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This type of cheese could be a good choice after 60, new study finds

A total of 1,647 adults took part in the study, which was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry and followed participants for an average of 12 years.

Participants who followed the MIND diet showed fewer signs of age-related brain deterioration.

Among other things, they experienced less loss of gray matter and better preservation of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that plays a key role in memory.

The strongest effects were observed in people over the age of 60.

A healthy diet is not enough

The MIND diet is based on the Mediterranean diet and a dietary approach developed to help lower blood pressure.

It includes leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, legumes, fish, poultry, and olive oil.

The researchers emphasize that the study only shows an association. It does not prove that diet alone protects the brain.

Physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may also have contributed to the results.

The surprising food

Cheese was one of the foods associated with the greatest preservation of gray matter and the hippocampus.

According to the researchers, aged cheeses in particular may contain nutrients such as vitamin K2 and bioactive peptides that could benefit the brain and blood vessels.

At the same time, they recommend avoiding ultra-processed cheeses. However, the findings only show an association and do not prove that cheese itself prevents disease.

New research: Replacing gas stoves may benefit people with asthma

A research project in Ohio, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, set out to investigate whether replacing gas stoves could improve asthma symptoms in 1,200 participants.

However, the project was stopped earlier than planned after its funding ended.

As a result, only 72 households were able to take part, according to The Guardian.

Although the study was much smaller than originally intended, the researchers decided to analyse the data they had collected.

Air became cleaner

Participants were monitored for four weeks before and four weeks after their gas stove was replaced with an electric one.

At the same time, the researchers measured indoor air quality in some of the homes.

According to The Guardian, nitrogen dioxide levels fell by around 70 percent in the homes where air quality was monitored.

The researchers also recorded fewer hospital visits, fewer sick days, and a reduced need for rescue asthma medication among the participants.

Results were surprising

The researchers believe the improvements were significant enough that they are unlikely to be explained by a placebo effect alone.

However, they stress that the findings should be confirmed in a larger study involving more participants, The Guardian reports.

The study builds on previous research suggesting that cooking with gas may increase the risk of asthma, particularly in children.

Traffic noise may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, study finds

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects movement and balance.

Until now, research has mainly focused on risk factors such as air pollution, pesticides, and microplastics.

Now, a new study, published in JAMA Neurology and reported by The Guardian, suggests that traffic noise may also play a role.

The researchers followed 3.1 million Danes aged 40 and older over an 18-year period using nationwide health registers.

The results should be interpreted with caution

The researchers accounted for air pollution but did not have information about the participants’ lifestyles.

However, they believe this does not change the main findings because the association was consistent across different income and education levels, according to The Guardian.

Other researchers urge caution. They emphasize that the study shows an association but does not prove that traffic noise directly causes Parkinson’s disease. They also point out that other factors may have influenced the results.

The risk increases slightly

The researchers believe that long-term noise exposure may affect the body through poor sleep and increased stress.

They also suggest that having a home with a quieter side may reduce exposure to traffic noise.

For every 11.5-decibel increase at the noisiest side of a home, the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increased by 3 percent over the course of the study.

The researchers describe the increase as small but consistent and call for further research before traffic noise can be considered a confirmed risk factor.

These morning drinks could help improve your day, expert says

What you drink first thing in the morning could have an impact on your digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being, according to a weight loss specialist.

Here are several drinks mentioned as good alternatives to the classic cup of coffee, according to Sic Mulher.

Your first drink of the morning can make a difference

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Weight loss specialist Fabiana Golfeto told Sic Mulher that small changes to your morning routine can contribute to greater well-being throughout the day.

Many people choose only coffee

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According to Sic Mulher, many people start their day with coffee, but there are other drinks that may also benefit the body.

Focus on digestion and energy

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The suggested drinks have been selected because they are associated with benefits such as improved digestion, reduced bloating, and increased energy.

Warm water with lemon and ginger

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This combination is recommended on an empty stomach. It may help stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, and support liver function.

Fennel seed tea

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Fennel seeds are well known for their digestive properties.

The tea may help reduce gas and relieve intestinal discomfort.

Golden milk

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This drink is made with plant-based milk, turmeric, cinnamon, and a small amount of honey.

It is described as having anti-inflammatory properties while also supporting the immune system and gut health.

Warm water with apple cider vinegar

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When consumed before breakfast, it is often associated with more stable blood sugar levels and improved digestion.

Clove infusion

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This drink contains antioxidant compounds and may support more efficient digestion while helping to reduce bloating.

Ginger shot

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A shot made with ginger, lemon, spinach, and water is mentioned as a refreshing morning drink that may help boost energy levels.

Anti-inflammatory cocoa drink

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This drink is made with plant-based milk, cocoa, cinnamon, and honey.

It is highlighted as an alternative to coffee with antioxidant properties and may also help improve mood.

No drink works on its own

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Sic Mulher emphasizes that none of these drinks is a miracle cure, but they can be included as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Small changes can make a difference

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According to the specialist, it is often the small daily habits that, over time, can lead to the greatest improvements in energy and overall well-being.

Exercise may not be the key to losing weight, study suggests

Exercise is about more than the number on the scale. Regular physical activity can improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and help the body regulate blood sugar more effectively.

This can lower the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, according to The Conversation, as cited by SciTechDaily.

Research also indicates that exercise can make it easier to maintain weight loss when combined with treatments such as weight-loss medication.

The body works against you

Many people believe that exercising more automatically leads to significant weight loss. However, it is not that simple.

According to The Conversation, exercise can increase appetite, causing some people to eat more afterward.

At the same time, the body gradually becomes more efficient at performing the same movements while using less energy.

As a result, the benefits of exercise for weight loss often diminish over time.

Strength training, however, can help preserve muscle mass. This is important because muscle increases the body’s energy expenditure, even at rest.

Exercise had a limited effect

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition involving more than 1,100 participants found that exercise had only a limited impact on how much weight participants lost initially.

However, according to The Conversation, people who remained physically active after losing weight were more likely to maintain a stable weight.

Exercise is not necessarily the most effective way to achieve significant weight loss. However, research suggests that physical activity plays an important role once weight loss has been achieved, while also providing a wide range of well-documented health benefits.

Large international study reveals which country has the worst mental health

Concerns about the future are becoming increasingly common for many people.

According to the AXA Mind Health Report, uncertainty about a rapidly changing world is the biggest concern for around half of those surveyed.

The study is based on responses from 19,000 people aged 18 to 75 across 18 countries and was conducted by AXA in collaboration with the research company Ipsos.

More people are turning to AI

The report also shows that many people do not seek professional help despite experiencing mental health challenges.

Six in ten respondents have not consulted a mental health professional during the past year, while one in four fears being met with prejudice.

This may be one of the reasons why more people are turning to artificial intelligence for support.

Across the countries included in the study, 63 percent say they have used AI for mental health support.

Some find the assistance helpful, while others are dissatisfied with the advice they receive.

The worst-performing country in Europe

The United Kingdom has the poorest mental health among the European countries included in the study and ranks third worst worldwide.

More than one in three people in the UK report being affected by severe stress, anxiety, or depression.

According to the report, the findings highlight the continued need for better access to mental health support and a stronger focus on mental well-being across all countries.

This Pilates exercise can strengthen your core in minutes

Finding time to exercise can be difficult. That is why Pilates instructors recommend exercises that are quick to perform and require no equipment.

According to the health publication Parade, it is easier to stick to a workout routine when it fits into a busy schedule.

Pilates is known for improving strength, balance, flexibility, and body control.

According to certified Pilates instructor Nicolle Lopez Lamberty, this form of exercise can also improve posture and make everyday movements easier.

Focus on the body

A strong core is about more than just the abdominal muscles. It also helps support the back, improve balance, and make the body more stable.

According to Pilates instructor Lyndsey Meade, many people breathe too shallowly.

She explains to Parade that better breathing can activate the body’s deep muscles and provide greater control during movement.

The experts also emphasize that proper technique is more important than performing a high number of repetitions. Good form delivers the greatest benefits.

The experts’ choice

The exercise recommended by both instructors is called the Hundred.

According to Parade, it takes around two minutes to complete and strengthens the core while improving endurance and breathing.

The exercise is performed while lying on your back with your legs, head, and shoulders lifted, while your arms move up and down in rhythm with your breathing.

According to the experts, it can be adapted to all fitness levels and performed at home without equipment, making it a suitable addition to a daily workout routine.

These foods may increase your risk of nightmares

It is not only stress and sleep habits that can influence your dreams.

According to Dreams, certain foods and drinks consumed before bedtime may be linked to more restless nights and a higher risk of nightmares.

Spicy food

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Spicy foods can be harder for the body to digest.

They may raise body temperature and disrupt sleep, which according to Dreams could increase the likelihood of nightmares.

Tabasco

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A study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology found that people who ate Tabasco with their evening meal experienced more disrupted sleep.

The ideal time to avoid spicy food before bed

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If you plan to eat very spicy food, Dreams recommends doing so at least six hours before going to bed.

Sugar

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Foods high in sugar, such as cakes, cookies, and chocolate, have also been linked to unusual and disturbing dreams.

Study of university students

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A study published in Frontiers in Psychology examined 396 university students.

Among them, 31 percent reported experiencing unusual or unpleasant dreams after eating cookies and cake.

Chocolate is a double challenge

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Chocolate contains both sugar and caffeine.

According to Dreams, this combination can make it more difficult to fall asleep and may also be associated with nightmares.

Bread and pasta

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Bread and pasta are converted into glucose by the body. According to Dreams, they may therefore have a similar effect to sugary foods.

Rice

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A study published in PLOS ONE found that pasta was associated with poorer sleep quality, while rice was linked to better sleep quality.

Alcohol

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Alcohol is also considered a possible cause of poorer sleep.

Although it can make you feel sleepy, it may also increase the likelihood of waking up during the night.

Large meals late in the evening

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Dreams points out that eating large meals just before bedtime may both increase the risk of weight gain and lead to more vivid nightmares.

Brain activity

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According to Dreams, eating a late-night meal may make the brain more active during sleep, potentially leading to more intense dreams.

Choose the right snacks

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If you feel hungry late in the evening, Dreams recommends foods that contain melatonin or tryptophan.

Examples include turkey, cheese, and bananas.

Nightmares can have several causes

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Dreams emphasizes that food is not the only possible explanation for nightmares.

Stress, an uncomfortable mattress, and even certain smells may also influence your dreams.

New study questions whether more sunlight prevents vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is essential for the normal function of bones, teeth, muscles, and the immune system.

For this reason, many people have viewed regular sun exposure as a simple way to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

According to nutrition experts cited by Prevention, people at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency should instead have their vitamin D levels measured by a healthcare professional and be assessed to determine whether dietary changes or supplements are necessary.

The recommendations are based on assessments by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and registered dietitians featured in Prevention.

The experts also emphasize that sun protection remains important, as increased sun exposure can raise the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, among other health concerns.

Diet rather than sun

According to the experts, fatty fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines, as well as fortified dairy products, plant-based beverages, breakfast cereals, egg yolks, and UV-treated mushrooms can help increase vitamin D intake.

For people with a confirmed deficiency, diet alone may not be sufficient.

In such cases, dietary supplements may be an appropriate solution following an assessment by a doctor or another healthcare professional.

However, the researchers behind the study do not specify exactly how much sun the participants were exposed to or how factors such as sunscreen use, clothing, and medical conditions may have influenced the results.

For that reason, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

New study challenges assumption

The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 299 participants, including older adults and people with darker skin, both of whom are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.

The results showed that around 55 percent of the older participants and 72 percent of the participants with darker skin still had insufficient vitamin D levels even after the summer period, when sun exposure would be expected to be higher.

The findings therefore suggest that spending more time in the sun is not necessarily enough to correct vitamin D deficiency in these groups.

Weight-loss medications may increase the risk of hair loss by up to 68 percent

Wegovy and Mounjaro are used by millions of people for weight loss.

The best-known side effects include nausea, fatigue, and constipation, but researchers are now also investigating a possible link to hair loss, according to the Sun.

According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, rapid weight loss can lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as zinc and iron.

This may affect the hair’s normal growth cycle, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.

More people have reported hair loss

UK health authorities consider hair loss to be a common or very common side effect of the treatment.

At the same time, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK has received 1,252 reports of hair loss from people who have used semaglutide or tirzepatide.

However, the researchers emphasize that rapid weight loss itself can also cause hair loss, even if it is not related to the medication. The condition is often temporary, and hair may grow back over time.

Study found a difference

The researchers compared around 24,000 people with type 2 diabetes who received either GLP-1 medication or alternative treatment.

The results showed that users of the weight-loss injections had up to a 68 percent higher risk of alopecia than those in the other group. The risk was highest among women.

According to the British Medical Journal, the study identified an association but does not prove that the medications are the direct cause of the hair loss.