Want the latest health intel? We’ve combed the science journals so you don’t have to
Sweet lovin’
In the know
Fans of dark chocolate, rejoice. Researchers at China’s Shaoxing University found that enjoying this bitter treat helped lower the risk for essential hypertension – that’s high blood pressure without a known cause. Dark chocolate, which must be at least 50% cocoa solids, delivers cardiovascular benefits – primarily due to its richness in flavanols and their antioxidant properties.
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The number of minutes of moderate to vigorous activity that has an effect on heart health. UCL researchers* found that replacing 30 minutes of sitting with exercise could translate into a decrease in glycated haemoglobin – when glucose sticks to your red blood cells (high levels are a marker of cardiovascular risk).
WORK LIFE
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Company wellbeing programmes may not pass their probation. A survey of more than 46,000 UK employees at 233 organisations found no difference in the self-reported mental health of those who participated in them and those who didn’t. This was consistent across different sectors. The workplace should change, not just the worker, noted the research leader.
¡HOLA!
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Learning a new language can make you see the world differently. A study* of 152 people from the Tsimané community in the Bolivian Amazon found that those who learned Spanish as a second language exhibited more precision in categorising and naming colours than monolingual participants. BRB, re-downloading Duolingo.
BRAIN FOOD
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What you eat could reduce your risk of dementia, according to a new study*. The Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (or Mind) diet slows the pace of biological ageing. To fuel yourself in this way, clock up six or more servings of green leafy veg per week, at least one serving of another veg per day, thr
