
Pu-erh tea — sometimes written pu’er — is a distinctive variety of fermented tea traditionally produced in China’s Yunnan Province. It is crafted from the leaves of a tree often called the “wild old tree,” native to that area. While there are other fermented beverages like kombucha, pu-erh is different because the tea leaves themselves undergo fermentation rather than the steeped liquid. Pu-erh commonly appears sold as compressed “cakes” of…

The Adonis belt is the V-shaped groove that angles from your hip bones toward the pelvis. It consists of the inguinal ligament and the transverse abdominis (TVA), the deepest core muscle group in the abdominal area. The visibility of the Adonis belt varies across individuals. If you want yours to stand out more, follow these exercise and lifestyle suggestions. Adonis belt myths There are several misconceptions about how the Adonis…

Whether your cheekbones sit high or low is largely determined by heredity. That said, makeup techniques and cosmetic procedures can change how pronounced they look. (img by Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center) Your cheekbones are the bony framework beneath the skin of your face, primarily the malar bones. When these malar bones lie nearer to your eyes, you’re classified as having high cheekbones. Conversely, lower cheekbones describe malar bones…

Menstrual cups are an alternative to conventional pads and tampons for collecting menstrual blood. They come in various sizes, and many models are designed for repeated use. A menstrual cup is a reusable menstrual product. It’s a small, flexible, funnel-like cup made from rubber or silicone that you insert into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. Cups typically hold more blood than other products, which leads many people to choose…

Cycle syncing means adjusting your nutrition, workouts, and daily habits to align with the different stages of your menstrual cycle. While rigorous scientific evidence on its advantages is still limited, many people find it a useful way to learn about their cycle and how it influences them. The phase of your menstrual cycle can influence many aspects of daily life, from hunger and sleep to moods and energy. Cycle syncing…

Certain supplements and natural compounds, such as probiotics and curcumin, might help support dopamine production and improve mood. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in cognition, memory, motivation, mood, attention, and learning. Under normal conditions, your nervous system manages dopamine synthesis effectively. Still, various lifestyle factors and health issues can lead to reduced dopamine levels. Signs of low dopamine can include losing interest in activities you once enjoyed,…

Happy Baby Pose is a straightforward, calming yoga posture that can promote relaxation and enhance flexibility. As the name implies, the pose has you lying on your back with knees drawn toward the chest while holding onto the feet. Also known by its Sanskrit name Ananda Balasana, the Happy Baby Pose is a common stretch used in both yoga and Pilates. Because of its soothing motion, Happy Baby is frequently…

Everyday activities like moving your body, cooking, and listening to tunes can help increase production of the hormones that make you feel good. Hormones are chemical messengers made by glands throughout your body. They travel in the bloodstream and influence many bodily functions. One key role they play is mood regulation. Certain hormones are well known for promoting positive emotions such as pleasure and contentment. These “happy hormones” include: Dopamine:…

Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, has been associated with various health advantages. BioPerine is a standardized piperine extract commonly included in dietary supplements that may enhance nutrient uptake, help regulate blood sugar, combat inflammation and cancerous cells, and support cognitive health. That said, additional research is necessary to confirm many of these effects. (img by Swolverine) Long celebrated as the “king of spices,” black pepper is a ubiquitous…