Humorous Spectator Signs That Are Pretty Clever (19 Pics)

9 Things Cut In Half

Living With “Werewolf Syndrome” (28 Pics)

Devi Budhathoki is a real-life werewolf. Or, at least, she has werewolf syndrome, which is a real condition. The 38 year-old woman from Nepal and three of her children (Mandira, Niraj and Manjura) suffer from a rare disease that causes extra hair to grow all over their bodies… making them look like werewolves.

Devi and her children suffer from a condition known as “werewolf syndrome.”

Rare Kakapo Egg Bandaged And Hatched In New Zealand

These incredibly rare parrots live in New Zealand. They are large, scholarly-looking birds that you’d just want to cuddle (if they weren’t a wild animal with really, really sharp claws). Their numbers are rapidly dwindling, they are officially a “critically endangered” species. Researchers can count (and list by name) the number of Kakapos left on earth. That’s why when one chick was in danger, an entire group of rescuers leapt into action.

From Depression to Dementia: Foods That Improve Your Mental Health After 40

The older you get, the more you start to worry about age-associated diseases. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect millions of Americans, leaving many in search of ways to prevent poor health in their 40s and beyond.

It turns out your diet could improve your mental health and slow cognitive decline — but what you should eat changes as you age. Here are the foods you should be eating to save your brain and prolong your life.

Dark chocolate 

If you’ve ever eaten large quantities of chocolate to ward off emotional distress, you’ve had the right idea. Chemically, chocolate really does have the power to enhance your mood, thanks to endorphins.

But that’s not all chocolate’s good for — especially dark chocolate. Its antioxidant properties can diminish the oxidative stress that often leads to cognitive decline. Eat a small amount every day to keep your memory sharp and your brain in good condition.

Brown rice 

Are grain-based foods like bread and rice really as bad for you as everyone says? Not if you’re eating pure whole grains — which are more nutritious than the varieties you usually find in breakfast cereals and white breads. These grains are good for digestion and disease prevention, even in your brain.

People who eat whole grains are healthier and less likely to die from disease than those who don’t. Brown rice is just one of many foods that, if eaten regularly, could help you live longer.

Grapes 

Your mom used to remind you to eat your fruits and vegetables so you’d grow up healthy. Don’t break that habit just because you’re getting older. Fruits, especially those eaten with their skin intact, provide fiber and other vitamins and minerals essential for healthy aging.

Grapes can improve and prevent a number of chronic conditions, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Like other fruits, their antioxidant properties can boost your mood and decrease your dementia risk.

Sweet potatoes 

Sweet potatoes provide a variety of vitamins and minerals that could have anti-inflammatory benefits. Eating large quantities of potatoes won’t prevent or cure the world’s deadliest diseases, but they could help prevent symptoms you don’t want your body to have to endure in older age.

Some researchers believe that inflammation and dementia could share an important connection. Reducing inflammation overall could reduce your risk for a number of diseases and keep your brain healthy.

Spinach 

Adding a little spinach to your diet may be one of the best things you can do to protect your brain. If you have high blood pressure, the plant’s high potassium content could actually save you from dementia.

One type of dementia, called vascular dementia, results from inadequate blood supply to certain parts of your brain. High blood pressure actually increases your risk of this disease, especially if it isn’t well maintained for long periods of time.

Mixed nuts

  

People often lump nuts in with other high-calorie, high-fat snack foods and warn against consuming them regularly. However, you shouldn’t avoid them completely if you want to protect your brain.

Many nuts, high in omega-3 fatty acids, decrease your risk of developing depression. Poor mental health and dementia share a possible link, so if you’re eating to fend off the devastating brain disease, add some walnuts or cashews to your shopping list ASAP.

Tuna 

Omega-3 fatty acids, also present in substantial amounts in tuna and other fish, can also slow cognitive decline as you get older. The sharper your mind, the less likely you are to succumb to certain diseases.

In addition to plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, tuna proves to be an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is an essential component of healthy aging, especially for those making it a point to exercise regularly to maintain optimal health.

7 Probiotic-Filled Foods You Definitely Need to Have in Your Diet

We’re all teeming with bacteria — gross, but true. As it turns out, your digestive tract is filled with bacteria. It’s part of your biological ecosystem — it’s supposed to be there. But some gut bacteria is good, while other types aren’t. Therefore, it’s important to keep as much good bacteria — otherwise known as probiotics –inside you as possible to stay healthy.

You can find this type of bacteria in a variety of foods, too, not just yogurt. In fact, some of the foods you know and love don’t just taste good: they’re also great for your gut.

1. Dark chocolate 

This is probably one of the better dessert options out there. Dark chocolate has more health benefits than risks, especially in small amounts. Gut Health Project says, in addition to providing plenty of antioxidants and fiber, it’s also an excellent source of probiotics. But don’t forget, it’s still chocolate — there’s plenty of added sugar packed into even the tiniest square. Try dipping your favorite fruit in dark chocolate to reap the benefits of both when you’re craving something sweet.

2. Green peas 

Green peas are a starchy legume with all sorts of health benefits. Each low-calorie pea comes packed with fiber and B vitamins, making them the perfect addition to salads. Their particular strain of probiotics can’t survive at high temperatures, however, so make sure to eat them raw if you’re on a quest to fill your GI tract with good bacteria.

3. Fermented cheese 

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Many forms of soft cheeses also contain gut-benefiting bacteria. Surprisingly, cheddar is one of the best sources of probiotics. The Journal of Applied Microbiology discovered good bacteria actually survive the manufacturing and aging process. The same goes for several other types of cheeses, including mozzarella, Gouda, and cottage. Ask for cheddar or mozzarella on your next burger to sneak some good bacteria into your meal.

Probiotics and your immune system 

If you’re often home sick or constantly in GI-related discomfort, probiotic foods might be the cure you’re looking for. According to some research, probiotic foods may protect your cells against disease, though it’s important to note this is a very controlled example using individual cells. While, probiotics alone won’t protect you from illness, research suggests they could help prevent digestive-related issues.

And while we’re on the topic of illness, taking antibiotics when you’re sick wipes out both the good and bad bacteria in your system. Fortunately, the Journal of the American Medical Association says probiotics can help relieve it. Consuming probiotic-filled foods while finishing out your prescribed dosage of antibiotics can help restore the healthy bacteria in your body, so eat up.

4. Pickles 

Pickled cucumbers — more commonly known as pickles — are soaked in a salt and water solution, then left to ferment in their own natural lactic acid bacteria. This process not only gives them their characteristically sour taste, but also packs them full of probiotics. Additionally, pickles are low in calories and fat, making them a perfect mid-afternoon snack or addition to a sandwich or burger at dinnertime. If you’re craving a snack that’s salty, sour and crunchy, a pickle is the perfect choice.

5. Sourdough bread 

Fermentation is responsible for many probiotic-filled foods. In general, fermentation in food preparation uses bacteria to break down carbs, and sourdough bread gets its unique taste from this process. The Journal of Applied Microbiology points to a number of possible reasons why the products of fermentation are so good at defending your gut against their harmful antagonists, but it’s still not totally clear. Regardless, sourdough bread is one probiotic-filled food you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

6. Olives  

Those who follow a Mediterranean diet already know olives are excellent sources of healthy fats, antioxidants, and iron. Time also notes olives contain a strain of good bacteria that can improve digestion and boost your immunity. Add olives to salads, hummus, or your favorite pasta recipe for even more benefits.

Those olives might help combat digestive disorders, too 

According to a review from the journal BioMed Research International, certain types of probiotics can help ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases. But this doesn’t mean probiotic foods can treat these kinds of chronic conditions in place of proven methods. However, more research might help explain how a probiotic-rich diet could be used in the future.

7. Tempeh 

Tempeh is a soy-based meat alternative. Soybeans are softened, fermented and then shaped to form tempeh, which you can prepare pretty much any way you would meat. You can put it in your salad, enjoy a meatless tempeh burger, or incorporate it into a soup or stew. Because it’s a soy-based product, tempeh is high in protein and fiber. Because it’s fermented, it also introduces strains of good bacteria into your digestive system.

Are you eating enough probiotics? 

Scientists are learning more and more about how bacteria both helps and hurts us. (Research published in Scientific Reports even suggests that the bacteria in your gut could relate to Alzheimer’s disease.) And it’s the same idea with any kind of food: More isn’t always better. Instead of worrying about whether you’re getting enough good bacteria, focus instead on food groups. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products to supply your digestive system with all the nutrition it needs.

Should you take a probiotic supplement? 

Probiotics could be good for your mental health, too. According to the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, certain probiotic supplements might improve symptoms of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s important to remember, however, that supplements are additives, not substitutes. You should be able to get all you need from eating as many probiotic-rich foods as possible.