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How cranberries can affect your body if you eat them regularly

19. May, 2026

Cranberries are known for their tart flavor, but the berries are also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

According to experts interviewed by EatingWell, regular consumption may support the urinary tract, immune system, heart, and digestion.

Can help prevent urinary tract infections

Cranberries contain antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which may make it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder wall.

This may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, especially in women and people with recurring infections.

100 percent cranberry juice is recommended

Experts recommend choosing pure cranberry juice without added sugar to gain the potential health benefits.

However, cranberries should not be used as a treatment for urinary tract infections, but rather as a preventive measure.

Some groups may benefit more from cranberries

Research published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews shows that cranberries may be especially beneficial for children, women with recurring urinary tract infections, and people receiving treatments such as radiation therapy to the bladder.

May support a healthy gut

The antioxidants in cranberries may also help prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the intestines. This may help protect digestive health.

Contributes to better digestion

Fresh and dried cranberries contain fiber, which is important for a healthy gut microbiome.

Fiber also helps maintain regular digestion, according to a study published in Microorganisms.

Vitamin C supports the immune system

One cup of fresh cranberries contains 14 milligrams of vitamin C.

The vitamin plays an important role in the immune system and helps the body with wound healing and collagen production.

Antioxidants may reduce inflammation

Cranberries are rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants that may reduce inflammation in the body and support overall health, according to a study published in Nutrients.

May benefit heart health

According to experts, cranberries may contribute to better heart health by increasing HDL cholesterol and lowering LDL cholesterol.

Improved blood flow

Cranberries may also help the body produce more nitric oxide in the blood vessels. This can improve blood circulation.

Oral health may improve

Certain plant compounds in cranberries may inhibit bacteria linked to cavities and gum irritation, according to a study published in the Dentistry Journal.

Contains several important nutrients

Cranberries are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and vitamin E. They also contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Too many cranberries may cause diarrhea

A high intake of cranberry products may lead to diarrhea. This is especially true for children, which is why it is recommended to increase intake gradually.

Blood-thinning medication

Cranberries may affect blood clotting because of their vitamin K content.

People using blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin should therefore be cautious about consuming large amounts.

May increase the risk of kidney stones

People prone to kidney stones should limit their intake of cranberries, as the berries contain oxalates, which may contribute to stone formation.

Cranberries are versatile

Cranberries can be used in smoothies, sauces, baked goods, and salads. Dried cranberries add both tartness and sweetness to many dishes.

Sources: EatingWell, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Microorganisms, Nutrients, and Dentistry Journal.

New study explains why coffee tastes bitter despite its aroma

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

19. May, 2026

New study explains why coffee tastes bitter despite its aroma

Scientists from the University of North Carolina investigated how the body reacts to bitter compounds in coffee, according to Popular Science. The findings were published in the journal Nature Structure & Molecular Biology.

The researchers used a method in which molecules are frozen and photographed in extremely high detail.

This allowed them to observe how the body’s taste receptors respond to substances such as caffeine.

The study focused particularly on the receptor TAS2R43, which is one of the body’s many receptors responsible for detecting bitter tastes.

Found in several parts of the body

According to the researchers, bitter taste receptors are not only found on the tongue. They are also present in areas such as the intestines, skin, and airways.

The scientists believe these receptors help the body detect harmful substances and bacteria. As a result, they may play a role in both the immune system and digestion.

The study also compared different receptors to understand why some substances are perceived as more bitter than others.

Could be used in medicine

The researchers believe the findings could influence the development of both food products and medicines.

According to co-author Yoojoong Kim, the study now shows exactly how the receptor detects bitter molecules in coffee.

At the same time, the findings provide a better understanding of why coffee often leaves a bitter taste, even when its aroma is smooth and rich.

Sources: Popular Science and Nature Structure & Molecular Biology.

38-year-old Laura ignored her fatigue – it turned out to be cancer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

19. May, 2026

38-year-old Laura ignored her fatigue – it turned out to be cancer

British woman Laura experienced severe fatigue in her daily life for a long time.

According to Express, she assumed it was normal because she had young children and a hectic lifestyle.

On TikTok, she has shared her story with her followers. She explains that she ignored her body’s warning signs because she believed the fatigue was normal.

Last year, Laura was diagnosed with bowel cancer and has since undergone four rounds of chemotherapy.

Important to take action

According to the British health service NHS, bowel cancer can cause symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

The NHS also states that extreme fatigue can be a sign of anaemia, which in some cases is linked to bowel cancer.

Laura now believes she should have visited a doctor earlier. She encourages others to take persistent fatigue seriously, especially if sleep does not help.

Received a serious diagnosis

In her video, Laura also talks about a FIT test, which is used to check stool samples for blood. The test can help detect bowel cancer at an earlier stage.

Only later did she realize that her fatigue had been the only clear sign of the disease. She was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer.

The NHS recommends contacting a doctor if symptoms last for more than three weeks.

Sources: Express and NHS.

New research: The sunscreen of the future could come from E. coli

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

19. May, 2026

New research: The sunscreen of the future could come from E. coli

Many sunscreens contain substances that may harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Because of this, scientists are searching for more sustainable alternatives, according to Popular Science.

A new study from Jiangnan University in China, published in Trends in Biotechnology, focuses on a substance called gadusol.

Gadusol occurs naturally in the eggs of some fish species and helps protect against UV radiation.

Researchers believe the substance could be used in future sunscreens, but extracting it directly from nature is difficult.

Bacteria in the laboratory

To solve this problem, the researchers used E. coli bacteria in a laboratory setting. They modified the bacteria’s genes so they would begin producing gadusol.

According to the study, production increased significantly after the genetic modifications. The researchers described the results as promising.

Experiments also showed that the substance may have antioxidant properties. This means it could potentially help protect cells from sun-related damage.

Not ready yet

The new method has so far only been tested in laboratories.

Researchers have not yet examined whether the substance works as effectively as conventional sunscreen or whether it is safe for long-term use.

As a result, it may take time before such products reach the market. However, co-author Ruirui Xu estimates that the first products could be ready within two years.

This means that the sunscreen of the future may eventually be produced with the help of bacteria instead of traditional ingredients.

Sources: Popular Science and Trends in Biotechnology.

Healthy and affordable: Why pearl barley deserves a place in your diet

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

19. May, 2026

Healthy and affordable: Why pearl barley deserves a place in your diet

Many people today are trying to eat healthier to reduce the risk of disease. As a result, there is growing interest in foods high in fibre and whole grains.

According to Express, Healthline reports that whole grains may support digestion, help people feel full for longer, and contribute to stable blood sugar levels.

The outlet also reports that some types of grains may help lower cholesterol.

Easy to use

According to Express, food magazine Good Food recommends using pearl barley as an alternative to rice or couscous in hot dishes.

It can be used in dishes such as risotto or stews together with vegetables and herbs.

At the same time, Heart UK points out, according to Express, that there is extensive research on barley and heart health.

According to the organisation, soluble fibre from barley may help reduce the risk of heart disease as part of a healthy diet.

Affordable product

Pearl barley is inexpensive and an easy way to add more fibre to your diet.

According to Express, Good Housekeeping describes pearl barley as one of the best sources of fibre among whole grains.

The outlet also highlights that barley contains plant compounds linked to improved heart health.

Pearl barley can easily be added to soups, salads, and hot meals without requiring major dietary changes.

Sources: Express, Healthline, Good Food, Heart UK, and Good Housekeeping.

Several people report similar experiences near death

Mie Hermansen

19. May, 2026

Several people report similar experiences near death

According to Unilad, several people who have come close to dying have shared what they saw and felt in the space between life and death. Their accounts reveal both similarities and differences, but many describe intense and striking experiences.

Darkness and a sense of peace

One person described the experience as complete darkness, almost like a void, where they felt an overwhelming sense of calm.

A frightening calm

“Sunlight Dark” by Ryan Holloway/ CC0 1.0

The feeling of peace was so intense that it also became unsettling.

No sense of time

Time seemed to disappear, and the person felt as if they both existed and did not exist at the same time.

A changed view of death

After the experience, the person no longer saw death as something particularly frightening.

Similar experiences for others

Another individual described a nearly identical experience involving total darkness and awareness.

The feeling of floating

It was compared to drifting through space, as if the body had no weight.

A choice between life and death

The person felt they were given a choice to remain in that state or return to life.

A warning about the future

They were told that returning to life would be difficult and would take time to rebuild.

Life flashing before their eyes

Another person said their entire life passed before them during the experience.

Replaying a traumatic accident

They relived a car crash multiple times, both in slow motion and from different perspectives.

Experiences of white light

Several people described encountering a bright white light along with faint impressions of surroundings and figures.

How common these experiences are

Research suggests that between 10 and 20 percent of people who have been declared dead report having a near-death experience.

WHO raises Ebola alarm as outbreak worsens

Mie Hermansen

19. May, 2026

WHO raises Ebola alarm as outbreak worsens

Deadly disease outbreaks often feel distant until health officials begin issuing urgent warnings.

What starts in isolated areas can quickly become an international concern when cases begin spreading across borders, reports LADbible.

That is now the situation in Central Africa, where the World Health Organization and Africa CDC are warning that a growing Ebola outbreak may be far larger than first believed.

More than 300 suspected infections and at least 88 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, according to health authorities monitoring the crisis.

Hard to contain

The World Health Organization has officially classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, one of the agency’s highest warning levels.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the outbreak is not currently considered a global pandemic like Covid-19.

Still, officials say the situation remains highly concerning because the virus has already spread outside the original outbreak zone in eastern Congo.

One confirmed case has now been identified in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, after the infected person reportedly travelled from the Ituri region.

Experts also fear the true number of infections could be much higher than current figures suggest.

Rising fears

Health teams are struggling to track the spread because many people travel frequently between mining regions for work.

Ongoing violence from militant groups in the area is also making containment efforts far more difficult.

Africa CDC has warned that authorities still do not know who the first infected person was, making it harder to understand how widely the virus may already have spread.

The WHO also says clusters of deaths and high numbers of positive test samples indicate the outbreak could escalate rapidly in the coming weeks.

New Alzheimer’s study sparks fresh hope among scientists

Mie Hermansen

19. May, 2026

New Alzheimer’s study sparks fresh hope among scientists

Families often notice the first signs slowly. Forgotten appointments, repeated questions, or names that suddenly disappear from memory.

Alzheimer’s remains one of the world’s biggest medical challenges, with researchers still searching for treatments that can truly slow the disease.

Now, a new study from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), West China Hospital Sichuan University, and researchers in the UK points to a possible new direction, reports Science Daily.

Focus on the brain’s filter

Instead of concentrating only on damaged brain cells, the researchers examined the blood-brain barrier — the system responsible for protecting the brain and clearing waste products.

The team developed specially engineered nanoparticles designed to help the brain remove amyloid-beta, a protein closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

The experiments were carried out on genetically modified mice that develop symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s in humans.

Rapid results

According to the researchers, amyloid-beta levels dropped significantly shortly after treatment.

Over time, the mice also performed better in memory and behavioral tests compared with untreated animals.

Scientists believe the therapy may have helped restore parts of the brain’s natural waste-clearing system while improving blood vessel function around the brain.

Still early research

Researchers stress that positive results in mice do not guarantee success in humans. Many previous Alzheimer’s treatments have shown promise in animal studies before failing in clinical trials.

Still, the study adds weight to a growing theory that Alzheimer’s may be connected not only to nerve cell damage, but also to changes in the brain’s blood vessels and its ability to remove harmful waste.

What happens to your body when you eat watermelon on a regular basis

Mie Hermansen

19. May, 2026

What happens to your body when you eat watermelon on a regular basis

There’s something almost automatic about buying watermelon once the weather gets warmer.

It shows up at barbecues, beach trips, and family dinners every summer, mostly because it’s refreshing and easy to eat.

But according to new research, the popular fruit may be doing more for the body than most people realize, reports Science Daily.

Researchers from Louisiana State University and nutrition experts behind studies published in Nutrients say regular watermelon consumption could be linked to healthier eating habits and improved cardiovascular support.

New findings emerge

Scientists analyzed dietary data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and discovered a noticeable pattern among both children and adults who regularly ate watermelon.

The group generally consumed higher amounts of nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and lycopene, an antioxidant commonly associated with heart health.

Researchers also found that watermelon consumers tended to eat less added sugar and saturated fat compared with people who rarely included the fruit in their diet.

Focus on circulation

A separate study from Louisiana State University examined how watermelon juice may affect blood vessel function.

The research focused on naturally occurring compounds found in watermelon called L-citrulline and L-arginine.

These substances are involved in the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and supports healthy circulation.

During the study, participants who consumed watermelon juice showed signs of improved vascular function during periods of elevated blood sugar.

Researchers stress that more long-term studies are still needed before stronger conclusions can be made.

However, scientists continue to investigate watermelon because it remains one of the richest natural sources of L-citrulline.

How to stay healthy on a cruise ship

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

19. May, 2026

Cruises are often associated with relaxation and memorable vacations, but crowded environments can also increase the risk of illness.

According to Healthline, experts recommend careful planning before and during the trip to reduce the risk of infections and other health problems.

Get vaccinated in time

Health authorities recommend updating vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 four to six weeks before departure.

Some travelers may also benefit from an RSV vaccine.

Adjust your sleep schedule

If the trip involves crossing several time zones, jet lag can affect both sleep and digestion. Gradually adjusting your daily routine a few days before departure may help.

Pack a health kit

It is recommended to bring prescription medication, motion sickness remedies, pain relievers, bandages, and medication for diarrhea and heartburn.

Choose the right cabin

A cabin located in the middle of the ship or on lower decks may be beneficial for people who are prone to seasickness.

Consider travel insurance

Medical treatment onboard can be expensive, and emergency evacuation may cost more than $200,000, according to Healthline.

Bring hand sanitizer

Although many ships provide hand sanitizer stations, carrying your own sanitizer may make it easier to use it more frequently.

Pack disinfectant wipes

Passengers are advised to wipe down surfaces in their cabin upon arrival, especially door handles, light switches, and remote controls.

Use sunscreen

Experts recommend sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and reapplying it every two hours while spending time in the sun.

Drink plenty of water

Proper hydration can help prevent nausea and dehydration. Many modern cruise ships offer water stations for refillable bottles.

Wash your hands frequently

Passengers should wash their hands before meals, after going ashore, and after touching shared surfaces such as railings and elevator buttons.

Avoid sick passengers

If other passengers show signs of vomiting or diarrhea, it is recommended to keep your distance and notify the ship’s staff.

Limit alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of dehydration and accidents, especially while swimming.

Stay active

Exercise during the trip can improve sleep and help counter the effects of large buffet meals. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can be a simple way to stay active.

Respond quickly to illness

If symptoms such as fever, coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea occur, the ship’s medical team should be contacted immediately. Some passengers may be asked to isolate.

Sources: Healthline.

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Can help prevent urinary tract infections

100 percent cranberry juice is recommended

Some groups may benefit more from cranberries

May support a healthy gut

Contributes to better digestion

Vitamin C supports the immune system

Antioxidants may reduce inflammation

May benefit heart health

Improved blood flow

Oral health may improve

Contains several important nutrients

Too many cranberries may cause diarrhea

Blood-thinning medication

May increase the risk of kidney stones

Cranberries are versatile

Found in several parts of the body

Could be used in medicine

Important to take action

Received a serious diagnosis

Bacteria in the laboratory

Not ready yet

Easy to use

Affordable product

Darkness and a sense of peace

A frightening calm

No sense of time

A changed view of death

Similar experiences for others

The feeling of floating

A choice between life and death

A warning about the future

Life flashing before their eyes

Replaying a traumatic accident

Experiences of white light

How common these experiences are

Hard to contain

Rising fears

Focus on the brain’s filter

Rapid results

Still early research

New findings emerge

Focus on circulation

Get vaccinated in time

Adjust your sleep schedule

Pack a health kit

Choose the right cabin

Consider travel insurance

Bring hand sanitizer

Pack disinfectant wipes

Use sunscreen

Drink plenty of water

Wash your hands frequently

Avoid sick passengers

Limit alcohol consumption

Stay active

Respond quickly to illness

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