Studies have found that people don’t get nearly enough vitamin D, which can protect against osteoporosis, infection, heart disease—even cancer. It’s called the sunshine vitamin for good reason: When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body makes vitamin D. To make enough, spend 10 to 15 minutes in the midday sun, sans sunscreen. In warmer weather, when you can wear walking shorts and a T-shirt, you’ll make 10,000 IU of vitamin D if you’re light-skinned. However, darker skin pigment acts as a natural sunblock, so it may take up to two hours for the same effect. When this much sun exposure is not possible, take vitamin D3 supplements. Note: Those over age 50 should also take supplemental D3, as their ability to synthesize the vitamin from sunlight is reduced.
quick tip:
Resolve to restore balance.
Before your next shower, try
an ayurvedic massage that
detoxifies, plus gives you an
all-day glow. Just put 1/4 cup
That’s right, go ahead. Enjoy your chocolate, just follow a few guidelines: Make sure it’s dark (at least 60% cacao) and only break off a small piece (about 1 oz). Dark chocolate is loaded with polyphenols, a family of antioxidants that slow age-related damage to the body. Researchers reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine that eating a little antioxidant-rich dark chocolate each day reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 4. 7 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury, the standard measurement of blood pressure), and diastolic pressure by 2. 8 mm Hg after just two weeks.
of sesame oil in a squeeze
bottle and warm it in hot
water. Massage into your
scalp, face and body. Let the
oil soak in for 10 minutes,
then wash off.
3
For many Americans, there is nothing more luxurious than a good night’s sleep. In fact, one-third of us face insomnia on a regular basis. And all those restless nights take their toll, says Michael Roizen, M.D., co-author of the popular “Owner’s Manual” series of books. “People who sleep fewer than six hours a night have a 50% increased risk of viral infections and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.”
For a good night’s sleep, try turning your bedroom into a soothing sleep chamber. Dress your bed with organic cotton sheets tossed in the dryer with a pure lavender sachet. Keep the room temperature slightly cool, and turn down the lights a few hours before you retire. For a natural way to get your zzzs, look for a supplement formula that contains sleep-friendly herbs and nutrients, such as valerian, passionflower, hops, chamomile, lemon balm, melatonin and 5-HTP.
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