We’ve sifted through the science journals so you don’t have to. Here’s what's on our radar this month
THE MH DIGEST 05/24
01 BITE-SIZED SCIENCE
02 THE FIT LIST A
3% i.
According to the Swedish School Of Sport And Health Sciences, boosting your cardiorespiratory fitness by just 3% over the course of a year can reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer by more than a third. The study authors recommend full-body workouts that recruit multiple muscle groups.
ii. LET THE YO-YO GO
Some fluctuation in weight over time is to be expected, but constantly hopping on and off the dietary wagon is harmful to more than your waistline. Researchers* conducted in-depth interviews with 36 yo-yo dieters and found consistent negative impacts on mental health and relationships. Long-term changes trump short-term fixes.
iii. HYBRID THEORY
Research by Iowa State University has found that a mix of 50% cardio and 50% strength training is optimal for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the study, resistance exercise on its own did not provide the same heart-health benefits. Finish your next bodybuilding session with a blast on the SkiErg or bike.
iv.SLEEP ON IT
It’s not just how long you kip for that counts, but when you do it. According to a recent study published by researchers in Australia*, sleep regularity is actually more closely linked to longevity than sleep duration. Those with an erratic schedule were more likely to be at risk of cardio-metabolic illness. A good reason to curb the weekend Netflix binges.
v.SWEET RELIEF
An estimated one in three UK adults has high blood pressure, and half of those are thought to be undiagnosed. Fortunately, we have a palatable prescription. Research from China’s Shaoxing University has linked a regular intake of dark chocolate to a significantly lower ris
