In today’s news, Türkiye provides tents for displaced families in Sudan. Microplastics leaking invisible chemicals into rivers and water bodies, Israel implements nationwide mobile phone ban in elementary schools, British city leads in generosity with everyday acts of kindness, vegan Indian woman devotes her life to rescuing animal-people, famous Korean food brand introduces vegan kimchi in Australia, and Panamanian community saves stranded dolphin-folk.
Does your wonderful vegan diet include foods from all the colors of the rainbow? I have a dietary health tip for us. New research suggests that regularly eating colorful foods rich in flavanols may help protect blood vessel health during long periods of sitting. Many adults spend around six hours a day seated, and extended sitting has been shown to reduce how well blood vessels function. Even a small decline in vascular function is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Flavanols are natural plant compounds found in foods like tea, berries, nuts, cocoa and fruits like apples. Earlier studies have shown they support heart and blood vessel health during times of mental stress. In a new study, healthy young men consumed either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink before sitting for two hours. Those who consumed the high-flavanol drink did not experience a decline in vascular function, suggesting flavanol-rich foods may help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Now let’s experience the healing power of laughter with the joke of the day. It’s entitled, “Creative Donation.”
Naomi walked into a thrift shop carrying a lamp and set it gently on the counter.
“Oh, that’s a nice one. Are you donating it today?”
“Yes, I am. However, I know you don’t accept electrical items…”
She leaned in with a proud little smile, as if unveiling a clever solution.
“…so I went ahead and cut the plug off. Now it’s just a lamp-shaped sculpture.”
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