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A daily vitamin may be slowing aging— here’s what scientists found

18. March, 2026

Most people know the feeling of trying to stay healthy without knowing which habits actually matter.

You eat as well as you can, try to get enough rest, and still wonder whether one small change could make a difference later in life.

That question is part of the reason supplements remain so popular. Now, a new study suggests one familiar product may be linked to slower biological aging, though the evidence is still far from settled.

What the study found

Researchers behind a study in Nature Medicine looked at older adults in the COSMOS trial and measured changes tied to biological aging over two years.

The group taking a daily multivitamin appeared to age slightly more slowly than those who did not.

The effect was limited rather than dramatic, translating to only a few months’ difference. The study drew attention because it focused on measurable changes in the body rather than general wellness claims.

Why experts are cautious

Scientists believe the result may be related to better intake of vitamins and antioxidants that support normal cell function.

That could be especially relevant in older adults, who are more likely to have nutritional gaps.

But the broader research picture is mixed. Another major analysis published in JAMA Network Open found no clear proof that multivitamins help healthy adults live longer, which is why many experts say the latest findings should be viewed carefully.

Who may benefit most

A daily multivitamin may be more useful for people with increased nutritional needs, including older adults, vegans, and those with restrictive diets. Even so, doctors and dietitians continue to stress that food should come first.

A balanced diet remains the strongest foundation for healthy aging. Supplements may help in specific situations, but they are not a shortcut.

Sources: Prevention and JAMA

Early symptoms of meningitis highlighted after UK outbreak

Mie Hermansen

18. March, 2026

Early symptoms of meningitis highlighted after UK outbreak

Many people have experienced waking up with a headache, a fever, or feeling It is easy to ignore small symptoms in everyday life.

A headache, feeling tired, or having a slight fever often seems harmless. Most people assume it is just a cold or a stressful week. But doctors warn that in rare situations, these early signs can hide something far more serious.

Health authorities in the United Kingdom are now raising awareness after a recent cluster of infections in Kent.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), two young people have died and 11 others have been diagnosed with invasive meningococcal disease, which can develop into meningitis or septicaemia.

Early symptoms

Meningitis is an infection that affects the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. In the beginning, the illness often looks similar to flu, which can make it difficult to recognise quickly.

Health officials say the symptoms do not always appear in the same order, and some may not appear at all. However, doctors advise people to seek medical help if several warning signs appear together.

Common symptoms include:

Fever
Strong headache
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light
Confusion or unusual sleepiness
Seizures or loss of consciousness

Blood infection risk

In some cases, the same bacteria can also cause septicaemia, a serious bloodstream infection. According to public health experts, this condition may develop rapidly and requires urgent medical treatment.

Symptoms may include cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain, stomach problems, fast breathing and a rash that does not fade when pressure is applied.

Why young people are vulnerable

Health researchers explain that meningococcal bacteria spread through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing or kissing. Some people carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without showing symptoms.

Teenagers and university students are considered a higher-risk group because they often live, study and socialise closely together.

Vaccines are available for several strains of meningococcal disease, and early medical treatment significantly improves recovery when the infection is detected quickly.

Sources: LADbible and UKHSA

How yogurt can affect your body if you eat them every day

Mie Hermansen

17. March, 2026

How yogurt can affect your body if you eat them every day

Yogurt is a popular food that contains several important nutrients such as protein, calcium, and probiotics. Research suggests that eating it regularly may affect digestion, bone health, and satiety. Here are some possible effects of eating yogurt every day.

You increase your protein intake

Yogurt is a good source of protein. Some types, especially Greek yogurt, contain roughly twice as much protein as regular yogurt.

Protein may support weight management

Diets higher in protein have been associated with benefits such as weight loss and improved blood sugar regulation.

Yogurt can be very filling

Some yogurts contain up to about 18 grams of protein per serving, which can make them a satisfying option for breakfast or a snack.

Your gut bacteria may become more balanced

Eating yogurt daily can supply probiotics to the body. These microorganisms influence the bacteria living in the digestive system.

Probiotics support gut health

Foods rich in probiotics may encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine and support healthy digestion.

The diversity of gut bacteria may increase

Studies show that people who regularly eat yogurt often have greater diversity in their gut bacteria, which is linked to a healthier gut microbiome.

You increase your calcium intake

Yogurt contains several nutrients important for bone health, including calcium, phosphorus, and protein.

Calcium supports important body functions

Calcium helps maintain strong bones and teeth and is also required for processes such as nerve function, muscle activity, and hormone release.

Blood sugar levels may become more stable

The protein in yogurt slows digestion, which can help reduce how quickly blood sugar rises after eating.

It may increase feelings of fullness

Protein stimulates hormones that help the body feel satisfied after a meal, which may make it easier to control appetite.

Some people should watch sugar and lactose

Certain yogurts contain added sugar, and although yogurt has less lactose than milk, people with lactose intolerance may still experience symptoms.

Sources: Health and Harvard Health

Music does more than entertain – research reveals surprising effects

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. March, 2026

Music does more than entertain – research reveals surprising effects

Music has been part of human life for a very long time.

Archaeological discoveries show that humans made instruments more than 40,000 years ago. Fossil evidence also suggests that humans may have been singing more than 530,000 years ago.

Even today, researchers are still investigating how music affects people.

Music and the brain

When people play music, they use many different parts of the brain at the same time.

According to a review of research from Harvard Medical School published in The Neuroscientist, musical training can strengthen the brain’s plasticity. This refers to the brain’s ability to learn new things and adapt.

Studies show, among other things, that children who play an instrument can develop changes in the structure of the brain.

One part of the brain that connects the two hemispheres can become larger in children who practice regularly.

Music and health

Music may also play a role in illness and medical treatment.

A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reviewed 35 studies of patients who listened to music after surgery.

The analysis found that patients who listened to music after surgery often experienced less pain and had lower heart rates.

At the same time, they needed less strong pain medication on average than patients who did not listen to music.

Lower risk of dementia

Music may also matter later in life. A study from Monash University in Australia, published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, examined more than 10,000 people over the age of 70.

The results showed that people who often had music playing in the background had a lower risk of developing dementia.

In addition, playing an instrument was also associated with a lower risk.

Another study from the University of Zurich, published in PNAS, also shows that live music can create stronger reactions in the brain than recorded music.

Overall, the research suggests that music is not only entertainment. It may also play a role in both brain function and health.

These personality changes could be early signs of dementia

Mie Hermansen

17. March, 2026

These personality changes could be early signs of dementia

Many people notice small personality changes in themselves or loved ones during midlife. Stress, work pressure and everyday responsibilities can all affect mood and behaviour, so these shifts often seem normal at first.

However, researchers say some patterns may be worth paying attention to. Certain personality changes appearing in your 40s or 50s could sometimes be linked to early brain changes associated with dementia.

Early behavioural changes

Dementia is often associated with older age, but it can develop earlier. The World Health Organization estimates that around 10 million new dementia cases are diagnosed globally each year.

Researchers are increasingly studying subtle behavioural signals that may appear long before memory problems become obvious.

According to reporting by the Daily Mail, professor Gill Livingston, a specialist in old-age psychiatry at University College London, has examined personality traits in midlife that may be linked to a higher dementia risk later in life.

Patterns researchers noticed

One of the strongest indicators in Livingston’s research was a decline in personal confidence during midlife.

People who reported losing belief in their abilities were significantly more likely to develop dementia later.

Another early sign involved struggling with everyday challenges that were previously manageable. Scientists believe this may reflect early changes in the brain’s ability to cope with mental demands.

Researchers also identified several other personality patterns connected to higher risk:

persistent nervousness or high stress
emotional withdrawal from others
dissatisfaction with how tasks are completed
difficulty concentrating on simple activities

Experts say staying socially active, exercising regularly and keeping the mind engaged through reading or learning may help support long-term brain health.

Sources: Daily Mail and LADbible

New study shows the brain cannot do two things at once

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. March, 2026

New study shows the brain cannot do two things at once

In everyday life, many people try to do multiple things at once. For example, they might write messages, listen to a podcast, and work on a computer at the same time.

This creates the impression that the brain can manage several tasks simultaneously. As a result, many people believe they are good at multitasking.

However, researchers have long investigated whether the brain can actually perform multiple tasks at the same time, or whether something else happens in the brain.

Experiments with multiple tasks

A study from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, the University of Hagen, and Medical School Hamburg examined this question more closely.

The results were published in the journal Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology.

In the experiment, participants had to complete two tasks at the same time. Using their right hand, they indicated the size of a circle that briefly appeared on a screen.

At the same time, they had to determine whether a sound was high, medium, or low.

The experiment was repeated for up to twelve days while researchers measured the speed and accuracy of the participants’ responses.

Can we multitask?

After several days of training, participants became faster and made fewer mistakes. This could suggest that people improve at handling multiple tasks.

However, the research also shows something else. The brain does not perform two tasks at the same time.

Instead, the brain switches very quickly between tasks. Even small changes in the tasks can therefore slow people down and lead to more errors.

The results also show that multitasking can be risky in certain situations, for example when talking on the phone while driving a car.

Sources: HealthDay, and Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Study of 164,000 people finds link between ultra-processed foods and bone health

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. March, 2026

Study of 164,000 people finds link between ultra-processed foods and bone health

Highly processed foods include products such as breakfast cereals, soft drinks, frozen pizzas, and ready meals. These foods play a major role in many people’s daily diets.

This type of food is often made from ingredients extracted from raw materials, such as starch, fats, and added sugar.

At the same time, the products often contain additives that extend shelf life and enhance flavor.

Diet and health

Researchers examined the relationship between diet and health in a large British research project. Nearly 164,000 people took part in the study through the UK Biobank database.

The participants were followed for more than 12 years. During that period, researchers analyzed both their dietary habits and their health data.

On average, participants consumed around eight portions of ultra-processed food per day.

The results, published in The British Journal of Nutrition, showed a clear link between a high intake of ultra-processed foods and certain health problems.

Bone density

In the study, researchers also measured the participants’ bone density.

They found that people with a higher intake of ultra-processed foods were more likely to have lower bone density.

The association was observed in several parts of the body, including the femur and the lower back.

The study also showed that the risk of hip fractures increased. For every additional 3.7 portions of ultra-processed food per day, the risk rose by nearly 11 percent.

The effect was particularly noticeable among people under the age of 65 and among individuals with low body weight, who may already have a higher risk of weak bones.

Sources: HealthDay, and The British Journal of Nutrition.

How bananas can affect your body if you eat them every day

Mie Hermansen

17. March, 2026

How bananas can affect your body if you eat them every day

A dietitian decided to eat one banana every day for a week to see whether it would make a difference. Bananas are easy to include in everyday meals and contain several important nutrients. Here are the key experiences and facts from the week.

It was easy to eat a banana every day

Bananas are convenient to bring along because they do not need refrigeration. This made it simple to turn them into a daily habit.

The banana fit into several meals

During the week, the banana was eaten in different ways, including sliced on top of yogurt for dessert or in a sandwich with peanut butter and honey for lunch.

Energy levels felt more stable

After a few days, energy levels felt more balanced, especially during the morning hours when fatigue can normally appear.

Less desire for unhealthy snacks

The daily banana helped create a feeling of fullness, making it less tempting to reach for less healthy snacks during the day.

Digestion became more regular

There was also a noticeable improvement in digestion. Occasional bloating felt less noticeable and bowel movements were more regular.

The sweetness reduced sugar cravings

The natural sweetness of bananas helped reduce the urge for sugary snacks later in the day.

Bananas contain several nutrients

A medium banana contains about 105 calories, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein and about 0.3 grams of fat.

They are a good source of potassium

A banana contains around 375 milligrams of potassium, a nutrient that supports heart health and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Fiber supports digestion

With around 3 grams of dietary fiber, bananas contribute to healthy digestion and help support regular bowel movements.

Slightly unripe bananas contain prebiotic fiber

Slightly green bananas contain prebiotic fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports digestive health.

Bananas provide vitamin B6

One medium banana contains about 0.4 milligrams of vitamin B6, which equals roughly 25 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults.

They provide energy without a sudden crash

“Bananas Fruits” by Ryan McGuire/ CC0 1.0

Bananas are mainly made up of carbohydrates and natural sugars, and together with fiber they provide a steady source of energy.

Sources: Prevention

How to make your smoothie better for stable blood sugar

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. March, 2026

How to make your smoothie better for stable blood sugar

Smoothies have become a regular part of many people’s diets. They are often associated with health because they contain fruit, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich ingredients.

For this reason, many people choose them as a quick and healthy meal or snack.

However, the contents of a smoothie can vary greatly. According to endocrinologist Disha Narang, it is important to know what you put into the blender.

Some ingredients can help keep blood sugar stable, while others may cause it to rise quickly, she told Parade.

When blood sugar rises, the body releases insulin to regulate the level. However, this process can cause blood sugar to drop again later. This may lead to fatigue or increased hunger.

Fiber plays a role

One important factor in the diet is fiber. Fiber helps the body absorb sugar more slowly and can therefore contribute to more stable blood sugar levels.

Whole fruits naturally contain fiber. But when fruit is squeezed into juice, much of this fiber disappears.

According to Parade, a glass of orange juice contains less than one gram of fiber, while a whole orange contains around two grams.

At the same time, studies show that many people do not get enough fiber in their daily diet. This can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.

This is the ingredient you should avoid

According to experts, the ingredient that can particularly affect blood sugar in smoothies is fruit juice.

When juice is used as a base, the body quickly receives a larger amount of sugar without the fiber that normally comes with fruit. This can cause blood sugar to rise rapidly.

According to Parade, experts therefore recommend using whole fruits instead of juice.

You can also add ingredients containing protein and fiber to make the smoothie more balanced.

Sources: Parade.

New research: This cognitive training exercise could reduce the risk of dementia by 25%

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. March, 2026

New research: This cognitive training exercise could reduce the risk of dementia by 25%

A large study followed more than 2,000 people over the age of 65 for 20 years. The participants came from six major metropolitan areas in the United States.

They were divided into different groups that carried out various types of brain training.

Some participants took part in up to ten training sessions over five to six weeks. Each session lasted between 60 and 70 minutes.

After the training, researchers monitored the participants’ health through records in the U.S. healthcare system, Medicare, to determine who later developed dementia.

The results have been published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Mental training

The study examined three forms of mental training. The first focused on memory and techniques for remembering words and information.

The second focused on logical thinking and patterns, where participants had to determine what came next in a sequence of tasks.

The third type of training involved reacting quickly to visual information. Participants had to identify and respond to images or symbols under time pressure while maintaining focus on several things at once.

One result stands out

According to the study, memory exercises and logical tasks did not show any clear effect on the risk of dementia.

However, the results showed that people who trained rapid information processing and later received an additional follow-up training session had about a 25 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

The researchers emphasize that the results do not show that the training directly prevents the disease. Instead, it may help delay the point at which symptoms appear.

Sources: Prevention, and Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

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What the study found

Why experts are cautious

Who may benefit most

Early symptoms

Blood infection risk

Why young people are vulnerable

You increase your protein intake

Protein may support weight management

Yogurt can be very filling

Your gut bacteria may become more balanced

Probiotics support gut health

The diversity of gut bacteria may increase

You increase your calcium intake

Calcium supports important body functions

Blood sugar levels may become more stable

It may increase feelings of fullness

Some people should watch sugar and lactose

Music and the brain

Music and health

Lower risk of dementia

Early behavioural changes

Patterns researchers noticed

Experiments with multiple tasks

Can we multitask?

Diet and health

Bone density

It was easy to eat a banana every day

The banana fit into several meals

Energy levels felt more stable

Less desire for unhealthy snacks

Digestion became more regular

The sweetness reduced sugar cravings

Bananas contain several nutrients

They are a good source of potassium

Fiber supports digestion

Slightly unripe bananas contain prebiotic fiber

Bananas provide vitamin B6

They provide energy without a sudden crash

Fiber plays a role

This is the ingredient you should avoid

Mental training

One result stands out

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