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Cardiologist highlights four foods that could help lower cholesterol

26. July, 2026

Many people only think about their cholesterol after a routine blood test reveals a problem. Yet the food choices made every day may influence heart health long before any warning signs appear.

According to research from the University of Cambridge, published in Nature, high cholesterol early in life may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis later on, reports Mirror.

Heart specialists from HCA Healthcare UK say that improving your diet is one of the most effective ways to support long-term cardiovascular health.

Healthy habits matter

Cholesterol is a natural substance the body needs, but excessive levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can contribute to fatty deposits inside the arteries. Over time, this can reduce blood flow and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Cambridge study found that repeated periods of a cholesterol-rich diet during early life may have lasting effects on artery health.

Researchers also highlighted findings from the Young Finns Study, which linked elevated cholesterol in childhood with greater plaque build-up in adulthood.

Four foods to prioritise

Heart specialists recommend building meals around:

Fruit and vegetables
Whole grains
Lean sources of protein
Healthy fats such as nuts, avocados and olive oil

At the same time, limiting fatty meats, fried foods and highly processed products high in saturated or trans fats may help improve cholesterol levels.

A complete approach

Diet is only one part of maintaining a healthy heart. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking and monitoring cholesterol levels are also important steps in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk.

Because high cholesterol rarely causes noticeable symptoms, experts say prevention is the best strategy. Developing healthier habits early may lower the risk of serious heart and circulatory diseases later in life.

Does summer give you longer hair? Research has the answer

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

26. July, 2026

Does summer give you longer hair? Research has the answer

Hair grows in a natural cycle that includes periods of growth, rest, and shedding.

How quickly hair grows depends primarily on genetics, diet, illness, and hormones.

That is according to dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, speaking to Popular Science.

She also explains that factors such as iron deficiency, illness, and stress can lead to increased hair loss.

The sun is not the solution

Many people believe that more sunlight and higher temperatures make hair grow faster.

According to Popular Science, however, there is only limited research supporting that theory.

Although sunlight increases the body’s production of vitamin D, there is no strong evidence that additional vitamin D leads to faster hair growth in people with normal vitamin D levels.

Hair growth is primarily controlled by processes within the hair follicles and the body’s overall health, Popular Science reports.

The results are surprising

Several scientific studies have examined whether the seasons influence hair growth.

Two small studies published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that the highest number of scalp hairs were in the resting phase toward the end of the summer.

At the same time, men’s beards grew slightly faster during the summer months, but the difference was so small that it was barely noticeable.

A larger study involving 823 women, published in the journal Dermatology, found the same pattern.

Overall, the research suggests that scalp hair does not grow faster during the summer.

On the contrary, the findings indicate that a greater proportion of hairs are in the resting phase at this time of year, according to Popular Science.

New study suggests why coffee may support healthy aging

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

25. July, 2026

New study suggests why coffee may support healthy aging

For many years, studies have shown that people who drink coffee tend to have a lower risk of several diseases and may live longer, according to ScienceDaily.

However, researchers have not known exactly why coffee appears to be linked to these health benefits.

A new study from Texas A&M University examined what happens inside the body’s cells. The findings have been published in the scientific journal Nutrients.

Not just caffeine

The researchers found that caffeine is probably not the most important factor.

Instead, other naturally occurring compounds in coffee appear to affect a receptor in the body known as NR4A1.

According to the researchers, this receptor plays a role in helping the body manage inflammation, repair damage, and protect cells.

The study also found that some plant-based compounds in coffee influence the receptor more strongly than caffeine.

This may explain why both regular coffee and decaffeinated coffee have been linked to similar health benefits in previous studies.

A possible explanation

In laboratory experiments, the researchers observed that cells sustained less damage when the receptor was activated. When the receptor was removed, the protective effect disappeared.

The researchers therefore believe they may have identified an important part of the explanation for why coffee is often associated with healthy aging and a lower risk of disease.

At the same time, they emphasize that the study does not prove that coffee can prevent disease in humans and that further research is needed.

The first thing you do after a tick bite could make all the difference

Mie Hermansen

25. July, 2026

The first thing you do after a tick bite could make all the difference

A tick bite is often harmless, but health experts say taking the right steps immediately can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease and improve the chances of early treatment if symptoms develop.

The hidden summer risk

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy walks through forests, parks and the countryside, but spending more time outdoors also increases the chance of coming into contact with ticks. For that reason, health experts recommend checking your body after returning home from areas where ticks are commonly found.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and guidance from Boots Pharmacy, most tick bites do not result in illness. However, some ticks carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, making it important to know how to respond if you discover one attached to your skin, reports Mirror.

Act quickly

Experts advise removing a tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grip the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull it out slowly and steadily without twisting or crushing it. Once removed, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and consider applying an antiseptic.

The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the likelihood of bacteria being transmitted if the tick is infected. That is why prompt removal remains the most important piece of advice from health professionals.

Watch for symptoms

Lyme disease is usually easier to treat when diagnosed early. After a tick bite, it is important to monitor your health over the following weeks.

Common symptoms include: A red circular or oval-shaped rash around the bite, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain, and a stiff neck.

The rash often appears within one to four weeks, although it can develop later. Some people experience flu-like symptoms before noticing any rash.

When to seek help

If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or after spending time in woodland, long grass or other tick-prone areas, experts recommend contacting your doctor. Early assessment and treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming more serious.

She ate sardines every day for a week – here’s how her skin reacted

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

24. July, 2026

She ate sardines every day for a week – here’s how her skin reacted

Can a can of sardines replace an extensive skincare routine?

A writer spent a week testing whether eating sardines every day could make a visible difference to her skin, according to Healthline.

Sardines every day

The writer decided to eat sardines daily for one week to see whether they could improve the appearance of her skin.

The goal was to monitor any changes, including oiliness and breakouts.

Nutrients

Sardines are an oily fish that contain selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

According to Healthline, omega-3 fatty acids may help support collagen production, which plays an important role in the health of the skin, bones, and joints.

Research points to possible benefits

Research suggests that marine collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity.

A 2024 study published in Food Science & Nutrition also concluded that consuming oily fish may be associated with a lower risk of acne.

The link is difficult to prove

Although the research findings are promising, Healthline notes that it is difficult to establish a direct link between diet and improvements in skin health.

The first few days were easy

For lunch, the writer mainly ate sardines on toast.

Different varieties were chosen, including sardines in olive oil and curry sauce, to keep the meals interesting.

No immediate changes

After the first few days, there were no obvious improvements in the writer’s skin.

It did appear soft and radiant, but she believed this could just as easily have been the result of her skincare routine or a good night’s sleep.

Variety made the challenge easier

Healthline recommends buying different types of sardines or serving them with fresh herbs, cheese, or crackers.

This helped make the meals more enjoyable.

Mackerel became an alternative

On the fifth day of the challenge, the writer replaced sardines with mackerel.

Mackerel is also an oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can serve as an alternative.

Other oily fish can also be included

Healthline also mentions salmon, anchovies, trout, whitebait, and tuna as oily fish.

However, tuna should only be eaten a couple of times a week because of its higher mercury content.

The breakouts did not disappear overnight

Halfway through the challenge, two pimples appeared in the T-zone.

The writer believed they were most likely caused by hormonal changes related to her menstrual cycle.

The diet became more balanced

As the week progressed, meals were supplemented with vegetables, baked potatoes, pasta dishes, and salads to increase the intake of fibre, carbohydrates, and micronutrients.

Sardines provided additional nutritional benefits

The writer found that sardines contributed both protein and calcium, making her overall diet feel healthier throughout the week.

Conclusion

By the end of the week, the writer’s skin looked better, but she believed the improvement was most likely due to hormonal changes rather than the sardines themselves.

However, she concluded that sardines can be a nutritious addition to a healthy diet and that eating them a couple of times a week may be enough to enjoy their benefits without sacrificing dietary variety.

Two new treatments can help patients with rare blood cancers

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

24. July, 2026

Two new treatments can help patients with rare blood cancers

Some rare types of blood cancer are difficult to treat, especially when the disease returns or does not respond to the initial treatment.

According to Blood Cancer UK, as cited by the Express, these patients often have very few treatment options.

The organization also states that blood cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United Kingdom. As a result, there is significant interest in new treatments.

Two new treatments

According to NHS England, one of the treatments works by blocking the proteins that help cancer cells grow.

The other treatment is administered through an intravenous infusion and targets a protein on the surface of cancer cells.

NHS England expects that around 200 patients each year will benefit from the two treatments.

They have been developed for patients with rare blood cancers whose previous treatment has not had the desired effect.

Approved for use

NHS England has now approved both treatments. One is the tablet dabrafenib, which can be taken at home and is used to treat rare histiocytic neoplasms.

The other is a combination therapy for children aged eight and older with Hodgkin lymphoma whose disease has returned or has not responded to the initial treatment.

According to NHS England, the approval gives more patients access to new treatment options.

At the same time, Blood Cancer UK believes that ongoing medical research continues to improve the outlook for people with rare blood cancers.

The source of caffeine may be crucial for heart health, new research shows

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

24. July, 2026

The source of caffeine may be crucial for heart health, new research shows

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, among other products. However, according to ScienceDaily, these beverages should not be considered equivalent.

Researchers explain that coffee contains many compounds in addition to caffeine.

As a result, it is difficult to determine whether the health benefits come from the caffeine itself or from the other substances found in coffee.

At the same time, much of the existing research is based on observational studies, which identify associations rather than proving a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Everyone responds differently

The amount of caffeine the body can tolerate varies from person to person. Age, genetics, medication, and metabolism can all influence how caffeine is processed.

Researchers also point out that sugar, syrup, milk, and cream may alter coffee’s effects on health.

For this reason, they are calling for more research into how different caffeine-containing products affect the body.

The key conclusion

The new review, published in Circulation, shows that most adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.

That is equivalent to approximately three to five cups of black coffee without sugar or cream.

According to ScienceDaily, this level of consumption may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

At the same time, the research shows that energy drinks and energy shots with high levels of caffeine may increase blood pressure and the risk of irregular heart rhythms.

The researchers therefore conclude that it is not only the amount of caffeine that matters, but also its source, when it comes to heart health.

New report: One in three people cannot afford a healthy diet

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

24. July, 2026

New report: One in three people cannot afford a healthy diet

According to a new UN report, 7.8 percent of the world’s population experienced hunger, down from 8.1 percent in 2024.

This marks the third consecutive year in which the trend has moved in the right direction, The Guardian reports, citing the study.

The report also shows that the rise in hunger across Africa appears to have slowed.

Nevertheless, Africa is now the continent with the highest number of people experiencing hunger. Around 309 million people are affected, which is more than in Asia.

Healthy food is expensive

The UN points out that many countries keep staple foods such as grains affordable, while fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and meat are often too expensive.

As a result, many people consume enough calories but do not have access to a varied and healthy diet, according to the FAO, as cited by The Guardian.

At the same time, figures from the WHO show that the share of adults living with obesity has increased from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 16.2 percent in 2024.

The report states that better transport, increased research, and more efficient supply chains could help make healthy foods more affordable.

The major challenge

Although fewer people are going hungry, the biggest challenge remains the cost of healthy food.

According to the UN, around 2.69 billion people cannot afford a diet that provides both sufficient energy and essential nutrients.

That is equivalent to around one in three people worldwide, The Guardian reports.

The UN therefore believes that much more needs to be done if the global goal of ending hunger by 2030 is to be achieved.

According to the report, it is not enough for people simply to have access to food. They must also have the opportunity to eat a healthy and varied diet.

Scientists say these three factors are behind most heart disease deaths

Mie Hermansen

24. July, 2026

Scientists say these three factors are behind most heart disease deaths

For years, anti-smoking campaigns and better treatment for high cholesterol have helped reduce deaths from heart disease. But as one major challenge has eased, another has quietly taken its place.

Researchers now say the growing impact of obesity and diabetes could slow decades of progress unless preventive efforts keep pace.

A changing risk profile

A new analysis from the University of Washington, published in JAMA Cardiology and based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, found that preventable risk factors remain responsible for almost 89% of ischemic heart disease deaths in the United States, reports Medical News Today.

The findings suggest that while overall mortality from ischemic heart disease has dropped sharply since 1990, the disease continues to place a heavy burden on public health, with an estimated 473,000 deaths recorded in 2023.

Old risks, new challenges

High blood pressure, poor dietary habits and elevated LDL cholesterol remain the leading contributors to fatal heart disease. Researchers say these conditions are often overlooked because they can develop for years without causing noticeable symptoms.

At the same time, the fastest-growing risks have changed. Compared with three decades ago, deaths linked to high body mass index (BMI) and elevated fasting blood glucose have increased significantly, highlighting the growing influence of obesity and type 2 diabetes on cardiovascular health.

Independent cardiologists told Medical News Today that these findings mirror what they are seeing in hospitals and clinics, where obesity-related conditions are becoming an increasingly common driver of serious heart disease.

Prevention remains key

The researchers argue that continued progress will depend on identifying risk factors earlier and encouraging healthier lifestyles before heart disease develops.

Routine blood pressure checks, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring, regular physical activity and a balanced diet remain among the most effective strategies for lowering cardiovascular risk.

According to the study, focusing on these areas could help prevent a substantial number of future heart disease deaths.

How vitamin C and collagen can affect your skin when you take them together

Mie Hermansen

24. July, 2026

How vitamin C and collagen can affect your skin when you take them together

Collagen and vitamin C are often combined in supplements marketed for healthier-looking skin. However, research suggests that taking them together does not necessarily provide greater benefits than collagen alone if you already get enough vitamin C through your diet, reports EatingWell.

Collagen is essential for healthy skin

Collagen is the skin’s most abundant protein and plays a key role in maintaining its structure, strength and firmness. As we age, the body naturally produces less collagen.

Aging reduces collagen levels

As collagen production declines and its breakdown accelerates, the skin can become thinner, lose elasticity and develop fine lines and wrinkles.

Collagen supplements may offer modest benefits

Research suggests that collagen peptide supplements may provide modest improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

Visible results take time

The studies referenced in the article generally found that any improvements became noticeable after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.

Collagen may stimulate skin cells

Researchers believe collagen peptides can survive digestion, enter the bloodstream and stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen.

Research still has limitations

Although the findings are encouraging, the article notes that many studies have been industry funded, while products, dosages and study designs vary considerably.

Vitamin C plays a key role

Vitamin C is required for the enzymes that build and stabilize collagen, making it an essential nutrient for collagen production.

Vitamin C also protects the skin

In addition to supporting collagen synthesis, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress and supports normal wound healing.

Most people get enough vitamin C

According to the experts, people who regularly eat fruits and vegetables usually meet their daily vitamin C requirements through food alone.

More vitamin C does not mean more collagen

Once the body has sufficient vitamin C for collagen-producing enzymes, current evidence does not show that taking extra vitamin C further increases collagen production.

The combination has limited evidence

There is little research directly comparing collagen alone with collagen combined with vitamin C. One small study found that adding 500 milligrams of vitamin C did not improve skin hydration or elasticity beyond the effects of collagen alone.

Healthy habits matter most

Experts emphasize that daily sunscreen use, a nutritious diet, adequate hydration, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and maintaining a consistent skincare routine remain the most effective ways to support healthy skin.

12 3...403 Page 1 of 403

Healthy habits matter

Four foods to prioritise

A complete approach

The sun is not the solution

The results are surprising

Not just caffeine

A possible explanation

The hidden summer risk

Act quickly

Watch for symptoms

When to seek help

Sardines every day

Nutrients

Research points to possible benefits

The link is difficult to prove

The first few days were easy

No immediate changes

Variety made the challenge easier

Mackerel became an alternative

Other oily fish can also be included

The breakouts did not disappear overnight

The diet became more balanced

Sardines provided additional nutritional benefits

Conclusion

Two new treatments

Approved for use

Everyone responds differently

The key conclusion

Healthy food is expensive

The major challenge

A changing risk profile

Old risks, new challenges

Prevention remains key

Collagen is essential for healthy skin

Aging reduces collagen levels

Collagen supplements may offer modest benefits

Visible results take time

Collagen may stimulate skin cells

Research still has limitations

Vitamin C plays a key role

Vitamin C also protects the skin

Most people get enough vitamin C

More vitamin C does not mean more collagen

The combination has limited evidence

Healthy habits matter most

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