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How dark chocolate affects your body if you eat it every day

8. April, 2026

How dark chocolate affects your body if you eat it every day

Dark chocolate is often highlighted as a healthier option, but this depends on the amount and type.

Nutrition experts told Real Simple that there are both advantages and disadvantages to eating it daily.

Nutrients

Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content and therefore contains more beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants, compared to other types of chocolate.

Less added sugar

One advantage is that dark chocolate typically contains less added sugar, making it a better choice among sweet treats.

High cocoa content is crucial

The higher the cocoa content, the more antioxidants it contains and the less sugar the product has.

Small recommended amount

Experts recommend around 28 grams per day, equivalent to approximately 1 ounce, to gain the benefits without overdoing it.

Important minerals

Dark chocolate provides minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc, which the body needs.

Heart health

Antioxidants such as flavanols may have a positive effect on blood pressure and blood vessels.

Better alternative to dessert

If it replaces other, more sugar-heavy snacks, dark chocolate can be a more balanced option.

Functional health effects

Due to its high antioxidant content, some researchers believe it may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Calories and sugar

Although it is healthier, dark chocolate still contains calories and sugar, which can become excessive in large amounts.

Portion control is important

It is recommended to consume it in moderation as part of an otherwise healthy diet.

Contains caffeine

Dark chocolate contains caffeine, and the darker it is, the higher the content.

May cause challenges

People who are sensitive to caffeine should be mindful of their intake.

May contain heavy metals

There may be traces of lead and cadmium, which can accumulate in the body over time.

Certain groups should be cautious

Children, pregnant women, and people with kidney problems are advised to limit their intake due to the risk of heavy metals.

Less processed than milk chocolate

Dark chocolate generally undergoes less processing, which also contributes to its higher nutritional content.

Sources: Real Simple.

This is why you get brain freeze – and how to get rid of it

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. April, 2026

This is why you get brain freeze – and how to get rid of it

Brain freeze occurs when the roof of the mouth is rapidly cooled, for example by ice cream or cold drinks.

According to Popular Science, the blood vessels in the area react immediately.

First, the blood vessels constrict due to the cold. Shortly afterward, they expand again to help keep the brain warm. This is the body’s way of protecting itself.

This rapid change in the blood vessels can lead to pain, commonly known as brain freeze.

Nerves play a role

The pain is linked to a nerve in the face called the trigeminal nerve. It sends signals from the face to the brain.

According to Popular Science, the brain may struggle to determine exactly where the pain originates.

As a result, the pain is often felt in the forehead, even though the cold affects the roof of the mouth.

The same nerve is also important in migraines, which explains why brain freeze can feel like a brief migraine.

What should you do if you get brain freeze?

Although it hurts, brain freeze is not dangerous. The pain typically lasts only 30 to 60 seconds.

It can be avoided by consuming cold foods more slowly, allowing the mouth to adjust to the temperature.

If it has already occurred, you can warm the roof of your mouth by drinking something warm or pressing your tongue against it.

Sources: Popular Science.

How watermelon can affect your body if you eat it regularly

Mie Hermansen

7. April, 2026

How watermelon can affect your body if you eat it regularly

Watermelon is a refreshing and nutrient-rich fruit often associated with summer. According to Verywell Health and Healthline, it does more than just quench your thirst, as it can support several essential functions in the body and contribute to overall health.

It helps keep you hydrated

With a water content of about 92 percent, watermelon supports fluid balance in the body, which is essential for temperature regulation and normal organ function.

It supports overall body function

Proper hydration plays a key role in delivering nutrients to cells and maintaining energy levels and alertness throughout the day.

It may support weight management

Foods with high water content and low calorie density, like watermelon, can help you feel full for longer and may assist with weight control.

It provides essential nutrients

Watermelon contains nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C, all of which contribute to normal bodily functions.

It is rich in antioxidants

The fruit contains antioxidants including lycopene, carotenoids, and vitamin C, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

It may have anti-cancer properties

Compounds like lycopene and cucurbitacin E have been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, although more research is needed.

It supports heart health

“Watermelon Fruits” by JESHOOTS.com/ CC0 1.0

Several nutrients in watermelon may contribute to cardiovascular health by influencing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

It may improve blood circulation

“Watermelon Fruits” by Krzysztof%20Puszczy%u0144ski/ CC0 1.0

Citrulline in watermelon is converted into arginine, which helps produce nitric oxide and supports healthy blood vessel function.

It may help reduce inflammation

“Watermelon Fruits” by Jeffrey Betts/ CC0 1.0

The combination of antioxidants and vitamin C may help lower inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

It may benefit bones and joints

The compound beta-cryptoxanthin may help protect joints from inflammation and support bone health over time.

It may support eye health

“Watermelon Fruits” by Jaroslaw%20Puszczy%u0144ski/ CC0 1.0

Lycopene may help protect against age-related eye issues by reducing inflammation-related damage to cells.

It may reduce muscle soreness

Citrulline may improve exercise performance and help reduce muscle soreness after physical activity.

It supports skin health

Vitamins A and C play an important role in maintaining skin structure and elasticity and in collagen production.

Millions take metformin – new study reveals effects for cancer patients

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. April, 2026

Millions take metformin – new study reveals effects for cancer patients

The medication metformin is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and as a preventive measure for at-risk patients.

According to health authorities such as the NHS, it is among the most commonly used drugs globally, with millions of patients receiving it each year.

The drug works by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin and lowering blood sugar levels.

In some cases, it is also used to treat fertility problems caused by hormonal imbalances, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Despite its widespread use, the treatment is not without side effects.

Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common, while long-term use may affect vitamin B12 levels, according to the NHS and Diabetes UK.

Limitations and risks

The treatment is not suitable for everyone. People with liver or kidney disease, severe infections, or heart problems should avoid metformin, according to NHS guidelines.

In rare cases, the drug may also cause serious reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It is therefore emphasized that patients should always consult healthcare professionals before use.

In particular, it may be necessary to temporarily stop treatment in connection with surgery or certain scans.

Exercise and cancer

Researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine have examined the effects of metformin in patients with prostate cancer in a study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine.

The study shows that the drug increases the levels of a molecule associated with energy balance and weight regulation.

According to the researchers, this effect mimics some of the biological processes that normally occur during physical activity.

This is particularly relevant for cancer patients, who often have limited ability to exercise during treatment.

The findings therefore suggest that metformin may help support the body’s metabolism in situations where physical activity is difficult.

However, the researchers emphasize that the medication cannot replace exercise, but may serve as a supplement to treatment.

Sources: LADbible, NHS, Diabetes UK, and EMBO Molecular Medicine.

Five-day diet shows early promise for Crohn’s patients

Mie Hermansen

7. April, 2026

Five-day diet shows early promise for Crohn’s patients

Stomach issues can quietly shape everyday life, from what you eat to how you plan your day. For people living with Crohn’s disease, even small decisions around food can feel uncertain.

That uncertainty has long frustrated both patients and doctors, as clear dietary advice has been limited.

Now, researchers at Stanford Medicine report that a brief, recurring diet may offer relief, according to Science Daily.

A short intervention

In a clinical trial published in Nature Medicine, scientists tested a “fasting-mimicking” approach among people with mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease.

Participants followed a low-calorie, plant-based diet for five consecutive days each month, returning to normal eating afterward. The study tracked nearly 100 individuals over three months.

Measurable impact

The findings showed that many participants experienced symptom relief. Around two-thirds reported improvement, compared with fewer in the control group.

Researchers also observed reductions in biological markers linked to inflammation, including indicators found in stool samples. This suggests the diet may influence underlying disease activity, not just symptoms.

Some participants reported mild side effects such as fatigue, but no serious risks were identified.

Looking ahead

Crohn’s disease remains difficult to manage, particularly in milder cases where treatment options are limited.

According to the Stanford team, these findings could help guide future dietary recommendations.

Further research will focus on understanding how the diet affects the gut environment, including possible changes in the microbiome.

New technology on the way – could detect cancer earlier

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. April, 2026

New technology on the way – could detect cancer earlier

Researchers from Australia and Germany have developed a new type of sensors using advanced 3D microprinting.

According to Digi24, the sensors are extremely small and can measure multiple parameters at once.

They can, among other things, detect temperature and chemical changes in the body. This provides a more comprehensive picture of what is happening in the tissue.

The results have been published in the journal Advanced Optical Materials.

How does it work?

The sensors are placed at the tips of optical fibers. They use light to detect changes in the body at a molecular level.

When certain substances in the body change, this affects the light. The sensors measure these changes and convert them into data.

The method is minimally invasive, as it requires only very small interventions, and it can be used to continuously monitor the body.

Potential impact for the future

The technology can also be used in other contexts, for example for environmental measurements or in wearable devices.

The key feature of the technology is that it can be used to detect cancer by measuring the body’s responses to the disease at an early stage.

According to the researchers, the measurements depend on the level of biological activity in the tissue. This makes it possible to detect changes very early.

Sources: Digi24 and Advanced Optical Materials.

A new treatment is giving deaf patients the chance to hear

Mie Hermansen

7. April, 2026

A new treatment is giving deaf patients the chance to hear

Sound is something most people rarely think about. A voice, a laugh, a passing car — it all blends into everyday life without effort.

But for those born without hearing, that world is silent. And for years, treatment options have been limited, often focusing on managing rather than restoring.

Now, new research suggests that may be starting to change, according to Science Daily.

A breakthrough trial

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet, working with several hospitals in China, have tested a new form of gene therapy aimed at restoring hearing in people born deaf.

The study, published in Nature Medicine, involved ten patients aged between 1 and 24, all with a genetic condition linked to the OTOF gene.

This gene plays a key role in transmitting sound signals from the inner ear to the brain. When it does not function properly, hearing is severely impaired from birth.

Fast improvements

Instead of long-term treatment, researchers used a single injection to deliver a healthy version of the gene directly into the inner ear.

The results appeared quickly. Many participants began to detect sound within weeks, and after six months all showed clear improvement.

On average, hearing ability improved significantly, moving from levels associated with profound hearing loss to ranges where speech becomes more accessible.

Younger patients experienced the most noticeable changes, but adults also showed meaningful progress.

What comes next

The treatment was generally well tolerated, with no serious side effects reported during the follow-up period.

Researchers now see this as an early step toward broader genetic treatments for hearing loss.

Key points from the study:

A single injection was enough to trigger improvement
Effects appeared within weeks for many patients
Both children and adults responded to treatment

Future work will explore similar therapies targeting other genes linked to deafness, which could expand the impact of this approach.

How swallowing gum can affect the body

Body

Mie Hermansen

7. April, 2026

Chewing gum has long been surrounded by myths, especially the idea that it stays in the body for years. According to experts cited in Martha Stewart, the process is actually much simpler. Here’s what they explain.

The seven-year myth isn’t true

The common claim that gum stays in the stomach for seven years is false. There is no scientific evidence behind it, and the body gets rid of it much sooner.

The body handles it like other substances

Although gum doesn’t break down like regular food, it still moves through the digestive system and is eventually eliminated.

From mouth to stomach

Once swallowed, gum travels down the esophagus and into the stomach as part of the body’s normal digestive process.

Stomach acid acts on it

In the stomach, gum is exposed to digestive acids, which affect some of its ingredients even though it doesn’t fully dissolve.

Moving through the digestive tract

After the stomach, it continues through the small intestine and large intestine before leaving the body.

Some ingredients are absorbed

Certain components, such as sweeteners, may be broken down and absorbed during digestion, while the rest passes through.

It doesn’t slow digestion

Swallowed gum does not interfere with or delay the digestion of other foods.

Generally harmless for most people

For healthy individuals, swallowing gum occasionally is not considered harmful.

Risks with intestinal blockages

In people with partial intestinal blockages, gum could in rare cases worsen the condition and lead to a more serious obstruction.

Higher risk for certain groups

Young children and individuals with serious gastrointestinal conditions or a history of digestive surgeries may face a higher risk of complications.

Larger amounts increase the risk

Swallowing multiple pieces or a large wad of gum increases the chance that it could become stuck.

Much of it remains undigested

A significant portion of gum passes through the body without being fully digested, as long as the digestive system is functioning normally.

Gum can cause bloating

Frequent gum chewing may lead to bloating due to swallowed air and certain sweeteners.

It can affect jaw muscles

Over time, regular chewing may enlarge the chewing muscles and potentially alter facial shape.

Not ideal for teeth grinding

For those who grind their teeth, gum chewing may worsen the issue by putting additional strain on the same muscles.

Doctor raises concerns over cereals and juice as a daily breakfast

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

7. April, 2026

Doctor raises concerns over cereals and juice as a daily breakfast

Many people start the day with a simple breakfast in which cereals and juice are standard elements, writes LADbible.

It is easy, quick, and widely accepted as part of a typical diet.

At the same time, there has been growing focus on how diet affects the body.

Processed foods, in particular, have come under increased scrutiny in both research and public debate.

What do breakfast cereals contain?

According to Healthline, many breakfast cereals are highly processed and contain large amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates. This is especially true for the most popular varieties.

Fruit juice is often perceived as healthy, but it also contains a high concentration of sugar.

The Telegraph highlights that, in some cases, the sugar content in juice can be comparable to that of soft drinks.

Experts therefore point out that whole fruits are a better choice, as they contain fiber and do not cause the same rapid spike in blood sugar.

An overall assessment

According to LADbible, American doctor Eric Berg has warned against the combination of breakfast cereals and juice.

He believes that the meal as a whole results in a very high sugar intake.

Over time, such a diet can place strain on the body and increase the risk of conditions such as fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders.

This very common breakfast is not necessarily as healthy as many people believe.

Sources: LADbible, Healthline, and The Telegraph.

New drug shows promise for patients with high blood pressure

Mie Hermansen

7. April, 2026

New drug shows promise for patients with high blood pressure

A routine check-up can sometimes end with the same frustrating message: your blood pressure is still too high.

For many, even a combination of medications isn’t enough, leaving doctors with limited options and patients with growing concern.

Researchers now believe a new treatment could change that, according to Science Daily

A new approach

Scientists from University College London have tested a drug called baxdrostat in patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite existing therapies.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved nearly 800 participants across more than 200 clinics worldwide.

After 12 weeks, patients taking the drug saw their blood pressure fall by close to 10 mmHg compared to those given a placebo.

According to the researchers, this level of reduction can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How it works

The treatment targets aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and fluid levels in the body.

In some people, excess production of this hormone contributes to persistently high blood pressure.

By blocking aldosterone production, baxdrostat addresses an underlying cause rather than simply managing symptoms.

This may explain why it showed results in patients who had not responded to other medications.

Potential impact

Hypertension affects around 1.3 billion people globally, with many unable to reach recommended levels.

Key findings include:

Around 40% achieved healthier blood pressure
Effects lasted up to 32 weeks
No major safety concerns were reported

Researchers suggest the drug could benefit millions worldwide, particularly those with resistant hypertension.

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Nutrients

Less added sugar

High cocoa content is crucial

Small recommended amount

Important minerals

Heart health

Better alternative to dessert

Functional health effects

Calories and sugar

Portion control is important

Contains caffeine

May cause challenges

May contain heavy metals

Certain groups should be cautious

Less processed than milk chocolate

Nerves play a role

What should you do if you get brain freeze?

It helps keep you hydrated

It supports overall body function

It may support weight management

It provides essential nutrients

It is rich in antioxidants

It may have anti-cancer properties

It supports heart health

It may improve blood circulation

It may help reduce inflammation

It may benefit bones and joints

It may support eye health

It may reduce muscle soreness

It supports skin health

Limitations and risks

Exercise and cancer

A short intervention

Measurable impact

Looking ahead

How does it work?

Potential impact for the future

A breakthrough trial

Fast improvements

What comes next

The seven-year myth isn’t true

The body handles it like other substances

From mouth to stomach

Stomach acid acts on it

Moving through the digestive tract

Some ingredients are absorbed

It doesn’t slow digestion

Generally harmless for most people

Risks with intestinal blockages

Higher risk for certain groups

Larger amounts increase the risk

Much of it remains undigested

Gum can cause bloating

It can affect jaw muscles

Not ideal for teeth grinding

What do breakfast cereals contain?

An overall assessment

A new approach

How it works

Potential impact

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