Coffee drinkers have less fat, more muscle, and surprising hormone differences
Coffee is consumed around the world every day, and earlier research has associated coffee drinking with a reduced risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Scientists still do not fully understand the biological processes that might explain those connections. Now, new research from Finland suggests that regular coffee consumption is associated with healthier body composition, favorable metabolic markers, and distinct patterns involving sex hormones in men and women.
A daily glass of fruit juice was linked to lower depression scores
Drinking a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie as part of the UK's 5-a-day guidance may help support mental well-being, according to research from Newcastle University in the UK.
Scientists find the strength training “sweet spot” for a longer life
Strength training has long been seen as something you mainly do to build muscle or look good. But a new study adds to a growing body of evidence that shows lifting weights does far more than change how we look. It may help us live longer – even if you don’t spend hours each day in the gym.
For decades, we were told to choose low-fat dairy. New research says otherwise
A new Canadian study led by University of Toronto professor Harvey Anderson adds to growing evidence that full-fat dairy can be part of a healthy diet.
In the 12-week study, 74 adults consumed different amounts of dairy under varying dietary conditions. The researchers found that eating three servings of full-fat dairy per day did not negatively affect body weight, body composition, energy metabolism, or blood lipid levels. The findings were recently published in The Journal of Nutrition.
Wine, beer, or spirits? Massive study finds a surprising health divide
Heavy alcohol use has consistently been tied to poorer health, no matter what type of alcohol a person drinks. At lower levels of consumption, however, the health effects may differ depending on the beverage, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26).
Scientists say just 7 days of meditation can rewire your brain
A week of intensive meditation and other mind and body practices may be capable of producing measurable changes far beyond simple relaxation. In a recent study, researchers at the University of California San Diego found that a seven-day retreat was associated with changes in brain activity, blood chemistry, immune signaling, metabolism, and the body's natural pain control systems.
A drug already used for osteoporosis blocked spinal damage in a new study
Changes in gene activity may contribute to neck and back pain by damaging the discs that act as the spine's natural shock absorbers, according to new research.
A study using zebrafish found that altered gene activity can cause minerals to accumulate within the spine. This process resembles bone forming where it should not, eventually making spinal tissue unusually hard.
Rice bran compound may help ease irritable bowel symptoms
A naturally occurring compound found in rice bran may influence how strongly the intestines contract, according to new research from Toho University.
The study, led by Dr. Keisuke Obara, Dr. Kento Yoshioka, and Professor Yoshio Tanaka of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, found that ferulic acid (FA) can reduce intestinal smooth muscle contractions by blocking voltage-dependent calcium channels. The discovery could eventually support new dietary approaches for intestinal motility disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Eating within 8 hours may help keep the aging brain sharp
A small clinical trial suggests that limiting food intake to fewer hours each day could provide modest cognitive benefits for older women, beyond those associated with weight loss alone.
The pilot study followed women with overweight or obesity who were participating in a six-month weight loss program. Those who ate within a daily window of roughly eight to nine hours showed greater improvement on certain thinking tests than participants who spread their meals across about 12 hours.
Why the same DNA damage causes cancer in some people but not others
Scientists have uncovered the first direct evidence that inherited genetics can strongly influence cancer risk and help determine how tumors develop over time. The results show that the genes a person is born with can interact with mutations acquired later in life, shaping the evolutionary path a tumor follows.