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How a daily intake of granola affects your body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. March, 2026

How a daily intake of granola affects your body

Granola is a popular choice for both breakfast and snacks, but how healthy is it really on a daily basis?

Here is an overview of how the body is affected, based on nutrition and research, according to EatingWell.

Heart health

Granola contains oats, which are rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol.

A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition shows that oats can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as positively influence BMI and waist circumference.

Contains blood pressure-lowering antioxidants

Oats in granola contain antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are associated with lower blood pressure and improved heart function, according to a study published in Current Developments in Nutrition.

Can keep you full longer

The soluble fiber in granola slows digestion and can reduce hunger between meals. This contributes to a more stable sense of satiety.

May influence appetite hormones

Beta-glucan in oats can increase hormones such as cholecystokinin and peptide YY, which help regulate appetite, according to a study published in Current Nutrition Reports.

May promote healthy gut bacteria

A study showed that high-fiber granola can increase the amount of gut bacteria that help regulate blood sugar, according to research published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Can provide a nutritional boost

Granola is often eaten with other nutrient-rich foods such as yogurt, milk, and fruit, which can improve overall diet quality and increase nutrient intake.

Contains fiber, protein, and healthy fats

Granola typically consists of whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which contribute dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats.

Can be high in calories

Depending on the ingredients, granola can be high in calories, fat, and sugar, making portion size important.

May contain a lot of sugar

Some varieties have a high content of added sugar, which can have negative long-term effects on the immune system, heart health, and the risk of diabetes.

Not suitable for everyone

People with allergies to ingredients such as nuts should avoid granola or choose varieties without these ingredients.

Can be adapted for healthier choices

By choosing granola with lower amounts of added sugar and less saturated fat, it can become a healthier everyday option.

Can be eaten in several ways

Granola can be eaten as a snack, with yogurt or milk, or used in bars, making it a versatile food.

Sources: EatingWell, European Journal of Nutrition, Current Developments in Nutrition, Current Nutrition Reports, and Frontiers in Nutrition.

Are cold beverages bad for your health? Here’s what science says

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. March, 2026

Are cold beverages bad for your health? Here’s what science says

Popular Science has examined whether there is any truth to the many recommendations to avoid cold drinks.

According to experts, there is no evidence that cold water in itself harms digestion.

Dietitian Diane Lindsay-Adler explains in the article that the body quickly adapts to the temperature of liquids.

As a result, water is absorbed normally, whether it is cold or lukewarm. Physician Samuel Choudhury also believes that any effects caused by cold temperatures are short-lived.

What does the research say?

Popular Science refers to a study published in Chest in 1978, which shows that cold drinks can cause nasal mucus to move more slowly during a cold. This may create the sensation of a more congested nose.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility suggests that people with the condition achalasia may experience increased difficulty swallowing and chest pain after consuming cold drinks. However, this concerns a small group of patients.

Overall, the research primarily points to temporary discomfort or specific considerations rather than general health problems.

Who should be cautious?

According to Popular Science, people with acid reflux may experience discomfort, although it is often the type of drink that matters most.

Cold temperatures may also trigger symptoms in some individuals with migraines or asthma.

In addition, cold drinks can cause tooth sensitivity or what many know as brain freeze. For most people, this is brief and harmless.

A possible benefit

Cold water may actually be beneficial during exercise in hot weather.

Nutrition researcher Allison Miner explains to Popular Science that it can help the body cool down more quickly.

At the same time, many people tend to drink more when their beverage is cold. This can be important during warm periods, when the body loses fluids.

Overall, the review suggests that healthy individuals can safely drink cold water if they choose to.

New guidelines recommend earlier cholesterol screening

Mie Hermansen

30. March, 2026

New guidelines recommend earlier cholesterol screening

It’s easy to assume that heart disease is something to worry about later in life. Most people don’t think twice about cholesterol until a doctor brings it up. But new medical guidance suggests that waiting could be a mistake.

A growing body of research now points to the importance of acting much earlier than previously thought.

Earlier focus

New recommendations from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, highlighted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, push for cholesterol checks at younger ages.

The shift reflects a preventative mindset. Instead of reacting to problems in midlife, doctors want to identify risks long before symptoms appear.

For some individuals, especially those with inherited conditions, testing may begin as early as childhood.

More than numbers

The updated approach looks beyond standard cholesterol readings. Physicians are encouraged to assess a wider health picture when estimating risk.

This includes factors such as:

Genetic markers like lipoprotein(a)
Family history of cardiovascular disease
Chronic conditions like diabetes
Pregnancy-related complications

A new tool called PREVENT has also been introduced, using data from millions of patients to predict long-term risk more accurately.

Changing treatment

Treatment options are evolving alongside better screening. While traditional medications remain important, newer therapies are now part of the strategy for patients who need additional support.

Lower cholesterol targets are also being recommended for those at higher risk, reflecting evidence that earlier and more intensive prevention can improve outcomes.

Despite these advances, experts stress that daily habits still matter. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking remain central to reducing risk.

Source: Science Daily

Over 50? Here’s why you shouldn’t shower every day

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. March, 2026

Over 50? Here’s why you shouldn’t shower every day

The skin naturally changes as we grow older. According to Parade, it produces less oil and becomes thinner due to a decline in collagen levels.

This means the skin dries out more easily and becomes more sensitive.

At the same time, the body’s sebaceous glands work more slowly, which further reduces moisture, especially on the face and legs.

Daily habits

Some common habits can make dry skin worse. Parade notes that long, hot showers strip the skin of its natural protective barrier more quickly.

In addition, certain types of soap, particularly antibacterial and harsh soaps, can further dry out the skin.

How often one should shower also depends on how active a person is and how much they sweat.

Expert advice

Experts recommend adjusting habits to suit your body. Some people only need to shower a couple of times a week, while others may need to do so more often.

It is also important to use a good moisturizer every day. According to Parade, this helps lock in moisture, especially if applied immediately after showering.

As a general rule, people over the age of 50 should not shower every day, as it can dry out the skin and disrupt its natural balance.

Sources: Parade.

Specific risk groups are advised to pay particular attention to prostate cancer screening

Mie Hermansen

30. March, 2026

Specific risk groups are advised to pay particular attention to prostate cancer screening

More than a million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year worldwide. A leading surgeon is now urging men to take one essential step, as the disease often develops without clear symptoms.

Global diagnosis figures

Around 1.5 million men across the globe are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, highlighting the widespread impact of the disease.

Death toll in the united states

It is estimated that more than 36,000 men in America will die from prostate cancer this year alone.

New cases expected this year

According to the American Cancer Society, an additional 333,830 men in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year.

Higher risk with age

Prostate cancer most commonly affects older men, with six in ten cases diagnosed in men aged 65 and above.

Often no early symptoms

One of the biggest concerns is that prostate cancer frequently develops with little or no symptoms, meaning many men may not realize they have it until it has progressed.

What prostate cancer is

Prostate cancer begins as a growth of cells in the prostate, a small gland located just below the bladder that produces the fluid component of semen, according to the Mayo Clinic.

One of the most common cancers

Cancer of the prostate is considered one of the most common forms of cancer among men.

Surgeon calls for psa testing

Professor Prabhakar Rajan, a consultant urologist and robotic surgeon at University College London Hospitals and Barts Health, is encouraging men to actively request prostate cancer screening psa tests from their doctors.

Importance of doctor conversations

“Doctors Hospital” by Oles kanebckuu/ CC0 1.0

He stresses that men should have open and honest discussions with their doctors about the psa test to better understand their individual risk.

Harder to treat when spread

Professor Rajan explains that prostate cancer is often symptom free until it has spread beyond the prostate, at which point treatment becomes more difficult.

Who benefits most from testing

John Hopkins Medicine states that men aged 55 to 69 are most likely to benefit from a psa test, while men aged 40 to 54 may also be advised to test if they have a first degree relative with prostate cancer, at least two extended family members affected, or are African American.

Symptoms to watch for

Although early stage prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, warning signs can include blood in the urine, blood in semen, frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, waking at night to urinate more often, and extreme fatigue.

Sources: Unilad and American Cancer society

Young man’s cancer case highlights overlooked early symptom

Mie Hermansen

30. March, 2026

Young man’s cancer case highlights overlooked early symptom

It is easy to brush off small changes in the body. A little discomfort, a strange symptom, something that feels temporary. Most people assume it will pass.

But for a growing number of young adults, those quiet warning signs are turning out to be far more serious than expected.

A worrying trend

Cases of colorectal cancer among younger adults have been rising sharply over the past decades. Researchers, including teams cited by major outlets like Today and People, have noted a significant increase compared to the 1990s.

Doctors still do not fully understand why more people in their 20s and 30s are being affected. What is clear is that age is no longer a reliable shield against this disease.

This shift has made early awareness more important than ever, especially when symptoms seem minor or easy to dismiss.

A missed warning

One young American man learned this the hard way when he began noticing blood during bathroom visits. At first, he assumed it was caused by something harmless related to his work.

As time passed, his condition worsened. Severe abdominal pain eventually forced him to seek medical attention, revealing a far more serious reality.

Tests showed advanced colon cancer that had already spread to his liver, placing him in a life-threatening situation at a very young age.

A long recovery

Treatment involved years of chemotherapy, followed by major surgery and later a liver transplant. According to medical experts, such transplants are becoming more viable thanks to advances in cancer treatment.

Despite the intensity of the process, maintaining routines and staying physically active played a key role in his recovery.

Now cancer-free in his early 30s, his case highlights how survival is possible even in severe diagnoses, but also how critical early detection can be.

Symptoms to watch

Health authorities such as the NHS stress that several warning signs should never be ignored:

Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
Ongoing changes in bowel habits
Persistent abdominal discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Unusual fatigue

Even one of these symptoms warrants medical attention, regardless of age.

The rise in young diagnoses is a reminder that listening to your body can make a life-saving difference.

Source: Newsner

Do you skip the shower after exercise? Here’s how it affects your skin

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

30. March, 2026

Do you skip the shower after exercise? Here’s how it affects your skin

According to the health site Everyday Health, sweat that remains on the skin can cause problems.

When sweat mixes with the skin’s natural oils, pores can become clogged. This can lead to pimples and irritation.

Dermatologist Arash Akhavan explains in Everyday Health that the risk may be greater after outdoor exercise. In such cases, dust and pollution can settle on the skin along with sweat.

The issue is therefore not just about odor. It is also about skin health.

Risk of infection

Moist areas of the body provide ideal conditions for fungal growth.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that the skin infection tinea versicolor often appears on the chest and back, where people tend to sweat heavily.

The Mayo Clinic reports that bacteria can cause inflammation of the hair follicles, also known as folliculitis.

The American Academy of Dermatology also points out that sweat can contribute to acne on the back.

Workout clothing also plays a role. If the same sweaty clothes are worn again without being washed, bacteria and dirt can return to the skin.

If you’re in a hurry

Everyday Health writes that skipping a shower once is not dangerous.

Doctor Ashish Sharma also believes that the body may cool down before you take a shower.

If you are in a rush, you can dry yourself off, wash your hands, and change into clean clothes. The most important thing is to remove wet workout clothing.

The conclusion is that waiting a little rarely causes harm, but if you frequently skip showering after exercise, it may lead to skin problems over time.

Sources: Everyday Health, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and American Academy of Dermatology.

New study: Living with a dog may raise risk of acute asthma attacks in children

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

29. March, 2026

New study: Living with a dog may raise risk of acute asthma attacks in children

It is common for children with asthma to grow up with pets. Therefore, it is relevant to examine whether dogs influence the condition.

According to forskning.se, the Karolinska Institutet explains that knowledge in this area has previously been limited.

Researchers have therefore analyzed data from 99,389 children with asthma and respiratory allergies.

The children were followed over several years, and their exposure to dogs was divided into three groups: no dog, constant contact, or discontinued contact.

No difference

The study, published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global, shows that there is no clear difference in the long-term severity of asthma.

After several years of follow-up, children with dogs and those without had roughly the same level of disease.

However, the study has certain limitations. Among other things, the researchers were unable to distinguish between children with dog allergies and those with other types of allergies.

Acute asthma attacks

When looking at acute asthma attacks, a different picture emerges. Children living with a dog have a slightly higher risk of acute episodes compared with children without a dog.

This also applies to families that have removed the dog. According to the research, this does not reduce the risk of acute attacks.

One possible explanation is that allergens from dogs can remain in the home for a long time and may also be present in places such as schools.

Overall, the study suggests that dogs do not affect the long-term development of asthma, but they may influence the risk of acute attacks.

Sources: Forskning.se, Karolinska Institutet, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global.

Doctors warn about taking medication on an empty stomach

Mie Hermansen

29. March, 2026

Doctors warn about taking medication on an empty stomach

Taking a pill is something most people do on autopilot. It’s quick, routine, and rarely questioned. But one small detail many overlook could have a much bigger impact than expected.

When timing matters

Doctors say the timing of medication can influence both how well it works and how your body reacts to it.

According to Unilad, citing an interview in the Daily Mail with physician Dr. Blen Tesfu, some medications can irritate the stomach lining if taken without food.

Having food in your stomach can act as a protective layer. It may reduce discomfort and help the body process medication more effectively.

Hidden risks

The concern is greater with medications that increase stomach acid or weaken the stomach’s natural defenses, Unilad reports, referencing the Daily Mail. Over time, this can lead to more serious health issues.

In some cases, it may result in stomach ulcers, which can cause significant pain and, in rare situations, lead to dangerous infections.

The report also highlights a case where a patient experienced severe complications after taking medication for several days without eating beforehand.

What to do

Experts recommend always following the instructions provided with your medication. This applies to both prescription drugs and over-the-counter treatments.

Pay close attention to:

Whether the medication should be taken with food
Proper dosage and timing
Any warnings on the packaging

If you are unsure, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

How should your doctor treat you after injuries and surgery? A new blood test may provide the answer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

28. March, 2026

How should your doctor treat you after injuries and surgery? A new blood test may provide the answer

Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method that analyzes specific cells in the blood shortly after an injury or operation, writes Newswise.

Using specialized technology, they examined the activity of these cells and used it to predict whether complications would arise.

According to the study, published in Nature Communications, the model is accurate in about 90 percent of cases.

Tailoring treatment

The method has been used to identify heterotopic ossification, a condition in which bone tissue forms in soft tissue after injury or surgery, which can lead to pain and reduced mobility.

Today, such complications are often only detected several weeks later through imaging techniques such as X-rays or CT scans, delaying an accurate assessment.

This means that doctors often initiate treatment without knowing whether it is necessary.

According to the researchers, up to 80 percent of patients receive treatment they may not need. This can lead to unnecessary side effects and additional costs.

The new method could make it possible to detect problems earlier and tailor treatment more precisely to each individual patient.

Implications for other diseases

The method is still under development, but the researchers believe it may also be used for other diseases in which the body’s healing process does not function normally.

This includes conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibrosis.

Sources: Newswise and Nature Communications.

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Heart health

Contains blood pressure-lowering antioxidants

Can keep you full longer

May influence appetite hormones

May promote healthy gut bacteria

Can provide a nutritional boost

Contains fiber, protein, and healthy fats

Can be high in calories

May contain a lot of sugar

Not suitable for everyone

Can be adapted for healthier choices

Can be eaten in several ways

What does the research say?

Who should be cautious?

A possible benefit

Earlier focus

More than numbers

Changing treatment

Daily habits

Expert advice

Global diagnosis figures

Death toll in the united states

New cases expected this year

Higher risk with age

Often no early symptoms

What prostate cancer is

One of the most common cancers

Surgeon calls for psa testing

Importance of doctor conversations

Harder to treat when spread

Who benefits most from testing

Symptoms to watch for

A worrying trend

A missed warning

A long recovery

Symptoms to watch

Risk of infection

If you’re in a hurry

No difference

Acute asthma attacks

When timing matters

Hidden risks

What to do

Tailoring treatment

Implications for other diseases

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