The gut and brain communicate through a network known as the gut-brain axis. This is a system of physical and biochemical connections that allows them to influence each other’s function and overall health. Emerging research indicates that regularly consuming vegetable oils may negatively impact both gut and brain health. The word “vegetable” on a label often signals something healthy, but that’s not always the case with oils and fats.
As a person ages, the brain gradually shrinks, losing about 5% of its volume per decade after age 40, impacting its functionality. In a pioneering study, neuroscientists investigated how regular aerobic exercise affects the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory.
Scented wax melts are small, highly fragranced wax pieces that release aroma when heated indoors. Unlike traditional candles, they do not burn, making them a cleaner, safer, smoke-free, and supposedly non-toxic alternative. However, a recent study suggests that scented wax melts release high levels of volatile organic compounds comparable to burning candles and even diesel engines. Inhaling these particles has been associated with health risks such as asthma and atherosclerosis.
New research led by the University of Plymouth has found that exposure to green spaces and nature is associated with lower cravings for cigarettes, alcohol, and unhealthy food choices. This is the first study to reveal that passive exposure to close green spaces is linked to not only lower frequency of cravings, but also the strength of those cravings.
A new study at the University of Exeter has discovered another good reason to live a healthy lifestyle! The research found that in people with a high genetic risk for developing dementia the risk was 32 percent lower if they followed a healthy lifestyle.
A new study conducted at the University of California, Irvine, has found that online brain game exercises can help people in their 70’s and 80’s multitask cognitively even as well as people 50 years younger! This valuable tool, gives older adults the ability to handle today’s daily onslaught of information which can be very taxing for seniors.
Two new studies have explored the relationship between cognitive decline and oral health and also perceived social support and stress among older Chinese Americans. Two Rutgers studies found evidence that there is a key relationship between poor oral health and cognitive aspects such as executive function and memory.