When it comes to exercise, anything is better than nothing. The more you do, the greater the benefits—and the benefits build up over time. That’s the message from Professor Robin Daly, the Chair in Exercise and Ageing within the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University, Melbourne.
Lunch—it’s a meal we’re all familiar with yet many of us find it to be a struggle. Throw in a busy working week and lunch can be a pain to plan and prepare for. It’s so much easier to buy a bite to eat at the café or canteen, right? While the lure of a quick-serve salad or sandwich might be tempting, is it healthier than what you can pull together yourself?
Exercise as medicine? I’d asked Robin Daly about health and exercise, and several times he mentioned ‘prescribing’ exercise. He sees this as an important part of an overall health approach.
Can exercise ward off dementia? A 44-year Swedish study seems to indicate that it can. ‘Researchers found that middle-age women in Sweden with a high degree of cardiovascular fitness were nearly 90% less likely to develop dementia later in life than those who had a moderate fitness level.’
A few years back, Dan Buettner found four areas on our planet where people live long (think centenarians) and active lives. What he found, he says, helps provide ‘the best, most credible information available for adding years to your life and life to your years’.
The benefits of extra virgin olive oil have been recognised since biblical times. Popular diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, have taught us that it’s possible to consume a high-fat diet and still have a lower risk of heart disease. But when it comes to cooking with olive oil, is it still as healthy for you after heating?
‘Superagers’ is the term coined for those more than 80 years of age who have the cognitive capacities of adults much younger. When some of their brains were checked—after they had died—scientists think these cognitive abilities may come from the presence of certain brain cells: Von Economo.
Artificial sweeteners are among the most commonly used food additives worldwide and, thanks to their low-calorie content, they’re considered safe and beneficial. But are they really a healthy alternative to sugar?
The festive season seems to give license to indulge in alcoholic beverages. A cool refreshing beer here, a delicious cocktail there—yet many proven health risks far outweigh any suggested benefits for heart health.
While we all look forward to a good break and holiday over Christmas time, it’s very easy to forget our goals of healthy eating and exercise. The focus on relaxation takes over and we become a little more ‘varied’ with our eating choices. So, before you start celebrating the holidays, here are some handy tips to help you come back from vacation looking as smashing as when you left!