Remember old wives' tale that 'fish is good for brain'? (When I hear this saying, my mind always goes back to a lecturer jokingly saying that his mother was determined that he would do well and always made him eat fish before an examination, and, of course, to her delight he did do well). Well, now it has been proved that Omega 3 (pure fish oils) not only benefits brain but whole body. It is high in essential fatty acids, which help to maintain a healthy heart and circulation.

Another very good supplement is Selenium. This was naturally present in earth and in our vegetables years ago, but sadly has become depleted over years with intensive farming and chemicals. So we can put back this missing ingredient. I certainly felt a difference on taking this as a supplement.

Now, if you are prone to numerous infections, coughs, colds, etc., then your immune system needs a boost. In addition to usual Vitamin C, a couple of good supplements for this are Zinc and Echinacea. It's a good idea to take Echinacea well before 'flu time' is upon us in order to get it into system.

We have always known importance of making sure that we have enough calcium in order to maintain bone strength, but it is only in past few years that Glucosamine has come to fore as an aid to joints. Glucosamine is believed to stimulate cartilage growth and prevent it wearing down and hopefully reducing subsequent pain. I have a friend who swears this has helped her painful joints. Chondroitin is often added to Glucosamine as this helps to attract fluid into cartilage. Healthy Direct (www.healthydirect.co.uk) has a special offer on this powerful combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Vitamin C. They also operate a free postage and packing with prompt delivery service, which is great if you have difficulty in getting to shops.

Notice that throughout I have been using word 'supplement' as no tablets are going to replace a healthy diet. I remember being told by a doctor when I was in my twenties that way towards a healthy life was to eat a small amount of a wide variety of foods and that way body would obtain necessary vitamins and nourishment. Whilst I agree with 'variety' advice, I am not sure with present day treatment and overlong storage of foodstuffs (particularly fruit and vegetables) whether there are many vitamins left by time they reach table. It came as a shock to hear at one lecture that when they tested an orange for its Vitamin C content, results came back as a surprising 'nil'. Still to end on a happy note, fibre content was there, and we must eat plenty of FRESH fruit and vegetables not only for vitamins but also for fibre and enzymes necessary for digestive process to function properly. But more on that - together with a breakdown of all essential vitamins and my favourite subject - FOOD - (I'll try not to think about or mention chocolate cake) IT'S ... 'HOLD-BACK-THE-YEARS' FOOD ...... next time

Looking forward to chatting to you again and also looking forward to hearing from you ...

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Mabels . . . Maintaining Bygone Times. Providing daily living support & services, Health & Wellbeing for older generation

Automobiles do have some purpose, however they are viewed as a hobby or a luxury. Parking in Japan is costly and limited with simply not enough parking spaces for everyone to park. Cars are used for longer excursions to other cities or countryside. The most common recreational activities are active ones. Trips to mountains, lakes or open spaces are most popular.

Although pace of life is fast in Japan, we can learn from certain aspects. Changing our eating habits is an important first step and combining low impact exercise after eating, such as walking, will have a greater impact. Involvement in clubs or activities that are active will also create an opportunity to engage in activity. Finally, being less reliant on our vehicles will require more effort for some daily physical activity.

So perhaps if you do what they do and eat what they eat you could be extending your lifespan. Your life is what you make it.

Here’s to your health! Peter McGarry info@magneticrevolution.com For additional free information on health issues regarding fitness, nutrition, environment and financial well being please visit www.magneticrevolution.com. This site is a guide to improving your quality of life.