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How chicken can affect your body if you eat it every day

Chicken is a popular source of protein that many people eat regularly. But what does it actually mean for the body if it becomes a daily habit?

Here are the key insights based on research and nutrition information from EatingWell.

Essential amino acids

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Chicken contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These are necessary for building important proteins in the body.

Supports important bodily functions

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Proteins from chicken contribute to the production of hormones, immune cells, and muscle growth, all of which are crucial for the body’s functioning.

Easier to meet protein needs

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A serving of chicken of about 113 grams provides around 35 grams of protein, making it easier to meet daily requirements.

Cells and muscles

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Protein helps the body repair and build cells, including muscle tissue, and is therefore a central part of the diet.

Protein requirements

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The recommended protein intake depends on body weight and life stage, and requirements may change over time.

Healthy metabolism

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Chicken contains several B vitamins such as niacin, thiamin, and folate, which are important for metabolism.

B vitamins must be consumed daily

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These vitamins are water-soluble and are not stored in the body, making daily intake necessary.

May support weight loss

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A higher protein intake can increase the feeling of fullness, making it easier to control appetite.

Satiety can reduce calorie intake

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Feeling full for longer may help reduce overall food intake and support weight loss goals, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Contains several nutrients

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In addition to protein, chicken contains selenium, phosphorus, and vitamin B3, all of which play a role in the body’s functioning.

Different cuts have different nutrition

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Chicken breast contains less fat and more protein, while chicken thighs contain more fat and have a higher calorie content.

Lack of variety

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If chicken is the only protein source, you may miss out on other important nutrients from a varied diet.

Lack of healthy fats

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Lean chicken contains very little fat, which can lead to a low intake of essential fatty acids such as omega-3.

Healthy fats

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To achieve a more balanced diet, you can add fat sources such as olive oil or avocado alongside chicken.

Variety in protein sources is important

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Other protein sources such as fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts provide different nutrients and should be included in the diet.

Variety also makes meals more interesting

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Switching between different protein sources can both improve nutrition and make meals more interesting.

Sources: EatingWell and Nutrients.

Health experts warn of symptoms as rotavirus spreads

You know that uneasy feeling when a child suddenly gets sick and you’re not sure if it’s something minor or the start of something more serious.

It’s a worry many families share, especially during colder months when viruses tend to circulate more aggressively.

Health researchers and surveillance groups, including data tracked by WastewaterScan and guidance from the CDC, are now pointing to a noticeable rise in rotavirus infections across parts of the United States, reports Unilad.

The increase has caught attention because it appears higher than the same period last year.

Rising concern

Rotavirus is not new, but its resurgence is raising questions among health professionals.

It spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and hand-to-mouth contact, making it particularly difficult to contain in households and childcare settings.

Historically, vaccination programs significantly reduced severe cases. Experts now suggest that lower vaccination uptake in some areas may be contributing to the renewed spread and preventable hospital visits.

Symptoms to watch

The infection typically develops quickly, often within a couple of days. It primarily affects the digestive system and can escalate fast, especially in young children.

Common warning signs include:

  • Frequent watery diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever and stomach pain
  • Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, low urination, or fatigue

Medical professionals stress that dehydration is the most dangerous complication, particularly for infants and toddlers.

Treatment reality

There is no targeted cure for rotavirus. Because it is viral, antibiotics offer no benefit. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration through fluids or, in severe cases, hospital care.

Public health agencies emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, reducing both severity and spread.

New research: The pace determines how healthy your exercise is

Daily activities such as walking and cycling have become a regular part of many people’s routines.

At the same time, figures from RIVM, according to Gezondnu, indicate that more hours of sedentary work may lead to increasing rates of overweight in the future.

Working from home in particular has changed activity levels. This makes it more important to incorporate movement as a regular part of daily life.

What does the research show?

A study from April 2026, published in the journal European Heart Journal, analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of people in the United Kingdom.

Different forms of physical activity were compared with the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.

The analysis shows that it is not only the amount of exercise that matters; the way you move also plays a role in your health.

The key difference

The results suggest that a small portion of daily activity should be more intensive.

People who moved at a slightly faster pace had a lower risk of several diseases.

This means that it is not necessarily about spending more time exercising. Instead, short periods of higher intensity can make a difference.

For example, this could involve walking slightly faster for a few minutes at a time.

Sources: Gezondnu, RIVM, and European Heart Journal.

Patrick Muldoon’s death highlights heart attack warning signs

A sudden loss has drawn attention to a medical emergency that often strikes without much warning.

For many, the early symptoms can be easy to overlook or misinterpret in everyday life.

The death of a well-known actor has now prompted renewed focus on how to recognise the signs and act quickly when it matters most, according to LADbible.

A sudden loss

Actor Patrick Muldoon died on Sunday at the age of 57 after reportedly suffering a heart attack, according to Deadline.

A friend described him as “stylish, charismatic, and full of life,” while also remembering his warmth and generosity.

Tributes highlighted his personality, with the same source adding he was “endlessly generous” and “embraced each day with a full-tilt, rock ’n’ roll spirit.”

Muldoon built his career in the 1990s, gaining recognition in Saved by the Bell before appearing in Days of Our Lives, Melrose Place and films including Starship Troopers.

Understanding the risk

Health authorities such as the NHS explain that heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, most often by a clot. This interruption can cause serious damage if not treated immediately.

Risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and family history, according to public health guidance.

The British Heart Foundation notes that symptoms can differ widely between individuals and may not always be obvious or severe at first.

Warning signs

Common symptoms linked to heart attacks include:

  • Chest pain or pressure spreading to arm, neck or jaw
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Indigestion-like discomfort
  • Sweating or pale skin

Muldoon had recently shared his excitement about a new film project shortly before his death, highlighting the unexpected nature of such events.

Final tributes

Following the news, fans shared messages online remembering his work and personality. Muldoon is survived by his partner and parents.

His death has also renewed calls for greater awareness of cardiovascular health and early symptom recognition.

Seeing your own blood vessels could help reduce cardiovascular risk, study finds

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of death and are often linked to atherosclerosis.

Risk factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, high blood pressure, and cholesterol play a central role, according to a press release from VIA at Umeå University in Sweden.

Although these diseases can often be prevented, many people find it difficult to relate to their personal risk.

Numbers and written information are not always sufficient to create understanding.

Ultrasound images of blood vessels can help reveal early signs of atherosclerosis before symptoms appear. When these images are shown to patients, the risk becomes more tangible.

A new study from Sweden has examined this in two groups of people.

New study from Sweden

A new study published in European Heart Journal Open included approximately 3,500 people aged 40 to 60 in Sweden.

Participants were divided into two groups with different types of information.

One group was shown images of their blood vessels, received information about their risk, and participated in discussions with healthcare professionals. Their doctors also had access to the results.

The other group did not initially have access to this information and instead followed standard care in the healthcare system.

Results over time

After one and three years, the group that received images and consultations had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and showed better progress in several health factors.

After six years, the other group had caught up after also being shown images and participating in discussions.

The study shows that it is particularly the combination of visual images and dialogue that, over time, can encourage more people to change their lifestyle and adhere to treatment.

Sources: VIA and European Heart Journal Open.

This happens in your body if you eat soy every day

Soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and soy milk are included in certain diets, but their effects on the body are still debated.

Research points to both benefits and aspects to be aware of with daily intake, according to EatingWell.

High-quality protein

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Soy contains protein that the body uses to build and repair muscles, skin, hair, and tissues, as well as to produce hormones and enzymes.

Tofu and edamame are especially rich in protein

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One cup of edamame provides about 18.4 grams of protein, while half a cup of firm tofu provides approximately 21.8 grams.

You can nearly meet your daily protein needs

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By eating both edamame and tofu, it is possible to come close to the recommended daily protein intake for an adult.

It may reduce the risk of heart disease

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A study published in Circulation found that people who ate tofu at least once a week had an 18 percent lower risk of heart disease.

Your LDL cholesterol may decrease

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A daily intake of 25 grams of soy protein for six weeks was associated with a reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol by 3 to 4 percent, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition.

The results are not conclusive

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Some studies have not found a clear effect, so there is still debate about soy’s role in lowering cholesterol.

Soy contains little saturated fat

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Edamame and tofu contain very low amounts of saturated fat and can therefore serve as alternatives to animal-based proteins.

Isoflavones may affect the body

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Soy contains isoflavones, which are natural plant estrogens that can mimic estrogen in the body, although with a weaker effect.

Menopause

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A study published in Menopause shows that soy intake may reduce hot flashes in some individuals.

Lower cancer risk

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Research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research suggests that isoflavones may be associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer.

Soy is the main source of isoflavones

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Among all foods, soy contains the highest levels of these plant compounds.

You get isoflavones through typical portions

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For every gram of soy protein, you get approximately 3.5 mg of isoflavones, which can quickly add up to a significant amount.

Iron absorption may be lower

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Although soy contains iron, it is absorbed less efficiently than iron from animal sources.

Vegetarians may have lower iron stores

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People who primarily follow a plant-based diet may have a higher risk of iron deficiency, according to a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

You may need to consume more iron

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Vegetarians and vegans are advised to consume up to 1.8 times more iron than people who eat meat.

Large amounts of soy are not enough on their own

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It can be difficult to meet your full iron needs with soy alone, so dietary variety is important.

More research is still needed

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Although soy has several potential benefits, uncertainty remains, and further studies are necessary.

Sources: EatingWell, Circulation, The Journal of Nutrition, Menopause, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, and Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

New research: Cooking may be linked to a lower risk of dementia

The brain is influenced by what we do every day. Activities that require planning and memory can help keep the brain active.

This is especially true for tasks that involve thinking several steps ahead.

At the same time, physical activity plays an important role. Research published in JAMA Network Open shows that movement throughout life may be linked to a lower risk of dementia.

Diet also matters. A study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that a lower intake of ultra-processed foods may be beneficial for the brain.

The importance of everyday life

Daily routines can be crucial for both physical and mental health. Being able to manage everyday tasks independently provides structure and can support brain function.

Social activities may also play a role. Spending time with others and sharing experiences can have a positive effect on well-being.

However, it is important to understand that this type of research cannot prove cause and effect.

Lower levels of activity may be both a cause of and a sign of emerging problems.

Cooking

A large study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health from Japan examined the habits of older adults over six years.

Nearly 11,000 people participated in the study.

The results showed a clear association between cooking at home and a lower risk of dementia. Even cooking just once a week was linked to a reduced risk.

The effect was greatest among individuals with less prior experience in this area.

Sources: Health.com, JAMA Network Open, JAMA Neurology, and Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.

Your coffee consumption may affect your risk of developing stress

Caffeine does not affect everyone in the same way. Some experience improved focus and calmness, while others feel restless and develop heart palpitations.

Differences in physiology and lifestyle may explain these variations.

People with low tolerance may react negatively even to small amounts. Lack of sleep or drinking coffee on an empty stomach can also worsen symptoms such as nervousness.

Coffee and stress

A large study from The Journal of Affective Disorders followed more than 461,000 individuals over a period of more than 13 years.

During this time, new cases of stress- and mood-related disorders were recorded.

The researchers compared participants’ coffee consumption with their mental health.

However, they emphasize that the study cannot prove direct cause and effect, partly because coffee habits were measured only once.

Possible explanations

Overall, the study found that moderate coffee consumption, two to three cups per day, is associated with a lower risk of stress and mood problems.

Both very low and very high consumption, on the other hand, were associated with a higher risk.

Coffee contains compounds that may affect the brain. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation, and caffeine may increase dopamine levels, which are associated with well-being, according to a study published in Translational Psychiatry.

At the same time, caffeine can reduce feelings of fatigue and enhance mental alertness. In some cases, this may lessen the experience of stress.

Sources: Health.com, The Journal of Affective Disorders, and Psychiatry Research.

Expert insight challenges traditional weight loss advice

It often begins quietly. A drop in energy, clothes feeling tighter, and the familiar urge to “fix it” quickly. Many turn to diets, only to end up repeating the same pattern again and again.

According to the Italian Barometer Obesity Report and research cited by epidemiologist Franco Berrino, obesity affects roughly one in seven people worldwide, reports Corriere.

Experts increasingly suggest that strict diets are not the solution. Instead, long-term habits appear to shape how the body manages weight.

A different mindset

Rather than focusing on calories, researchers highlight daily behaviors that influence hunger and metabolism.

One key factor is eating pace. Studies indicate that slower chewing may impact hormones linked to appetite, helping people feel full sooner.

Meal timing is another important element. Evidence suggests that allowing a longer break between dinner and breakfast may support weight control. Eating earlier in the day also seems to align better with the body’s natural rhythms.

What to prioritize

Nutrition research points to quality over restriction. Diets rich in fiber and minimally processed foods are associated with better satiety and metabolic health.

Typical recommendations include:

  • Vegetables and legumes
  • Whole grains instead of refined products
  • Nuts in moderate amounts
  • Fermented foods

These foods may help regulate appetite and support a healthy gut microbiome, increasingly linked to weight balance.

What to limit

Highly processed foods remain a concern. Studies from Harvard University associate sugary drinks, processed meats, and refined carbohydrates with weight gain over time.

At the same time, high-protein diets are not always the answer. Some findings suggest excessive intake, especially from animal sources, may not support long-term results.

Overall, research points to one conclusion: lasting habits matter more than short-term diets.

How red meat can affect your heart if you eat it often

Red meat like beef, lamb, and pork is a staple in many diets. In moderation it can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but high intake may have consequences for both the heart and overall health, reports Real Simple.

Red meat includes several types

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Red meat covers beef, pork, lamb, mutton, veal, and goat, all of which are commonly used sources of protein.

Red meat is high in protein

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It contains a significant amount of protein, making it an efficient way to meet the body’s protein needs.

Contains important nutrients

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Depending on the type, red meat provides iron, vitamin B12, and minerals such as zinc and selenium.

Lacks fiber and certain vitamins

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It does not contain fiber, antioxidants, or vitamin C, which are typically found in plant-based foods.

Contains high levels of saturated fat

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Red meat generally has more saturated fat and less unsaturated fat compared to other animal proteins like fish and poultry.

Raises bad cholesterol

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A high intake of saturated fat can increase LDL cholesterol levels by reducing the body’s ability to remove it from the bloodstream.

Can lead to plaque buildup

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Elevated LDL cholesterol can result in plaque forming in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Processing increases sodium content

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Products like bacon, sausages, and deli meats often contain high amounts of added salt compared to fresh meat.

Sodium can raise blood pressure

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High sodium intake causes the body to retain water, increasing blood pressure and putting extra strain on the heart.

Gut bacteria produce TMAO

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During digestion, gut bacteria can convert compounds in red meat into TMAO, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

Can affect multiple organs

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High consumption may also impact gut health, strain the kidneys, and be associated with metabolic issues.

Recommended intake is limited

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Experts suggest limiting red meat to one to three servings per week and balancing intake with other protein sources.