HEALTH | NEWS
New studies, books, apps and more to help you stay well in mind and body.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEATS DEPRESSION
Offering welcome empowerment against a debilitating mental health condition, researchers say adopting healthy habits can reduce your risk of depression. Scientists from the University of Cambridge examined data from almost 290,000 people, including 13,000 with depression, and identified seven healthy lifestyle factors linked to a lower risk of depression. These are: moderating alcohol consumption, healthy diet, regular physical activity, enough sleep, frequent social connection, never smoking and avoiding sedentary behaviour. Interestingly, having a good night’s sleep of 7-9 hours made the biggest difference, reducing risk of depression by 22 per cent. People who adopted all the healthy lifestyle habits were 57 per cent less likely to develop depression. Further tests suggested that poor lifestyle choices negatively impact your immune system and metabolism, which in turn increases your risk of depression.
BELIEVE IT OR NUT!
While they re high in protein, nuts are also high in fats, which puts some women off eating them, especially if you grew up in the fat is bad era of the 80s and 90s. But researchers from the University of South Australia found that including almonds in an energy-restricted diet not only helped people lose weight, but also improved heart health. For the study, 106 participants completed three months on an energy-restricted diet, followed by a six-month energycontrolled diet for weight maintenance. Half the group had 15 per cent of their energy intake from unsalted whole almonds, while the other half had the same from carb-rich snacks, such as rice crackers or cereal bars. Both diets reduced body weight by about 7kg but the almond diet also produced improvements in a fatty substance that can clog arteries, suggesting improved heart health may come from eating almonds.
TOP OF THE PODS
Learn how to achieve a healthier lifestyle with Food For Thought (rhitrition.com), which aims to simplify wellness by providing practical, evidence-based advice. Hosted by Rhiannon Lambert, nutritionist, author and founder of a Harley Street clinic specialising in weight management and sports nutrition, the episodes include: benefits of plant-based eating, how weight loss can be linked to gut health, and investigating the impact of sugar-substitute sweeteners on your body.
APPY AND YOU KNOW IT
Track peri-and menopause symptoms with the free Health & Her app (healthandher.com) to build positive lifestyle habits that put you back in control. Use the symptom toolkit to access evidence-based exercises, including pelvic floor training, meditation or i
