Take a “Stand” for Your Health: Combatting the Risks of the Sitting Epidemic

Emerging research shows that the dangers associated with a sedentary lifestyle aren't just about not exercising enough — they're due to a general lack of movement throughout the entire day.

Prolonged sitting, like the kind you do at work or while binge-watching your favorite shows, is independently harmful, regardless of how much you exercise.

You heard that right: you might be a regular gym-goer, but plopping your butt down for the remainder of the day is proving to be a distinct health hazard with its own set of negative effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health.

According to researchers at the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Missouri, even if you're lifting weights or doing cardio regularly, spending the rest of your day sitting may be undermining all your hard work.

Here's a startling fact: more than half of the average American's waking hours are spent sitting. And if you're a man with a sedentary job, you have double the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with active jobs. 

Sedentary behavior is linked to increased risks of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, as well as larger waistlines, higher blood pressure, and poorer blood sugar control, even among those who exercise regularly. Additionally, the unique biology of inactivity triggers distinct and unfavorable biological processes inside your body, impacting both lifespan and quality of life.

So, what's the takeaway?

To remain “physically active,” the goal isn't just to squeeze in that 30-minute walk or circuit — you need to rethink your entire day.

Breaking up sitting time with light-intensity activities could be key. Simple actions like standing up, taking a short walk, or just moving around and fidgeting more can make a significant difference in your metabolism. This research isn't just informative; it's a wake-up call to actively seek ways to weave various forms of movement into your daily routine.

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Is Oxidative Stress From Vegetables Dangerous? Remember This: The Dose Is the Poison

 

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I've heard the chatter — some folks are convinced that plants, with their so-called “defense mechanisms,” are slowly wreaking havoc on people's bodies through oxidative stress.

Is it true? Let's put this idea into perspective…

Think about it: what happens when you exercise? You're triggering oxidative stress. And those invigorating sauna sessions? Yep, more oxidative stress. Even basking in the sun or undergoing red light therapy introduces — you guessed it — oxidative stress.

Even the modest amounts of alcohol that some studies suggest might extend your lifespan likely do so through, believe it or not, oxidative stress. It all boils down to the age-old adage: the dose makes the poison.

As with anything, there's a line. You wouldn't want to run back-to-back marathons, dehydrate yourself in a sauna for hours, spend an entire day under the blazing sun without protection, or knock back a bottle of vodka in one go. Similarly, gorging on a loaf of bread soaked in lentils and topped with a mountain of kale isn't exactly a recipe for health.

The point is that oxidative stress isn't inherently evil — it's all about the amount and context.

Whether it's bitters, herbs, spices, alcohol, or plants such as vegetables, when used judiciously, they're not your enemies. Just like exercise, heat, and light, consuming certain plants can kickstart your body into generating endogenous antioxidants (antioxidants that are naturally produced within the body), increasing cellular resilience.

Now that you know why oxidative stress from plants isn't something to fear, let me share something I love…

Rather than gorging on a giant salad full of raw vegetables, I prefer to eat veggies in smaller amounts, such as a palmful of sprouts, which are among the most nutritious foods available. Sprouts, baby vegetables that grow indoors quickly, are amazingly up to 300% more nutritious than their grown-up vegetable counterparts. Think of them as small superfood versions of already healthy “adult” vegetables like broccoli, leafy greens, peas, lentils, and more. The best part is that sprouts can be grown in your own house in as little as five days. 

Give sprouting a try with help from The Sprouting Company. You don't need a garden to grow them — you can grow dozens of varieties and flavors right inside your kitchen, such as with “The Sprouter,” the ultimate high-capacity, all-in-one sprouting jar.

Ready to get started sprouting? Use code BEN to save 10% here.