup)
2 tbsps honey
1 tbsp Niulife Virgin Coconut Oil
1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
butter for greasing the muffin tray
Topping for the Cross
1 egg
2 tbsps yoghurt
1 tbsp Niulife Coconut Flour (maybe more depending on the thickness of the yoghurt and the size of the eggs)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and grease a muffin tray with butter.
2. Zest and juice the orange.
3. In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients except the bicarbonate of soda and stir well.
To make the Cross Topping
1. Mix the egg, yoghurt & coconut flour in a bowl. You’re looking for quite a firm, paste-like consistency. If it’s too liquid add more coconut flour until it firms up.
2. Spoon mixture into a piping bag with a thin nozzle.
Construct the Hot Cross Bun Muffins
1. Add the bicarbonate of soda to the Hot Cross Bun muffin mixture and stir well to combine.
2. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin holes (each one about 2/3 full).
3. Pipe a cross carefully onto the top of each muffin.
4. Bake the muffins for 12-15 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean. They should be golden brown.
5. Serve cut in half and warmed or toasted with butter.