Dark Chocolate Can Save Your Life

Do you crave chocolate, especially dark chocolate? If you do, you may actually be improving your health.  Recent studies show that regular consumption of dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol and actually improve cognitive function and memory particularly in older adults. http://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/

The Beneficial Effects of Meditation

The many beneficial effects of meditation continue to be recognized.  In an earlier post, " Every Breath You Take," I discussed a number of different forms of meditation or mindfulness. In today's edition of The New York Times,an article entitled "In Sitting Still, A Bench Press For the Brain," the Times reports on a number of studies which tend to show that meditation has a number of beneficial effects on the brain. These are believed to include increased gray and white matter which can improve cognitive performance in older adults.  What is fascinating is that the longer meditation is practiced, the greater the benefits appear to be. This is in addition to the physical benefits such as lower blood pressure as shown in such studies as the "Relaxation Response.."

Moreover, it is never too late to start. It requires no equipment and almost no time. Just get started.