The world’s emotional status is actually pretty good, a new global report finds
The Gallup Global Emotions Report for 2024, released last Tuesday, starts with a provocation. By trying to measure life’s intangibles, like feelings and emotions, the survey is seeking insights into the health of societies that, as the authors of the report themselves note, “traditional economic indicators such as GDP were never intended to capture.” Thankfully, the report […]
Could taking fish oil supplements help lower cancer risk?
Past studies show that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in a person’s overall health. Mainly found in oily fish or plant-based sources, both of these essential fatty acids play an important role in keeping the brain functioning properly, as well as helping with the body’s growth and development. The body cannot produce either of these fatty acids, […]
How Does Stress Affect Your Immune System?
Your body’s stress response can trigger several physiological changes, which can affect immune function. Why you’re stressed and how long you’re stressed can impact how your immune system responds. When you feel stressed, your body undergoes several changes to help you survive and overcome perceived threats and obstacles. These changes allocate resources to critical functions […]
Research finds flavanol-rich cocoa and green tea can protect the body’s vasculature from stress after high-fat food
Food choices made during periods of stress can influence cardiovascular health. A new study in Food and Function found that drinking cocoa high in flavanols in combination with a fatty meal can counteract some of the impact of fatty food and protect the vascular system from stress. “We know that when people are stressed, they tend to gravitate toward […]
Why coffee could be good for your health
In the past, coffee was associated with increased health risks. But research from the last decade finds that drinking coffee may actually benefit your health. Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive drug in the world. Humans have been drinking coffee, a natural source of caffeine, for centuries, but there have been mixed messages around its effect […]
Bamboo versus electric toothbrush: Which is the more sustainable?
Billions of toothbrushes are discarded every year. How can we brush our teeth in a more environmentally friendly way? When I used to work in an office, I’d keep a manual, plastic toothbrush in my desk drawer. My colleagues would laugh as I diligently made my way to the bathroom, toothbrush in hand, every afternoon […]
The gut microbiome could affect cardiovascular health and how we age
Scientists have characterized the way age and metabolism can present in the microbiome. Researchers in China developed an age-related and metabolism-related microbial signature based on findings from investigations in a cohort of over 10,000 Chinese people, and verified it on a cohort of over 9,000 Chinese people. They then looked at the impacts these signatures […]
Cod liver oil: A fishy fix that had surprisingly clear health benefits
When many people struggled to eat a healthy diet, odd-tasting oils were touted as a fix-all. It turns out one of them did indeed pack a vitamin punch. These days, the words “cod liver oil” are vaguely sepia-tinged. They conjure up an image of a murky spoonful of something, brandished by a school nurse or […]
Urine Colors Explained
Urine color changes from clear to orange with your hydration level but may also change due to food pigments or medications. Specific colors may indicate a condition that needs medical attention. Doctors refer to the standard color of your urine as “urochrome.” Urine naturally carries a yellow pigment. When you stay hydrated, your urine will […]
Mpox Is Not the New Pandemic, Experts Say
Some people worry that mpox is gearing up to evolve into a global pandemic complete with COVID-19-like lockdowns. However, mpox experts disagree and urge people not to panic. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the current and ongoing mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The declaration is the WHO’s highest global alert level, meaning the […]
