Treelet Health provides the latest health news, disease prevention, nutrition and diet, and other professional health knowledge to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Previous studies have identified specific genetic variants that may increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease, such as the APOE4 variant. A new study found that following a Mediterranean diet may help lower a person’s risk of developing dementia and decelerate cognitive decline. Scientists discovered that this protective effect was strongest in high risk participants with two copies of the APOE4 gene variant.
About one in every nine adults around the world lives with diabetes, with 90% of them having type 2 diabetes. Past studies show that certain lifestyle factors can help lower a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet. A new study has found that a combination of following a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet, plus moderate exercise and following a weight-loss program, is a more effective way to lower type 2 diabetes risk compared to only following the Mediterranean diet.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet studied how dietary patterns influence the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes in older adults. Older adults who regularly ate healthier diets that included vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats experienced a slower buildup of chronic illnesses. Those who consumed more red meat, processed foods, and sugary beverages were more likely to develop multiple chronic conditions over time.
A recent review gives an overview of coffee’s health benefits, considering the most recent data. For most, moderate coffee intake offers health benefits, including decreased mortality and decreased risk for some diseases like cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. There are still factors to consider, such as caffeine intake during pregnancy, decaffeinated drinks, and more research is needed.
As much as 31% of the world’s population has metabolic syndrome. Past research shows that metabolic syndrome can lead to diseases like Parkinson’s disease. A new study provides further evidence of a correlation between metabolic syndrome and Parkinson’s disease risk. Researchers found that people with metabolic syndrome were about 40% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those without the condition.
A person’s oxidative health refers to their body’s ability to keep a good balance of free radicals and antioxidants that when imbalanced, could damage body cells. Oxidative stress can be caused by a number of lifestyle factors, including eating an unhealthy diet. Past studies show that eating certain foods high in antioxidants, like nuts, may help lower a person’s risk for oxidative stress. Now a new study says that eating about 2 ounces of almonds a day may help lower oxidative stress and improve oxidative health, thus prolonging health span.
Type 2 diabetes is a major global health concern — in 2017, around 6.28% of the world’s population lived with the condition, a proportion that is expected to rise to 7% by 2030. There are several treatments for the condition, but the global cost of treating type 2 diabetes is projected to be more than $1 trillion by 2030. A new study has found that turmeric, or its active component curcumin, may help people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes lose weight, potentially reducing their need for costly medications.
Since the start of the COVID pandemic in January 2020, about 768 million people globally have been infected by COVID-19. While COVID affects the respiratory system, past studies show that it can also lead to issues in other parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system. A new study has found that people who have had COVID have stiffer arteries compared to people who never had this viral infection. Scientists believe this arterial stiffening may cause early vascular aging of as much as five years.
About 5% of the world’s adult population lives with depression. Past research shows that people can help lower their risk for depression by following healthy lifestyle guidelines, such as eating a nutritious diet. A new study has identified specific minerals — including potassium and zinc — that may also help in reducing a person’s depression risk.
As the popularity of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss continues to increase, more research is being done to further examine potential side effects of these medications. One such side effect is possible eye issues and vision loss, for which there is currently a great deal of conflicting information. Some studies link GLP-1 use to an increased risk for ocular diseases such as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), diabetic retinopathy, papillitis, and optic nerve disorders. A new study reports that using semaglutide is not associated with an increased risk for eye disorders or diabetic retinopathy. While this new study found a connection between semaglutide use and NAION, researchers say that the current evidence is insufficient to establish a definitive connection between the two.
People whose diet contained fewer processed foods lost more weight than people who ate more ultra-processed foods, a recent study confirmed. While both groups lost weight, those eating less in the way of processed foods shed twice as many pounds. The key to weight loss in both groups was likely that they both consumed a well-balanced diet, with the only difference being the amount of ultraprocessed foods they consumed.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative condition of the joints that most commonly occurs in people over the age of 40. The condition can affect any joint in the body, but is most common in the knees, hands and hips. Although there is no cure, the condition can be managed by staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking medications to relieve pain. Now, a study has found that modifying your walking style may relieve the pain and slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis as effectively as commonly used medications.