Tomatoes are commonly used in salads, soups, and sauces. They contain potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamin C, among other nutrients.
Fully ripe red tomatoes are particularly rich in lycopene, a natural plant compound with antioxidant properties, according to Terazgotuje.
Lycopene is found only in very small amounts in yellow and green tomatoes. For this reason, red varieties are the primary source of the compound.
How the body absorbs more lycopene
The body absorbs lycopene more easily when tomatoes are chopped, grated, or processed into purée and sauce.
Heat treatment can also increase the absorption of the compound, while the tomatoes’ potassium content remains intact.
Lycopene is fat-soluble. Therefore, Terazgotuje recommends combining tomatoes with a small amount of vegetable oil, such as olive oil.
Nuts, pumpkin seeds, and other foods containing vitamin E may also be beneficial to eat alongside tomatoes.
May benefit heart health
Garlic, onions, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also mentioned as good foods to combine with tomatoes.
According to Terazgotuje, lycopene has been linked to the protection of blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduced oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
A diet rich in tomatoes may be associated with up to a 26 percent lower risk of stroke and a 13 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, according to Terazgotuje.
Many people experience a drop in energy shortly after lunch.
This is often linked to how the body processes carbohydrates from foods such as pasta, rice, and bread.
When these foods are digested, blood sugar levels rise quickly.
The body responds by releasing insulin, which helps move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells.
If blood sugar then drops rapidly again, it can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and cravings for sweet snacks.
Researchers investigate a simple solution
Large fluctuations in blood sugar are not just a matter of energy levels.
According to Medium, repeated spikes in blood sugar over time may increase the risk of insulin resistance and, later, type 2 diabetes.
For this reason, researchers are investigating methods that can reduce these spikes.
A product most people already have at home
A meta-analysis cited by Medium shows that regular use of apple cider vinegar may lower fasting blood sugar levels, an important marker of diabetes risk.
The explanation is that acetic acid may slow the breakdown of carbohydrates while also helping the body absorb glucose more efficiently.
The result may be more stable blood sugar levels and fewer energy crashes after meals.
Medium recommends one tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed with water approximately 10 to 20 minutes before a larger meal.
Many cancers do not begin with dramatic symptoms. Instead, they can develop quietly, with subtle changes that are easy to dismiss as stress, aging, or everyday health issues. Recognizing persistent changes and seeking medical advice when something feels unusual can play an important role in early detection, reports Futura Sciences.
Ongoing pain deserves attention
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Pain that lingers and does not improve with usual treatments may be a sign that something requires further investigation.
Lasting digestive problems should not be ignored
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Persistent issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or nausea that continue for an extended period can be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Trouble swallowing may signal a problem
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Difficulty swallowing that does not improve over time is a symptom that should be evaluated rather than brushed aside.
Unexplained bleeding requires medical assessment
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The appearance of blood in urine or stool without an obvious cause should always be taken seriously and checked by a doctor.
Unexpected breathing difficulties can be significant
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Shortness of breath that develops without a clear explanation may indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
Constant exhaustion is not always harmless
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Feeling unusually tired despite getting enough rest can sometimes be one of the body’s early warning signals.
Weight loss without trying should be investigated
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A noticeable drop in weight without changes to eating habits or physical activity can be a reason to seek medical advice.
Recurrent night sweats may be worth discussing
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Night sweats that occur repeatedly and cannot be explained by environmental factors or illness should not be ignored.
Persistent symptoms matter more than isolated episodes
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Many of these symptoms are commonly linked to less serious conditions. What often matters most is when they continue for weeks or gradually become more noticeable.
Some cancers can remain silent for years
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Certain cancers, including pancreatic, kidney, and colorectal cancers, may develop with few or no obvious symptoms in their earliest stages.
Screening can identify problems before symptoms appear
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Screening programs are designed to detect abnormalities before a person experiences any warning signs, allowing treatment to begin earlier if necessary.
Lifestyle factors can influence cancer risk
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Research has linked smoking, excess body weight, alcohol use, physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation with a higher risk of developing cancer.
Many people believe that strength training requires a gym membership and advanced equipment, but according to several female trainers over the age of 40, it is possible to achieve significant results with just a few pieces of equipment at home, The Guardian reports.
Dumbbells, resistance bands, or even a backpack filled with books can be used for training.
Resistance bands are highlighted as a particularly practical option because they are inexpensive, easy to store, and suitable for a wide variety of exercises.
Focus on simple exercises
When starting strength training, experts recommend keeping things simple.
Exercises such as squats and deadlifts work multiple muscle groups at the same time and can also improve mobility and cardiovascular fitness.
Beginners do not need to lift heavy weights from the outset.
Bodyweight exercises and lighter versions of classic movements can be an effective way to build strength gradually.
If you experience pain or have limited mobility, exercises can be modified to make them easier to perform.
Strength training becomes more important with age
Good sleep and recovery are also important parts of any training program.
According to the experts, sleep, gentle breathing exercises, and appropriate rest periods can help the body recover after physical activity.
After the age of 40, muscle mass begins to decline gradually, and the loss becomes even more pronounced after the age of 50.
For this reason, experts recommend strength training as an important way to maintain strength and overall health.
According to researchers cited by The Guardian, regular strength training may help reduce the risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 25,800 participants in the American Growing Up Today Study and published their findings in Circulation.
The participants were followed for up to 25 years and regularly answered questions about their diet and drinking habits.
The aim was to investigate whether what children drink can affect their health as adults, according to HealthDay.
Fruit makes a difference
The study found that whole fruit may be a better choice than both fruit juice and sugary beverages.
The researchers found that the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life was lower among children who replaced one daily sugary drink with a piece of fruit.
The same effect was observed when fruit juice was replaced with whole fruit.
According to the researchers, one possible explanation is that the fiber and pulp in whole fruits cause sugar to be absorbed more slowly by the body.
The link became clear in the results
Children who drank at least 350 milliliters of fruit juice per day had a 35 percent higher risk of developing high blood pressure as young adults.
Among children who drank at least 700 milliliters of soda or sports drinks daily, the risk was 52 percent higher.
The researchers emphasized that the results could not be explained by other factors such as exercise or the overall quality of the participants’ diets.
The study therefore suggests that a high intake of both fruit juice and sugary beverages during childhood may be associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure later in life.
Sunscreen has long been an important safeguard against damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, and researchers are working to make these products even better.
According to National Geographic, scientists are developing solutions designed to protect the skin from air pollution and other environmental factors.
Research is also being conducted on products that can support the skin’s natural balance and help keep it healthy for longer.
Different regulations affect development
The development of new sunscreens is not progressing at the same pace everywhere in the world.
In the United States, fewer UV filters are approved than in places such as South Korea and the European Union, making it more difficult to adopt new technologies, National Geographic reports.
At the same time, researchers continue to discuss how some ingredients affect the body.
However, several dermatologists believe that the benefits of using sunscreen still outweigh the potential risks.
South Korea leads the way
South Korea has become known for lightweight sunscreens that absorb quickly into the skin while also containing skincare ingredients.
But researchers’ ambitions do not stop there.
At the company Kolmar, work is underway on sunscreens for the scalp as well as new technologies that can deflect UV rays more effectively.
In the longer term, the company hopes to develop personalized sunscreens that take factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and environment into account.
If these plans succeed, the sunscreen of the future could evolve from an ordinary sun-care product into a comprehensive solution that protects the skin from a wider range of environmental influences.
Bananas contain fiber, potassium and antioxidants, all of which have been linked to various health benefits. According to research and a liver specialist, the fruit can be part of a diet that supports liver health, although overall eating habits remain the most important factor, reports Parade.
One in four Americans has MASLD
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Around 25% of people in the United States are living with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, a condition previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Diet quality plays a major role
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According to gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr. Qin Rao, overall dietary habits play an important role in liver health and the risk of liver disease.
Fruits and vegetables are linked to lower risk
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A 2024 analysis found that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of MASLD.
Research findings are not entirely consistent
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A 2022 study found that participants with MASLD who consumed at least four servings of fruit per day had a higher BMI after six months than those who ate less fruit.
Fiber may benefit the liver
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Dr. Rao explains that fiber can support liver health by improving blood sugar control, helping maintain a healthy weight and reducing fat accumulation in the liver.
Studies point to benefits of higher fiber intake
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Research published in 2023 found an association between higher fiber consumption and a lower risk of MASLD.
The gut and liver are closely connected
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Blood from the intestines flows directly to the liver, meaning that conditions in the gut can influence liver function and overall liver health.
Bananas may support beneficial gut bacteria
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The fiber found in bananas can help nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut, which Dr. Rao says may indirectly benefit the liver.
Potassium may also play a role
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Bananas are a well known source of potassium. According to Dr. Rao, some studies have linked higher potassium intake with a lower risk of fatty liver disease and liver scarring.
Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells
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Bananas contain antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress, a process associated with inflammation and liver damage.
Natural sugar is different from added sugar
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Although bananas contain natural sugars, Dr. Rao emphasizes that the fruit also provides fiber, vitamins and antioxidants that influence how sugar is absorbed by the body.
Overall dietary patterns matter most
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According to Dr. Rao, bananas can be part of a liver friendly diet, but they cannot offset a diet high in sugary drinks, alcohol and heavily processed foods.
A hot summer day can leave anyone feeling drained. The lack of energy, difficulty sleeping and constant search for shade are experiences many people know well.
But for millions of people living with chronic health conditions, extreme heat may pose challenges that go far beyond simple discomfort.
During periods of intense heat, the body must work harder to regulate its temperature. Blood vessels widen, sweating increases and the cardiovascular system takes on extra demands to prevent overheating.
For some individuals, this added strain can affect heart health. Elevated temperatures may contribute to changes in heart rate and blood pressure, particularly among those who already have underlying cardiovascular issues.
Four conditions to watch
Medical experts say these health problems may become more difficult to manage during heatwaves:
Heart conditions
Kidney stones
Gout
Migraines and recurring headaches
Dehydration is a common factor linking many of these conditions. When the body loses fluids faster than they are replaced, urine becomes more concentrated, increasing the likelihood of kidney stone formation.
Fluid loss can also contribute to gout flare-ups and trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.
Staying safe in hot weather
The WHO recommends limiting outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, seeking cool environments whenever possible and paying close attention to hydration.
Experts also advise keeping living spaces cool by reducing direct sunlight indoors and improving airflow during cooler evening hours.
As temperatures continue to climb across parts of the United States and other regions worldwide, health professionals say understanding how heat affects the body could help people reduce risks and avoid preventable medical problems.
Americans spend billions of dollars on vitamins and dietary supplements each year, yet many of those products eventually end up forgotten in kitchen drawers and bathroom cabinets.
When they resurface months or even years later, consumers are often left wondering whether they should be discarded immediately.
According to reporting by EatingWell, pharmacists say expiration dates on supplements are commonly misunderstood.
Unlike prescription medicines, dietary supplements are not always required to carry expiration dates, and when manufacturers include them, they often relate to how long the product is expected to maintain its full potency.
More than a date
Rather than becoming unsafe overnight, many supplements gradually lose strength as they age. That means a vitamin or mineral may still be usable after its listed date, but it may not deliver the same level of effectiveness.
How a supplement is stored can make a significant difference. Products kept in cool, dry conditions generally remain stable longer than those exposed to humidity, heat or direct sunlight.
Certain forms, including gummies, oils and probiotic supplements, may be more vulnerable to degradation than traditional tablets, capsules and powders.
Signs to watch for
Pharmacists told EatingWell that consumers should focus on the condition of a supplement, not just the date on the label. Changes in appearance can be a warning that quality has declined.
Discoloration, unusual odors, clumping, moisture damage or visible mold are all signs that a product should be discarded, regardless of when it was purchased.
People who rely on supplements to support specific nutritional needs may also want to be more cautious, as reduced potency could affect the intended benefit.
Safe disposal
When it is time to get rid of old supplements, experts recommend using pharmacy take-back programs where available.
If that is not an option, supplements can be sealed with undesirable household waste before being placed in the trash. Flushing them down the toilet is discouraged because of potential environmental impacts.
