Natural Cures Not Medicine: brain function

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How Long to Nap for the Best Brain Benefits

Taking a nap, we've seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain. But napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. Scientists offer recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.

The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best "bang for your buck," but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal:
For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.

For cognitive memory processing, however, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Dr. Mednick said. Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces. The downside: some grogginess upon waking.

Finally, the 90-minute nap will likely involve a full cycle of sleep, which aids creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as learning how to ride a bike. Waking up after REM sleep usually means a minimal amount of sleep inertia, Dr. Mednick said.

In addition to those recommendations, one surprising suggestion is to sit slightly upright during your nap, because it will help you avoid a deep sleep. And if you find yourself dreaming during your power naps, it may be a sign you're sleep deprived. While you're planning your nap, don't forget to time it during the right time of day as well.

Source: LifeHacker

Health benefits of pinto beans

Beans are a popular side dish for southwest dishes, but may be the most nutritious item on your plate.

-When paired with brown rice, pinto beans provide a fat free source of high quality protein for the body.

-The fiber present in pinto beans helps the body to manage cholesterol levels.

-Pinto beans contain vitamin B, which helps with brain function and memory as well as play a role in energy production.

-Pinto beans tend to be a good choice if you have diabetes since the fiber they contain helps minimize blood sugar fluctuations after a meal.

-Copper and iron are present in pinto beans and play a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin.

-Pinto beans are packed with fiber, magnesium, potassium, and folate which are all useful for heart health and can help to naturally prevent heart disease.

-Pinto beans are an excellent source of protein and iron comparatively to meat since they contain no fat like meats do.

-Soluble fiber contained in pinto beans can be helpful with digestive function. Many people suffer from constipation due to a lack of fiber in their diet but regular consumption of pinto beans can help to prevent constipation along with scores of other digestive problems.

-Pinto beans are excellent for women's health, especially those who are pregnant, menstruating, and breast feeding as it provides much needed iron to the body.

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