Many people reach for supplements hoping to protect their memory and stay sharp as they age.
Omega-3 capsules, often linked to brain health, have become a daily habit for millions.
But research from the Medical University of South Carolina, published in Cell Reports, suggests the effects of fish oil may depend heavily on individual conditions, reports Science Daily.
A nuanced picture
The team, led by neuroscientist Onder Albayram, examined how omega-3 fatty acids behave after repeated mild head injuries. Their findings suggest not all components of fish oil act the same way in the brain.
While DHA supports brain structure, EPA may disrupt repair processes under certain circumstances, particularly those involving blood vessel stability.
Key observations
Across lab models and human cell studies, researchers found patterns linking EPA to weaker recovery:
Reduced blood vessel integrity
Altered repair signaling
Protein buildup tied to cognitive decline
These effects appeared mainly in cases involving repeated brain trauma.
Why it matters
Omega-3 products are widely used, but this study highlights that their impact is not universal. Factors like injury history and metabolism may shape outcomes.
The researchers stress this is not a blanket warning, but a call for more personalized approaches to nutrition and further investigation.
Many people forget to drink enough water throughout the day, but dehydration can affect both the body and the brain more than most people realize.
Here are some of the consequences of dehydration and why it is important to maintain a stable fluid balance, according to EatingWell.
The skin is affected
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Water plays an important role in the appearance and health of the skin, according to a study published in Nutrition.
Too little fluid can make the skin drier and make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
Foods with high water content can help
Photo: Shutterstock.com
You can also get fluids through your diet. Cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and watermelon are mentioned as foods with high water content.
The risk of blood clots increases
Photo: Shutterstock.com
EatingWell points out that dehydration can make the blood thicker, which may increase the risk of stroke and other circulatory problems, according to a study published in The Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases.
Exercise becomes more difficult
Photo: Shutterstock.com
During physical activity, the body loses both water and electrolytes through sweat.
A lack of fluids can therefore reduce both strength and endurance, according to a study published in Journal of Human Kinetics.
Thirst can be mistaken for hunger
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The body can send signals that resemble hunger even when it actually needs fluids. As a result, people may end up eating more than necessary.
Low energy levels
Photo: Shutterstock.com
When the body lacks fluids, energy levels can drop significantly. Even mild dehydration can make you feel more tired and less focused throughout the day.
Sugary drinks and alcohol can worsen the problem
Photo: Shutterstock.com
EatingWell emphasizes that certain beverages can contribute to dehydration. Alcohol and sugary drinks in particular can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated.
Headaches can occur
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Dehydration is a well-known cause of headaches. When the brain lacks fluids, it can lead to both pain and fatigue, according to a study published in Current Pain and Headache Reports.
Mood can worsen
Photo: Shutterstock.com
A lack of fluids can lead to irritability and low mood. Many people also experience a greater tendency toward negative emotions when they do not drink enough water.
The brain slows down
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Too little water can affect memory, concentration, and the ability to think clearly, according to a study published in European Journal of Nutrition. The brain needs fluids to function optimally.
Metabolism slows down
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The body uses water for almost every function. If fluid levels are low, metabolism may also slow down.
Risk of weight gain
Photo: Shutterstock.com
According to EatingWell, dehydration can indirectly contribute to weight gain, partly because it may lead to overeating or choosing sugary beverages.
Flavor can make it easier to drink water
Photo: Shutterstock.com
If plain water seems boring, adding ingredients such as citrus fruits, mint, or berries can make it more appealing.
Sources: EatingWell, Nutrition, The Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases, Journal of Human Kinetics, Current Pain and Headache Reports, and European Journal of Nutrition.
According to Popular Science, sugar itself is not what damages teeth. The mouth contains bacteria that feed on carbohydrates such as sugar and starch.
When the bacteria break down food, acid is produced. It is this acid that can slowly damage tooth enamel and eventually lead to cavities.
Professor and dentist Diana Nguyen from the University of California explains that the body is normally able to protect teeth on its own.
Saliva helps remove the acid and restore a more neutral environment in the mouth.
Bad habits increase the risk
Problems mainly arise when people snack frequently or drink sugary and acidic beverages throughout the day.
In those cases, the mouth does not have enough time to return to balance.
According to Popular Science, people were also able to develop cavities long before sugar became common. Other types of carbohydrates could create the same issue.
Regular brushing and flossing may therefore be just as important as limiting sugar intake.
Wait before brushing your teeth
Experts also recommend avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after drinking coffee, soda, or eating snacks.
When the mouth is acidic, tooth enamel becomes softer. Brushing right away can cause additional damage to the enamel.
Sugar is not the direct cause of cavities, but the acid produced when bacteria break down carbohydrates can damage teeth over time.
A lot of people save leftover sunscreen for the following summer. But even if the bottle is not empty, the protection may no longer work as well as before.
Researchers and industry experts point to several signs consumers should look for before using old sunscreen again.
Check the packaging
Many sunscreen products feature a small symbol of an open jar with a number on it. The number indicates how many months the product is normally safe to use after opening.
According to the Norwegian industry organization Kosmetikkleverandørenes forening, the labeling is based on tests involving heat, light, and storage conditions.
The goal is to ensure that the product continues to perform as expected, according to forskning.no.
Smell and color matter
Researchers recommend using your senses before applying old sunscreen.
If the lotion smells different, has changed color, or become lumpy, it should be thrown away.
Berit Granum from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health told forskning.no that such changes may be signs of product degradation or bacterial growth.
It is also not a good idea to leave sunscreen exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight for long periods.
Protection may weaken
The biggest risk with old sunscreen is that its UV protection may become weaker, increasing the risk of sun damage.
Senior researcher Ellen Bruzell therefore recommends buying new sunscreen every season, according to forskning.no.
However, if an old bottle is all that is available, she believes that some protection is still better than none — as long as the product still appears normal.
Gas stations are often located near residential areas, but harmful substances can be released into the air when gasoline is pumped into the stations’ storage tanks.
According to researchers, benzene is of particular concern. Benzene is found in gasoline and has previously been linked to leukemia.
The new study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution and reported by HealthDay, is based on data from more than 824,000 children born in Quebec, Canada.
Differences between areas
Researchers also found differences between areas with and without specific environmental regulations.
In some places, gas stations are required to use systems that capture gasoline vapors during refueling.
According to the University of Montreal, the risk was lower in areas where these systems were in place.
The researchers therefore believe that such regulations may help protect children from harmful substances in the air.
At the same time, the study highlights how the environment surrounding children may play a significant role in the development of cancer.
Risk increases with proximity
The results showed that children living less than 250 meters from a gas station had a higher risk of cancer than other children.
The risk was greatest among children living within 100 meters of a gas station. In this group, the risk of leukemia was significantly higher, according to the study.
However, the researchers stress that the study does not prove that gas stations directly cause cancer. It only shows a clear association between distance and disease.
GLP-1 medications are currently used primarily to treat diabetes and obesity, but researchers have discovered that the drugs may also benefit people with asthma.
The findings showed that people using GLP-1 medication experienced fewer asthma attacks than those who did not receive the treatment.
The study found a reduction of between 12 and 15 percent among patients who were overweight or obese.
Obesity affects asthma
According to researchers, obesity can worsen asthma symptoms. Excess weight may put pressure on the lungs, while fat tissue can increase inflammation in the body. This may lead to more breathing difficulties.
Experts also emphasize that weight loss often helps people with chronic illnesses, especially asthma.
However, researchers still do not know whether the improvements are caused by the medication itself, the weight loss, or a combination of both.
For that reason, further studies will now be conducted to better understand the effects.
Not yet approved
Asthma is not currently an approved treatment indication for GLP-1 medications.
This means patients may not necessarily receive insurance coverage or public healthcare support for the medication.
However, experts believe this could change if future studies show clear results.
For now, people with asthma and obesity are advised to speak with their doctor about possible treatment options.
Sources: Verywell Health and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure slightly if eaten in moderate amounts every day.
Experts also told Prevention that diet in general plays a major role in heart health and blood pressure.
Blood pressure
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Researchers believe that dark chocolate may contribute to slightly lower blood pressure, especially when consumed regularly and in moderation.
Flavonoids
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants. They may help blood vessels widen and improve blood flow.
Better blood circulation
Photo: Shutterstock.com
When blood vessels widen, blood can move more easily throughout the body and reach the brain and heart more efficiently.
Small improvements
Photo: Shutterstock.com
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that diets rich in flavonoids may lead to small reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Dark chocolate versus milk chocolate
Photo: Shutterstock.com
A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that women experienced a smaller increase in blood pressure during stress when eating dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
The results were not conclusive
Photo: Shutterstock.com
However, the same study also showed that dark chocolate could increase systolic blood pressure when participants were at rest.
High cocoa content
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Experts recommend dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa to obtain more flavonoids and less sugar.
Small portions
Photo: Shutterstock.com
An appropriate amount is around 28 grams per day as part of a balanced diet.
Too much chocolate
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Even dark chocolate contains calories, fat, and sugar, so consuming large amounts may counteract the benefits.
Caffeine and theobromine
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Some people may experience heart palpitations or sleep problems because of natural compounds found in cocoa.
May worsen reflux
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Experts also mention that chocolate can worsen symptoms of reflux and heartburn in some individuals.
Heavy metals
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Some dark chocolate products may contain lead and cadmium, which is why experts recommend choosing brands that undergo third-party testing.
Potassium, magnesium, and calcium
Photo: Shutterstock.com
These nutrients help blood vessels function normally and may support healthy blood pressure.
Gut health
Photo: Shutterstock
A healthy gut microbiome may help the body produce substances that allow blood vessels to relax.
Moderation is essential
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Experts stress that dark chocolate should only be a small part of an overall plan to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Sources: Prevention, Frontiers in Immunology, and Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Many people take vitamins and minerals as part of their daily routine.
On social media in particular, users frequently share advice about dietary supplements and discuss their personal experiences.
One of the most popular supplements is magnesium. It is often associated with better sleep, fewer muscle cramps, and reduced restlessness in the body.
According to Aftenposten and KK, many healthy individuals choose to take magnesium even though they have not been diagnosed with a magnesium deficiency.
Research shows uncertain effects
Dr. Kaveh Rashidi told Aftenposten that there is no clear scientific evidence showing that magnesium helps with sleep problems, anxiety, or stress.
He also explained that some pregnant women may experience relief from leg cramps, although the evidence remains limited.
Health authorities generally recommend following standard dietary guidelines rather than relying heavily on supplements. A varied diet is often enough to meet the body’s nutritional needs.
Can be dangerous
Magnesium is important for the body and plays a role in muscle function, nerve function, and heart rhythm, among other things.
However, both too little and too much magnesium can cause problems. According to Dr. Kaveh Rashidi, excessive intake can, in the worst-case scenario, become life-threatening.
Experts therefore recommend seeking help from a doctor if symptoms persist instead of trying to solve the issue independently with dietary supplements.
The researchers examined nearly 2,000 patients who had been hospitalized after surgery.
The results showed that patients with higher activity levels generally recovered better.
According to the study, every additional 1,000 steps per day was associated with a lower risk of complications and hospital readmissions. Patients also had shorter hospital stays.
The researchers also compared step counts with other measurements, such as heart rate variability and patients’ own assessments of their health.
Step counting proved to be the most accurate indicator.
Could become a new tool
However, the study cannot prove that taking more steps directly causes better recovery.
The researchers believe that patients may walk more because they already feel better, while movement itself may also support the rehabilitation process.
A decline in activity levels may also serve as an early warning sign of problems such as pain, infection, or dehydration.
For this reason, the researchers believe that activity trackers could help doctors detect complications more quickly.
The goal is not to reach a specific number of steps, but rather to help patients gradually return to their normal activity levels.
Sources: Medical News Today and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Spices can often last longer than the date indicated on the packaging. According to the outlet SWR3, they rarely spoil in the same way as other foods.
Instead, they gradually lose their flavor and aroma. This is especially true for ground spices, while whole spices tend to last longer.
Therefore, an expired date does not necessarily mean the spice should be thrown away. It can still be used, although the flavor will be weaker.
How to use them
If you are using older spices, you should add slightly more than usual. This can help bring out the flavor.
It is also important to store spices properly. They should be kept in a dry, cool place away from light. Containers should be sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.
A good habit is to keep track of your spices. This makes it easier to avoid buying duplicates.
When should they be discarded?
There are situations where spices should no longer be used. If they have become moist, mold may develop.
Signs such as clumping, changes in color, or a lack of aroma indicate that they are no longer good. In such cases, they should be discarded.
The date on spices mainly relates to quality and flavor. Only when they are affected by moisture or mold do they become unsuitable for use.
