theheartysoul--2020-08-07--Study Shows Women Who Are Surrounded By Plants Are Happier And Live Longer

In 2016 , a study from the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health concluded that women who lived in homes surrounded by more vegetation had a lower mortality rate than those who lived in areas with less [ 1 ] .
The study , which was conducted over an eight-year period , found that women who lived in the greenest surroundings had a mortality rate that was twelve percent lower than women who lived in the least green areas .
Since then , more and more research has gone into determining the link between nature and health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the more exposure we have to nature , the healthier we are .
The Data is In Nature exposure has been linked to a variety of health benefits , but the mechanism behind them is still not well understood .
The researchers involved in this 2016 study determined four reasons why “ greenness ” might lead to a lower mortality rate : • Improved mental health : for the purposes of the study , mental health was measured through a reduction in depression , which was estimated to account for nearly thirty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas with more vegetation .
The association between lower mortality rates and exposure to nature was so strong it even surprised the researchers themselves .
Out of the 108 630 women who were enrolled across the study , the researchers found that the higher amounts of greenness and lower mortality rates were the strongest for respiratory disease and cancer- women living in greener areas had a 34 percent lower rate of respiratory disease-related mortality and a thirteen percent lower rate of cancer-related mortality [ 2 ] .
The environmental benefit of having more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings are well understood , but these findings suggested that improved health is a co-benefit to improving the environment .
Read : The Healthiest People in the World Don ’ t Go to the Gym There is a wealth of evidence pointing toward the benefits of nature and health .
Children with attention deficit disorder have demonstrated improved concentration after a walk in the park [ 3 ] , cancer patients who visited a forest showed increased activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins [ 4 ] , “ forest bathing ” has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 5 ] , and even simply looking out a window at nature has been shown to improve recovery time for patients who have undergone surgery [ 6 ] .
In 2018 , a group of researchers decided to take a deeper dive into understanding how nature has such a profoundly positive impact on humans .
They conducted two separate studies , and came to some interesting conclusions .
First , they found that exposure to nature has a restorative effect on humans , and there are two theories to explain this impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and the Attention Restoration Theory ( ART ) [ 7 ] .
SRT suggests that exposure to natural environments facilitates positive emotional reactions , which in turn have a restorative effect .
ART suggests that nature exposure encourages effortless brain function , which helps the brain recover from fatigue .
Another explanation is that the social consequences of natural settings are the underlying mechanism to the health and wellbeing effects of nature .
The evidence suggests that nature increases social cohesion within a community .
Social cohesion refers to a sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive and friendly relationships , and feelings of being accepted and belonging .
Additionally , exposure to nature appears to enhance social connections , and reduces feelings of loneliness and inadequate social support , which leads to an overall improvement in self-reported health .
Having more natural space , particularly in urban settings , appears to encourage physical activity .
Evidence has shown that “ green physical activity ” , or rather , physical activity while in direct contact with nature , improves health and well-being .
Impulsive decision making , or delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness and premature death in the United States .
This is because impulsive decision making is strongly implicated with a lack of exercise , poor diet , tobacco use , and excessive alcohol consumption .
Essentially , it is common for adults to choose whatever provides immediate gratification regardless of the long term effects .
It appears that exposure to nature actually reduces the instance of impulsive decision-making , therefore leading to improvements in overall health [ 7 ] .
Related : Study : Living in Nature Protects Against Mental Illness While Living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five Categories of Health This research falls in line with the US Department of Agriculture ’ s publication called Urban Nature for Human Health and Wellbeing , in which the authors outline the five general categories of health : The association between nature , pollution , and physical health comes down to two major factors : air quality , and urban heat .
Excess air pollution can lead to airway inflammation and reduced lung function , and worsen health problems like asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , and cardiovascular disease .
Trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pollution by directly removing air pollutants .
The cooling effects of green spaces in urban areas are directly quantifiable .
Because cities are built primarily out of materials like concrete , metal , and asphalt that absorb significant amounts of heat , they tend to be much hotter than agricultural or forested areas .
This heat has a direct impact on human health , and causes heat-related deaths , illnesses , and hospitalizations .
Greenspaces within cities , as well as vegetation planted throughout , have been shown to decrease the temperature leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As previously outlined , greater exposure to nature has been demonstrated to impact the remaining four categories of health- active living , mental health , stress reduction , and social health .
It is important to remember that none of these categories operate independently of one another .
Active living has been shown to improve mental health , as has stress reduction and social cohesion , and improving one category will improve them all .
How Much Nature Do We Need ?
There is no ceiling in terms of how much exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been some research done to determine the minimum requirements in order to experience health benefits .
A 2019 study published in Nature determined that at least 120 minutes ( two hours ) per week in nature was associated with improved health and wellbeing .
The researchers determined that it did not matter how this time was split up ( one two-hour session once per week or several shorter ones ) , as long as the minimum time requirement was met [ 9 ] .
If you live in a dense urban center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature as much as you like , consider keeping some plants inside your home or apartment .
Indoor plants help you feel like you ’ re in a more natural setting , and while it ’ s not a replacement for getting outside to a park or trail , it still does provide some benefits .
Houseplants have been shown to improve allergy symptoms , boost your mood , add moisture to the air , and help you feel more relaxed and focused [ 10 ] .
So whether you take a stroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forest , or simply find a peaceful spot by a stream to sit and relax , the research all points to the same conclusion : nature is good for your health .
Keep Reading : How Daily Mindfulness Can Impact Your Mental Health for the Better

After a long day of working on my garden in the hot summer sun and enjoying all the different plants I’m growing, my favorite thing to do is come back inside and enjoy all of the plants I have in my house too! I guess you could say I really like plants. Over the years I’ve collected a number of really neat rare houseplants.
Succulents make for some of the coolest plants. Their growth patterns are so different. As a a result, the majority of the plants on my rare houseplants list are succulents or cacti. Let’s dive in.
10 rare houseplants you probably never knew existed
The following is a list of some of my favorite quirky, unique, and rare houseplants. Many of them are succulents and easy to care for, making them ideal for someone with a ‘brown thumb’ who wants to spice up the inside of their home.
Read More: Opal Succulent Plants Look Like A Beautiful Gem Stone
Living Stones (Lithops spp)
Living stones are first on my list of rare houseplants because they are arguably one of my favorite houseplants. They’re a type of succulent plant, meaning they can be neglected to some degree with little negative consequence. True to their name, living stones are a stone-like appearance, often growing two thick, succulent leaves, giving it an almost brain-like look.
These plants tend to stay fairly short, growing from a half inch to two inches tall. They like full sunlight, well-drained soil, and occasional watering. A beautiful white, yellow, or orange flower will emerge from the part between the two leaves during the fall. Following that, they will remain dormant overwinter.
Trachyandra Tortilis
This succulent is so uncommon that I have never been able to find a non-scientific name for it. Trachyandra tortilis is a succulent that grows winding, curly, tail-like leaves from a primary stem. They can get up to 10 inches tall and can live a very long time. When it flowers, the plant will take on a pink-ish hue.
Trachyandra trotilis grows well in bright light, not necessarily direct sunlight, making it ideal for indoor growth. It likes sandy, well-drawining soil and occasional watering.
Read More: Bear Paw Succulents Are The Cutest Thing Ever And We Want Them All
Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei)
Marimo moss balls are pretty common among freshwater fish tank enthusiasts, as they help to oxygenate water for aquatic animals like fish, but they are a rare houseplant to most collectors. This is likely due to their subdued appearance and fully aquatic nature. But I think Marimo moss balls are a must-have for any indoor plant enthusiast.
Marimo moss balls are well known for longevity too. A single ball can live for up to 200 years and in some places have been passed down as heirlooms from generation to generation. They require little maintenance, can be grown in standard tap water, and don’t require any special lighting. They like temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Occasionally, you may notice your moss balls will float or sink. This is likely due to the process of creating oxygen. If oxygen bubbles get trapped in the fine hairs of the plant, it will begin to float. Gently squeeze the ball and it will float back down to the bottom of the tank.
Keeping an algae-eater like dwarf shrimp with your moss ball will help reduce algae overgrowth and reduce the frequency of tank cleaning.
Read More: How To Start A Moss Garden In 5 Steps
Black Prince Succulent (Echeveria)
The Black Prince Succulent is an excellent addition if the vibe in your home has gotten a little too perky or colorful. This black succulent helps ground your collection of houseplants with its dark, black appearance.
This rare houseplant requires very little care and infrequent waterings. It’s an easy plant to grow, but may want more water in spring and summer. It grows well in sandy, well-drained soil and a nice, sunny window.
Echeveria produces flowers on tall, arching stalks in the summer and early fall.
Dolphin Succulents (Senecio peregrinus)
Dolphin succulents are a relatively new type of succulent named for its dolphin-like leaves. The succulent was produced by cross-pollinating a String of Pearls succulent and a Hot Dog cactus. The result was a succulent that looks a bit like a dolphin!
These succulents, like many on this list, appreciate bright light, well drained soil, and occasional watering. They’re a great starter plant for the rare houseplant enthusiast due to how easy they are to grow.
Read More: These Mermaid Tail Succulents Bring The The Sea To Your Home
Resurrection Plant (Anastatica hierochuntica)
The Resurrection Plant, sometimes called the Rose of Jericho, is a poikilohydric desert plant capable of taking an incredible amount of abuse and surviving. In the wild, these plants will drink any available water until there is no more, at which point they curl into a dry ball and can be blown to the next watering hole.
Because of this unique strategy, they don’t need soil but do like plenty of bright light. If you forget to water them for a long time, they’ll simply curl up. When you decide to water it again, its leaves will unfurl.
Read More: How To Grow Resurrection Plants
Sweetheart Plant (Hoya kerrii)
The Sweetheart Plant bears a resemblance to a hanging jade plant, with thick, succulent leaves growing along a hanging, vine-like stem. This rare houseplant is a favorite among lovers as a gift for Valentine’s Day, as the plant’s leaves take on the shape of a heart.
The sweetheart plant is a slow grower, but given time, it will create a beautiful hanging plant for your home. Like most succulents on this list, it appreciates bright light, well-drained soil, and scarce watering. The plant does produce flowers similar to a jade.
Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
The Fishbone Cactus is another rare houseplant that does well in a hanging basket. It grows long, slim leaves that take on the appearance of the spine and ribcage of a fish, thus the name. These cacti are super easy to care for.
They’re a great indoor plant, requiring only bright light (no need for direct sunlight) and infrequent waterings. Like a Christmas cactus, a little neglect can go a long way. Don’t be too eager to overwater it. The plant will benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity.
Read More: 12 Pink Succulents You Need in Your Home This Summer
Rose Succulent (Greenovia aeonium)
I like roses, the flower at least. The rest of the plant leaves a lot to be desired. Long stems, small leaves, thorns, I think I’ll pass. The rose succulent is a great compromise for gardeners who like roses but don’t really want to deal with roses.
This rare houseplant has a distinct rose-like appearance and can even come in pink, matching the hue of some rose flowers. The plant does well with bright, indirect light, well draining sandy soil, and occasional watering.
Basketball Plant (Euphorbia obesa)
The Basketball Plant, sometimes called the Baseball Plant, is a quirky looking plant that resembles the Peyote cactus in some respects. I love the way Peyote looks, but due to its classification as a controlled substance is not legal for me to grow. Euphorbia obesa is a good compromise.
This cactus, which generally has no spines, grows to look like a fat, ball-like sphere and produces small flowers at the top. It’s incredibly simple to grow. It’s easy to please, requiring only warm air, a little water, a little light, and well draining soil.
Keep Reading: Jellyfish Succulents Will Turn Your Garden Into An Otherworldly Aquarium


theheartysoul--2020-08-09--What REALLY goes into your favorite jar of Nutella (and 4 reasons to avoid it)

Nutella is beloved around the world , and has such a die-hard fanbase that it ’ s reached near cult-like status .
Parents have tried to name their kids after the chocolatey spread , people have invented locks to prevent others from breaking into their stash , and in 2018 , “ Nutella Riots ” spread across France when one supermarket chain put it on sale 70 % off .
Aside from being a tasty , creamy , chocolatey spread , Nutella is advertised as being part of a healthy , balanced breakfast .
As is so often the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too good to be true ” moment .
At the risk of causing mass devastation across the country , we ’ re sorry to report that the main Nutella Ingredients are in no way healthy or balanced .
Quite simply , Nutella is a creamy chocolate spread , but its history is far more interesting .
The story of the beloved spread began in 1806 at the height of the Napoleonic Wars .
The French Emperor set up a continental blockade that cut off access to the Piedmont region of Italy and made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that at the time , this region was known to produce the finest chocolate in the world .
Because of high demand and low supply , however , cocoa prices went through the roof , and chocolatiers in the region began adding hazelnuts , which were plentiful in the area , to their chocolate to make their supply last a little longer .
This product became known as gianduja .
Once the war ended , however , and chocolate became more accessible again , most chocolatiers ditched the hazelnuts and returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t until the second World War when food rationing made chocolate wildly expensive and nearly impossible to find .
It was then that an Italian pastry maker named Pietro Ferrero ( yes , that Ferrero ) created a paste that was made primarily of blended hazelnuts and a touch of chocolate .
He named his product past gianduja , wrapped it in foil , and distributed it in the streets .
Its thick consistency made it ideal cutting into loaf-like slices and putting between two slices of bread to make a sandwich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recipe by making it creamier and more spreadable and changed the name to supercrema gianduja .
It wasn ’ t until 1964 that the name changed to Nutella , and it has been a staple in Italy ever since [ 1 ] .
The spread was originally meant as a treat , but its popularity among children was an easy way to get them to eat bread , which provided more nutrition than the chocolate spread alone .
For this reason Nutella gradually became accepted as breakfast food .
Today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far cry from the original recipe of the 1940s , and combined with the standard white bread many kids eat today , it likely does more nutritional harm than good .
Nutella has five main ingredients : palm oil , skim milk powder , cocoa , hazelnuts , and sugar .
When you begin to look at these components more closely , it becomes obvious why you want to keep the stuff off of your breakfast table .
Let ’ s do a breakdown of the Nutella Ingredients : Palm oil is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the palm tree Elaeis guineensis .
It is a low-quality , cheap-to-produce oil that is high in saturated fat and is used in everything from foods to cosmetics to biofuels .
Palm oil has been flagged by the European Food Safety Authority ( EFSA ) as dangerous because it can cause cancer when processed at high temperatures [ 2 ] .
This is because of glycidyl fatty acid esters ( GE ) form when palm oil is heated , which have been found to be both genotoxic and carcinogenic in animal studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess human cancer risk based on these studies , and have concluded that there is a health concern associated with GE [ 3 ] .
Additionally , its high saturated fat content poses additional health risks , including cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) .
Diets high in saturated fat have been linked to CVD , and the American Heart Association recommends that you limit your intake of this type of fat in favor of polyunsaturated fats [ 4 ] .
Environmentally , palm oil is a disaster and is the largest driver of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal habitats and thus biodiversity , and contributing to climate change in a significant way .
On top of that , waste ponds at palm oil refineries release massive amounts of methane gas , a greenhouse gas that is 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide [ 5 ] .
Sugar , by weight , is the most prominent ingredient in Nutella .
One fifteen-gram tablespoon of the spread contains 8.5 grams of sugar , which equates to 227.2 grams in one 400-gram jar .
Yes- that means that more than half the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 6 ] .
According to the Nutella label , one 37-gram serving contains 21 grams of sugar , which means you ’ re spreading the equivalent of half a bottle of Coke on your toast in the morning [ 7 ] .
Diets high in sugar have been proven to cause higher blood pressure , inflammation , weight gain , and fatty liver disease , all of which are linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke [ 8 ] .
Some may argue that the chocolate in Nutella provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim may be a stretch .
The problem ?
The majority of studies that have looked at the health benefits of chocolate were focused on the cacao beans themselves .
This is different from the chocolate you typically find in stores .
Raw , minimally processed cacao beans provide a host of nutritional benefits including providing antioxidants , boosting your mood , lowering your blood pressure , and regulating your insulin levels .
To make cocoa ( not cacao ) , however , the beans are heated to a much higher temperature , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s not that cocoa is necessarily bad for you , but it does not provide near the health benefits found in minimally-processed cacao [ 9 ] .
After receiving backlash for the health content of its product , Ferrero ’ s Nutella Manufacturers released the following statement : While this may be true , the issue is that more often than not , the “ balanced breakfast ” in which Nutella is often included consists of things like pancakes , crepes , or white bread , which provide little nutritional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saturated fat .
Additionally , if you ’ re spreading generous amounts of Nutella on your toast every morning , this doesn ’ t really qualify as enjoying the product “ in moderation ” , as the company suggests .
The bottom line ?
Ingredients in Nutella just aren ’ t that great .
Are There Alternatives to Nutella ?
If you ’ re fretting about having to give up your favorite spread or morning staple , all is not lost .
Avoiding Nutella ’ s ingredients isn ’ t hard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taste delicious but are made without all the palm oil and refined sugar .
One example is Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread .
It contains no palm oil , is dairy-free , and is made with coconut sugar , which is far less processed than the white stuff .
Other options include Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread , Savor Organic Hazelnut and Chocolate Spread , and Nuts.com Chocolate Hazelnut Butter .
Another way to enjoy the taste of Nutella without the undesirable ingredients is to make it yourself .
There are many recipes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this one from meghantelpner.com : • Process all ingredients together until smooth .
Add more sweetener as desired to taste .
Read : 10 Foods to Add to Your Breakfast for More Energy Yes , You Can Still Enjoy Treats Does all this mean that you have to give up Nutella forever ?
Not necessarily .
It is important to remember that no one food is bad for you when it is eaten in moderation , and that some foods , such as Nutella , should be moderated perhaps more than others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutrients that those calories provide .
It ’ s important to make sure those calories count as much as possible .
Nutella can have an occasional place in your diet , but should not be consumed regularly .
However , if you decide to eliminate it altogether , you won ’ t be the worse for it .
This chocolatey spread managed to work its way into the breakfast conversation .
In reality , it is best left at the dessert table .
There are many breakfast options available that are better for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While they may not be a creamy chocolate spread , they ’ re pretty delicious in their own right .
Keep Reading : The protein-filled coconut cookies you can eat for breakfast

Nutella is beloved around the world, and has such a die-hard fanbase that it’s reached near cult-like status. Parents have tried to name their kids after the chocolatey spread, people have invented locks to prevent others from breaking into their stash, and in 2018, “Nutella Riots” spread across France when one supermarket chain put it on sale 70% off. Aside from being a tasty, creamy, chocolatey spread, Nutella is advertised as being part of a healthy, balanced breakfast. As is so often the case, however, this is another “too good to be true” moment. At the risk of causing mass devastation across the country, we’re sorry to report that the main Nutella Ingredients are in no way healthy or balanced.
What is Nutella?
Quite simply, Nutella is a creamy chocolate spread, but its history is far more interesting.
The story of the beloved spread began in 1806 at the height of the Napoleonic Wars. The French Emperor set up a continental blockade that cut off access to the Piedmont region of Italy and made trade extremely difficult. It is worth noting that at the time, this region was known to produce the finest chocolate in the world.
Because of high demand and low supply, however, cocoa prices went through the roof, and chocolatiers in the region began adding hazelnuts, which were plentiful in the area, to their chocolate to make their supply last a little longer.
It Wasn’t Always Called Nutella
This product became known as gianduja. Once the war ended, however, and chocolate became more accessible again, most chocolatiers ditched the hazelnuts and returned to making the pure stuff.
It wasn’t until the second World War when food rationing made chocolate wildly expensive and nearly impossible to find. It was then that an Italian pastry maker named Pietro Ferrero (yes, that Ferrero) created a paste that was made primarily of blended hazelnuts and a touch of chocolate.
He named his product past gianduja, wrapped it in foil, and distributed it in the streets. Its thick consistency made it ideal cutting into loaf-like slices and putting between two slices of bread to make a sandwich.
Pietro decided he wanted to improve the recipe by making it creamier and more spreadable and changed the name to supercrema gianduja. It wasn’t until 1964 that the name changed to Nutella, and it has been a staple in Italy ever since.
The spread was originally meant as a treat, but its popularity among children was an easy way to get them to eat bread, which provided more nutrition than the chocolate spread alone. For this reason Nutella gradually became accepted as breakfast food.
Today’s Nutella recipe, however, is a far cry from the original recipe of the 1940s, and combined with the standard white bread many kids eat today, it likely does more nutritional harm than good.
Four Reasons to Avoid Nutella
Image Credit: Mashable
Nutella has five main ingredients: palm oil, skim milk powder, cocoa, hazelnuts, and sugar. When you begin to look at these components more closely, it becomes obvious why you want to keep the stuff off of your breakfast table. Let’s do a breakdown of the Nutella Ingredients:
1. Palm Oil
Palm oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the fruit of the palm tree Elaeis guineensis. It is a low-quality, cheap-to-produce oil that is high in saturated fat and is used in everything from foods to cosmetics to biofuels.
Palm oil has been flagged by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as dangerous because it can cause cancer when processed at high temperatures [2].
This is because of glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) form when palm oil is heated, which have been found to be both genotoxic and carcinogenic in animal studies. Different models have been used to assess human cancer risk based on these studies, and have concluded that there is a health concern associated with GE [3].
Additionally, its high saturated fat content poses additional health risks, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Diets high in saturated fat have been linked to CVD, and the American Heart Association recommends that you limit your intake of this type of fat in favor of polyunsaturated fats [4].
Environmentally, palm oil is a disaster and is the largest driver of deforestation in Indonesia. This is destroying animal habitats and thus biodiversity, and contributing to climate change in a significant way. On top of that, waste ponds at palm oil refineries release massive amounts of methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide [5].
2. Sugar
Sugar, by weight, is the most prominent ingredient in Nutella. One fifteen-gram tablespoon of the spread contains 8.5 grams of sugar, which equates to 227.2 grams in one 400-gram jar. Yes- that means that more than half the weight of Nutella comes from sugar alone [6].
According to the Nutella label, one 37-gram serving contains 21 grams of sugar, which means you’re spreading the equivalent of half a bottle of Coke on your toast in the morning [7].
Diets high in sugar have been proven to cause higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, and fatty liver disease, all of which are linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke [8].
“Basically, the higher the intake of added sugar, the higher the risk for heart disease,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health [8].
Image Credit: Meghan Telpner
3. Cocoa vs. Cacao
Some may argue that the chocolate in Nutella provides some nutritional value, however, this claim may be a stretch. The problem? The majority of studies that have looked at the health benefits of chocolate were focused on the cacao beans themselves. This is different from the chocolate you typically find in stores.
Raw, minimally processed cacao beans provide a host of nutritional benefits including providing antioxidants, boosting your mood, lowering your blood pressure, and regulating your insulin levels.
To make cocoa (not cacao), however, the beans are heated to a much higher temperature, which destroys some of their nutritional content. It’s not that cocoa is necessarily bad for you, but it does not provide near the health benefits found in minimally-processed cacao.
4. Part of a “balanced breakfast”.
After receiving backlash for the health content of its product, Ferrero’s Nutella Manufacturers released the following statement:
“One of Ferrero’s core nutritional beliefs is that small portion sizes help people to enjoy their favourite foods in moderation. The labelling on our products enables consumers to make informed choices and helps ensure that Nutella can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.” [6]
While this may be true, the issue is that more often than not, the “balanced breakfast” in which Nutella is often included consists of things like pancakes, crepes, or white bread, which provide little nutritional benefit and typically contribute even more sugar and saturated fat.
Additionally, if you’re spreading generous amounts of Nutella on your toast every morning, this doesn’t really qualify as enjoying the product “in moderation”, as the company suggests. The bottom line? Ingredients in Nutella just aren’t that great.
Are There Alternatives to Nutella?
If you’re fretting about having to give up your favorite spread or morning staple, all is not lost. Avoiding Nutella’s ingredients isn’t hard. There are other alternatives out there that taste delicious but are made without all the palm oil and refined sugar.
One example is Artisana Organics Hazelnut Cacao Spread. It contains no palm oil, is dairy-free, and is made with coconut sugar, which is far less processed than the white stuff. Other options include Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread, Savor Organic Hazelnut and Chocolate Spread, and Nuts.com Chocolate Hazelnut Butter.
Another way to enjoy the taste of Nutella without the undesirable ingredients is to make it yourself. There are many recipes for healthy Nutella alternatives out there, including this one from meghantelpner.com:
The ‘Better Than Nutella’ Hemp Chocolate Spread
Ingredients
¼ cup hemp seeds
⅓ cup raw cacao
¼ cup dry roasted hazenuts (omit for nut-free)
¼ cup ghee or coconut oil
2 tbsp honey
pinch of sea salt
Directions
Process all ingredients together until smooth. Add more sweetener as desired to taste.
Yes, You Can Still Enjoy Treats
Does all this mean that you have to give up Nutella forever? Not necessarily. It is important to remember that no one food is bad for you when it is eaten in moderation, and that some foods, such as Nutella, should be moderated perhaps more than others.
Calories are important, so are the nutrients that those calories provide. It’s important to make sure those calories count as much as possible. Nutella can have an occasional place in your diet, but should not be consumed regularly. However, if you decide to eliminate it altogether, you won’t be the worse for it.
For Dessert- Not Breakfast
This chocolatey spread managed to work its way into the breakfast conversation. In reality, it is best left at the dessert table. There are many breakfast options available that are better for you and better for the planet. While they may not be a creamy chocolate spread, they’re pretty delicious in their own right.


theheartysoul--2020-08-10--Spellbinding image captures rare comet, northern lights, Milky Way, and bioluminescence (PHOTOS)

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words , but sometimes they instead leave you speechless .
This is the case with this spellbinding image captured by a B.C .
photographer of a rare comet , the Northern Lights , Milky Way , and bioluminescence .
Check out the incredible rare beauty captured in this photo .
Spellbinding Image Captures Four Rare Sights in One Snapping a gorgeous image of just one of these incredible occurrences is impressive .
A photo that contains all four ?
Absolutely incredible .
British Columbia-based landscape and night sky photographer David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to capture one last shot of the rare NEOWISE comet that was passing over Tofino , B.C .
He not only caught the comet , but also the Milky Way , bioluminescence , and a bit of aurora .
He shared the spellbinding image on his Twitter , leaving everyone ’ s jaws definitively on the ground .
( 1 ) This rare comet was first discovered by NASA ’ s Neowise infrared telescope back in March .
The last time a comet like this one was viewable in the Northern Hemisphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) Only July 3 , NEOWISE reached its closest point to the sun , which caused this “ frozen ice ball ” to heat up , burning gas and dust off of its surface .
( 1 ) NASA explains this on their website : McColm has shared a number of amazing images he took of the comet over B.C.
, however , none are as beautiful as this last one he took over Harrison Lake .
( 1 ) The Milky Way is a galaxy , or a large group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together by gravity .
Our sun , which is actually a star , is part of it , as well as all of the planets surrounding it .
The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy , though other galaxies are different shapes and sizes than ours .
( 3 ) All of the stars we see from the earth are part of The Milky Way .
It gets its name because in dark areas when the sky is clear , it looks like a milky band of white in the sky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Lights , Aurora Borealis is the beautiful , colorful , dancing lights best seen in the most northern parts of the northern hemisphere , such as northern Canada and Norway .
( 4 ) These beautiful light shows are actually created by collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth ’ s atmosphere and charged particles released from the sun ’ s atmosphere .
The different colors are caused by different types of gas particles in the collisions .
( 4 ) For example , red auroras are created by high-altitude oxygen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue or purplish-red are produced by Nitrogen .
( 4 ) Bioluminescence refers to the patches of glowing blue in the water seen in McColm ’ s photo .
These are caused by a natural chemical process that allows living organisms to produce light in their bodies .
Many marine animals use this to either discourage prey or attract a potential meal , however , the ones we often see near shore are caused by an algae bloom of plankton .
The breaking or splash of a wave at nighttime causes the boom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light close to shore .
( 5 ) In order for this to occur , the water needs to be warm and relatively calm .
( 5 ) It is without a doubt that this photograph will be one of McColm ’ s favorite photos for a very long time .
A rare opportunity where he was in the right place at the right time .
Bravo , David McColm !
Keep Reading : Upcoming Meteor Showers In 2020 You Just Can ’ t Miss

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes they instead leave you speechless. This is the case with this spellbinding image captured by a B.C. photographer of a rare comet, the Northern Lights, Milky Way, and bioluminescence. Check out the incredible rare beauty captured in this photo.
Spellbinding Image Captures Four Rare Sights in One
Snapping a gorgeous image of just one of these incredible occurrences is impressive. A photo that contains all four? Absolutely incredible.
British Columbia-based landscape and night sky photographer David McColm went out in late July to attempt to capture one last shot of the rare NEOWISE comet that was passing over Tofino, B.C. He not only caught the comet, but also the Milky Way, bioluminescence, and a bit of aurora. He shared the spellbinding image on his Twitter, leaving everyone’s jaws definitively on the ground. (1)
Image Credit: David McColm
The NEOWISE Comet
This rare comet was first discovered by NASA’s Neowise infrared telescope back in March. The last time a comet like this one was viewable in the Northern Hemisphere was comet Hale-Bop in 1977. (1)
Only July 3, NEOWISE reached its closest point to the sun, which caused this “frozen ice ball” to heat up, burning gas and dust off of its surface.(1) NASA explains this on their website:
“The comet cruised just inside Mercury’s orbit on July 3. This very close passage by the Sun is cooking the comet’s outermost layers, causing gas and dust to erupt off the icy surface and creating a large tail of debris. And yet the comet has managed to survive this intense roasting.” (2)
McColm has shared a number of amazing images he took of the comet over B.C., however, none are as beautiful as this last one he took over Harrison Lake. (1)
Read: Photographer ‘Accidentally’ Captures Incredible Photos of a Brilliant Green Meteor
The Milky Way
The Milky Way is a galaxy, or a large group of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity. Our sun, which is actually a star, is part of it, as well as all of the planets surrounding it. The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy, though other galaxies are different shapes and sizes than ours. (3)
All of the stars we see from the earth are part of The Milky Way. It gets its name because in dark areas when the sky is clear, it looks like a milky band of white in the sky. (3)
Comet Neowise in & around Tofino, BC continues to impress … and change from night to night! Here's to getting out as often as possible to enjoy (and shoot) this stunning & rare deep sky event! @tourism_tofino @HelloBC @StormHour #NEOWISE pic.twitter.com/lvb9g2z8zR — David McColm (@davidlmccolm) July 18, 2020
Aurora Borealis
Also known as The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis is the beautiful, colorful, dancing lights best seen in the most northern parts of the northern hemisphere, such as northern Canada and Norway. (4)
These beautiful light shows are actually created by collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere and charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere. The different colors are caused by different types of gas particles in the collisions. (4)
For example, red auroras are created by high-altitude oxygen, yellowish-green by lower altitude oxygen, and blue or purplish-red are produced by Nitrogen. (4)
Read: Photographer Snaps Once-in-a-Lifetime Shot of a Rainbow Sky
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence refers to the patches of glowing blue in the water seen in McColm’s photo. These are caused by a natural chemical process that allows living organisms to produce light in their bodies. Many marine animals use this to either discourage prey or attract a potential meal, however, the ones we often see near shore are caused by an algae bloom of plankton. The breaking or splash of a wave at nighttime causes the boom to glow, producing a beautiful blue light close to shore. (5)
In order for this to occur, the water needs to be warm and relatively calm. (5)
To be able to see & shoot the stunning comet Neowise over Tofino, BC the last couple of days has been an incredible bucket-list experience & then last night it even came with a wee bit of aurora #justwow @TamithaSkov @tourism_tofino @HelloBC @StormHour #cometNEOWISE pic.twitter.com/v5RobhNwKs — David McColm (@davidlmccolm) July 14, 2020
A Career Best
It is without a doubt that this photograph will be one of McColm’s favorite photos for a very long time. A rare opportunity where he was in the right place at the right time. Bravo, David McColm!
Keep Reading: Upcoming Meteor Showers In 2020 You Just Can’t Miss


theheartysoul--2020-08-10--Hubble Just Made a Major Breakthrough in the Search for Alien Life

Since the early days of space exploration , scientists have made many significant strides in their understanding of outer space .
They ’ ve put men on the moon , found new planets and stars , and made conclusions about the inner workings of our solar system but one question remains unanswered : Is there life on other planets outside our solar system ?
Well , thanks to a new Hubble breakthrough , we may be closer to an answer .
While many scientists do believe that this could be the case , we have lacked any definitive proof to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scientists at NASA have made a major breakthrough using the space telescope Hubble , which could put them on track to finding the evidence they ’ ve been searching for .
Using NASA ’ s Hubble Space Telescope , astronomers took advantage of a total lunar eclipse in order to detect ozone in the Earth ’ s atmosphere .
The experiment was used as a proof-of-concept to simulate how astronomers and astrobiology researchers will look for evidence of life beyond our solar system [ 1 ] .
The experiment had astronomers using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunlight that had passed through Earth ’ s atmosphere instead of looking at Earth directly .
When that light was reflected back to Hubble , they were able to “ see ” earth ’ s atmosphere .
This is the first time a total lunar eclipse was captured at ultraviolet wavelengths from a space telescope .
During the experiment , Hubble detected a strong spectral fingerprint of ozone , which absorbs some of the sunlight .
Ozone , incidentally , is an important indication of the possibility of life .
Photosynthesis from plants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth ’ s high oxygen levels and thick ozone layer .
For this reason , scientists think that ozone or oxygen could be a sign of life on another planet , which is why they are referred to as biosignatures .
Finding ozone in the skies a planet outside our atmosphere , however , does not guarantee that there is life on that planet .
Youngblood explains that there are other spectral signatures that are required in addition to ozone to conclude that there is in fact life on that planet , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ultraviolet light .
Giada Arney of NASA ’ s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt , Maryland , a co-author of the science paper , says that the ingredients required for photosynthesis are elements that all habitable planets should have in common .
Astronomers must search for a combination of biosignatures to determine whether there is life on a planet because ozone can also be produced without the presence of life when nitrogen and oxygen are exposed to sunlight .
Searching for Life on Other Planets To date , astronomers have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atmospheres of gas giants planets that are several times the Earth ’ s mass ( called super-Earths ) , that transit their stars .
Transiting refers to when a planet passes across the face of its parent star .
During a transit , the planet is backlit by starlight , which filters through its atmosphere .
Chemicals in the atmosphere leave their signature by filtering out certain colors of starlight , allowing scientists to determine which chemicals are present .
It has been much harder for scientists to figure out biosignatures for terrestrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they are much smaller objects and their atmospheres are thinner .
For this reason , researchers are going to need space telescopes that are much larger than Hubble to observe the atmospheres of these planets , and they will likely need to observe them for a much longer amount of time in order to build up a strong enough signal [ 1 ] .
We know that the makeup of the Earth ’ s atmosphere is a result of the planet being covered in plant life , which means that future observations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not there is life on distant worlds [ 2 ] .
The technique for planetary observation used in this experiment will help scientists to narrow down which planets are more likely to support life , which will allow them to determine which planets should be the focus of future missions outside of our solar system .
Currently , NASA has a new telescope called the James Webb Space Telescope that is scheduled to launch in 2021 .
Webb will make similar kinds of measurements to Hubble in infrared light , and will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the atmospheres of planets outside our solar system [ 1 ] .
Keep Reading : NASA Shares A Photograph Of The Sun Looking Like A Spooky Jack-O ’ -Lantern

Since the early days of space exploration, scientists have made many significant strides in their understanding of outer space. They’ve put men on the moon, found new planets and stars, and made conclusions about the inner workings of our solar system but one question remains unanswered: Is there life on other planets outside our solar system? Well, thanks to a new Hubble breakthrough, we may be closer to an answer.
While many scientists do believe that this could be the case, we have lacked any definitive proof to support that idea. Recently, however, scientists at NASA have made a major breakthrough using the space telescope Hubble, which could put them on track to finding the evidence they’ve been searching for.
Hubble Breakthrough
Using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers took advantage of a total lunar eclipse in order to detect ozone in the Earth’s atmosphere. The experiment was used as a proof-of-concept to simulate how astronomers and astrobiology researchers will look for evidence of life beyond our solar system [1].
The experiment had astronomers using the moon as a mirror to reflect sunlight that had passed through Earth’s atmosphere instead of looking at Earth directly. When that light was reflected back to Hubble, they were able to “see” earth’s atmosphere.
This is the first time a total lunar eclipse was captured at ultraviolet wavelengths from a space telescope. During the experiment, Hubble detected a strong spectral fingerprint of ozone, which absorbs some of the sunlight. Ozone, incidentally, is an important indication of the possibility of life.
Ozone = Life
Photosynthesis from plants over billions of years is responsible for Earth’s high oxygen levels and thick ozone layer. For this reason, scientists think that ozone or oxygen could be a sign of life on another planet, which is why they are referred to as biosignatures.
“Finding ozone is significant because it is a photochemical byproduct of molecular oxygen, which is itself a byproduct of life,” explained Allison Youngblood of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado, lead researcher of Hubble’s observations [1].
Finding ozone in the skies a planet outside our atmosphere, however, does not guarantee that there is life on that planet. Youngblood explains that there are other spectral signatures that are required in addition to ozone to conclude that there is in fact life on that planet, and these signatures cannot always be seen with ultraviolet light.
Giada Arney of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, a co-author of the science paper, says that the ingredients required for photosynthesis are elements that all habitable planets should have in common.
“Photosynthesis might be the most productive metabolism that can evolve on any planet, because it is fueled by energy from starlight and uses cosmically abundant elements like water and carbon dioxide,” she said [1].
Astronomers must search for a combination of biosignatures to determine whether there is life on a planet because ozone can also be produced without the presence of life when nitrogen and oxygen are exposed to sunlight.
Read: World record lightning ‘megaflash’ in South America — 440 miles long — confirmed by scientists
Searching for Life on Other Planets
To date, astronomers have been able to use Hubble to observe that atmospheres of gas giants planets that are several times the Earth’s mass (called super-Earths), that transit their stars. Transiting refers to when a planet passes across the face of its parent star.
During a transit, the planet is backlit by starlight, which filters through its atmosphere. Chemicals in the atmosphere leave their signature by filtering out certain colors of starlight, allowing scientists to determine which chemicals are present.
It has been much harder for scientists to figure out biosignatures for terrestrial planets that are the size of Earth because they are much smaller objects and their atmospheres are thinner. For this reason, researchers are going to need space telescopes that are much larger than Hubble to observe the atmospheres of these planets, and they will likely need to observe them for a much longer amount of time in order to build up a strong enough signal [1].
The Future of Space Exploration
We know that the makeup of the Earth’s atmosphere is a result of the planet being covered in plant life, which means that future observations of exoplanets could tell us whether or not there is life on distant worlds [2].
The technique for planetary observation used in this experiment will help scientists to narrow down which planets are more likely to support life, which will allow them to determine which planets should be the focus of future missions outside of our solar system.
Currently, NASA has a new telescope called the James Webb Space Telescope that is scheduled to launch in 2021. Webb will make similar kinds of measurements to Hubble in infrared light, and will have the potential to detect methane and oxygen in the atmospheres of planets outside our solar system [1].


theheartysoul--2020-08-10--Perseids Meteor Shower 2020: When, Where & How to See It

In what will likely be any stargazer ’ s dream , the sky will be filled with dozens of meteors in the next couple of days .
“ Shooting stars ” are not so easy to catch but if you can stay up during the three-day window , you ’ ll get to see some .
Get ready for this year ’ s Perseid meteor shower .
A meteor shower is an astronomical event that occurs when a large number of meteors flash across the night sky seemingly from the same point [ 1 ] .
The Perseids meteor shower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everywhere in the world – especially in the northern hemisphere , the Perseid meteors come out in large numbers during the summer nights .
This year , they are expected to be at their biggest and brightest in the early hours of August 11 , 12 , and 13 .
This gives you a 3-day window to catch these “ diamonds in the sky ” [ 2 ] .
Origin of the name , Perseids Meteor showers derive their names from the constellations they originate from .
This constellation is known as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perseid meteor ( when you trace it backward ) is the constellation Perseus , which means the Hero .
You ’ d typically find this constellation in the northern sky , but for the meteor showers , you can find them anywhere in the night sky [ 3 ] .
What causes the Perseid meteor shower ?
Meteors are meteoroids ( small pieces of asteroids or comets ) that become vaporized into streaks of light when they enter the Earth ’ s atmosphere [ 4 ] .
The Perseid meteors are birthed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an impressive 16-mile wide nucleus , is the largest object from the solar system to pass by the earth repeatedly , according to NASA .
“ Repeatedly ” might be a bit of a stretch here .
In reality , it passes by once every 133 years .
This means that it was last seen in 1992 , and the next appearance will occur in 2126 .
However , the Perseid meteor shower would certainly leave a long-lasting impression .
Every year , as the earth passes through the dust and debris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Perseid meteor shower occurs [ 5 ] .
If you think about it , Perseids are the actual definition of shooting stars as they cut across the sky with speeds as high as 37 miles per second .
They ’ re also almost as bright as Jupiter or Venus , causing them to be nicknamed the “ Fireball champion of meteors ” by NASA meteor expert , Bill Cooke [ 6 ] .
The Perseids also boasts of over 50 meteors passing through the sky in an hour .
In some years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flittering past the sky in one hour .
Sadly , 2020 is not one of them , although we can expect a bit more than was seen in 2019 [ 7 ] .
Here ’ s why the moonlight will put a bit of a damper on this year ’ s Perseid meteor shower Ideally , a meteor shower is best seen with low light .
As the Perseid meteor shower gets into its peak moments , the August Moon will be slightly over its last quarter stage .
Consequently , the brightness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit harder for you to see the shooting stars in all their glory .
Despite this development , the shower will still be visible to the unaided eye .
You just need to find a dark or poorly-lit location between late night and early morning of the 3 peak days .
This is better than last year ’ s Perseid shower when the moon was very close to its full phase , making the whole shower a lot harder to see [ 8 ] .
How to enjoy the celestial show The Perseid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You don ’ t need to go to a planetarium or use any fancy equipment .
The most important factor is to find a part of your city or town with very light pollution of light .
If you ’ re lucky , your home would be situated in a perfect area and all you need to do is stay up or wake at the right time .
If you have to leave your comfort zone , make sure the location is safe , and it ’ s best to go with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to pack a few essentials .
Also , your eyes need time to adjust to the darkness – about 30 minutes – and you will have to spend up to an hour to see a reasonable number of the meteors , so it ’ s best to go with a seat or mat for your comfort [ 9 ] .
Depending on the climate , you may have to wear something warm as it ’ s usually chilly that early in the morning .
Finally , don ’ t forget snacks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Truly , there ’ s something therapeutic about listening to music while staring up at a sky full of shooting stars .
Regardless of what you choose to wear or take with you , just go outside for the show , and don ’ t forget to make a wish…or 50 wishes , after all , there will be enough shooting stars willing to pick them up .
Check out this interactive map to show how Earth passes through the meteor shower !
Keep Reading : Get Ready To See The Full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s The Last Supermoon Of 2020

In what will likely be any stargazer’s dream, the sky will be filled with dozens of meteors in the next couple of days. “Shooting stars” are not so easy to catch but if you can stay up during the three-day window, you’ll get to see some. Get ready for this year’s Perseid meteor shower.
A meteor shower is an astronomical event that occurs when a large number of meteors flash across the night sky seemingly from the same point [1]. The Perseids meteor shower is amongst the brightest of them. Everywhere in the world – especially in the northern hemisphere, the Perseid meteors come out in large numbers during the summer nights. This year, they are expected to be at their biggest and brightest in the early hours of August 11, 12, and 13. This gives you a 3-day window to catch these “diamonds in the sky” [2].
Origin of the name, Perseids
Meteor showers derive their names from the constellations they originate from. This constellation is known as a radiant. The radiant point for the Perseid meteor (when you trace it backward) is the constellation Perseus, which means the Hero.
You’d typically find this constellation in the northern sky, but for the meteor showers, you can find them anywhere in the night sky [3].
What causes the Perseid meteor shower?
Meteors are meteoroids (small pieces of asteroids or comets) that become vaporized into streaks of light when they enter the Earth’s atmosphere [4]. The Perseid meteors are birthed from the Comet Swift-Tuttle. This comet, with an impressive 16-mile wide nucleus, is the largest object from the solar system to pass by the earth repeatedly, according to NASA. “Repeatedly” might be a bit of a stretch here. In reality, it passes by once every 133 years. This means that it was last seen in 1992, and the next appearance will occur in 2126.
However, the Perseid meteor shower would certainly leave a long-lasting impression. Every year, as the earth passes through the dust and debris left behind by the Comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseid meteor shower occurs [5].
The Comet Swift-Tuttle
If you think about it, Perseids are the actual definition of shooting stars as they cut across the sky with speeds as high as 37 miles per second. They’re also almost as bright as Jupiter or Venus, causing them to be nicknamed the “Fireball champion of meteors” by NASA meteor expert, Bill Cooke [6].
The Perseids also boasts of over 50 meteors passing through the sky in an hour. In some years, over 100 meteors have been counted flittering past the sky in one hour. Sadly, 2020 is not one of them, although we can expect a bit more than was seen in 2019 [7].
Read: Photographer ‘Accidentally’ Captures Incredible Photos of a Brilliant Green Meteor
Here’s why the moonlight will put a bit of a damper on this year’s Perseid meteor shower
Ideally, a meteor shower is best seen with low light. As the Perseid meteor shower gets into its peak moments, the August Moon will be slightly over its last quarter stage. Consequently, the brightness of the moon will make it a bit harder for you to see the shooting stars in all their glory. Despite this development, the shower will still be visible to the unaided eye. You just need to find a dark or poorly-lit location between late night and early morning of the 3 peak days.
According to Amie Gallagher, Director of the Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College, Somerset County, “The best time to see any meteor shower is after midnight. That’s when the part of the earth that you are on is moving into the stream of meteors.”
This is better than last year’s Perseid shower when the moon was very close to its full phase, making the whole shower a lot harder to see[8].
How to enjoy the celestial show
The Perseid meteor shower is quite easy to view. You don’t need to go to a planetarium or use any fancy equipment. The most important factor is to find a part of your city or town with very light pollution of light. If you’re lucky, your home would be situated in a perfect area and all you need to do is stay up or wake at the right time.
If you have to leave your comfort zone, make sure the location is safe, and it’s best to go with a group of people. You may need to pack a few essentials. Also, your eyes need time to adjust to the darkness – about 30 minutes – and you will have to spend up to an hour to see a reasonable number of the meteors, so it’s best to go with a seat or mat for your comfort [9]. Depending on the climate, you may have to wear something warm as it’s usually chilly that early in the morning.
Finally, don’t forget snacks, bugs spray, and your favorite playlist. Truly, there’s something therapeutic about listening to music while staring up at a sky full of shooting stars. Regardless of what you choose to wear or take with you, just go outside for the show, and don’t forget to make a wish…or 50 wishes, after all, there will be enough shooting stars willing to pick them up.
Check out this interactive map to show how Earth passes through the meteor shower!


theheartysoul--2020-08-11--Why This Mom Loves Smoking Weed With Her 14-Year-Old Daughter

In 2017 divorced mom Kaylie shocked a Dr. Phil audience when she revealed that she smoked weed with her fourteen-year-old daughter , Gabrielle .
Fast-forward three years to when Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp stood before a jury in court , defending his decision to give marijuana to his daughter when she was only eleven years old .
Over the last several years , the culture surrounding marijuana has shifted dramatically .
It has been legalized in many countries around the world as well as several states , and more and the stigma around the drug is beginning to lessen considerably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both of these stories have been circulated widely around the internet recently , with many viewers expressing their disapproval .
This has opened up the debate as to whether or not marijuana is safe for young people , and how adults , specifically parents , should go about talking with their teeneagers and children about the drug .
Kaylie , who at the time of the video had a prescription for medical marijuana , explained to Dr. Phil that she and her daughter liked to meditate together and that they would smoke weed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the drug to her young daughter for two reasons .
First , because she knew her daughter was already smoking and she was concerned about where she was getting the marijuana from , and second , she was worried about how much she was smoking in one sitting .
For this reason , she decided that her best option was to be open with her daughter about smoking marijuana , and provide a safe and controlled environment within which her daughter could use the drug with parental supervision .
Some will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent , while others will argue the exact opposite .
This leads us to ask the important question : how does marijuana affect teenagers ?
Teenage marijuana use is the highest it ’ s been in thirty years , and today more teens are likely to smoke marijuana than tobacco .
The legal age to purchase and smoke marijuana in the United States , however , is twenty-one [ 2 ] .
While there have been scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of marijuana for adults , the same can not be said for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still actively developing , are at a much greater risk for experiencing harmful and long-lasting effects to their health and well-being when they regularly smoke weed [ 3 ] .
Some of the negative effects of marijuana on teenagers include : • Use of other drugs or alcohol • Worsening of underlying mental health conditions including mood changes and suicidal thinking [ 5 ] High levels of cannabis use among adolescents are also related to poorer educational outcomes , lower income , greater welfare dependence and unemployment , and lower relationship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is marijuana more problematic for teenagers than older adults ?
The main reason is that the teenage brain does not fully develop until they ’ re in their mid-twenties .
During this time , the brain is particularly sensitive to drug exposure , and marijuana use impacts how connections are formed within the brain interferes with neurotransmitters and causes abnormal brain shape and structure volume [ 9 ] .
Teenagers are also more likely to pick up long-lasting habits , which puts them at greater risk for addiction to the drug as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the depressive effects of cannabis may last longer in teenagers than they do in adults [ 10 ] .
Read : Teen Wants More People to Know About a Rare Medical Condition Linked to Cannabis Use Until recently , marijuana was illegal across the US .
For this reason , before there was much research surrounding the effects of the drug on the teenage brain , there was significant effort put into educating young people on the dangers of the drug .
‘ Just Saying No ’ is Not so Easy During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1980s , the “ just say no ” approach was the preferred educational method for marijuana and other drugs .
The DARE ( Drug Abuse Resistance Education ) curriculum was introduced in schools , in which police officers visited schools to convince children that drugs were bad .
After a decade of using the program , which relied on law enforcement rather than medical science to educate young people , research found that it had little to no impact , and possibly even made drug use among adolescents and teens worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy , while completely ignoring the reality that teens and young adults sometimes experiment with drugs .
Marsha Rosenbaum , Director Emerita for the Drug Policy Alliance , an organization which seeks a reality-based , harms reduction approach to drugs and drug abuse , says that the effort has gone into using misinformation to scare teenagers off of trying anything .
She has been a key contributor to the new , anti-DARE school curriculum entitled Safety First : A Reality-Based Approach to Teens and Drugs , which seeks to educate teens on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they make .
Read : Yes , Vaping Marijuana Has Risks ( Maybe more than you realize ) Today , new programs are being put in place to educate teenagers with the understanding that abstinence across the board is unrealistic .
One of these programs is the Students for Sensible Drug Policy ( SSDP ) , an international organization of students and young people seeking changes toward a realistic drug policy .
It is monitored by Vilmarie Narloch , Drug Education Manager for SSDP , and a practiced clinical psychologist with a focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they will be talking about the developing brain and some of the risks that exist and what the research says , but also acknowledging that some students are already consuming cannabis .
For that reason , they also need to consider what those students need to know in order to use the drug as safely as possible .
The program is in no way encouraging students to use marijuana , nor is it promoting drug use in any way , but it is one of the first major programs to acknowledge that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t always “ just say no ” .
Talking to Your Child About Marijuana Talking to your own child about marijuana can be difficult , especially given that it was an illegal substance for so long , but most experts agree that it is important for parents to talk to their kids about the drug .
Ruth Cordukes , a public health nurse in Canada , where marijuana is legal , says that it is very important to talk about it with school-age children .
She suggests following your child ’ s lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come up ( for example , when they ask what that funny smell is as you ’ re walking down the street ) .
She also recommends using age-appropriate language , for example : She says it ’ s important to pay attention to your tone , and to be sure not to present it as a very intense topic , because they ’ ll remember that it made you anxious .
Instead , the goal is to have a relaxed , easygoing conversation with your child so they know that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
She also emphasises that if you don ’ t know the answer to a question , don ’ t fake it- suggest to your child that you go and look it up together [ 11 ] .
When it comes to teenagers , keeping the lines of communication open and honest is also the best way to ensure that your kids feel comfortable asking you questions about the drug .
Dr. Seth Ammerman , MD , has created a tip sheet of talking points for parents with their teenagers , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have on their brains , the legal ramifications of underage use , and the dangers of driving while under the influence .
It also includes advice on how to talk to teenagers about your own marijuana usage , and how to have discussions about various drug use scenarios [ 12 ] .
Most parents , of course , would prefer their children stay away from all types of drugs , however we know that expecting one hundred percent abstinence is not realistic .
While we certainly do not want to be encouraging young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is important that we don ’ t make them feel as though they can ’ t ask questions .
We want to educate them properly on the risks associated with doing drugs and help them to make responsible choices , but if they are already experimenting with them , we need to offer them tools to use them as safely as possible .
While not every parent will feel comfortable openly using marijuana with their children like Kaylie or Johnny Depp , finding an approach that allows you to have continuous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best way to ensure their health and safety .
Keep Reading : Cannabis and the Entourage Effect : Why Cannabis Can ’ t Always Be Reduced to Just THC

In 2017 divorced mom Kaylie shocked a Dr. Phil audience when she revealed that she smokes marijuana with her daughter, Gabrielle. Fast-forward three years to when Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp stood before a jury in court, defending his decision to give marijuana to his daughter when she was only eleven years old.
Over the last several years, the culture surrounding marijuana has shifted dramatically. It has been legalized in many countries around the world as well as several states, and more and the stigma around the drug is beginning to lessen considerably.
Despite this change in attitude, both of these stories have been circulated widely around the internet recently, with many viewers expressing their disapproval. This has opened up the debate as to whether or not marijuana is safe for young people, and how adults, specifically parents, should go about talking with their teenagers and children about the drug.
Mom smokes marijuana with her daughter before meditating
Kaylie, who at the time of the video had a prescription for medical marijuana, explained to Dr. Phil that she and her daughter liked to meditate together and that they would smoke weed before meditating.
She defended her decision to give the drug to her young daughter for two reasons. First, because she knew her daughter was already smoking and she was concerned about where she was getting the marijuana from, and second, she was worried about how much she was smoking in one sitting.
“She would smoke until she was just worthless. She couldn’t walk around or do anything. […] It really frightens me that she could get something horrible. Or that she’s just going to smoke and smoke and smoke until she’s blue, which is not the point,” said Kaylie [1].
For this reason, she decided that her best option was to be open with her daughter about smoking marijuana, and provide a safe and controlled environment within which her daughter could use the drug with parental supervision.
Some will argue that Kaylie was being a responsible parent, while others will argue the exact opposite. This leads us to ask the important question: how does marijuana affect teenagers?
Marijuana and Teens
Is there a danger for the mom who smokes marijuana with her daughter? Teenage marijuana use is the highest it’s been in thirty years, and today more teens are likely to smoke marijuana than tobacco. The legal age to purchase and smoke marijuana in the United States, however, is twenty-one [2].
While there have been scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of marijuana for adults, the same cannot be said for younger people. Teenagers, whose brains are still actively developing, are at a much greater risk for experiencing harmful and long-lasting effects to their health and well-being when they regularly smoke weed [3].
Some of the negative effects of marijuana on teenagers include:
Difficulty thinking and problem solving.
Problems with memory and learning.
Impaired coordination.
Difficulty maintaining attention.
School difficulties [4]
Use of other drugs or alcohol
Risky sexual behaviours
Worsening of underlying mental health conditions including mood changes and suicidal thinking [5]
Increased risk of psychosis [6]
Impaired driving [7]
Interference with prescribed medication [2,3]
High levels of cannabis use among adolescents are also related to poorer educational outcomes, lower-income, greater welfare dependence and unemployment, and lower relationship and life satisfaction [8].
Why is marijuana more problematic for teenagers than older adults? The main reason is that the teenage brain does not fully develop until they’re in their mid-twenties. During this time, the brain is particularly sensitive to drug exposure, and marijuana use impacts how connections are formed within the brain interferes with neurotransmitters and causes abnormal brain shape and structure volume [9].
Teenagers are also more likely to pick up long-lasting habits, which puts them at greater risk for addiction to the drug as they get older. There is also evidence that the depressive effects of cannabis may last longer in teenagers than they do in adults [10].
A Brief History of Marijuana Education
Until recently, marijuana was illegal across the US. For this reason, before there was much research surrounding the effects of the drug on the teenage brain, there was significant effort put into educating young people on the dangers of the drug.
‘Just Saying No’ is Not so Easy
During the notorious “War on Drugs” in the 1980s, the “just say no” approach was the preferred educational method for marijuana and other drugs. The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculum was introduced in schools, in which police officers visited schools to convince children that drugs were bad.
After a decade of using the program, which relied on law enforcement rather than medical science to educate young people, research found that it had little to no impact, and possibly even made drug use among adolescents and teens worse.
Ignoring Reality
The DARE program forced an abstinence-only policy, while completely ignoring the reality that teens and young adults sometimes experiment with drugs. Marsha Rosenbaum, Director Emerita for the Drug Policy Alliance, an organization which seeks a reality-based, harms reduction approach to drugs and drug abuse, says that the effort has gone into using misinformation to scare teenagers off of trying anything.
She has been a key contributor to the new, anti-DARE school curriculum entitled Safety First: A Reality-Based Approach to Teens and Drugs, which seeks to educate teens on how to limit harms regardless of the decisions they make.
“It’s got at its core the notion of harm reduction. That means that whereas the best choice for teenagers abstinence, hands down, the best choice. However, they make their own decisions. And sometimes they don’t decide to say ‘no’,” says Rosenbaum. “Accepting that reality is the first step, and then figuring out if you can’t have abstinence, what’s your plan B? What’s the fallback?” [1]
Talking to Teens About Drugs
Today, new programs are being put in place to educate teenagers with the understanding that abstinence across the board is unrealistic. One of these programs is the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), an international organization of students and young people seeking changes toward a realistic drug policy. It is monitored by Vilmarie Narloch, Drug Education Manager for SSDP, and a practiced clinical psychologist with a focus on substance abuse disorders.
Narloch says that they will be talking about the developing brain and some of the risks that exist and what the research says, but also acknowledging that some students are already consuming cannabis. For that reason, they also need to consider what those students need to know in order to use the drug as safely as possible.
“We’re targeting students and young people that may already be using the substance,” says Vilmarie. “We acknowledge that young people are already using these drugs and we want to ensure that, since they are already doing so, give them the tools that allow them to do so in the safest way possible.” [1]
The program is in no way encouraging students to use marijuana, nor is it promoting drug use in any way, but it is one of the first major programs to acknowledge that many teenagers and college students don’t always “just say no”.
Talking to Your Child About Marijuana
Talking to your own child about marijuana can be difficult, especially given that it was an illegal substance for so long, but most experts agree that it is important for parents to talk to their kids about the drug.
Ruth Cordukes, a public health nurse in Canada, where marijuana is legal, says that it is very important to talk about it with school-age children.
“This is an age when it’s so easy to have these conversations. They’re not actively using it, so they’re not feeling any judgment. It’s more about answering curiosity. It’s a great opportunity for parents to tell youth what they, as parents, think before the child is actually faced with choices.” [11]
Follow Your Child’s Lead
She suggests following your child’s lead, and answering their questions as they come up (for example, when they ask what that funny smell is as you’re walking down the street). She also recommends using age-appropriate language, for example:
“It’s a plant you eat or smoke, and it changes how you feel. Some people use it for medicine. You should only use it if you’re an adult.”
She says it’s important to pay attention to your tone, and to be sure not to present it as a very intense topic, because they’ll remember that it made you anxious. Instead, the goal is to have a relaxed, easygoing conversation with your child so they know that it’s ok for them to talk about it.
Be Honest
She also emphasises that if you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t fake it- suggest to your child that you go and look it up together [11].
When it comes to teenagers, keeping the lines of communication open and honest is also the best way to ensure that your kids feel comfortable asking you questions about the drug.
Dr. Seth Ammerman, MD, has created a tip sheet of talking points for parents with their teenagers, that includes the potential effects the drug can have on their brains, the legal ramifications of underage use, and the dangers of driving while under the influence. It also includes advice on how to talk to teenagers about your own marijuana usage, and how to have discussions about various drug use scenarios [12].
The Bottom Line
Most parents, of course, would prefer their children stay away from all types of drugs, however we know that expecting one hundred percent abstinence is not realistic.
While we certainly do not want to be encouraging young people to use drugs of any kind, it is important that we don’t make them feel as though they can’t ask questions. We want to educate them properly on the risks associated with doing drugs and help them to make responsible choices, but if they are already experimenting with them, we need to offer them tools to use them as safely as possible.
While not every parent will feel comfortable openly using marijuana with their children like Kaylie or Johnny Depp, finding an approach that allows you to have continuous conversation about drugs with your child is the best way to ensure their health and safety.
Keep Reading: World’s first marijuana gym opening in California
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-08-11--I no longer sit at tables where I might be the topic when I get up

Have you ever been sitting at a table of women chatting when you realized that the entire conversation centered around gossiping about and putting down others ?
If you sat there thinking “ well at least they ’ re not talking about me !
” then you clearly haven ’ t thought about who they ’ re talking about when you ’ re not there .
Here ’ s the honest truth : if your friend group talks about other members of your group when they aren ’ t there , then they talk that way about you when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find yourself at a table like that , you should stand up , walk away , and never go back .
These Women Are Not True Friends The conversations at these toxic tables are always centered around others ’ : Let ’ s not forget to mention the gossip and cruel jokes made on those people ’ s behalf .
Now if you ’ re reading this thinking “ well , my friends do this , but they aren ’ t mean , it ’ s just for fun ” let me ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you heard your friends speaking about you this way ?
Would you not rather be a part of a girl gang that is fiercely supportive of one another , rather than continuously tearing each other down behind closed doors ?
You may be taught to believe that this is just the way women are , but I assure you this is false .
Women can and should lift each other up .
If your friend group does not do that , then it is time to get a new one .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You Consider ‘ Friends ’ M ?
utm_source=readmoreay Not Friend You Back The Kind of Women You Really Need in Your Life Walking away from your friend group is hard , but the rewards when you choose instead to surround yourself with women who celebrate one another is worth it .
Now that you are building your new circle , these are the qualities you want to look for in each of your new friends .
Women have much to overcome already , so we need to support each other 100 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends with aren ’ t only supportive of their friends , family , and loved ones , but they are supportive of all women – even those who are complete strangers .
If you have a friend who is a cheerleader for her friends but talks poorly about other women , then the chances of her turning on you when she feels threatened or jealous by your success are pretty high .
No , seek out women who pump others up always , and strive to be one yourself .
Read : These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t Need Sure , it ’ s fun to spend all of your Saturday nights going out with your friends and then laughing about your shenanigans the next day over brunch the next day , but every single weekend ?
Maybe it ’ s time to find friends who inspire you to do more – run that marathon , complete that yoga challenge , spend your weekend volunteering , travel .
Friends who inspire you to fill your life with experiences and challenge you to grow and become a better person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return .
We all need people who we can go to with our problems who will listen to us thoroughly , think hard about what we ’ ve told them , and help us work through our hard times .
Not much is worse than going to a friend with a problem only for them to respond with “ oh , you think that ’ s hard ?
I ’ ve had it so much worse… ” .
No , you need women who will always answer when you call and give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable at the time , they will let you know and call you back later when they can give you their undivided attention .
This one may seem scary to most of us , but sometimes spontaneous is good .
Do you have a friend who : • Randomly shows up at your place with coffee ?
• Calls you on the way to a concert telling you to get dressed because you ’ re coming with them ?
• Decides on a Friday morning that you and the squad are going away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life interesting ?
These people are gems because they force you out of your comfort zone make you try new things , and allow you to just let your hair down and have some fun .
Be grateful for these people , trust me .
Read : 3 Elderly Best Friends are Moving in Together During the Coronavirus Outbreak because They Don ’ t Want to Self-isolate Alone We live in a world that is constantly telling women how they should look , act , and feel .
We ’ re taught to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re subtly told that if we don ’ t have a certain body type or clear skin we ’ re worthless .
We ’ re told what to wear , how to act , what to eat and drink , and shamed no matter what we do .
It takes a lot of confidence to be our authentic selves and live our lives the way we want to .
Bold women who are daring enough to laugh in the face of society ’ s expectations for them are the kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
Their courage will rub off on you and you will live more freely .
Being constantly surrounded by people who complain , who talk about how awful this and that are , and who always point out the negative in every situation are exhausting .
Stick to people who feel like light : they shine rays of positivity everywhere they go .
They understand that bad things happen , but they also know that your mindset is a powerful tool for getting through those hard times .
Find those women and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a know-it-all .
Women who are continuously seeking to learn -be it a new skill , a new language , or to understand a different culture or point of view – will open your mind as well .
These women approach every new person as someone they can learn from , no matter what walk of life they are from .
They see the value other people bring , and they will see yours , too .
Toxic “ friendships ” are a waste of your time and energy .
Women that only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel better themselves are not worth any more of yourself than you have already given .
Ditch this group and build one that will lift you up and assist and cheer you on through everything that life brings your way .
Read : Who Are Your Real Friends ?
Choose Quality Over Quantity

Have you ever been sitting at a table of women chatting when you realized that the entire conversation centered around gossiping about and putting down others? If you sat there thinking “well at least they’re not talking about me!” then you clearly haven’t thought about who they’re talking about when you’re not there.
Here’s the honest truth: if your friend group talks about other members of your group when they aren’t there, then they talk that way about you when you are absent, too.
If you find yourself at a table like that, you should stand up, walk away, and never go back.
These Women Are Not True Friends
The conversations at these toxic tables are always centered around others’:
Shortcomings
Mistakes
Flaws
Imperfections
Let’s not forget to mention the gossip and cruel jokes made on those people’s behalf. Now if you’re reading this thinking “well, my friends do this, but they aren’t mean, it’s just for fun” let me ask you this:
How would you feel if you heard your friends speaking about you this way? Would you not rather be a part of a girl gang that is fiercely supportive of one another, rather than continuously tearing each other down behind closed doors?
You may be taught to believe that this is just the way women are, but I assure you this is false. Women can and should lift each other up. If your friend group does not do that, then it is time to get a new one.
The Kind of Women You Really Need in Your Life
Walking away from your friend group is hard, but the rewards when you choose instead to surround yourself with women who celebrate one another is worth it. Now that you are building your new circle, these are the qualities you want to look for in each of your new friends.
Supportive
Women have much to overcome already, so we need to support each other 100%. The type of women you should be friends with aren’t only supportive of their friends, family, and loved ones, but they are supportive of all women – even those who are complete strangers.
If you have a friend who is a cheerleader for her friends but talks poorly about other women, then the chances of her turning on you when she feels threatened or jealous by your success are pretty high. No, seek out women who pump others up always, and strive to be one yourself.
Inspiring
Sure, it’s fun to spend all of your Saturday nights going out with your friends and then laughing about your shenanigans the next day over brunch the next day, but every single weekend? Maybe it’s time to find friends who inspire you to do more – run that marathon, complete that yoga challenge, spend your weekend volunteering, travel. Friends who inspire you to fill your life with experiences and challenge you to grow and become a better person so that you can inspire others in return.
Listener
We all need people who we can go to with our problems who will listen to us thoroughly, think hard about what we’ve told them, and help us work through our hard times. Not much is worse than going to a friend with a problem only for them to respond with “oh, you think that’s hard? I’ve had it so much worse…”. No, you need women who will always answer when you call and give you their full attention. If they are unable at the time, they will let you know and call you back later when they can give you their undivided attention.
Spontaneous
This one may seem scary to most of us, but sometimes spontaneous is good. Do you have a friend who:
Randomly shows up at your place with coffee?
Calls you on the way to a concert telling you to get dressed because you’re coming with them?
Decides on a Friday morning that you and the squad are going away for the weekend just to keep your life interesting?
These people are gems because they force you out of your comfort zone make you try new things, and allow you to just let your hair down and have some fun. Be grateful for these people, trust me.
Confident
We live in a world that is constantly telling women how they should look, act, and feel. We’re taught to be quiet, meek, and polite. We’re subtly told that if we don’t have a certain body type or clear skin we’re worthless. We’re told what to wear, how to act, what to eat and drink, and shamed no matter what we do.
It takes a lot of confidence to be our authentic selves and live our lives the way we want to. Bold women who are daring enough to laugh in the face of society’s expectations for them are the kind of women you should have in your life. Their courage will rub off on you and you will live more freely.
Positive
Being constantly surrounded by people who complain, who talk about how awful this and that are, and who always point out the negative in every situation are exhausting. Stick to people who feel like light: they shine rays of positivity everywhere they go. They understand that bad things happen, but they also know that your mindset is a powerful tool for getting through those hard times. Find those women and learn from them.
Learners
No one likes a know-it-all. Women who are continuously seeking to learn -be it a new skill, a new language, or to understand a different culture or point of view – will open your mind as well. These women approach every new person as someone they can learn from, no matter what walk of life they are from. They see the value other people bring, and they will see yours, too.
The Bottom Line
Toxic “friendships” are a waste of your time and energy. Women that only wish to bring others down in order to feel better themselves are not worth any more of yourself than you have already given. Ditch this group and build one that will lift you up and assist and cheer you on through everything that life brings your way.
Read: Who Are Your Real Friends? Choose Quality Over Quantity