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How olive oil can affect your blood pressure when used in cooking

13. May, 2026

Olive oil is highlighted by heart specialists speaking to Parade as one of the best choices in the kitchen for supporting healthy blood pressure.

Experts especially point to its content of healthy fats and antioxidants as the reason behind these positive effects.

DASH diet

The DASH diet was specifically developed to help lower blood pressure.

The diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and moderate amounts of meat, nuts, and low-fat dairy products.

Cooking ingredients matter

Experts emphasize that it is not only about what you eat.

The ingredients used in cooking also play an important role in overall health.

Rich in healthy fats

According to nutrition expert Maya Vadiveloo in comments to Parade, olive oil contains high amounts of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure.

Blood vessels may widen more easily

The healthy compounds in olive oil help blood vessels expand more effectively. This makes it easier for blood to flow throughout the body.

Nitric oxide

Cardiologist Jayne Morgan explains to Parade that olive oil increases the availability of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen.

Antioxidants

The antioxidants in olive oil may help protect the lining of blood vessels from damage. This can reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Plaque buildup

When arteries become narrower because of plaque buildup, the heart must work harder to pump blood around the body. This can lead to higher blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Experts highlight that olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties. This may help protect the body’s circulatory system.

Benefits for overall heart health

In addition to its effects on blood pressure, research also suggests that olive oil may support overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

LDL cholesterol

The unsaturated fats in olive oil may help lower LDL cholesterol, which is an important factor linked to the risk of heart disease.

Extra virgin olive oil

Both experts recommend extra virgin olive oil because this type is believed to provide the greatest health benefits.

Olive oil considered healthier than several other oils

Photo: Illustrations photo Welltica and Shutterstock.com

Jayne Morgan tells Parade that olive oil is generally considered a healthier choice than canola oil and regular vegetable oil.

Some oils oxidize more easily

Vegetable oils high in polyunsaturated fats may oxidize more easily at high temperatures. This can create compounds that are not beneficial for blood vessels.

Olive oil handles heat better

According to the experts, extra virgin olive oil is better at slowing oxidation during cooking compared with several other popular oils.

Replacing butter

Maya Vadiveloo tells Parade that replacing butter or beef fat with olive oil may be especially beneficial for heart health.

Everyday cooking habits

The experts conclude by emphasizing that the ingredients people regularly use in the kitchen can help form the foundation of a more heart-friendly diet.

Sources: Parade.

Seven infected with E. coli – raw cheddar under investigation

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

Seven infected with E. coli – raw cheddar under investigation

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), seven people in California, Texas, and Florida have been infected with the E. coli bacteria. Two people have been hospitalized, Prevention reports.

Four of the infected are children under the age of three. The FDA is now investigating whether raw cheddar cheese produced by the company Raw Farm is the source of the outbreak.

Authorities have recommended that the company remove the products from the market, but Raw Farm has rejected the request.

Risk linked to raw milk

The cheese is made from raw milk, which has not been heat-treated.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.

E. coli can cause symptoms including diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, the bacteria can lead to kidney failure.

However, the FDA stated that the bacteria has not yet been found directly in the cheese products that have been tested, and investigations are continuing.

Slow recall process

Experts say it is not unusual for products to remain on store shelves during an investigation.

One reason is that companies can refuse to recall products if no direct evidence has been found.

According to experts, the process often takes time because authorities must gather sufficient documentation before they can force a company to take action.

Sources: Prevention, FDA, and CDC.

8,500 steps a day may help you keep the weight off

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

8,500 steps a day may help you keep the weight off

For many people, losing weight is not the biggest challenge. The real problem often begins afterward, when the kilos start to return.

According to HealthDay, around 80 percent of people who are overweight regain some or all of the weight within three to five years after losing it.

Researchers are therefore searching for solutions that can help people maintain their new weight over a longer period.

Lifestyle programs produced the best results

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reviewed data from nearly 4,000 adult participants across several different weight-loss studies.

Some participants received dietary guidance and were encouraged to be more physically active in their daily lives. Others followed only a diet plan or received no treatment at all.

According to the study, participants in the lifestyle programs lost an average of around four kilograms over eight months.

8500 steps

Researchers identified one key difference between the groups.

People who walked around 8,500 steps per day during and after their weight loss found it easier to keep the weight off.

Participants who were less active did not achieve the same results.

Sources: HealthDay and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Researchers found lower Alzheimer’s risk among people who ate five eggs a week

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

Researchers found lower Alzheimer’s risk among people who ate five eggs a week

Researchers have spent years investigating how diet affects the brain.

Eggs contain nutrients such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline, all of which are important for brain function.

A new study from Loma Linda University Health, published in The Journal of Nutrition and reported by Medical News Today, highlights that eggs should be included as part of a healthy and varied diet.

Researchers urge caution

The study is based on data from more than 39,000 Americans.

Many of the participants already followed healthy lifestyles, including lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as a more plant-based diet.

Because of this, experts say caution is needed before concluding that eggs alone protect against dementia.

The study can only show an association and cannot prove causation.

Dietitian Michelle Routhenstein also points out that foods such as beans, soy, and green vegetables contain many of the same nutrients.

Eat eggs at least five times a week

The researchers found that people who ate eggs at least five times a week had up to a 27 percent lower risk of receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis compared to people who did not eat eggs.

Previous research has shown similar results. A 2024 study, also published in The Journal of Nutrition, found that people who ate one egg per week had a lower risk of developing the disease.

However, the researchers emphasize that more studies are still needed before it can be determined whether eggs can directly protect the brain.

Sources: Medical News Today and The Journal of Nutrition.

Researchers develop new Hantavirus vaccine – new method could also reduce vaccine waste

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

Researchers develop new Hantavirus vaccine – new method could also reduce vaccine waste

Many vaccines must be kept at low temperatures to remain effective.

This makes transportation expensive and difficult, especially in countries with poor infrastructure and unstable electricity supplies.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 50 percent of vaccines are lost in some developing countries because the cold chain breaks down, News-Medical reports.

As a result, millions of people are unable to access essential treatment.

Researchers develop solution

A research team from the University of Bath is now developing a method designed to protect vaccines from heat.

The project is led by Professor Asel Sartbaeva, who is also a co-founder of the company EnsiliTech.

The method, known as Ensilication, works by encapsulating vaccine proteins in a protective silica layer.

The goal is to make vaccines stable at normal temperatures so they can be transported without constant refrigeration.

According to the university, this could have major significance in areas where access to cooling systems is limited.

New vaccine being tested

At the same time, the researchers have developed a new vaccine against hantavirus, which is spread by rodents and can cause serious illness.

There is currently no effective vaccine available for this group of viruses.

According to the University of Bath, the vaccine has been tested in laboratories and on animals with promising results.

The researchers expect to begin the first human trials in the near future.

The vaccine is based on mRNA technology and the new temperature-stabilization method.

Sources: News-Medical.

How to improve the air quality in your home

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

How to improve the air quality in your home

Indoor air quality plays a major role in health and well-being.

Several studies, according to Real Simple, suggest that technology, filters, and monitoring systems can help improve the air inside homes and reduce harmful substances.

Research points to several solutions

Both monitoring technology and air purification are being highlighted as possible tools for creating a healthier indoor environment.

VOCs affect air quality

A study published in Advances in Structural Technologies points to VOCs as some of the substances that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Activated carbon can clean the air

Filters containing activated carbon may help remove VOCs from the air. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can negatively affect indoor air quality.

Activated carbon is used in air purification

Activated carbon is used in air filters because the material can absorb certain pollutants from the air.

Filters can reduce harmful substances

Air purifiers with activated carbon are highlighted as a possible solution for reducing the amount of pollutants inside homes.

Monitoring can provide better control

By continuously measuring air quality, it becomes easier to detect indoor climate issues and respond more quickly.

Indoor air can be monitored with sensors

Low-cost sensor technology is increasingly being used to measure air quality in homes. This allows people to monitor the levels of different substances in the air.

Measurement technology is evolving

Developments in affordable sensor technology are making it easier for more households to monitor air quality without major expense.

Sensors are becoming more accessible

Technological advances are making air-quality sensors more accessible to everyday consumers.

The importance of clean air

According to the EPA, improving indoor air quality is important for creating healthier indoor environments.

Air quality is gaining global attention

There is growing awareness of the importance of healthy indoor air and of methods used to monitor and improve it.

More studies are examining indoor environments

Researchers continue to investigate solutions that can improve air quality in homes and other indoor spaces.

Sources: Real Simple, Advances in Structural Technologies, and the EPA.

Is it pollen or a virus? Experts explain the difference

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

Is it pollen or a virus? Experts explain the difference

When the body is exposed to foreign particles, the immune system is activated through a series of defense mechanisms.

In the case of a viral infection, the reaction is triggered by one of the many existing viruses, while a hypersensitivity reaction is caused by harmless substances such as dust, animals, or plant particles.

Both conditions can produce exactly the same symptoms, including coughing, headaches, sneezing, and a blocked or runny nose.

According to information from SELF and News55, the body’s basic response is very similar regardless of whether the cause is an allergen or a virus.

Duration and exposure

One important way to tell the difference lies in the timing and social environment. A typical infection will usually go away on its own within a week.

An allergic reaction, on the other hand, will continue for as long as a person remains exposed to the substance they are allergic to.

Katrina Johnson, a specialist in internal medicine, told SELF that it is important to consider whether you have recently been around people who were sick.

This significantly increases the likelihood of infection.

At the same time, it is a clear sign of allergies if the symptoms return at the same time each year.

The key clinical differences

To identify the exact cause, it is important to look for specific physical signs. Itching in the throat, ears, or eyes, as well as red eyes and rashes, point toward allergies.

Immunologist Erin L. Reigh explained to SELF that allergies never cause fever or swollen glands.

If a person experiences fever, a sore throat, or body aches, it is most likely an infection.

Although pollen season can create confusion, the presence of fever and body aches is the clearest indication that you are dealing with a cold.

Sources: News55 and SELF.

18 studies link daily mental exercises to better heart health

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

18 studies link daily mental exercises to better heart health

Researchers reviewed 18 studies on mindfulness, gratitude, and other mental exercises.

The review was published in the journal Cardiology Clinics and was described by SciTechDaily.

Participants included people with high blood pressure or an increased risk of heart disease.

The programs typically lasted between 6 and 12 weeks. Participants used apps, phone calls, or small at-home tasks as part of the programs.

According to the researchers, the exercises were not only about positive thinking.

Many participants also started exercising more, eating healthier, and remembering to take their medication more consistently.

Close follow-up

The studies showed that the best results came from programs with frequent contact between participants and advisors.

One of the programs used WhatsApp for daily tasks and weekly guidance.

Other programs helped participants increase their daily step count and follow their treatment plans more closely.

Researchers therefore believe that mental health programs could become an important part of preventing heart disease.

Measurable results

It was only during the final analyses that researchers observed clear physical changes in the participants.

Several studies showed lower blood pressure and fewer signs of inflammation in the body after the mental training programs.

The results were most noticeable among people who practiced daily and also received weekly support.

Sources: SciTechDaily og Cardiology Clinics.

Pregnancy may permanently change the brain, new study shows

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

Many pregnant women and new mothers experience forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.

Researchers believe this is not only caused by lack of sleep or stress. According to National Geographic, major changes take place in the brain during pregnancy.

Studies show that the brain adapts in order to better understand and respond to a child’s needs.

This especially affects areas involved in interpreting emotions and social signals.

New patterns

During subsequent pregnancies, the brain appears to change in a different way.

Researchers from Amsterdam UMC found evidence in a study published in Nature Communications suggesting that the brain becomes more focused on attention and rapid responses.

This may help mothers keep track of several things at once and react quickly in everyday life.

At the same time, changes occur in the brain’s connections that are important for movement and sensory processing.

Lasts for several years

Although many women feel more forgetful during pregnancy, researchers do not believe that the brain becomes less capable.

Instead, it simply prioritizes differently and uses more resources for emotional understanding and caregiving.

Several studies also suggest that these changes may help protect against postpartum depression.

Researchers also emphasize that the brain does not completely return to its previous state after pregnancy.

Pregnancy does not weaken the brain but changes it so it can better adapt to the role of being a parent.

Sources: National Geographic and Nature Communications.

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

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

13. May, 2026

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

Kale has become known as one of the most popular superfoods and is commonly used in salads, smoothies, and even as chips.

Nutrition experts have explained to Real Simple the potential benefits and drawbacks of eating kale every day.

Kale is packed with nutrients

Kale contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, and large amounts of vitamin K.

In addition, the vegetable also provides vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and iron.

Vitamin K is an important part of kale

One cup of raw kale contains more than 80 micrograms of vitamin K. The vitamin plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health.

Kale may support heart health

According to dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, the nutrients in kale may help improve blood flow, support healthy blood pressure, and reduce inflammation in the body.

This makes kale a popular choice in heart-friendly diets.

Kale is low in calories

One cup of raw kale contains fewer than 9 calories. At the same time, the vegetable contains only small amounts of fat and carbohydrates.

Fiber may affect digestion

Kale contains dietary fiber, which can support digestion. However, suddenly eating much more kale than usual may lead to bloating and gas.

Kale may affect blood sugar levels

According to a study published in Biomedical Reports, kale may help reduce spikes in blood sugar after meals.

This may provide more stable energy throughout the day.

Appetite may become more stable

Dietitians told Real Simple that some people experience better appetite regulation with regular kale consumption, partly due to its fiber and nutrient content.

Delayed effects

Experts emphasize that many of the benefits may only become noticeable after several weeks. In the short term, the changes may be more subtle.

Kale may affect blood-thinning medication

The high level of vitamin K may affect medications such as warfarin if kale intake changes very suddenly.

For this reason, experts recommend speaking with a doctor before making major dietary changes.

Antioxidants may reduce inflammation

Kale contains flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds may help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Long-term intake may benefit blood pressure and cholesterol

Several studies, including research published in Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics, suggest that regular kale consumption may have positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and gut health.

Excessive amounts may cause problems

Dietitians warn that consuming very large amounts of raw kale over a long period may, in rare cases, interfere with the thyroid gland’s ability to absorb iodine.

Kale should be eaten in moderation

Experts recommend including kale as part of a varied diet that also includes other green vegetables rather than focusing on only one type.

Sources: Real Simple, Biomedical Reports, and Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

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DASH diet

Cooking ingredients matter

Rich in healthy fats

Blood vessels may widen more easily

Nitric oxide

Antioxidants

Plaque buildup

Anti-inflammatory effects

Benefits for overall heart health

LDL cholesterol

Extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil considered healthier than several other oils

Some oils oxidize more easily

Olive oil handles heat better

Replacing butter

Everyday cooking habits

Risk linked to raw milk

Slow recall process

Lifestyle programs produced the best results

8500 steps

Researchers urge caution

Eat eggs at least five times a week

Researchers develop solution

New vaccine being tested

Research points to several solutions

VOCs affect air quality

Activated carbon can clean the air

Activated carbon is used in air purification

Filters can reduce harmful substances

Monitoring can provide better control

Indoor air can be monitored with sensors

Measurement technology is evolving

Sensors are becoming more accessible

The importance of clean air

Air quality is gaining global attention

More studies are examining indoor environments

Duration and exposure

The key clinical differences

Close follow-up

Measurable results

New patterns

Lasts for several years

Kale is packed with nutrients

Vitamin K is an important part of kale

Kale may support heart health

Kale is low in calories

Fiber may affect digestion

Kale may affect blood sugar levels

Appetite may become more stable

Delayed effects

Kale may affect blood-thinning medication

Antioxidants may reduce inflammation

Long-term intake may benefit blood pressure and cholesterol

Excessive amounts may cause problems

Kale should be eaten in moderation

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