Coffee lowers risk of dying

London: Coffee drinkers may live longer as new research has found they are less likely to die than non-coffee drinkers.

According to a 14-year study, men who consumed six or more cups daily were 10 per cent less likely to die compared with those who did not drink coffee. For women, there were 15 per cent fewer deaths for those drinking…

Bingeing on soda, sweets makes you a dim wit

Washington: Don’t be surprised if you lose your mental acuity after bingeing on soda and sweets for as little as six weeks while cramming for your midterms and finals at the college.

A new University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) rat study is the first to show how a diet steadily high in fructose (fruit sugar) slows the brain, hampering…

Household chemicals causing cancer, reducing fertility

London: Chemicals found in household products may be contributing to rising incidence of cancer, reduced fertility and obesity, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has warned.

EEA warned that phthalates, found in pesticides bisphenol A and other polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are used to make plastics parabens found in sunscreen and chemicals used in contraceptive pills, needed more scrutiny.

Those chemicals which disrupt…

Long commutes could damage your health

Washington: Overall health of people who spend long hours behind the steering wheel commuting to and from office is likely to be affected, says a study.

A report by the Washington University in St. Louis has found that greater commuting distances were linked with increased cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF), increased weight, and other indicators of metabolic risk.

“This study yields new information about…

People more likely to eat fruits within reach

Want to stay healthy, then place fruits in a clear bowl within arm’s reach, so that you could help yourself whenever you felt the urge to eat.

The new study says that when fruits are within reach, people are more likely to eat them. Greater visibility of fruit increases their intake, but the same does not hold true for vegetables.

Researchers Gregory J. Privitera and Heather E. Creary, both from St….

Dark chocolate may reduce cardio risks

Washington: Dark chocolate, rich in flavanols, may reduce the risk against cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure, blood flow and improving blood lipid levels, says a new study.

Flavanols, compounds also found in grapes, berries and apples, counteract the role of rogue oxygen molecules known as free radicals, which not only damage healthy cells, but also alter cellular DNA and are known to cause at least 60 different health problems,…

Unhappy workers develop back pain

Sydney: Office-goers resigned to working in unsatisfactory jobs are more likely to suffer from serious, persistent lower back pain than those with a positive attitude.

Markus Melloh, research associate professor in orthopaedics with the University of Western Australia, found that a third of people studied with niggling non-specific back pain went on to develop daily back pain that severely affected their career and social lives.

Although the workers required extended sick…

Positive outlook keeps heart healthy

London: Optimistic people are up to 50 per cent less likely to suffer a coronary or a stroke, American researchers say.

Earlier medical studies have shown that negative states such as depression, anger, anxiety and hostility can be detrimental to cardiovascular health.

But in the first and largest systematic review on the topic, involving over 200 studies, experts at the Harvard School…

Traditional Chinese medicines carry toxic compounds

Sydney: Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) also carry potentially lethal plant ingredients, allergens and traces of endangered species, according to a new research, which warned the consumers to be aware of health safety issues before adopting these as a treatment option.

The 15 TCM samples, seized by Australian border officials, in the form of powders, tablets, capsules, flakes, and herbal teas were audited using the DNA sequencing technology. DNAs are preserved…

Text messages can soothe stressed souls

Washington: Text messaging is often rapped for promoting reckless driving, but it could be good for people who feel stressed out, isolated or alone.

Adrian Aguilera, professor of social welfare, University of California, Berkeley, and clinical psychologist, said his patients report feeling more connected and cared for when they receive text messages asking them to track their moods, reflect on positive…