Wellness Mama Queen

Not all fats are created equal. Not all unsaturated fat is healthy, and not all saturated fat is bad for you. Plant-based saturated fat, such as that found in coconut oil actually provides some health benefits. Coconut oil is primarily made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These types of fatty acids are processed differently by the body than their cousin the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are found primarily in animal fats. Because of their shorter chain length, MCT’s can be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and transported directly to the liver via the portal circulation without incorporation into chylomicrons in the lymphatic system, which are the body’s primary fatty acid transportation mechanism. As a result, MCTs are oxidized to a greater degree and more efficiently than are LCTs. Since MCT’s have less of an opportunity for deposition into adipose tissue, they have been used successfully to support healthy weight management programs.

You need a vacation. It’s OK to admit that. Work is a grind. Every day can start to seem the same. Your daily routine has dug a deep rut. It’s time to crawl out of it. So, go ahead—make your daydream about a relaxing afternoon at the beach a reality. It might be just what you need. That’s because the benefits of vacations are bountiful, and boost your overall wellness. Escaping your everyday life strengthens all the pillars your well-being is built upon. Many positives await when you leave your frustrations at home and immerse yourself in a fun, new environment. And it’s about more than the warm, fuzzy feelings you get from dipping your toes in the sand. Although the warm-fuzzies do help (as you’ll see later). The benefits of vacations are backed up by science. That’s right. You have solid scientific reasons for stealing away for a while. So, there’s no need to make up excuses to escape.  This may seem obvious. Of course a vacation should give you a break from the normal ...

Music is powerful. Think back on the epic-ness of experiencing your favorite bands in concert, or the nostalgia of listening to an album you revered in high school. Or stifling the urge to dance to your favorite song while shopping. Nothing’s quite as validating as your tunes echoing through the food court or down the baked goods aisle. Music speaks to the soul. That’s part of how music is calming and can help you relax, pump you up during a run, or even help you focus at work or school. Thanks to science, this emotional range isn’t just anecdotal. Listening to music comes with tangible benefits, including a direct correlation between music and stress relief. Understanding the chemical reactions in your brain relating to sound is key to unlocking the calming magic of music. Even if you already know how awesomely powerful music can be, now you can explain it with  sound science . How Sound Harmonizes with Your Mood Sound waves affect hearing, one of your five primary senses...

  Men aren’t from Mars. Women aren’t from Venus. They’re the same species from the same planet. But the sexes certainly aren’t the exact same. The differences between men and women are real and important. They serve biological functions and can even help you better understand your health needs. These differences give each sex unique strengths that help with the most important task—survival. But let’s talk similarities before jumping into what makes men and women different. Here’s two you might not know: Genetically, men and women’s DNA is 98.5 percent identical. They even have the same hormones. But the ratios of those hormones explain some of the differences between men and women. Now it’s time to dive into 25 fun facts. Discover the important physiological, biological, and nutritional differences between men and women. Men typically have thicker skin—by about 25 percent. They also have higher densities of the protein collagen. The differences in density goes beyond skin deep...

  COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel 2019 coronavirus) has changed the world. The health and safety of our readers and everyone around the world is at the forefront of our minds. And we know right now—maybe more than ever—health and wellness occupies a place of prominence in yours. At Ask The Scientists, we will continue to provide you with the accurate, science-based information about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle you need right now. We believe information and understanding is power—to maintain your health, to keep your family healthy, to battle fear with truth. That’s why below you’ll find collected stories about topics of utmost importance—immunity, mental health, self-care, and healthy habits at home. We aren’t experts on the novel coronavirus, so there are no specifics about symptoms or the virus’ spread. But you’ll also find a guide to sourcing trustworthy, scientific information about COVID-19 and the ever-evolving global pandemic. And if you need an answer...