For many people, watermelon is a staple of summer, but the fruit is more than just refreshing.
A study published in Nutrients (1) indicates that it may also offer health benefits.
Research cited by Healthline shows that people who eat watermelon often consume higher amounts of several important nutrients through their diet.
These include dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C.
More than just water
Watermelon consists of approximately 91 percent water, making it a good source of hydration, especially on hot days.
At the same time, it contains compounds such as lycopene and other carotenoids, which are known for their role in a healthy and varied diet.
According to researchers, watermelon may therefore contribute to better overall diet quality in both children and adults.
Several health benefits
According to Healthline, watermelon has also been linked to lower insulin resistance, reduced muscle soreness, and improved digestion.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of watermelon contains only 30 calories and virtually no fat.
May benefit heart health
Researchers point out that watermelon contains the amino acid L-citrulline, which may have a positive effect on blood vessels and blood pressure.
A 2025 research review published in Nutrients (2), along with a 2022 study also published in Nutrients (3), suggests that the compound may help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function.
Researchers therefore believe that watermelon may help support heart health and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when included as part of a healthy diet.
According to The Guardian, knee osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide.
The condition can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, and many patients ultimately require knee replacement surgery.
According to The Guardian, excess weight is one of the most important factors contributing to the progression of the disease, as it places greater stress on the knee joints.
Millions of patients studied
Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine examined health data from 6.8 million adults with knee osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2024.
They compared patients who had received GLP-1 medications with similar patients who had not received the treatment.
The participants were followed for up to eight years after their diagnosis.
Fewer surgeries
Previous studies have shown that weight-loss medications can reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis.
The new research, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, investigated whether the medications could also affect the need for surgery.
The results showed that patients who had taken drugs such as semaglutide or tirzepatide for several years had a lower risk of eventually undergoing knee replacement surgery.
The researchers believe the treatment could potentially lead to fewer knee surgeries each year.
At the same time, experts emphasize that the study does not prove that the medications directly prevent surgery. The drugs are also not approved as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Many people rarely think twice about the kitchen paper sitting next to the stove. It is used to soak up grease, dry vegetables and help with everyday cooking.
But a new consumer investigation suggests that one common type of kitchen paper may come with a hidden drawback that few shoppers are aware of, reports Tv4.se.
According to testing carried out by Swedish consumer magazine Råd & Rön, and supported by guidance from the Swedish Food Agency, some kitchen paper products made from recycled fibres may transfer unwanted chemicals into food. The findings have raised concerns among food safety experts and consumer advocates alike.
Chemicals detected
Researchers examined 16 different kitchen paper brands, evaluating everything from absorbency and durability to hygiene and chemical content.
The results showed that all products made entirely from recycled fibres contained bisphenols, a group of chemicals that previous studies have linked to potential effects on reproductive health and the immune system.
Some products were also found to contain optical brighteners, substances commonly used to make paper appear whiter.
Food contact risk
Because bisphenols are fat-soluble, experts say they can more easily migrate into fatty foods when direct contact occurs. This is one reason why food safety authorities have long advised consumers to be cautious when using recycled paper products during food preparation.
To better understand the potential risk, researchers conducted additional tests using bacon. They found that chemical transfer increased significantly when the paper was heated in a microwave. Lower levels were detected after normal frying, but traces of the substances still moved from the paper into the food.
What consumers should check
Experts say packaging does not always clearly indicate when a product is unsuitable for food contact. Instead, shoppers are encouraged to look for the glass-and-fork symbol, which signifies that the product has been approved for use with food.
The findings highlight how an everyday kitchen item can play a larger role in food safety than many consumers realize.
If you’re looking to improve your cholesterol levels, small dietary changes can make a difference. Experts say that replacing sugary snacks with blueberries may help support both cholesterol management and overall heart health, reports Parade.
Added sugar can affect cholesterol
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Foods high in added sugar can raise LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while lowering levels of HDL, often referred to as “good” cholesterol.
Excess sugar is stored as fat in the liver
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A high intake of sugar can lead to increased fat storage in the liver, where it is converted into triglycerides and released into the bloodstream.
High triglycerides may harm blood vessels
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Elevated triglyceride levels can contribute to the hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Sugary foods can increase inflammation
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Experts say that foods rich in sugar may promote inflammation in the body, which can negatively affect cardiovascular health.
Fruit sugar differs from added sugar
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Although fruit contains sugar, natural sugars are different from the added sugars commonly found in ultra processed foods.
Blueberries are a healthier sweet option
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According to the experts, blueberries can be a satisfying alternative to pastries, candy, and other sugary snacks.
Research links blueberries to healthier cholesterol levels
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Scientific studies have found an association between blueberry consumption and lower LDL cholesterol as well as higher HDL cholesterol.
Fiber helps slow sugar absorption
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Blueberries contain fiber, which can slow the absorption of sugar and help prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels.
Blueberries contain less sugar than many fruits
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The dietitian notes that blueberries have a relatively low sugar content compared with several other fruits.
Soluble fiber supports heart health
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The soluble fiber found in blueberries plays a role in cholesterol management while also supporting cardiovascular health.
Anthocyanin gives blueberries their color
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Anthocyanin is the compound responsible for the blue and purple shades seen in blueberries and many other fruits and vegetables.
One cup a day is recommended
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The dietitian recommends eating about one cup of blueberries daily, whether on their own or added to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Most people have caught themselves speaking out loud while looking for their keys, planning their day, or working through a problem. While some still view the habit as unusual, scientific research suggests there may be real benefits behind these private conversations.
According to research by Gary Lupyan of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, talking to yourself can help improve concentration, motivation, and task performance. Experts increasingly describe self-talk as a valuable mental tool rather than a sign of eccentric behavior, reports WP kobieta.
A smarter way to focus
In one of Lupyan’s studies, participants were asked to find specific objects. Those who said the name of the object aloud located it more quickly than those who searched silently.
Researchers believe that speaking a word helps the brain maintain a stronger mental image, making it easier to focus attention and ignore distractions.
Benefits beyond productivity
Psychologists say self-talk can help people organize their thoughts and manage complex tasks more effectively. It is a technique often seen among athletes, executives, and other high performers.
Some of the reported benefits include:
Improved concentration
Greater motivation
Better planning
Fewer mistakes during tasks
By verbalizing thoughts, people may find it easier to structure actions and stay on track.
A boost for confidence
Experts also suggest that positive self-talk can strengthen self-belief. Encouraging yourself verbally may help reduce stress and make challenges feel more manageable.
Speaking goals or plans out loud can also increase commitment to completing them. When the brain both thinks and hears a message, it often becomes easier to stay focused and follow through.
We do not use only our hands when writing. The brain is also involved in processing information, remembering words, and controlling movements.
For this reason, changes in the way we write may provide insights into the state of the brain, according to SciTechDaily.
Researchers from the University of Évora in Portugal examined this possibility in a new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
Testing older adults
The study included 58 people aged between 62 and 92 who were living in nursing homes. Of these, 38 had already been diagnosed with some form of cognitive impairment.
Participants completed various writing tasks on a digital tablet using a pen. Some were asked to draw lines and dots, while others were instructed to write sentences.
However, the researchers found no clear differences between the groups when the tasks involved only simple movements or copying text.
Dictation
The most significant differences emerged in tasks where participants were required to write from dictation.
This type of task requires the brain to listen, understand language, retain information, and control hand movements at the same time.
In these exercises, individuals with cognitive impairment took longer to begin writing and generally wrote more slowly.
The researchers therefore believe that digital dictation tasks could become a simple and inexpensive tool for detecting or monitoring the progression of cognitive decline.
However, they emphasize that larger studies are needed before the method can be used in routine healthcare.
Brenda Iveson was diagnosed in 2025 with a six-centimeter tumor in her liver.
Doctors determined that neither surgery nor conventional chemotherapy was a suitable option.
According to the Press Association, as reported by LADBible, the decision was based on both the tumor’s location and her fragile health condition.
Her case was subsequently reviewed by specialists at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, who believed she might be a candidate for a new type of treatment.
A more precise treatment
The method, known as electrochemotherapy, combines a low dose of chemotherapy with electrical pulses.
Using robotic technology, doctors were able to place needles with a high degree of precision around the tumor.
According to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the increased accuracy may make it easier to treat patients whose tumors are located in difficult-to-reach areas or cannot be treated using traditional methods.
Significant results
Following the procedure, Brenda Iveson remains under hospital supervision. Scans show that her disease is stable.
She became the first patient in the United Kingdom to receive this robot-assisted treatment.
At the same time, the tumor has shrunk by approximately 80 percent since the procedure, according to LADBible.
Green tea is one of the world’s most popular tea beverages and is consumed daily by millions of people.
According to several nutrition experts interviewed by Real Simple, drinking green tea every day may provide a range of health benefits that support both physical and cognitive health.
Few calories
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Green tea contains very few calories but is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.
Plant compounds
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Many of green tea’s health benefits are linked to plant compounds known as polyphenols, which occur naturally in the leaves.
Caffeine
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Green tea contains caffeine, which may help increase energy levels and alertness throughout the day.
L-theanine
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Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that, together with caffeine, has been associated with improved focus and mental sharpness.
Catechins
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Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins, including EGCG, one of the most extensively studied compounds found in tea.
Cardiovascular health
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Research suggests that green tea may have a positive impact on circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
Lower back pain affects millions of people every year and is often blamed on poor posture, exercise, or long hours sitting down. Yet medical experts say similar symptoms can stem from very different conditions, making it important to recognize the warning signs.
According to the National Kidney Foundation and the medical review Acute Renal Colic published in StatPearls, kidney stones are a common cause of severe pain that is frequently mistaken for other back-related problems, reports Tuasaude.
More than a back problem
Pain caused by kidney stones usually appears suddenly and is often felt on one side of the lower back. As the stone moves through the urinary tract, the pain may spread toward the abdomen or groin and often comes in waves.
Unlike muscle-related pain, the discomfort does not typically improve with rest or a change in position. Nausea, vomiting, painful urination, or blood in the urine can also occur.
Understanding the differences
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve and usually starts in the lower back or buttock before travelling down the leg. Tingling, numbness, or weakness are common symptoms.
A muscle strain, on the other hand, is usually linked to physical activity, lifting, or sudden movements. The pain is often localized and tends to worsen when the affected muscles are stretched or pressed.
When to seek medical care
Doctors advise seeking prompt medical attention if lower back pain is accompanied by fever, persistent vomiting, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating. Identifying the true cause is essential, as untreated urinary blockages can lead to serious complications.
Many people choose flip-flops with a small heel during the summer because they are lightweight and easy to wear.
However, footwear specialists at Elevate Your Sole say they are best suited for short walks, beach visits, and holidays.
The company reports a significant increase in interest in heeled flip-flops in recent weeks.
According to the them, searches related to the trend have risen by more than 5,000 percent in just one week, indicating that this summer fashion favorite has become more popular than ever.
They explain that many flip-flops lack adequate support for both the heel and arch.
As a result, the feet must work harder to maintain balance while walking.
Pay attention to the surface
Experts at Elevate Your Sole also point out that uneven surfaces can make flip-flops less safe.
Cobblestones, grass, and slippery areas can increase strain on the feet and ankles.
At the same time, many models have thin soles that do not absorb shock particularly well.
This can lead to soreness and discomfort after extended use.
Rise in interest
Physiotherapist Physio Ric, speaking through Elevate Your Sole, says he frequently sees patients with foot and ankle pain during the summer months.
According to him, a lack of support in footwear can also affect the knees and hips over time.
Signs of overuse may include heel pain, tired feet, or sore calves.
For this reason, experts recommend switching to more supportive footwear for longer walks.
