Smoke point is not a reliable indicator of cooking oil safety; oxidative stability and PUFA content are the key factors in determining an oil’s suitability for cooking. Tallow and ghee are best for high heat, while butter and coconut oil are ideal for medium heat.

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/17/best-fats-for-cooking.aspx

• The research highlights several biomarkers to predict exceptional longevity, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these indicators for health benefits
• Centenarians consistently maintain lower levels of glucose, creatinine and uric acid from their 60s, with very few having glucose levels above 6.5 mmol/L or creatinine levels above 125 µmol/L earlier in life
• The study highlights that biomarker differences appear long before death, indicating that genetics and lifestyle choices significantly influence longevity
• A large dataset of 44,636 Swedes was used in the study, providing robust insights into the factors contributing to living beyond a century
• The study reveals a gender disparity in exceptional longevity, with women comprising 84.6% of the centenarians studied, highlighting biological advantages in female aging

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/20/secrets-of-centenarian-longevity.aspx

• Alzheimer’s disease affects over 50 million people worldwide, with poor sleep being a significant risk factor
• Disrupted circadian rhythms are common in Alzheimer’s patients and exacerbate cognitive decline; when your melatonin levels are balanced, you support the synchronization of your brain’s internal clocks, which enhances overall brain function and resilience
• Clinical studies show melatonin supplementation improves cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients, with decreased melatonin levels serving as an early indicator of the disease
• Melatonin functions as a powerful antioxidant, supports immune system health, aids reproductive success, reduces post-operative pain and has anticancer properties; it also helps maintain the integrity of your blood-brain barrier, an important defense that keeps harmful substances out of your brain
• Natural melatonin production can be optimized through morning sunlight exposure, minimizing evening blue light, maintaining a dark bedroom and reducing stress before bedtime

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/18/melatonin-alzheimers.aspx

• When using supplements, choosing the right ones for your need is only a part of the equation — taking them at the right time, with or without food, is also essential to maximize their effectiveness
• Water-soluble vitamins are best taken with food during daytime, while fat-soluble vitamins need to be taken with meals containing healthy fats, either in the day or evening
• Minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc also have specific timing requirements — calcium works best in divided doses, magnesium before bed and zinc during daytime with food
• Fitness supplements, like beta-alanine, beetroot juice and creatine, require specific timing around workouts and meals to maximize their effectiveness for athletic performance and recovery
• While supplement timing enhances benefits, a nutritionally balanced diet remains the foundation of your health; whole foods provide the most bioavailable nutrients and reduce the need for supplements

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/21/best-time-to-take-your-supplements.aspx

In conventional mental health treatment, benzodiazepines have long been a staple for managing anxiety, insomnia and various other conditions. Medications such as Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin are prescribed to millions, offering temporary relief to those grappling with overwhelming stress and panic.

However, as illuminated in film “As Prescribed,” the widespread use of benzodiazepines carries significant risks of dependency, severe withdrawal symptoms and profound impacts on individuals and their families.¹ The documentary explores the human cost of benzodiazepine dependence, the legislative battles to regulate their prescription, the divided stance within the medical community and the support systems emerging to help those affected.

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/21/benzodiazepines-as-prescribed-documentary.aspx

Laura Frontiero writes:

Did you know that autoimmune conditions have tripled in the last 30 years?

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s, lupus are your body’s way of waving a red flag – and mounting evidence suggests that flag is often planted in your gut.

The Gut-Immune Connection

Groundbreaking research has revealed that the root cause of many autoimmune disorders may lie in the gut microbiome.

Your gut lining serves as a critical barrier, carefully controlling what enters your bloodstream. When this delicate barrier becomes compromised (a condition known as “leaky gut”), it can trigger a cascade of immune dysfunction.

Toxins, undigested food particles, and harmful bacteria that leak through the damaged gut lining can provoke your immune system into a state of high alert, leading to chronic inflammation and misguided attacks on healthy tissues.

The Surprising Symptoms

This gut-driven immune confusion can manifest in seemingly unrelated ways:

Inexplicable joint pain and stiffness

Chronic skin conditions that won’t resolve

Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest

Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

While these symptoms may seem disconnected, they often share a common denominator: a leaky gut that needs repair.

How to Resolve Autoimmunity

Healing your gut lining is a critical step in restoring immune regulation and calming the systemic inflammation that fuels autoimmunity.

However, many leaky gut symptoms actually have no digestive component, which is why it often goes unnoticed and untreated.

There are 10 surprising symptoms you should know about – and I’ve created a resource that walks you through each one…

Plus, the science-backed strategies to help repair your gut and rebalance your immune function.
Decode Your Symptoms

If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition – or you are experiencing the symptoms in my guide – taking the actions I’ve outlined can help kickstart your healing.

Of course, that’s just the first step.

The next one should involve speaking with a healthcare provider and also getting a gut test.

This test reveals exactly what’s going on in your microbiome – including unseen infections, too many “bad” gut bugs, and the presence of sneaky pathogens wreaking havoc and fanning the flames of inflammation – so we can take targeted actions to resolve those issues.

Chances are good that once you resolve the root causes causing your immune system to be on overdrive, you can alleviate (or even reverse!) your autoimmunity.

Pop into my article “Leaky Gut Signs: 10 Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore” for all the details: https://laurafrontiero.com/10-common-symptoms-you-shouldnt-ignore/

Take Good Care,

Laura

‘Keep fit’ fads and movements from 1910 to 2010 – presenting 100 years of women’s fitness in 100 seconds.

https://www.flixxy.com/100-years-of-fitness-in-100-seconds.htm

…this is a dense scientific discussion on the fine details of the specifics of resistance training as a form of health. I felt it was important to bring it to the public as it is somewhat controversial, but it clearly will only be useful for a small segment of the population.

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/22/concentric-vs-eccentric-exercise.aspx

Joseph Mercola writes:

At face value, fake meat sounds like the perfect solution to end world hunger, protect animal welfare and save the planet from environmental destruction. Even a brief look below the surface reveals a much more nefarious reality, however.

To help raise awareness about this latest assault on human health, I recently spoke with host Polly Tommey on “Tea Time,” a program by Children’s Health Defense, about the dangers of fake meat products.

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/22/fake-meat-dangers.aspx