Rosemary, an herb to boost brain health
Rosemary is a staple in many favorite fall recipes, but did you know it can also be a powerful herb for your brain? This evergreen shrub (originating from the Mediterranean and sub-Himalayan regions) is used in cooking all over the world—fresh and dried—and often enjoyed as a tea. In folk medicine, it was commonly used as an herbal remedy for ailments like headaches, depression, and mental and physical fatigue.
Studies have found that rosemary and its compounds have a wide range of medicinal properties (we’re talking anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective!). And one clinical trial done on mice found that compounds within the herb, like ursolic acid, can produce a significant antidepressant effect.
Looking for a memory boost? Try rosemary! Inhaling its essential oil can even improve short-term memory of images and numbers.
Seed cycling to balance your hormones
You may have heard the term “seed cycling” amongst friends, but it doesn’t seem to be just another buzz term. It looks like eating different seeds may help balance your hormonal health.
A growing trend that involves eating flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds during different stages of the menstrual cycle, seed cycling claims to help balance your hormones. But does it hold any merit?
While we’re still figuring out exactly how it plays a role in our hormones, researchers have found compounds in certain seeds that do indeed help regulate the hormone cycle.
Flaxseeds and sesame seeds are particularly potent sources of lignans, which are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. Lignans are also known for their anti-estrogenic hormone properties.
In one study, postmenopausal women eating five grams of flaxseeds a day felt a significant improvement in menopausal symptoms over three months. Other research suggests that the combination of omega-3 fats found in seed cycling could also help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Worth a try? It just might be!
Wake up your skin with coffee serum
Coffee serum for your face or body could be a great addition to your skin care routine this fall. We’re all aware that drinking coffee can give us the caffeine boost we need to get our day going, but it’s a great wake-up for the skin as well.
Coffee silverskin, the thin layer that covers the coffee bean, is finding popularity in the cosmetics industry as an eco-friendly skin care ingredient with anti-aging properties. It includes chlorogenic acid and caffeine, which are high in antioxidants and show potential as anti-wrinkle ingredients.
In a small study of 20 people, applying a coffee silverskin-based cream twice a day for 28 days was shown to improve skin hydration and firmness, similar to hyaluronic acid.
The high levels of caffeine in coffee silverskin and its ability to absorb into the skin also make it a promising candidate as an anti-cellulite product. Dare we say it’s buzz worthy?
Smart furniture to simplify your life
Imagine having a bed that can track exactly how much you’re sleeping or a “smart” coffee table equipped with the latest technology. This is already starting to happen with the growing trend of smart furniture.
Smart furniture is designed to offer comfort, style, and functionality that’s personalized to you via the latest tech. A single piece of smart furniture may perform multiple functions. The result? A more minimalist lifestyle that gives you more with less.
Companies are already starting to integrate smart furniture into their product lines. Some of our faves? A queen-sized bed, desk, and storage unit that can be lowered from the ceiling by smartphone app and then lifted back up to free the room for another use, like a home workout.
The global smart furniture industry was worth an estimated USD 111.7 million in 2016, and it’s expected to grow 22% from 2017 to 2025. While more research is needed on the benefits of using smart furniture, you might want to consider it the next time you go furniture shopping.
