According to research studies and surveys, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults is age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. In fact, a 2022 report found that an estimated 20 million people in the United States over the age of 40 had AMD. It is very common for eyesight to get worse with age, be it from AMD, cataracts, or other ocular diseases. Fortunately, there are exercises you can do and foods you can eat that help support eye health. 

What Is AMD?

AMD is an eye disease that can blur central vision. This occurs when aging causes damage to the macula, a part of the eye that controls straight-ahead vision. The macula is a part of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. AMD is a very common condition, and the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Losing central vision makes it difficult to see faces, read, drive, or do close-up tasks. 

The condition can come on slowly in some people and faster in others. Scientists believe that one of the primary causes of AMD is exposure to oxidative stress (cell damage) and inflammatory reactions. Because of this, the theory is that including more nutrients that support vision in your diet can be beneficial in preventing AMD. Some of those nutrients include carotenoids that fight against reactive oxygen species (ROS). 

How Do Carotenoids Support Vision?

Carotenoids are the red, orange, and yellow pigments produced by plants. Astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and xanthophylls are specific carotenoids that demonstrate impressive antioxidant activity. Some studies have found these carotenoids to protect the eyes from oxidative damage. 

Both lutein and zeaxanthin are found in concentrations 1,000 times higher in the eye than other tissues in the body. Reportedly, these are beneficial in reducing the risk of developing AMD. One study found that participants with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin were 65% less likely to develop neovascular AMD compared to people with the lowest intake. Another study from 2022 found that these two carotenoids were able to protect the retina and lens from age-related changes.

Although astaxanthin is not as concentrated in the eye, it does have antioxidant properties that are ten times greater than lutein and zeaxanthin. Astaxanthin has demonstrated an ability to address choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is a hallmark feature in AMD. This feature causes oxidative stress and inflammation and blood vessels grow in the eye and leak as a result. That can lead to vision loss. 

How To Get More Carotenoids In Your Diet

The body cannot make carotenoids on its own, so it is your responsibility to consume them via foods or dietary supplements. In order to support eye health and vision longevity, experts encourage you to consume at least 10 milligrams (mg) of lutein, two mg of zeaxanthin, and six mg of astaxanthin per day.

In which foods can you find these carotenoids? Well, lutein and zeaxanthin are readily available in leafy greens (kale, spinach, and collards), avocado, orange bell peppers, green peas, and eggs. Astaxanthin primarily exists in marine-derived foods, such as shrimp, salmon, lobster, and algae. All three of these carotenoids, however, are available in various eye supplements, should you not want to worry about consuming specific foods every day. 

At the end of the day, your eyesight will get worse with age, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Try to increase your intake of the carotenoids we detailed in this article to help support eye health and protect them from AMD and other causes of age-related vision loss.

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Summer wouldn’t be complete without including stone fruit in your recipes. Although this salad calls for peaches, you can substitute them with nectarines, plums, or apricots if you have them on hand. The goal is to make your life easy, but we also want to add a little pizzazz to your regularly old salad. Kale is a great sturdy green that has just the right amount of bitterness for the sweeter peaces and juicy, tart blueberries. That said, this salad does a great job at making kale not taste like kale.

This could potentially be one of your new favorite salads during summer. The season is not over, so you still have time to get your hands on some fresh, seasonal peaches. The salad is very simple and tossed in an easy lemon vinaigrette that pairs beautifully with the kale, blueberries, peaches, and pumpkin seeds. You can enhance your content of protein and healthy fats if you want to add raw pecans (pictured). They are not required, but add an additional textural and slightly salty and nutty component. Again, make it easy on yourself, though. No need to overcomplicate your life!

When it comes to making a kale salad, one tip that we always suggest is to massage the kale. This extra step helps to soften the leaves and make them easier to eat. Alternatively, you can chop the kale finely instead of adding large leaves to your salad. If you have never massaged your kale before, there has never been a better time to start. Lastly, remove those fibrous, thick stems from the kale leaves, as they have a bitter, unpleasant taste.

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Say goodbye to leafy greens for a minute, but don’t forget about them completely. Leafy green are integral to a healthy diet, as they provide nutrients that encourage optimal overall health. Ever salad, however, does not require leafy greens, and this recipe is one of those salads. Corn is a classic summer produce item that is quite versatile. You can grill it, sauté it, steam it, or boil it and add it to salads, stir-fries, fried rice, and other dishes.

Although corn is the primary ingredient for this recipe, the dressing is the real star of the show. Vibrantly green and herbaceous, this dressing contains mint, cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt and pepper, and a touch of agave nectar for sweetness. This kiss of sweetness from the agave helps to balance the intensity, acidity, and brightness of the other ingredients. The mint really shines through and complements the corn, sliced green onion, and vegan feta cheese.

Just as a quick note, this salad is not cleanse-approved. First of all, it contains corn and uses red wine vinegar. Some people may call those ingredients “acceptable cheats” while cleansing, but a definite “no” is the vegan feta. There are several varieties of vegan feta, but Follow Your Heart makes an excellent one that tastes like the real deal. Try it for yourself and let us know! This will be a hit at your next summer potluck!

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According to rheumatologists, foods that are “anti-inflammatory” contain chemical compounds that help the body fight or avoid inflammation. Some inflammation is beneficial, as it is part of the body’s natural immune response to foreign invaders. Chronic inflammation, however, can contribute to or increase the risk of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

Eating foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce overall inflammation. That, in turn, may reduce your risk of cognitive decline, slow disease progression, and help prevent chronic health conditions. Polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin E, and flavonoids are the primary chemical compounds in anti-inflammatory foods. Foods containing these compounds are typically high in fiber, healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. 

Nuts

Naturally rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, nuts may help reduce inflammation. According to a 2023 study, almonds and walnuts can lower levels of C-reactive protein, which is released in response to inflammation, and other inflammatory markers in the blood. The same study revealed that Brazil nuts may fight oxidative stress, which occurs when there’s an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. That imbalance can trigger an inflammatory response. 

Citrus Fruits

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant present in citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and limes. A review of 21 studies included 307 healthy people and 327 people at risk for chronic disease, and the duration of the studies ranged from two to 31 weeks. The researchers concluded that those who drank 100% fresh-squeezed orange juice daily significantly lowered markers of inflammation. Citrus fruits also provide fiber, potassium, some B vitamins, flavonoids, and carotenoids, all of which may help reduce inflammation. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple in the popular Mediterranean diet, which has been studied extensively for its ability to reduce inflammation. Researchers note that olive oil is 70 to 80% oleic acid, which is a fatty acid that helps balance pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, olive oil contains oleocanthal, an antioxidant that has exhibited similar anti-inflammatory properties to non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in past research. 

Whole Grains

Whole grains include brown rice, oats, whole-wheat flour, buckwheat, bulgar wheat, wild rice, and millet. Do your best to avoid refined grains, such as white rice, all-purpose flour, and white bread, as they can cause inflammation. Whole grains are fiber superstars, so they help to balance gut microbiome and keep inflammation in check. A meta-analysis of nine randomized trials found that people who ate more whole grains had fewer inflammatory markers in their blood. Whole grains also have a positive impact on blood sugar, and since excess sugar has been linked to chronic inflammation, that’s good news for your inflammatory levels.

Beans And Legumes

Both beans and legumes are excellent sources of plant protein and anti-inflammatory compounds. Beans are rich in protein and fiber, so they help encourage a more balanced microbiome. Having a higher presence of healthy bacteria in the guy may help suppress the inflammatory process. Black beans and kidney beans also offer anthocyanins, antioxidants that are also present in black, red, and blue-colored berries. You can incorporate dried or canned beans and legumes into various recipes. Just make sure that you opt for the “no salt added” options if you use canned beans and legumes. 

Leafy Green Vegetables

Yet another reason to enjoy leafy greens! A study published in 2019 found that people who ate a diet abundant in leafy greens had lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. Kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and arugula, for example, contain different vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids that act as antioxidants. Carotenoids work to block inflammatory pathways within cells, a process that halts the production of cytokines.

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Testosterone is an androgen, a male sex hormone, that stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics as boys grow into men. The growth of body hair and the deepening of voices is all because of testosterone. Not to mention, it helps boys put on muscle as they go through adolescence. Testosterone is mainly made in the testicles and is essential for sperm production. 

Testosterone doesn’t only occur in men, though. Women have testosterone, just not as much as men do. Women produce testosterone in smaller amounts in the adrenal glands and ovaries. It affects sex drive, resilience, and ability to build muscle. Most women do not concern themselves with testosterone and tend to focus on estrogen. That said, it is a hormone that you can boost by eating certain foods. 

Men and women benefit from testosterone in myriad ways, but it primarily helps build healthy bones and muscles. It also affects muscle strength and the distribution of fat. Testosterone may even aid cognitive function, support mood, and enhance energy levels. 

Why Should Women Have Testosterone? 

Testosterone, in healthy ranges, can help the body repair and heal connective tissue, including bones, ligaments, tendons, skin, and nails. Healthy testosterone levels can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis as women age, while also influencing joint recovery. There are moments in life when women produce less testosterone, for example, before and during menopause. 

Adrenal gland function can also influence testosterone production. A stressed out or worn out person may not be able to produce enough testosterone. Cortisol that rushes through the body takes a toll on the adrenal glands. Being in a constant fight-or-flight state can deplete repair hormones like testosterone. For this reason, the healthier and more resilient the adrenal glands are, the easier it is for them to produce testosterone. 

Symptoms Of Low Testosterone In Women

Women who have low testosterone levels or testosterone deficiency may experience: 

• Fatigue (including a drop in energy levels despite adequate sleep)
• Mood changes (such as irritability and depression, in some cases)
• Weight gain (because low testosterone can lead to increased body fat, even to the point of obesity)
• Cognitive changes (some women may struggle to concentrate and experience memory difficulties)
• Decreased muscle mass (maintaining muscle is difficult with low testosterone levels)
• Reduced libido (a very common symptom in women with low testosterone)

If you are a woman and find that you can relate to the above symptoms, you may want to test your T levels. Women with T levels below 15 nanograms per deciliter have low T count. If you want to avoid supplements, the following nutrients from foods can help boost testosterone levels. 

Magnesium

Researchers note that magnesium may impact testosterone production by reducing oxidative stress. Studies suggest that magnesium works to increase testosterone levels. You can enhance testosterone production even more by increasing magnesium intake in combination with regular exercise.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Whether you are trying to boost testosterone levels or not, omega 3 fatty acids can benefit your health. Primarily found in fish and some plant-based sources, omega-3s can influence inflammation levels in the body. In some instances, supplementing with omega-3s for 12 weeks increased T levels. This was not the case for women supplementing with omega-3s.

Vitamin D

There are vitamin D receptors in the ovaries and adrenal glands, where testosterone is made in women. As vitamin D binds to these receptors, it can stimulate the ovaries and adrenal glands to produce testosterone. Additionally, getting enough vitamin D can help improve sleep quality. Poor sleep can actually reduce testosterone, so make sure to get vitamin D to support the body in these ways.

Antioxidants

According to research, antioxidants work to combat oxidative stress and protect cellular damage from free radicals. Oxidative stress can damage cells that influence testosterone production, such as those in the adrenal glands and ovaries. Antioxidants work to protect organs from damage and support their ability to produce testosterone. 

Testosterone-Boosting Foods

Focusing on whole foods and eliminating processed junk from your diet can make a world of difference to your overall health. Researchers confirm that a diet high in bread, pastries, dairy products, and desserts, in combination with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, can inhibit healthy testosterone production. Here are some testosterone-boosting foods to aid your efforts. 

Pumpkin Seeds

Naturally rich in zinc, pumpkin seeds provide a vital nutrient necessary for testosterone production. They also contain phytosterols, which are plant compounds that act similarly to cholesterol. Phytosterols also work to support testosterone levels by influencing pathways involved in steroid hormone production. 

Leafy Greens

There are many reasons to get your daily dose of leafy greens. They are naturally rich in trace minerals and other compounds that promote overall health. Kale and spinach are great sources of magnesium, which as we explained earlier, is involved with testosterone production.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate arils (which people commonly refer to as seeds), are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may help increase testosterone in both men and women. 

Onion

Naturally rich in flavonoids, onions may help increase testosterone production. Researchers note that the quercetin in onions has the potential to boost testosterone levels. The other nutrients in onions may help manage factors that lead to low T count, such as obesity and insulin resistance. 

Broccoli

Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, is another great green to add to your diet. It can help prevent the body from making bad estrogens. Indoles are the compounds that convert into diindolylmethane (DIM) during digestion. DIM may convert estrogen into less potent forms, reducing estrogen’s overall effects in the body.

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is what medical experts like to call “a silent killer.” The reason for this is because it may never show any symptoms, quietly damaging the body for years. Failure to address the problem can lead to poor quality of life, disability, or even heart disease, heart failure, or stroke. 

When you get an annual checkup, the nurse takes your blood pressure. There is a top number and a bottom number, with the top number referring to systolic pressure and the bottom number referring to diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), with a normal reading being 120/80 mmHg. Health experts note that blood pressure is considered high if the reading measures 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg.

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even cognitive decline, kidney failure, and aneurysms. Because 28% of Americans have high blood pressure and don’t know it, make sure to schedule annual checkups to stay on top of it. Although medication can lower blood pressure, it can cause adverse side effects. Fortunately, there are many ways to naturally lower blood pressure. Continue reading to learn about them. 

Breathe Deeply

If you want to help lower your blood pressure, consider practicing a deep breathing exercise every morning and night. Inhale deeply and exhale fully, which works to kickstart your parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers cortisol levels to help you relax. All it takes is five minutes of your time. If you don’t like sitting down to breathe, consider other meditative practices, such as guided meditation, yoga, or tai chi, to help you relax. Studies suggest that high stress levels elevate renin, a kidney enzyme that raises blood pressure, so check your stress at the door. 

Consider CoQ10

It’s hard to visit the supplement section of a store these days and not see coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A review of studies found that CoQ10 was able to reduce blood pressure by up to 17 mmHg over 10 mmHg. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant that helps dilate blood vessels. Make sure to ask your healthcare professional for supplement guidelines. 

Add Nitrates To Your Smoothie

Don’t rush out to the supplement store for this because a good old-fashioned grocery run will do the trick. Nitrate is a compound that exists in many leafy greens and beets. The body synthesizes nitrate as vasodilator nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and ultimately helps lower blood pressure. One study from 2015 found that people who drank a juice rich in dietary nitrates or a placebo for a one-month period. Those who drank the nitrate juice reduced blood pressure each day and at the end of the study. 

Go For Some Power Walks

Research continues to show that cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent hypertension and promote a healthy heart. Vigorous cardio workouts that last 30 minutes on most days of the week can aid your blood pressure-lowering efforts. One study found that hypertensive patients who took walks at a brisk pace were able to lower their blood pressure by 8 mmHg over 6 mmHg. 

Hold The Salt

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day or less. Unfortunately, the average American adult consumes more than 3,400 mg per day. In fact, men between ages 31 and 50 tend to consume 4,500 mg of sodium on average, which is nearly double the recommended daily amount. Too much sodium in the body can interfere with its ability to regulate essential nutrients. One study found that people who had more sodium in their urine had higher blood pressure. If you cut down on salty processed foods, such as pizza, deli meats, and frozen meals, you can reduce sodium levels and help lower blood pressure.

Step Away From The Desk

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of myriad health conditions and general soreness. If you put in more than 40 hours per week at a desk, you increase your risk of hypertension by 15%, according to a recent study. Working overtime also makes it harder to fit exercise and healthy eating into your daily routine. Consider investing in a standing desk so that you can go from a seated to standing position at will. If you must sit, consider investing in an exercise ball to bounce on while you work. That can help strengthen your core and work your glutes.

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It’s safe to say that the caesar salad is the most popular of all the salads. You have the classic wedge salad and Waldorf salad, but the caesar is usually unmatched. Some people make it a point to try the caesar at every restaurant they visit. They are aficionados of sorts, comparing the tartness of one dressing to the level of anchovy or parmesan flavor of another.

We know two things for certain about this vegan kale caesar salad: the dressing does not contain anchovies, nor does it contain parmesan. You won’t find an egg yolk in this dressing either! It does contain cashews, which act as a thickening agent, and capers, which work to provide that briny flavor that anchovies provide. The dressing also contains lemon, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil. Just make sure that you blend the dressing sufficiently to avoid unnecessary cashew chunks in the dressing. It will probably take a minute or two of blending to yield a luxuriously creamy consistency.

The great thing about this salad is that you get to enjoy varying textures between the leafy greens. Both kale and romaine lettuce are crunchy, but romaine tends to be a little softer than kale. In order to avoid any unpleasant bitterness, make sure to remove the thick stems from the kale leaves. And finally, there is one other component to this caesar salad that sets this salad apart from the rest: the chickpeas. Season the chickpeas with sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder and sauté them in a pan until crispy. They act like more nutritious croutons!

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Imagine a bed of crunchy, spring mixed greens, hearty broccoli, and shallots tossed in a velvety avocado pesto dressing. You want to know the good news? You no longer have to imagine that beautiful bowl of goodness because you can make it! This salad is like a refreshing breeze that cools you down on a hot summer day. The flavors soothe your taste buds and the ingredients do wonders for your overall health.

Like most salads, this salad contains a bed of greens with some cucumbers thrown in the mix. The spring mix provides unique textures and flavors to this salad. Spring mixes differ depending on seasonal availability, but they usually contain red leaf lettuce, spinach, baby chard, mizuna, or arugula.Unlike most salads, this recipe calls for some chopped raw broccoli florets. Raw broccoli provides another textural component, but make sure to chop up the broccoli into small pieces. You don’t want giant florets because that won’t be an enjoyable eating experience. The thin apple slices also provide a sweet flavor and crunchy texture!

That last, and potentially most integral component to this recipe, is the avocado pesto dressing. Normally, you’d put a sauce like this on zucchini noodles, not a spring mix salad. That changes today, people! We are breaking the rules and making a pesto a salad dressing. Quite honestly, it’s one of the best culinary decisions we’ve ever done! Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots….of green juice. These green juice shots are essentially concentrated shots of nutritious leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. Despite what you may think, they do not taste like your lawn. Yes, they contain kale, spinach, and celery, but the apples, ginger, and limes impart a zesty flavor with notes of spice and sweetness. Think of these shots as miniature elixirs that help boost energy and immune function! Allow us to highlight some of the benefits of drinking green juice shots below:

• Supports immune function: the high levels of vitamins C & E, in addition to antioxidants and minerals, work to enhance immune function. Both the spinach and kale contain high levels of vitamins C & K, folate, and beta-carotene, all of which help the body fight infections.
• Promotes healthy skin and hair: The abundance of antioxidant compounds in the green juice shots may help nourish and protect skin and hair. This works to enhance appearance and vitality.
• May reduce inflammation: The anti-inflammatory compounds present in kale, ginger, limes, and spinach may aid inflammation reduction. By reducing inflammatory markers in the body, you can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Supports digestive health: Containing prebiotic fibers, these green juice shots help feed the beneficial probiotic fibers in the gut. By enhancing the amount of healthy bacteria, you can improve gut microbiome and improve digestive health.

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Allow us to introduce you to the ultimate summer sidekick: the amazingly zesty, summer salad dressing Is this refreshing concoction just like a cool breeze on a hot day? We can’t say that for sure, but we can say that your taste buds will not be disappointed with the flavor.

This salad dressing is a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy coconut aminos and bright basil and green onion, with a subtle garlicky kick. It’s like a zesty, summery party of flavors in every bite! Because the dressing has so many assertive ingredients, it can handle greens like kale, chard, red or green cabbage, and romaine. Additionally, adding fruit to the salad can bring a lovely sweetness that complements the acidic nature of the dressing.

This dressing even works for post-cleanse recipes, such as a marinade for grilled veggies, portobello burgers, or tempeh or tofu. You don’t need a lot of salt because the coconut aminos add a rich, savory flavor, while the herbs bring a burst of freshness. This recipe is yet another reason why you should not settle for a bland, boring salad dressing. Have a love affair with flavor this summer and give this dressing a shot!

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