It would appear that women are less happy than they were 40 years ago, and get sadder as they get older:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcus-buckingham/womens-happiness-what-we_b_295876.html

What reasons can account for this trend?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcus-buckingham/womens-happiness-what-we_b_295876.html

Conversely, men have grown happier as the GDP has improved… Which begs the question, if we as a nation are more prosperous, why are women less happy?

We will be keeping an eye out for the latest on this topic!

Extra-virgin olive oil is produced from the first pressing of olives. It’s light tasting and contains the most complete array of antioxidants. The second pressing of olives produces fine virgin oil. This is still a good choice; however, extra-virgin oil is primarily recommended. Look for the words cold pressedI on the bottle of olive oil you are choosing. Remember, heat destroys antioxidants, so cold pressed is best.

Atherosclerosis, also know as hardening of the arteries, occurs when particles of LDL cholesterol adhere themselves to the walls of the arteries. Eventually, these particles build up until they form plaque. This results in narrowing of blood vessels, as well as increasing the workload of the heart. This creates more work to get oxygenated blood to the entire body. Unfortunately, the result of this can be heart attack or stroke.

Scientists have identified a compound in olive oil called oleuropein. This compound prevents the LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, and subsequently sticking to the walls of the arteries and forming plaque. With a simple replacement of the fats in your diet with olive oil, you can significantly reduce this risk.

The body using the healthy fats in olive oil naturally produces anti-inflammatory properties. Cell membranes, which aren’t inflamed, are more fluid, thus better able to move nutrients into the cells as it moves waste products out of the system. It has been found that lower incidences of osteoporosis as well as dementia have been noted in cases where people consume larger quantities of olive oil.

The cancer-related benefits from olive oil are still under research. However, preliminary results have shown olive oil may play its part in the fight against cancer. Many professionals believe it can lower the risk of colon, prostate and breast cancers.

For diabetes, further research is taking place as to the benefit of olive oil towards maintaining blood sugar levels. One way patients can do this is by eating a diet low in carbohydrates. However, a possible link has been found with high levels of monounsaturated fats. This could mean olive oil may be even more effective for diabetics.

(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

2 blocks firm tofu (16 oz)
1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Fresh parsley or fresh coriander, chopped

Method:

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Cut tofu into large bite-sized pieces and place into a dish. Combine all other ingredients and pour over the tofu pieces. Marinate for one hour.

Remove tofu and place into a small baking dish with 1/2 cup of the marinade. Bake in oven for about one hour, occasionally stirring and basting with the remaining marinade.

Sprinkle finished tofu with chopped parsley or coriander and enjoy with brown rice and a tossed salad. .

A great vegan dish!

One popular form of exercise being practiced these days is known as aerobic or cardio kickboxing. This method combines elements of boxing, martial arts and aerobics in order to provide an overall physical toning and workout. Unlike other variations of kickboxing, cardio kickboxing has no physical contact between participants. It’s simply a cardiovascular workout done for the many benefits it provides.

Cardio kickboxing classes normally begin with a period of 10-15 minutes of warm-up exercises. These may include stretching and traditional exercises such as push-ups or jumping jacks, followed by a 30-minute kickboxing session including such movements as kicks, knee strikes and punches. There are some instructors who may use various pieces of equipment such as punching bags or jump ropes to change things up.

After this intense period of the workout, a period lasting at least 5 minutes should be devoted to cooling down, and then followed by at least 10 minutes of stretching and muscle conditioning. Stretching is a very important step, especially for beginners. The chances of straining or pulling muscles with this type of workout are high. Proper stretching helps relax muscles and prevent potentially serious injuries.

For people who prefer to work out at home, there are ample DVDs and videos available for in-home instruction. Here are a few moves that you can try at home:

* Roundhouse kick: Stand with the right side of your body facing an imaginary target. With knees bent and feet shoulder width apart, lift your right knee, pointing it just slightly to the right of the target. Pivot your body toward the same direction. Kick with your right leg as if you were aiming at the target. Repeat with your other leg.

* Front kick: Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Bend your knees slightly, pulling your right knee up toward your chest. Point your knee in the direction of the imaginary target. Kick out with the ball of your foot. Repeat with your other leg.

* Side kick: Start with the right side of your body facing the target. Pull your right knee up toward your left shoulder, bending your knees slightly as you kick in the direction of the target. The outside of your foot or heel should be the part that would hit the target. Repeat with your other leg.

Besides keeping your body fit, kickboxing has many other benefits. According to a study by the ACE, itís possible for you to burn anywhere from 300 to 450 calories an hour with kickboxing!

Kickboxing is also a fantastic method for reducing and relieving stress. Its rigorous workout of controlled punching and kicking movements, carried out with the amount of discipline and skill demanded for any martial arts training, can do wonders for alleviating feelings of frustration and anger. Practicing kickboxing moves may also provide assistance in the improvement of  balance, flexibility, co-ordination, and endurance.

With the added benefit of learning self-defense moves, kickboxing is an all-inclusive routine all in one package. Many kickboxing fans are known to have said the sport not only makes them feel healthier, but more empowered and confident as well.

So get out there and jab, punch, and kick your way to safety and physical fitness. As always, never begin a new exercise regimen without first obtaining the approval of your family physician.