Holiday Catch-Up: The Latest in Health and Fitness
New Year, New You: Catching Up on the Latest Health and Fitness News
While you were busy enjoying the holiday season, the world of health and fitness was buzzing with exciting announcements and discoveries. From the benefits of Brussels sprouts to the dangers of stress, here are the top stories you might have missed.
The Dark Side of Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a staple in many healthy diets, but did you know they can be dangerous for people taking blood thinners? Packed with vitamin K, these green gems can promote blood clotting, posing a risk to those with heart problems or on blood-thinning medication.
The Rise of Health and Fitness Apps
According to the Charlotte Observer, 19% of smartphone users have at least one health-related app on their phone. This is great news, as science is finally uncovering the ways in which certain apps can make people healthier.
7-Eleven Goes Healthy
The convenience store giant is hopping on the healthy-food bandwagon, introducing yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies, and portion-controlled meals to select locations. This shift is a response to customer demand for healthier options.
The Upside of Being Neurotic
Researchers have discovered that neurotic people, who tend to be highly organized and plan ahead, have lower levels of a specific biomarker for inflammation and chronic disease. While there’s still more to learn, this “healthy neuroticism” could have tangible physical benefits.
Fruit and Veggies: The Key to Happiness?
A new study suggests that eating five to seven servings of fruit and veggies could lead to increased happiness and improved overall well-being. While the exact link is unclear, the health benefits of a balanced diet are undeniable.
Stress: The Silent Killer
Chronic stress can raise your risk of heart attack by 27%, according to a recent report. Researchers explain that stressing out can increase blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, putting your heart at risk. It’s time to manage stress for a healthier and happier heart.
The Dangers of Late-Night Eating
That midnight snack might be interfering with your internal “food clock” on a molecular level. Research suggests that disrupting your regular eating habits can lead to unhealthy eating cues and patterns.
Pain Perception: A Matter of Mindset
A recent study found that participants engaging in a painful exercise felt less pain when they were told the exercise would be beneficial. This is because their bodies released more natural pain-killing substances.
Food Addiction: A Real Concern
Science says it’s really hard to break an addiction to high-fat foods. A new study found that mice experienced anxiety, cravings, and withdrawal when taken off a diet rich in saturated fats. This supports other research suggesting that unhealthy foods can train our bodies to crave more.
Smoking and Hangovers: A Deadly Combo
Smoking while drinking can make hangovers even worse, according to a new study. While the exact reason is unclear, previous research links nicotine receptors to receptors for alcohol and junk food.
Rethinking IQ
New research suggests that the concept of an intelligence quotient (IQ) isn’t completely sound. Instead, intelligence can be broken down into three types of cognitive abilities: short-term memory, reasoning skills, and verbal aptitude.
College Women and Binge Drinking
Recent research on Spanish undergraduates found that college women are more likely to binge drink than men. This highlights the need for healthier lifestyles among young adults.
Introducing HealthYear
We’re excited to announce the launch of HealthYear, a tool designed to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Whether you want to eat better, sleep more, stress less, or run a 5K, HealthYear is here to support you every step of the way.
Leave a Reply