Title: 13 Unmissable Tidbits You Overlooked During Your Holiday Break
Your holiday break might've been packed with relaxation and indulgence, but while you were catching up on your zzz's and Christmas cookies, some exciting announcements in the world of health and fitness were made. Here are ten thrilling stories from various news outlets and five of our very own to bring you up to speed:
Watch out for that Brussels sprouts bundle!
Brussels sprouts are a team favorite at Greatist, but there's a potent catch if you're also a fan – especially if you're on blood thinners. These green orbs are chock-full of vitamin K, which can contribute to blood clotting. But don't fear: This danger only exists for people with cardiovascular issues or those on blood-thinning medication. So if your heart is in tip-top shape, feel free to dig in for a second helping.
Health-related apps are a growing phenomenon.
About 19 percent of smartphone users have at least one fitness app saving space on their devices, reports the Charlotte Observer. And lucky you, as science begins to uncover the impact of certain apps, you could be seeing some seriously amazing health benefits from these digital buddies.
7-Eleven: Brainstorming healthier choices.
This might sound borderline unbelievable: The famed home of big gulps, nacho self-serve, and smokes is embracing healthier options! At select locations, you'll now find yogurt, fruits, veggies, and portion-controlled meals. The best part? 7-Eleven is listening to its customers – they want healthier choices, and the convenience store giant is delivering.
Healthy neuroticism? Oddly enough, it's a thing.
A team of researchers has come to an intriguing conclusion: Neurotic individuals (those often organized and forward-planning) have lower inflammation levels and a reduced risk of chronic disease. They're dubbing this phenomenon "healthy neuroticism." Just remember, while this discovery is fascinating, you should still pledge allegiance to good stress management.
Fruit and veggie the key to happiness (and health).
A study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests that consuming five to seven servings of fruit and veggies daily may result in heightened happiness and improved overall well-being. So whether the boost is due to the sheer satisfaction of healthy eating or a coincidence, you know what to reach for next time your mood's in need of a lift.
Stress: The unsung villain of heart health.
According to a report, chronic stress can do real damage to your heart, possibly increasing the risk of a heart attack by up to 27 percent. In the simplest terms, science now classifies excessive stress as being as injurious to health as smoking five cigarettes daily. So start smash-talking stress like a smoker-hater, and try your best to keep it at bay.
Late-night eating tricks your body's “food clock.”
You've probably heard the term "body clock" referring to our sleep-wake cycles, but now it seems your eating habits can also affect this internal mechanism – on a molecular level, no less! Researchers at UCLA revealed that disrupting our body's established feeding times creates nighttime hunger in mice. While these findings have yet to be applied to humans, the lesson is clear: Maintain your consistency to keep your body clock in harmony.
Pain perception: What you believe makes all the difference.
A recent study indicates that our perception of pain is influenced by our beliefs. Participants who believed exercise was beneficial experienced less pain as their natural pain-killing substances kicked into overdrive. Conversely, those who were told the exercise would harm them felt more pain – much longer, too.
Dining out with dietary restrictions? Get with the times!
Restaurants are stepping up their game when it comes to catering to different dietary needs and preferences. From plant-based menus to dairy-free options, health-conscious eateries have never had it better.
From Greatist
Science tells us: Junk food addiction's real.
Yeah, sometimes you'd swear you had an addiction to certain foods – but you might've been right all along. New research reveals that high-fat, processed sweet treats can trigger addiction-like responses in the brain.
Alcohol and smoking: Deadly duos.
If you thought smoking was bad for you, strap in because a recent study found that smoking while drinking could compound your hangover. The research found that smoking activates similar brain receptors as both alcohol and junk food, potentially increasing the likelihood of unhealthy levels of consumption.
IQ: An outdated concept.
Your IQ score could be more flimsy than a Big Gulp cup. According to new research, the notion of one, definitive intelligence quotient isn't as solid as it once seemed. Intelligence can be separated into three distinct facets: short-term memory, reasoning skills, and verbal aptitude. The results indicated that there isn't a one-size-fits-all IQ score, as cognitive abilities can vary greatly.
Women dominate the college binge drinking scene.
Frat houses, shatter your illusions: The title of the campus binge queen belongs to the ladies – at least for now. Recent research discovered that while men consume more often, women are significantly more predisposed to binge drinking.
Welcome to HealthYear!
With the new year upon us, it's time to start setting your resolutions and vow to finally make them stick. Enter HealthYear – a sleek, user-friendly tool designed to keep you on track as you work towards your goals. Whether you're aiming to drop some weight, drink less, or master that 5k, this is the perfect companion to see you achieve your dreams.
So what other groundbreaking health and fitness news do you guys want to know about? Drop your questions in the comments below!
Enrichment Data:
Several trends and studies in health and fitness have recently emerged or gained popularity, reflecting a focus on technology, personalized training, and overall well-being. The following are some of the key emerging trends and studies:
1. Digital Technology in Fitness
Source: Fitstop Blog[1]- Digital Fitness Tools: There is an expected growth in the use of digital technology in fitness, such as wearable devices, mobile apps, and data-driven training methods. These tools offer real-time insights, personalized coaching, and increased accessibility, making fitness more attainable and personalized.
2. Strength Training and HIIT
Source: Fitstop Blog[1]- Strength Training: Strength training remains popular due to its practical benefits, with notable programs like Lift sessions from Fitstop focusing on progressive overload to deliver real gains.- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT remains a powerful trend in the fitness world, allowing for dynamic and impactful workouts that produce palpable results.
3. Corporate Health and Fitness Trends
Source: HealthFitness Blog[3]- Support for Weight Loss Medications: Employers are beginning to integrate support for employees taking weight loss medications into their wellness initiatives. This includes personalized training programs and lifestyle coaching.- Assisted Stretching: Assisted stretching programs are becoming increasingly essential in corporate fitness, providing targeted results in flexibility, range of motion, and muscle tension relief.- Recreational Sports: Corporate health and fitness are seeing the growth of recreational sports programs to promote team building while promoting physical activity.
4. Fitness Trends for 2025
Source: Hydrow Blog[5]- Strength Training: Strength training is predicted to continue its growth, with a particular focus on longevity, functional movement, and active lifestyles.- Pilates: Pilates is expected to grow in popularity, encompassing both mat and Reformer classes, thus appealing to a larger audience.- Recovery Options: There will be a surge in interest in recovery options such as cold exposure and saunas that aim to improve overall quality of life.- Low-Intensity Cardio: Fitness enthusiasts are embracing Zone 2 training (low-intensity steady-state cardio) for its benefits in cardiovascular health and metabolic flexibility.- Gentler Fitness: Fitness is trending towards gentler approaches, emphasizing life balance and mental balance.- Protein Focus: Protein intake and consumption will gain increasing prominence, particularly in the morning for women.- Fitness Tech: Wearables and apps will offer more specialized insights into sleep, heart rate variability (HRV), and recovery readiness.
These trends illustrate a broader shift towards technology-driven fitness, personalized training, and focus on overall well-being, both in the fitness industry and in consumer behavior.
Exciting advancements in nutrition and health trends continue to emerge beyond the holiday season. For instance, a study published in the Nutrition Journal suggests that incorporating othernutrition, such as chia seeds or flaxseeds, into your daily diet may aid in reducing cholesterol levels and promoting heart health.
Additionally, recent research from the British Medical Journal reveals that following healthy nutrition trends, like the Mediterranean diet, could potentially lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer by up to 25%. Health-conscious individuals are embracing these emerging trends to achieve optimal well-being.
