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:
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.
6 Isometric Exercises For Those Over 50
Superman
Isometric Pushup
Wall Squat
Dead Hang
Glute Bridge
Plank
Click to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqFQVOFGmjA
The Programming Is Deep
Walnut and Date Cake
Tom: This looks and sounds pretty good. Might give it a try!
This decadent Walnut Date Spice Cake combines the brain-boosting power of walnuts with naturally sweet dates for a dessert that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Each slice delivers a perfect balance of warm spices and omega-3 rich walnuts, offering a guilt-free indulgence that supports cognitive function while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients:
For the Date Paste:
2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 20-24 dates)
1 cup hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake:
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 cup finely chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
1/3 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax eggs)
1/4 cup avocado oil
For the Frosting (optional):
1 cup soaked cashews (soaked 4+ hours)
1/4 cup date paste (reserved from above)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons plant milk, as needed
Instructions:
Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the soaking water. Blend dates with the reserved water and vanilla until smooth.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of the date paste, plant milk, applesauce, flax eggs, and avocado oil.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle additional walnuts on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, blend the soaked cashews, reserved date paste, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Add plant milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting on top and garnish with additional walnuts.
Quote of the Day
“The spirit is the true self. The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman Statesman (106 BC- 43 BC)
