Ultra-processed foods: what an experiment with 500 calories a day showed
When people were allowed to eat as much as they liked, on an ultra-processed diet they ate about 500 calories more a day than on unprocessed foods. Here is what that means.
Body
Food, sleep, movement and care for the body, with clear evidence and honest limits.
35 articles
Multivitamins: is a pill a day worth it?
Many people take a multivitamin every morning "just in case". Large trials show that for most healthy adults the benefit is small or unclear. But there are also important exceptions.
Fish oil and omega-3: why capsules did not repeat the benefit of fish
Old studies of populations that ate a lot of fish suggested that omega-3 protects the heart. When capsules were tested in large trials, the picture turned out to be much more complicated.
Red meat and processed meat: what the WHO really said in 2015
In October 2015 headlines said that ham is "as dangerous as smoking". That was wrong. Here is what the scientific assessment actually said, and what it means for our table.
Salt and the heart: what the salt substitute trial in 600 villages showed
Most people eat far more salt than recommended. A large trial showed that a simple change in the kitchen, salt with a little potassium, can save lives.
Olive oil, nuts and the heart: what the PREDIMED study showed
In Spain, 7,447 people at high risk for heart disease were followed for almost five years. Those on a Mediterranean diet had about 30% fewer serious cardiovascular events.
Fibre: the nutrient we lack without realising it
We talk a lot about protein, sugar and fat. We talk little about fibre, even though most adults eat far less than they should.
Strength training: the 30 to 60 minutes a week that many people forget
When we talk about movement, we think of walking and running. But exercises that strengthen the muscles have their own benefits, and they do not take much time.
Cold showers: what an experiment with 3,000 Dutch adults showed
A large experiment found 29% fewer absences from work among people who ended their shower with cold water. But the number of days with illness did not change.
How much movement do we need? WHO guidelines and the truth about 10,000 steps
WHO recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week. As for steps, the benefit seems to level off before the famous 10,000.
Seven hours: why sleep is not wasted time
Adults need at least seven hours of sleep on a regular basis. Here is why, and what we can do to make sleep come more easily.