Green Tea
A recent study of 75,000 people in Japan showed a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease with green tea consumption. Pregnant women should use caution and avoid large amounts of green tea early in a pregnancy. ("Coffee, Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea Consumption and Risk of Mortality..." by Y. Mineharu et al, J. Epidemiol Community Health, Dec 2009)

Organic Diets
Rats raised on an organic diet of foods grown with minimal fertilizer and pesticides had healthier immune systems than rats raised on an identical diet but with non-organic foods.  The researchers are not sure why, yet, but additional research is being conducted to find out. (Yoga Journal, August 2005)

Healthy Sources for Omega 3 - fatty acids

• Walnuts (throw some in your oatmeal or yogurt in the morning)
• Flax Seeds
  
• Cold water fish like Salmon, Tuna, or Mackerel. Just go easy since large fish have been shown to have higher mercury content. Sardines are a great choice, too, and have lower mercury levels.
  

Just Breathe

While your body can survive without food or water for days, it can't survive without breath for more than a few minutes. In moments of tension or stress, we often breathe too shallowly or hold our breath entirely having negative impact on our health.  Take a moment to notice your breathing pattern. When you inhale, does your abdomen expand first, or do just your upper lungs receive all the air?  If you aren't breathing all the way into the belly, you are breathing too shallowly. 

Pranayama, or breath control, is a vital part of any complete yoga practice, and a key part of maintaining health.  The good news is that you can retrain your body to breathe properly, into the belly, like a newborn baby does naturally. Two to three times a day, stop what you're doing and focus entirely on your breath.  As you inhale, focus on bringing your breath all the way down to your navel. This may take some practice and it's OK to consciously push your stomach out as you inhale then contract it as you exhale.

At least twice a day, stop and take four to five full yogic breaths. Inhale and fill the belly with air first, then allow air to fill the lower lungs, followed by the middle and upper lungs in one flowing inhalation. To exhale, simply reverse directions emptying the air from the upper lungs first, followed by the middle and lower lungs, and finally contracting and expelling the air from the belly last. 

This may feel awkward initially, but you'll get the hang of it. This deep belly breathing fully oxygenates your lungs bringing vital nourishment to all parts of your body. If you get dizzy, just take it slowly - your brain may need some time to get used to all that fresh oxygen.