Global Wellness Digest

Eat more Omega-3 and reduce Omega-6 for good knee health Health studies have suggested we eat more Omega-3 rich foods and fewer Omega-6 rich foods to lower inflammation in our body and reduce knee arthritis pain. Although both are PUFAs or polyunsaturated fatty acids, there are key differences between them: Omega-3 fatty acids are associated…

Japanese forest medicine is the science of using Nature to heal yourself. It is a scientific fact that trees have healing power as they release antimicrobial essentials oils called phytoncides – which protect trees from germs and these oils also boost our mood and immune system. According to physician Qing Li, Chairman of the Japanese…

Cordyceps is a fungus which appears annually that grows parasitically on ghost moth larvae. It normally inhabits the larvae in winters and forms fruiting body in summers justifying its name as “winter-worm summer-grass” (冬蟲夏草) It is also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus. There are hundreds of species of Cordyceps. Two species of Cordyceps mushroom most…

Financial Wellness Basics There are 3 ways to conduct our day-to-day financial affairs and only one of them is a pillar of financial wellness. (A) Live below your means – this philosophy is based on simplicity, contentment and prudence. Modern society and social media put pressure on us to constantly upgrade and keep up with…

Key Pointers for a Wellness Lifestyle Relax and practice self-care. Take care of your body and mind. You are the only owner of your body and mind. Make nutrition a habit. Eat well and eat simply. Good food will create a happier and healthier you. Dr Matathir Mohamad, the 97 years old (2022) former Prime…

Healthy Aging and Olive oil – Olive oil is rich in various antioxidants which play a biological role in eliminating free radicals, the molecules involved in some chronic diseases, ageing and in extending life expectancy. Many ageing-related diseases are influenced by our daily diet, in particular osteoporosis and deteriorated cognitive function. Osteoporosis is a reduction…

What are the differences between natural sugars and refined sugars?

” Indian ginseng” or Ashwagandha ( Scientific Name: Withania Somnifera) is a nontoxic Indian herb. It is part of the centuries-old Ayurveda – the traditional system of medicine in India. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, one of a class of herbs believed to help the body buffer a variety of stressors. It has therapeutic indications from…

Tongkat Ali and Maca? Have you heard of them? You are probably familiar with American ginseng and Korean ginseng and their energising benefits. On the other hand, TongKat Ali is the popular “Malaysian ginseng”. It is known to support healthy masculinity, performance and vitality. It also maintains healthy hormonal balance in men. And across the…

Best Exercises for Your Precious Bones – According to Harvard Medical School, some exercises can increase muscle mass. Muscle mass is important for muscle strength, control, balance and coordination. Good balance and coordination will prevent unnecessary falls and fractures, especially amongst the elderly. Good exercises for bone strength have the following attributes: (1) Provide resistance…

Spice up your life with ginger! One of the most useful spices for human health, the ginger and its extract or powder confer exceptionally low-cost health benefits and nutrients for us, whether we are sick or well. Ginger can help in the following ways: (1) reduce inflammation – its primary bioactive component gingerol has anti-inflammatory…

Cold Water Therapy for a Healthy Body – A review of over 100 studies by researchers from UIT The Artic University of Norway found strong evidence of significant physical and mental benefits of cold water therapy. Eg winter swimming, cold water bathing and showering. Cold water therapy will help you to lose weight, boost heart…

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies. It performs many vital functions throughout our body. Sufficient calcium is needed for healthy blood pressure, cancer prevention, healthy nerves and strong joints. Our bodies contain about 1.2kg to 1.4kg of calcium – mostly stored in our bones and teeth. In a calcium-deficient diet, the body…

“An apple a day helps keep the doctor away” is a great motto for your physical wellness. The apple is rich in fiber and antioxidants. It is the favourite fruit of ancient Greeks and Romans. There are over 7000 known cultivars of apple, boasting a great diversity of colour, shape, size and taste. It is…

The American Journal of Cardiology reported that men in their 50s who have sex 2-3 times a week have lower risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those who have sex less frequently. Researcher Susan Hall who is behind the study says that” men who are having regular sexual activity might be more likely to…

Sex and Enhanced Body Immunity – there is a piece of research which suggests that having sex 1-2 times a week may boost IGA ( a protein from the immune system that helps fight infection) The key is the production of natural opoid peptides – the happy little brain chemicals that are released during sex…

Singapore’s National Wellness Strategy focusing primarily on physical wellness and social wellness in several key areas: (1) Live well, leave well – improving palliative and end-of-life care (2) Everyone encouraged to take ownership of one’s own health eg using HealthHub SG and Healthy 365 and Government will incentivise healthy practices (3) Healthier SG – one…

Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macular pigment of the retina and research indicates that deficiency may result in higher incidence of age-related macular degeneration. Following our earlier post, do note that a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin in our regular daily diet is the yolk of the chicken egg. You can get these…

Vitamin C Power – Vitamin C is an essential vitamin and is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all tissues in the body. It enables the efficient functioning of the immune system, maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth and of course helps in faster wound healing. As an important antioxidant, it can protect…

The Egg- Nature’s Best Vitamin As we remember World Egg Day on 8 October, it is useful to reflect on the nutritious power of the humble chicken egg. It is one of the most nutrient-dense natural foods known to mankind. It contains almost every vitamin/mineral that the human body needs. Not surprisingly, the incubation period…

What is environmental wellness? It is about respecting and living in harmony with our natural surroundings and Planet Earth. It is also about appreciating nature and the importance of ecology. To develop environmental wellness, we need to know that our lifestyle affects the quality of the environment we live in. For example, fresh air, clean…