“An apple a day” … that’s so yesterday!
Here’s to you, the 9 science-backed, bonafide steps that promise to boost your brain power, tackle pesky pre menstruals, and reduce your risk of heart diseases.
Say a big Hello to a whole new life full of energy, health and wealth!

1. Pop the cork
A great reason to do like the French and bring out that bottle of wine. Wine drinkers are actually healthier than teetotalers! No, seriously, according to according to a lot of research done on this, wine helps protect against cardio vascular diseases, tooth decay and upper respiratory infections.

2. Go Fish!
You see, fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help produce blood platelets and reduce inflammation. Having five grams of fish a day substantially reduces the risk of a heart attack and not to forget, lowers the devil triglycerides in your blood, ease your arthritis, boosts your brain, and makes your skin glowing and wrinkle-free.

3. Eat a Rainbow
This is just in – nutrition experts claim that having a multitude of colors on your plate is the key to healthy eating. This is because all different colors have their own unique healthy characteristics.
Serving a rainbow means your body will stand a better chance fighting infections and an improved digestive system, plus your hair and skin will glow like never before!

4. Keep your family close
Yes, they can drive you crazy at times, but it is a proven fact that a kin will make you live a longer and a healthier life. This is possible solely because close ties alleviate stress and keeps you happier. Being close to your family ensures that you do not crumble under pressure in tough times.
A simple way to keep in touch – decide one day in a week where you remember your loved near and dear ones; pick up the phone and contact all those long lost aunties and uncles!

5. Bend your Brain!
Playing some mind games could make you smarter, and add a few candles to your birthday cake, say experts. Keeping your mind stimulated boosts memory power and slashes your risk of developing dementia by half. Pick up a puzzle and attack the sudoku and brainteasers, try to memorize the numbers programmed into your cell-phone; mentally tally the cost of your groceries as you add each item to the cart.

6. Do a good deed
Playing a girl scout will help you earn more brownie points than you think. Psychology lecturers jointly feel that those who have a denser social network and gave more time to others than they received reported feeling healthier than the rest.  Helping and giving reduces distress, and gives people a sense of belonging and nurturing. It also decreases depression and increases the “happy” cells in your blood that promote immune system.

7. Ask for a massage
Thought a back rub was only about being pampered?  Nah. New research has found that a massage is a real medicine and can ease insomnia, boost immunity, prevent PMS and more. Several studies show that a massage reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone while boosting good hormones, serotonin and dopamine.

8. Keep Moving
Taking a stroll, dancing or working in the garden are must-dos for everyone. The benefits are endless. Physical activity benefits your mood and promotes a sense of self-efficacy, spurring you to keep on trucking. Those who exercise have a lower chance of developing heart and blood pressure problems.

9. Get Naughty!
Need an excuse to jump into bed? Here’s aplenty. Knocking boots may help you live longer by burning calories, curbing bad cholesterol, increasing the supply of oxygen to the body’s cells and upping the level of specific hormones that reduce the risk of heart disease. Getting it on also keeps you looking younger. According to a study of a whooping 5000 people in Europe, couples who have sex at least three times a week look a decade younger than those who make love less often. And that’s not all. It is also scientifically proven that sexual activity releases endorphins, which lower stress. Hugging your partner is also linked to higher levels of oxytocin, a hormone believed to help form sexual and social bonds.