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 Pistachios are a nutrient-rich nut that supports overall health thanks to their balanced composition of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals . A typical serving contains 1.7 mg of sodium, 14 mg of folate, 30 mg of magnesium, and 277 mg of potassium , and is naturally cholesterol-free . Taylor Berggren , a registered dietitian based in California, highlights the nutritional advantages of pistachios: "Pistachios are a source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They also provide healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, are high in fiber, and contain powerful antioxidants."   Health Benefits of Pistachios 1. Support Healthy Blood Pressure Pistachios are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium , minerals that help maintain vascular function. Research suggests that regular pistachio consumption may help reduce systolic blood pressure , supporting heart health. 2. Improve Eye Health Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin , car...

  Health Benefits of Figs: A Nutrient-Packed Superfruit Figs are a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals including copper, calcium, and potassium, which play crucial roles in digestion, cardiovascular function, and bone health. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FoodData Central , one small raw fig (≈40 grams) contains approximately: Calories: 30 kcal Carbohydrates: 7.7 g Fiber: 1.2 g Sugar: 6.5 g Protein: 0.3 g Key Nutrients in Figs Figs are especially high in copper and vitamin B6 : Copper supports metabolism, energy production, red blood cell formation, and neurotransmitter function. Vitamin B6 aids in protein metabolism and contributes to brain health by helping form new proteins. Figs also serve as a natural alternative to refined sweeteners and can be enjoyed fresh or dried as part of a balanced diet. Their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into meals, snacks, and desserts. 5 Health Bene...

 Honey is widely celebrated for its health benefits, including providing natural energy, supporting heart and digestive health, soothing sore throats, and promoting healthy skin and hair. However, certain individuals should avoid or consume honey with caution due to potential health risks. Dr. Tran Thi Tra Phuong, from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, emphasizes that while honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural enzymes , it is not suitable for everyone. 1. Infants Under One Year Old The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against giving honey to children under 12 months. Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum , which an infant's underdeveloped digestive system cannot neutralize. If these spores become active in the gut, they can produce toxins causing botulism , a potentially life-threatening condition that may lead to respiratory f...

 A recent study from Japan suggests that eating cheese at least once a week could help lower the risk of developing dementia. Study Overview Researchers analyzed data from nearly 8,000 participants , comparing individuals who consumed no cheese with those who ate cheese at least once weekly. Over a three-year period, they found that cheese consumers were 24% less likely to develop dementia than non-consumers. By the end of the study, 3.39% of cheese eaters had developed dementia compared to 4.45% of non-cheese consumers . Even after adjusting for other dietary factors—such as fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish intake—cheese consumption was still linked to a 21% lower risk , a finding the researchers described as statistically significant. The study was published in the journal Nutrients , where the authors noted that their findings align with previous evidence suggesting that dairy products may play a supportive role in dementia prevention . Types of Cheese and Nutritional Ben...

 Coconut water is a natural, refreshing beverage packed with essential nutrients. For people with liver disease, it can be a safe and beneficial drink when consumed in moderation. However, understanding proper usage and potential precautions is important. Health Benefits of Coconut Water for Liver Disease Coconut water is rich in potassium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus , which help maintain electrolyte balance and support energy metabolism. It also contains antioxidants and natural enzymes that may help reduce liver inflammation and protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Hydration: People with liver disease often experience fatigue and low energy; coconut water helps combat dehydration. Digestive support: Its natural sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, are low in calories and easily digestible, placing minimal strain on the liver. Liver protection: Antioxidants in coconut water may aid in detoxification and reduce inflammation, which can be h...

 Millions of people take medications daily to manage pain, inflammation, chronic conditions, or ADHD. While these drugs can be life-changing, some may carry long-term risks for heart health if used improperly. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions—always in consultation with a healthcare professional. 1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), are widely used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. However, studies show that prolonged use, especially at high doses, may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke . How it happens: NSAIDs can increase blood pressure and promote blood clot formation, which can block arteries. Who is most at risk: People with pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure. Expert advice: Always discuss long-term NSAID use with a doctor, and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary. 2. Corticosteroids Medications like...

  Millions of Britons experience dizziness lasting months or even years. Symptoms include feeling off-balance, giddy, light-headed, or faint. While most dizziness resolves quickly, research suggests over two million people in the UK live with chronic dizziness, often struggling to get an accurate diagnosis. GPs describe seeing dizzy patients as a "heart sink moment" because the causes can be complex, and patients may endure prolonged symptoms while waiting for proper care. 1. Persistent Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) What it is: A common but often overlooked cause of chronic dizziness. Symptoms: Daily dizziness and unsteadiness for at least three months; worsens with upright posture, walking, or busy environments. Cause: Usually begins after a short-term dizziness episode, such as a viral infection. The brain remains hypervigilant even after the ear problem resolves. Diagnosis: Often missed because scans appear normal, and there is no structural damage to the...

  Many people worry that skipping meals will leave them foggy, distracted, or less productive. From breakfast at school to intermittent fasting at work, the cultural message is clear: "eat regularly to stay sharp." But is that really true for adults? A recent comprehensive review of scientific studies sheds light on this question. Why fasting can be beneficial Fasting isn't just a modern diet trend—it taps into a metabolic system shaped over millennia. After about 12 hours without food , your body switches from using glucose to ketones , molecules derived from fat, as its main fuel source. This metabolic flexibility has been linked to: Autophagy: Cellular "cleanup" that may support healthy aging. Improved insulin sensitivity: Helping manage blood sugar and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Chronic disease protection: Metabolic shifts may reduce risks associated with overeating. What the research shows about cognitive performance A meta-an...

 Millions of people take medications every day—but knowing when to take them can be just as important as taking the right dose. For some drugs, the timing relative to meals, time of day, or even your body clock (chronotype) can dramatically affect how well they work. 1. Why timing matters Some medications work best on an empty stomach , while others should be taken with food to reduce side effects. Timing can affect: Absorption: Food can slow or block drug uptake. Bioavailability: Some drugs lose effectiveness if taken with certain foods. Side effects: Taking drugs incorrectly can cause nausea, ulcers, liver or kidney stress. Chronotherapy: The study of how the body clock affects drug efficacy. For example, blood pressure medications may be more effective in the morning for early risers, while evening doses work better for night owls. 2. Medications that should be taken on an empty stomach Taking these drugs without food maximizes absorption: Bisphosph...

  Alzheimer's disease has long been considered a complex condition shaped by age, genetics, and brain biology. But new evidence suggests an additional, significant driver: obesity . According to research presented at the 2024 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting , individuals with obesity may experience Alzheimer's-related brain changes up to 95% faster than adults of a healthy weight — even when both groups already show early signs of the condition. If confirmed in further studies, this finding could reshape how clinicians screen for risk, monitor progression, and design prevention strategies for millions of people worldwide. Obesity May Accelerate Alzheimer's Biomarkers — Faster Than Previously Recognized The new analysis, led by radiology experts Dr. Cyrus Raji and Dr. Soheil Mohammadi from Washington University School of Medicine, examined 407 adults participating in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). All had earl...

 Most people don’t think about heart disease, insulin resistance, or diabetes until much later in life. But according to emerging research — and a fast-growing conversation sparked by US anesthesiologist Dr. Myro Figura — age 30 is precisely when the clock starts ticking. In a viral YouTube Short with more than 250,000 views , Dr. Figura explains a simple but often-ignored truth: “After 30, your muscle mass naturally declines. And without enough muscle, your body struggles to process sugar — no matter how slim you are.” This isn’t fitness hype. It’s physiology. The Hidden Shift at 30: Muscle Loss and Metabolism Slowdown Around age 30, adults begin to experience sarcopenia , the gradual decline of muscle mass. While subtle at first, this loss has major metabolic consequences. Why? Because muscle tissue is responsible for roughly 80% of the body’s glucose metabolism . That means muscle acts like a sink for blood sugar. Less muscle = less glucose uptake = higher insulin le...

  A new study suggests that harmful bacteria and fungi living in the mouth may significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The findings strengthen long-standing suspicions that poor oral health is linked to serious diseases, including several forms of cancer. Researchers from the NYU School of Medicine have identified specific microbes that appear to raise pancreatic cancer risk, proposing that harmful organisms in the mouth may travel through saliva to the pancreas and influence disease development. Their work was published in JAMA Oncology . According to study co-author Dr. Richard Hayes , the results emphasize the broader importance of oral hygiene: “It is clearer than ever that brushing and flossing your teeth may not only help prevent periodontal disease but may also protect against cancer.” The Oral Microbiome’s Growing Role in Disease Research The oral microbiome —the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in the mouth—has...