Prevention September 2019

SEE THE BIG SMILES in that picture? Three of those women lost a lot of weight, and their trainer and I are thrilled for them. I’m impressed for another reason too: They made a decision to focus on themselves, and that’s what led them to drop the pounds. Antionette, Andrea, and Jill are proof that you can’t make a big change to your health unless you are willing to say to yourself, I matter. Do you believe, deep down, that you do? I hope so. I’m also grateful to them for sharing their stories on page 46. Weight and weight loss are really personal for a lot of us, but it’s so helpful to hear what others have experienced. I think you’ll be inspired by these women, and I’d love to…

The Blueberry Heart Boost A cup of blueberries a day could keep the doctor away, says a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (funded by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council). Among a small group of adults with metabolic syndrome—a condition characterized by having at least three heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess belly fat—eating the equivalent of 1 cup of the berries daily for six months was associated with improved vascular function. Specifically, the improvement was in the stiffness of heart arteries, a benefit that may be due to compounds in blueberries called anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and other cardioprotective effects, says Aedin Cassidy, study author and a professor of nutrition at University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School. Toss…

ZA’ATAR There are many versions of this Middle Eastern spice mix, but most include herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, marjoram, mint, sumac, salt, and sesame seeds. “I love combining it with good quality extra virgin olive oil for a flavorful bread dip or to swirl into hummus,” says Moore. Or, use it to season veggies. SUMAC This bright purple spice has a tangy, citrusy flavor. It pairs well with fish, but can also be sprinkled on sweet fruits like melon or used to brighten up snacks like popcorn. CHINESE 5 SPICE Warm spices like star anise, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and Szechuan peppercorns are combined to create this bold blend. Add to roasted pork or chicken, both of which stand up well to the strong flavor, or sprinkle on sweet potato wedges before roasting. HARISSA Native…

The “good” bacteria that live in our guts are also at home on—and good for—our skin, helping maintain its equilibrium so it doesn’t become irritated or overly oily or dry. “Applied topically in skincare treatments, certain probiotic strains have been shown to help reduce inflammation. Further research is needed to pinpoint which ones can fight acne and flare-ups caused by rosacea,” says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab director. For maximum efficacy, look for probiotics in treatment products such as serums and moisturizers rather than those that are rinsed off, like cleansers and masks, so the ingredients will stay on your skin. PREVENTION PICKS…

You may have seen cold-pressed juices in cafés and store aisles—now skincare brands are using the technology too. It’s a method of extracting liquid from plants using high pressure: “Cold-processing involves minimal heat and no chemicals, which preserves the ingredient’s nutrients,” explains cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. “In theory, that means it can provide skin with greater benefits.” More scientific research is needed to show exactly how the technology might help the skin, but it’s a trend that’s safe to try. 10 P.M. TO 2 A.M. This is when your skin’s rejuvenation and repair is at its height, says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in NewYork City, likely because the body’s production of the sleep-inducing, damage-repairing hormone melatonin rises a few hours after sunset. Enhance the effects by applying a night cream or…

Mothers-to-be know they shouldn’t smoke during pregnancy (or ever!), but prospective fathers should also stub out their cigs. The risk of a baby’s being born with congenital heart defects increases by 74% when the dad smokes throughout the pregnancy, according to a meta-analysis of 125 studies involving over 137,000 babies in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Researchers say the link has to do with exposure to secondhand smoke. The Case for Kindness Thinking positively may boost your health. An Iowa State University study found that college students who walked around for 12 minutes thinking kind thoughts about the people they passed reported more happiness, lower anxiety, and greater empathy than students who didn’t. “Theoretically, anyone who does this should experience some benefit; it makes us feel connected and prompts positive emotions,…