Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” Luke 10:38–40
Why was Martha burdened with much serving? The Greek word translated as “burdened” literally suggests being dragged around or pulled in every direction. Though her actions were inspired by love, they were tainted by anxiety and comparison. Her frustrated complaint reveals a divided heart: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?”
Martha’s work was essential. Her difficulty was not that her service was unimportant. She and her siblings, Mary and Lazarus, were close friends of Jesus, and He visited them frequently—most notably just prior to the first Holy Week.
Jesus’ gentle response shows His love and respect for Martha, but it also corrects her as a way of helping her with her anxiety: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:41–42).
What was that “better part?” Was it that Mary chose not to serve? Certainly not. After this somewhat embarrassing interaction, it’s possible that Mary did get up and assist with the serving. The “better part” of which Jesus speaks points more to the interior disposition than the outward activity.
Mary’s heart was not anxious, worried, or burdened. She was attentive and contemplative. Traditionally, Mary’s act of sitting at Jesus’ feet has been interpreted as a symbol of the contemplative life to which each of us is called.
Jesus’ gentleness invites Martha—and each of us—to identify that which burdens us most. For Martha, it was that she was more focused on comparing herself with her sister than on her loving service. Jesus was inviting Martha to embrace her act of service with a contemplative heart. She could have silently worked, prepared the meal, and interiorly rejoiced over Mary’s adoration of Jesus. She could have pondered the great privilege of having Jesus in her home and marveled at the opportunity to serve the Son of God a meal she prepared. Like Mary, the “better part” was within her grasp.
Martha was clearly a good woman. In John’s Gospel, when Lazarus died and Jesus arrived days later, it was Martha who ran out to meet Him and professed her faith in Him. Perhaps it was today’s gentle correction that helped her become more contemplative and prepared her to trust in Jesus when the time came for Lazarus to die.
Jesus’ words to Martha must echo within our own hearts. Do you daily choose the better part? Do you strive to remain contemplative, pondering God’s greatness throughout the day—both while you silently pray and while you work—retaining a recollected spirit? Or do you find yourself distracted by jealousy, envy, or other selfish thoughts?
Reflect today on the interior burdens that weigh you down and rob you of your peace. Ask yourself whether your heart is recollected and attentive to the Lord throughout your day, especially amid your duties and responsibilities. Strive to imitate Mary by sitting at the feet of Jesus in prayer, and imitate Martha by serving with love—but do both with a contemplative spirit. Choose the better part each day by letting your heart remain fixed on Christ, so that whether you pray or work, your soul rests in Him.
Lord Jesus, You desire my heart more than my labor. Help me to sit at Your feet each day with the attentive spirit of Mary. May I also serve You, like Martha, with love and dedication, but never at the expense of my peace or in comparison to others. Teach me to unite my work with prayer, my action with contemplation. Free me from distractions, anxieties, and judgments, and draw me into that interior stillness where I encounter Your voice. May I always choose the better part, and may it never be taken from me. Jesus, I trust in You.
Slowing down with age? That's to be expected. For most people, growing older means losing strength and speed. This, on its own, usually isn't cause for concern, but sometimes, physical decline is associated with cognitive decline.
Here's what researchers discovered when they looked into how certain strength metrics correlate to dementia in older women.
Analyzing losses in strength and speed
Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) recently studied over a thousand women around the age of 75 and looked at two speed and strength measurements: grip strength (an important indicator of overall health and longevity) and a metric called "timed up and go," TUG (in which people are timed as they get up from a chair, walk a short distance, and return to the chair).
For over 15 years, scientists monitored these women for declines in speed and strength metrics. They found that women with significant declines in these areas were up to twice as likely as their counterparts to have a late-life dementia event (either a dementia-related hospitalization or death).
And while this might sound alarming to anyone getting older or watching their loved ones slow down with age, it is important to remember two things: For starters, some decline in strength and speed is normal for anyone in their 70s, especially if relatively mild.
Also, early-stage research and findings like this may help identify early-stage dementia and encourage preventive therapies that can help stave off cognitive decline.
"Incorporating muscle function tests as part of dementia screening could be useful to identify high-risk individuals, who might then benefit from primary prevention programs aimed at preventing the onset of the condition such as a healthy diet and a physically active lifestyle," study author Marc Sim, Ph.D., said in a statement.
Sim adds that grip strength and TUG tests aren't currently performed in clinical practice, but both are inexpensive and simple assessments that could be introduced as part of dementia screening.
Our minds are top of mind
As Alzheimer's disease and dementia diagnoses become more common, many of us are looking for ways to protect our brains regardless of our age.
At present, treatment options are drastically more effective when symptoms are caught and diagnoses are made very early on. Prevention and early intervention can make a world of difference, especially with diseases of the brain. Studies like the one done at ECU are helping scientists identify early signs and risk factors, making them incredibly important for slowing down skyrocketing rates of age-related cognitive disease.
While the authors note that these are early findings and will require further validation, they give us another clue about disease prevention.
Our muscles are also known as our "organs of longevity," and this research provides yet another reason to tend to them as we age. It should come as no surprise that regular exercise is a proven prevention prescription for ailments of the mind and body, and dementia seems to be no exception.
What to do with these findings
Does this mean we all need to run out and buy grandma a shake weight ASAP? Well, not exactly. The takeaway here is that building muscle strength through resistance training and proper nutrition is key for brain health at every age. And once you reach the age of 70 or so, it might be worth talking to your doctor about measuring muscle strength through assessments such as grip tests.
Here are a few other ways to take a proactive approach and tend to your brain through the decades beforehand:
In your 20s: Limit excessive alcohol and cut out tobacco products. Yes, seriously.
In your 40s: Take stock of your stressors. With life's responsibilities likely piling up to an all-time high, make sure to make time for yourself and incorporate proven stress-reducing techniques daily like taking time to breathe.
In your 50s: Get more serious about hormone health. In women especially, the time before, during, and shortly after menopause can be important in assessing your Alzheimer's risk.
In your 60s: Embrace your social life. Americans over 65 are at high risk for loneliness—and science has proven that a healthy social life and meaningful connection can be huge in helping to prevent cognitive decline. Look into community groups and clubs to stay regularly social and reach out to the most important people in your life often.
The takeaway
Specific markers in physical decline may be warning signs of cognitive decline. Scientists have found decreased grip strength and TUG (timed up and go) to be meaningful indicators of later dementia onset in women in their 70s.
Hopefully, this type of predictive measurement can help move preventive treatment forward. And in the meantime, there are plenty of proactive lifestyle steps to take during every decade in life to decrease your risk for dementia and cognitive decline.
Emma Loewe is the former Sustainability and Health Director at mindbodygreen. She is the author of "Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us" and the co-author of "The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide To Ancient Self Care." Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,500 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes.
December 13, 2024
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Last year, the Blue Zones Netflix Documentary gave us a glimpse into the lives of some of the oldest people in the world. The show spanned from the highlands of the Mediterranean to the coasts of Central America, but there was one drink that appeared in wrinkled hands across the globe: You guessed it, coffee.
"In Nicoya, Costa Rica; Sardinia, Italy; and Ikaria, Greece, people live statistically longest. And they all drink coffee," Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner previously told mindbodygreen.
It's not a mere coincidence that some of the world's longest-lived people enjoy a daily cup of joe. Besides helping enhance energy and focus, coffee has been tied to a lower risk of premature death1 by heart disease and cancer. In one study on nearly 500,000 adults2, drinking up to eight cups of coffee (both decaf and caffeinated) a day was inversely associated with mortality.
Some research has found that habitual coffee drinking may reduce one's risk of Type 2 diabetes3 and obesity4.
So, what's behind coffee's longevity benefits? For starters, the caffeine in coffee can increase energy and reduce fatigue, which may help people stay more physically active5. It's also been shown to rev up metabolism6 and enhance fat burn7 in some cases.
But the fact that decaf has also been associated with a longer life span means there must be more to the brew's benefits than caffeine alone.
To get a full picture of what makes coffee healthy, you need to look at its polyphenols.
Meet coffee's wide array of polyphenols
Polyphenols are downright amazing compounds produced naturally in plants. Coffee plants are packed with thousands of phytochemicals8, which help protect them from being damaged by outside threats like insects, fungi, and diseases. Interestingly enough, when we eat (or drink) said plants, some of these protective mechanisms seem to be passed along to us, too.
The antioxidant polyphenols in coffee help protect our cells from free radicals and oxidative stress9 that damage them. Each class of polyphenol seems to have its own unique properties, and there's still a lot we have to learn about each one.
The volume and diversity of polyphenols will vary in different coffee products. That's because the roasting method, storage technique, and even brew type can all influence the composition of the final cup. Where and how coffee beans are grown also have a huge impact on their polyphenol count.
If you want to get the most benefits from your brew, it makes sense to choose a coffee that is grown and processed to protect these all-important plant compounds. clean coffee+ is one such blend.
mindbodygreen's new whole-bean coffee is organically grown in nutrient-dense soil and hand-picked at peak ripeness. It's then roasted and dried in a way that prevents mold and mycotoxins (which are surprisingly common in coffee) but promotes an impressive array of native polyphenols with antioxidant benefits for whole-body health. We know this because we rigorously tested the beans for mycotoxins, pesticides, and solvents, as well as total polyphenols.†
"If I'm going to drink coffee, I want to make sure I'm getting as much of those polyphenols as possible—it's like getting extra credit every time I make a cup," mindbodygreen's co-founder and co-CEO Jason Wachob writes of the product. "Our beans are grown and processed in a way that retains more of their beneficial plant compounds."
The careful production process also lends to a standout flavor: Rich, smooth, and slightly sweet, it's a blend that sippers everywhere are loving for much more than just its longevity perks.
The takeaway
Coffee is one of the most significant sources of polyphenols16 in the world, and these plant compounds give the brew some impressive health benefits. To take full advantage of them, look for beans that have tested high for polyphenols like mindbodygreen's clean coffee+.†
†Not detected or below detectable limits. mindbodygreen's clean coffee+ undergoes comprehensive, third-party lab testing in the USA for hundreds of purity, potency, and sensory tests. Rigorously tested for polyphenols, heavy metals, yeast, mold, bacteria, mycotoxins, pesticides, solvents, and more—our premium, whole coffee beans exceed industry-leading quality standards for potency, purity, and taste experience.
Lieu : Californie (2025–aujourd'hui)L'auteur a 238 réponses et 10 M vues de réponse 1 an
Les pâtes et les pommes de terre sont toutes deux des sources de glucides, mais elles présentent des différences nutritionnelles qui peuvent influencer leur impact sur la santé. Le choix entre les deux dépend de vos besoins nutritionnels, votre mode de vie et vos objectifs alimentaires.
1️⃣ Apport en calories et en glucides 🔢
✅ Les pommes de terre (cuites à l’eau ou à la vapeur) sont naturellement plus légères, avec environ 70 kcal pour 100 g, contre 150 kcal pour 100 g de pâtes cuites.
✅ Les pâtes (surtout complètes) apportent plus de glucides complexes, offrant une énergie progressive.
2️⃣ Index glycémique (IG) 📊
⚠️ Les pommes de terre ont un IG plus élevé (surtout en purée ou frites), ce qui peut provoquer une montée rapide de la glycémie.
✔ Les pâtes al dente ont un IG plus bas, offrant une libération plus lente de l’énergie.
3️⃣ Fibres et micronutriments 🌱
🥔 Les pommes de terre contiennent plus de vitamines (C, B6) et de potassium, ce qui favorise la santé cardiaque et musculaire.
🍝 Les pâtes complètes sont plus riches en fibres, favorisant une meilleure digestion et une satiété prolongée.
4️⃣ Digestion et satiété 🍽️
✔ Les pâtes complètes sont plus rassasiantes grâce à leurs fibres.
✔ Les pommes de terre sont plus digestes et légères si elles sont consommées avec la peau et préparées sainement.
👉 Verdict : lequel choisir ?
🔹 Pour une énergie rapide et une digestion légère → Optez pour les pommes de terre cuites à l’eau ou au four.
🔹 Pour un apport plus durable et un meilleur contrôle glycémique → Préférez les pâtes complètes al dente.
➡ Le mieux ? Varier les deux en fonction de vos besoins et privilégier des modes de cuisson sains ! 🍽️😋
Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.” Luke 10:30–33
Jews viewed Samaritans as heretics, and Samaritans often harbored disdain for Jews. Though they shared a common faith in the Torah and the same lineage to Abraham, they were deeply divided over Temple worship.
Jesus tells this parable in response to a question posed by a Jewish scholar of the Law, who quotes two key passages from the Torah that summarize its essence: the Shema, recited daily—“You shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5), and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
At that time, there was considerable debate among Jewish groups about the scope of the commandment to love one’s neighbor. The Pharisees typically interpreted “neighbor” as referring only to fellow Jews, particularly those who faithfully observed the Law. This narrow view allowed them to limit the demands of charity and to exclude Gentiles, Samaritans, and even fellow Jews considered sinners.
In light of this debate, the scholar asks Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus does not engage the debate directly. He doesn’t limit who is considered a neighbor. Instead, He shows what it means to be a neighbor to all through the Parable of the Good Samaritan, in which He radically expands the concept by making a Samaritan the model of compassion. This would have shocked His audience. Samaritans were seen as religious outsiders and impure.
By choosing a Samaritan as the example of true neighborly love, Jesus teaches that the call to charity must extend to all people without exception. Mercy—not ethnicity, religious identity, or social status—is the true measure of love. In identifying the true neighbor as a Samaritan, Jesus reveals the universal scope of divine charity and invites all who follow Him to imitate that same boundless compassion.
Who is your neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone you encounter who is in need of mercy, compassion, or love. To be a neighbor in the sense Jesus teaches is to be moved with compassion and to act with generous love, even when it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or countercultural. The Good Samaritan teaches us that true charity knows no boundaries and that eternal life is found not only in knowing the law, but in living it through concrete acts of mercy.
This parable is not meant to inspire a vague or generalized love for others, but to challenge us to love in practical and concrete ways. The man who fell victim to robbers is a symbol of everyone around us who carries some form of need that we can help meet. For example, it may be the lonely elderly neighbor who needs a visit, the overwhelmed parent who could use encouragement, the co-worker struggling silently with anxiety, or the family member burdened by grief. Each of these is “half-dead” in some way—wounded emotionally, spiritually, or materially—and placed along our path not by chance, but by divine providence.
Reflect today on those whom God has placed along your path. Who is “half-dead” and in need of your compassion? Who is wounded by loneliness, rejection, fear, or suffering? The first grace we need is the grace to truly see them: to notice their presence, to perceive their dignity as children of God, and to recognize the spiritual and moral duty we have to show love. Resolve to act, not out of obligation, but out of a heart moved by a mercy that reflects the very heart of Christ.
Most merciful Lord, You are the true Good Samaritan, pouring the ointment of Your grace into our wounded souls for healing and relief. May I share in Your works of mercy by becoming a true neighbor to all in need. Help me to see the dignity of every person and to treat each one with the love that flows from Your Sacred Heart. Jesus, I trust in You.
