And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?  Dr. Seuss

The holiday season is upon us! Last minute rushes to shopping centres, long line ups, not enough time to concentrate on what is most important. Try to remember that the holidays aren’t about how much you spend, but about being around the people you care for, sharing good food and creating fond memories.

Wishing you all happy, safe and love filled holidays and the happiest of new years! See you in 2012!

Thinking Healthy:
Tips to boost your brain

By Patrizio Nardini, MSc, ND

Have you ever entered a room and forgotten why you went there?  Or caused a minor scene at a bank machine because you couldn’t remember your PIN?  Maybe it’s time to boost your brainpower.

Memory loss is generally considered a normal part of aging.  As the brain ages, it becomes less nimble and takes longer to perform certain tasks.  Underlying health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormone imbalance and hypothyroidism (low thyroid gland function) have all been shown to contribute to declining mental function.  They can lead to decreased blood flow to the brain, which can reduce its fuel supply.  If you suffer from any one of these conditions, it is important to consult your doctor before using any supplements or making dietary changes.  If you’re generally in good health and want to boost your brainpower, read on…

The old proverb “use it or lose it” is as true for the brain as any other part of the body.  Working activities into your daily routine like reading, writing, crossword puzzles, chess, or even learning a new language are excellent ways of staying mentally fit.  But don’t sit still for too long.  Get up and move.  Studies have shown that people between the ages of 20 and 60 who are physically active have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life[i].  Simple aerobic exercises like walking and swimming are beneficial because they deliver more oxygen-rich blood to the brain.  Yoga, on the other hand, soothes the nervous system.  It may improve your ability to recall information by teaching balance and poise in difficult or disorienting situations.

Much has been written on essential fatty acids (EFAs), but the fact remains they are still one of the best brain foods around.  These healthy fats, especially the Omega-3 EFAs, help maintain healthy brain cell membranes and promote blood flow to the brain.  A US study suggests that supplementation with EFAs may decrease the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease[ii].  Molecularly distilled or supercritical-extracted fish oil, from salmon, anchovies, and sardines, is an excellent source of EFAs.  Lemon flavoured fish oil makes a delicious addition to salad dressings!

The herb Ginkgo biloba has been shown to improve mental faculties in cases of age-related memory loss[iii].  Ginkgo is available in loose-leaf form, in capsules, or as a liquid extract.  But it should only be used under doctor’s supervision, especially for anyone taking blood-thinning medication or with a history of heart disease.

The Indian herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), used for its stress relieving and immune enhancing properties, is also a proven memory booster[iv].  It is available as a liquid extract or in capsule form.

Remember, your brain is an organ that needs to be fed and exercised.  If you follow any one of these simple tips, you’ll be thinking healthy before you know it.

[i] Friedland RP, Fritsch T, Smyth KA, Koss E, Lerner AJ, Chen CH, et al. Patients with Alzheimer's disease have reduced activities in midlife compared with healthy control-group members. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2001; 98: 3440-3445

[ii] Youdim KA, Martin A, Joseph JA. Essential fatty acids and the brain: possible health implications.  Int J Dev NeurosciUSA 2000; 18(4-5): 383-399

[iii] Brautigam MRH, Blommaert FA, Verleye G, et al. Treatment of age-related memory complaints with Ginkgo biloba extract: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. PhytomedicineUSA 1998; 5: 425–434.

I’m Dreaming Of A Green Christmas

I love snow! I especially have a warm place in my heart for it during the holiday season. The green Christmas I want though is the one that reduces waste and helps the environment.Here are some tips and tricks on how you can reduce your holiday waste:

• Reuse old holiday cards as labels for gifts.
• Try to buy gifts with rechargeable batteries.
• Donate old gifts to charity.
• Reuse the foam and packaging from gifts for mailing out other items.
• Compost everything possible! (Green Bin Guide)
• Turn out any and all lights during the day or when you go to sleep.
• Give living gifts like plants, trees or seeds.
• Make your presents! Sew, draw, bake, knit…Homemade is the BEST!

GREEN Events in Toronto:

• November 3, 4 and 5 – Spreading Roots
• November 8 – Chili for Charlity – Ferel Cat Colony
• November 25, 26 and 27 – Whole Life Expo

Recipe of the Month:

• You can poach the pears a day ahead, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Bonus Winter Recipe:

Sources:www.taste.com.au (Pear)

www.taste.com.au (Chocolate)

Did You Know…

Every hour, about 180 million newly formed red blood cells enter the bloodstream. Red blood cells are basically shells. Before being released from the bone marrow, most of a red blood cell’s internal structure is ejected, creating a disc-shaped balloon that is ideal for carrying oxygen and a small amount of the body’s carbon dioxide.