Yogurt’s healthy probiotic bacteria boost the body’s production of interferon, a infection fighting protein. Studies show interferon can cut the risk of viral infections and colds by up to 50% and helps speed recovery time by 74%. Look for yogurt brands with the “live and active cultures” seal.

Lastly, yogurt contains the amino acid tryptophan that the body converts into calming neurotransmitters melatonin and serotonin. Always opt for the Greek varieties which contain more protein. March on my yogurt eating soliders!!

I was at the Farmers Market in Beverly Hills and there was a crowd around this one organic stand…… Of course I had to investigate! What was the deal-e-o?? It was the “Yum Yum plums”
Everyone was raving about these multi-colored plums! I bought a few and was on my way…… Two days later I tried one…….. Oh my god!! It was the best plum I have ever tasted! EVER!! So the researcher that I am, investigates THE PLUM……… Stick with me here! In a study done by Texas A&M University, plums came out on top of the list for antioxidants and phytonutrients! Some varieties had even more antioxidants than blueberries!! Pick a plum! EAT PLUMS! YUM!

So how do we do it? Gently press your right thumb against your right nostril. Inhale and exhale through your left nostril 27 times. Repeat this four times a day and watch your memory improve!!

Yes my beautiful people! Instant stress relief! There is a very simple breathing exercise that will stop stress in a snap! Slowing your breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower heart rate, perspiration and other physical symptoms of stress. Let’s de-stress………

Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and say “calm” in your head as you inhale. As you exhale, say “down” to yourself. Repeat several times. Focusing on breathing quiets the mind while releasing tension. Another quick way to stop stress…….. Pop some gum! There was a study that found that gum chewing increases the blood flow to the brain by up to 40 percent….. helping you become calm instead of being a prisoner of your emotions.

Anger……. Is it good or is it bad? A little anger may be good for us! New studies suggest that people that are riled-up make better decisions. Anger opposed to fear or anxiety can prompt your brain to release less cortisol, the powerful stress hormone linked to problems like heart disease, obesity and bone loss. Women……. Soft, nurturing and sensitive? Can we still let it rip effectively? According to Julie K. Norem, Ph.D., author of “The Positive of Negative Thinking” there are effective ways to get that beast out and not go overboard.

The next book on our enlightened reading list is………… “Laughter, Tears, Silence: Expressive Mediations to Calm Your Mind and Open your Heart”…….. By trained meditation master and spiritual teacher Pragito Dove. Each chapter includes a number of exercises which are not your run of the mill……. sit for hours and don’t think, meditations. This charming book makes mediation accessible for all by setting a very relaxed tone making sure that even the non-meditator can par-take. There are some great meditations for beginners with great names such as……. ” Watch Rush Hour Go By” and “Playfulness Is Here and Now”

In the next few days I will bring you a few choices for some enlightened reading………. Even the most self-sufficient among us can use a little help sometimes! The first one I want to share with you is………….. “The Passion Test: The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Life Purpose”. This New York Times best-seller, By Janet Bray Attwood and Chris Attwood is brilliant in it’s simplicity. The book outlines several insights on working through obstacles and let’s you know that choosing what you want in life is not selfish but instead allows you to be more loving and patient towards others. Let’s get enlightened!! YAY!!

Inflammation…….. Not good. Not good anywhere in your body! A new study in the British Medical Journal found that even minor gum inflammation can take a toll on your arteries. Sooooooooooooo if you are one of the 40 percent of women who confess to poor oral hygiene, please know that you may be harming not only your teeth and gums but your heart as well. In this same study they found that people who brushed their teeth twice a day were 30 percent less likely to develop heart disease. So simple!

Get off your butt and brush! And don’t forget to floss!!

The immunity-boosting sweetener! Rich in cancer fighting polyphenols, honey’s health benefits are enormous…… And it comes in a million different varieties! Honey is an amazing energy source and just one spoonful a day will help keep the free radicals at bay! Daily consumption of honey raises blood levels of protective antioxidant compounds in humans, according to research by biochemist Heidrun Gross.

To get the most benefits from honey, buy the raw buckwheat which has more antioxidants than the lighter colored. Drizzle on fruit, mix with your plain Greek yogurt or spread it on some whole wheat toast! YAY for Honey!!