Science Fiction, Coffee, Carbs & Cardiovascular Disease, EOs and Your Brain, and Much More

Happy Monday Nikkola Newsletterers!

I’ve met with so many people over the years about their fitness and business goals. I’ve observed that two words do more damage than any others: always and never.

For example, “I never stick to a fitness program,” “I always gain the weight back,” “I never get results,” “I never make money with online businesses,” “I always drop out of trainings and programs,” “I never post things people like.”

We all feel like this from time to time, but it’s essential to rid our minds of such thoughts as fast as they enter it.

First of all, they’re not true. Ryan Leak said it well this past weekend at church (above quote). Second, they’re destructive and self-sabotaging. “Always” and “never” can turn us into self-proclaimed victims.

It’s okay to feel like you’re not good enough, if you also admit that you can get better. But it’s not helpful to think that you’ll never accomplish what you’d like to accomplish, or that you always mess up or fall short. And, it’s not true.

Enjoy today’s carefully curated newsletter!

Science Fiction and COVID: They’re Lying To You For Their Own Good: I wrote this in October of 2021. I reread it today there are a lot of good reminders in here so we don’t get duped again the next time. Read (or listen)…

Health Benefits of Coffee: Why it’s good for you: Is coffee good or bad for you? Few topics in nutrition create as much confusion as the health benefits of coffee, or its risks. Yet, when you look at the research, the evidence is clear: coffee is good for you. Of course, I’m referring to a plain cup of Joe. I’m not referring to a cappuccino, macchiato, latte, or any other Java-flavored beverage. Keep reading (or listen)…

Carbs contribute to cardiovascular disease: Researchers looked at over 400,000 UK adults to understand differences in cardiovascular disease risk between men and women across blood sugar levels. Women with diabetes had a higher relative risk of cardiovascular disease compared to men with diabetes. Much of this difference went away after accounting for obesity, blood pressure medication use, and statin use, which were worse in women. Still, men and women with diabetes had 50-80% higher risk of coronary artery disease despite adjustments. Those with prediabetes also had higher risks than those with normal blood sugar. No matter your age, excessive carb consumption is bad news for your body and brain.

Another reason cyclists need to strength train: Both road and mountain bikers were shown to have lower bone mineral density in the spine than untrained individuals. Muscle mass and bone density go hand in hand, so if you ride, make sure you squat. With a bar on your back.

I mentioned this study a week or two ago, but since it’s now being covered by more mainstream health sources like MNT, I thought I’d mention it again. Seven different essential oils have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function when diffused for two hours at night. They experienced a 226% improvement in measures of verbal recall and memory. The oils used were rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender. 🧠 

Also, a new review looked at studies on lavender and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and migraine. Lavender contains compounds like linalool that act on receptors in the brain and nervous system. In studies, lavender improved symptoms of these disorders, likely through effects on channels, receptors, and neurotransmitters involved in each disease. Lavender essential oil was effective when inhaled or applied topically.

A new study from Japan found that in adults aged 85 and older who can care for themselves, eating more protein - especially from fish - may help them live longer. Researchers looked at over 800 older adults who completed diet surveys. Those who ate the most protein were 56% less likely to die over 3.5 years compared to those who ate the least. Higher protein intake was linked to higher levels of albumin, a protein in the blood that indicates good nutrition. The researchers conclude that for independent older Asian adults, emphasizing more dietary protein could support longer healthy lifespans. If there is only one dietary change you’re willing to make, eat more protein. Higher-protein intakes are beneficial across your lifespan.

🎶 ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’: Amazing Working Man Song Takes the Country by Storm: A song has become the most listened-to track in the world over the past 24 hours and it’s not from Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Jason Aldean, or any other world-famous entertainer you may have heard of. And, it’s a great fricken’ song. Keep reading…

💉 Despite 12 Deaths During Clinical Trials, CDC Signs Off on RSV Shots for Newborns: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday recommended the first-ever monoclonal antibody marketed as a defense for all newborns against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Beyfortus, also known as nirsevimab, is produced by pharma giants Sanofi and AstraZeneca. In a press release, the CDC referred to the drug as a “powerful tool” and a “new immunization.” Keep reading…

🤯 Records Reveal Fauci, Others Made Over $300 Million From the Covid Pandemic While Americans Suffered: While the entire United States was under authoritarian mandates, top so-called Covid-19 “experts” were making hundreds of millions of dollars on the pandemic that caused lifelong hurdles for many Americans. According to records, the former NIH Director, Dr. Francis Collins, and former NIAID Director, Dr. Anthony Fauci, made huge profits from royalty checks during the Chinese virus-fueled pandemic. Keep reading…