
Health Studies Hub
Your go-to source for daily breakdowns of the latest health, fitness, and nutrition research.
Retirement Can Speed Up Health Decline Without Purpose.
In various studies from 2013 to 2023, researchers like those from the University of Manchester and NBER analyzed data from thousands of retirees in cohort and longitudinal setups. They tracked health changes post-retirement, focusing on cognitive, physical, and mental aspects, adjusting for age, job type, and voluntary status.
Daily Fermented Dairy Intake Linked to Decreased Stroke Risk.
In 2025, researchers Shuai Ma, Yu Miao, and Xinxin Wu from Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine analyzed data from NHANES 2007–2018 on 27,487 U.S. adults. They looked at intake of fermented dairy like yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk, using surveys and health records to link it to stroke history, adjusting for age, smoking, and other factors.
“We Are Not Over Fat, We Are Under Muscled.”
This statement by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon isn’t just catchy—it’s scientifically sound. A 2024 Scientific Reports study analyzing nearly 11,000 adults found that a high lean mass to visceral fat ratio was tied to up to 88% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and significantly fewer cases of high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels.
High Omega‑6 Intake is Fueling Chronic Inflammation.
A 2018 editorial in Open Heart by DiNicolantonio & O’Keefe highlights that the typical Western diet—with high omega-6 and low omega-3 fats—promotes inflammation linked to heart disease and chronic illness. They stress the importance of keeping omega‑6/omega‑3 ratios low to reduce inflammatory signaling like platelet aggregation and oxidative stress.
The Sweetener in Diet Drinks That May Harm Your Blood Vessels.
A 2025 EMJ Neurology report highlights groundbreaking lab findings that the popular artificial sweetener erythritol—often found in sugar-free drinks—can impair brain blood vessel health. In simpler terms, this means erythritol could reduce blood flow to the brain and increase stroke risk.
It’s Never Too Late to Add Years to Your Life—Just Move More.
A 2025 study analyzing 85 previous studies found that people who stay consistently active have a 30–40% lower risk of early death—especially from heart disease. Even those who start exercising later in life still see a 20–25% drop in mortality risk, showing it’s never too late to change your future.
Sugar Is the World’s #3 Calorie Source And It’s Slowly Killing Us.
Globally, added sugar now makes up around 10% of total calories consumed, ranking just behind grains and produce. But while those provide some nourishment, sugar contributes little and harms much. A 2023 Annual Review study warns that sugar—not fat—is driving the chronic disease epidemic. And sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the worst offenders.
Waist-to-Height Ratio Beats BMI at Predicting Heart Failure Risk.
A 2025 analysis within the Malmö Preventive Project (1,792 adults, ~13 years follow-up) found that a higher waist‑to‑height ratio (WtHR)—not BMI—was strongly linked to incident heart failure.
“Safe” Air Pollution Levels are Scarring Your Heart.
A 2025 MRI study from the University of Toronto found that long-term exposure to even low levels of air pollution causes hidden heart damage, specifically increasing myocardial fibrosis—a form of scarring linked to future cardiovascular disease.
Your Spit Could Predict Cancer, Heart Disease, and More.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country (2025) have discovered that saliva contains hundreds of DNA methylation markers linked to major diseases—including cancer, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s.
Pesticide Exposure May Be Undermining Your Heart Health.
A 2025 analysis in Frontiers in Nutrition by He, Wang & Li used data from 12,432 U.S. adults to link specific pesticide chemicals—including the herbicide 2,4-D, organophosphates, and glyphosate—to poorer overall cardiovascular health.
Hot Tubs May Be Better Than Saunas for Heart and Immunity.
A 2025 study from the University of Oregon’s Bowerman Sports Science Center found that soaking in a hot tub raised core temperature the most, triggering stronger cardiovascular and immune responses—like increased heart output, improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and boosted white blood cells—compared to saunas.
Loneliness Raises Heart Disease Risk as Much as Smoking.
A 2016 systematic review published in the journal Heart found that loneliness and social isolation raise your risk of heart attack by 29% and stroke by 32%—numbers comparable to the effects of light smoking or obesity. Researchers analyzed data from 23 studies involving over 181,000 adults, tracking heart attacks, strokes, angina, and cardiovascular deaths.
Sitting Too Much After a Heart Attack Could Be Deadly.
A 2025 study led by Columbia University found that people who spent more time sitting after a heart attack or chest pain episode had more than 2.5 times higher risk of dying or having another heart event within a year. But there’s good news: swapping just 30 minutes of sitting for light activity—like walking or tidying up—cut the risk by 50%, and moderate activity cut it by 61%.
Black Coffee May Help You Live Longer—But Skip the Sugar and Cream.
A 2024 study from Tufts University published in The Journal of Nutrition found that drinking 1–3 cups of black coffee per day was linked to a 14–17% lower risk of death from any cause, including cardiovascular disease. But when that coffee is loaded with sugar or saturated fat, the benefit fades fast.
Just One Minute of Exercise Has Major Health Benefits.
A 2023 summary from Georgia State University and the Society of Behavioral Medicine shows that micro-workouts—short bursts of physical activity lasting from 30 seconds to 10 minutes—can have major benefits for heart health, blood sugar control, mental well-being, and overall endurance.
Extreme Sodium Intake Is Getting Even More Extreme.
In a 2025 study, researchers examined U.S. dietary data from 2003–2018 to uncover trends in extreme sodium consumption—the top 5% of daily salt intake. They found these extreme levels climbing higher over time, with a growing group consuming far beyond the recommended upper limit of 2,300 mg/day.
Spot Worsening Heart Failure Two Weeks Early With AI.
A 2025 study backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research found that a new at-home foot scanner from Heartfelt Technologies could detect fluid build-up—an early sign of heart failure—an average of 13 days before a patient needed hospital care. It accurately predicted 5 of 6 hospitalizations.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Evoo) Is a Powerful Ally for Your Heart.
A 2025 systematic review in Nutrients analyzed clinical and experimental studies, concluding that EVOO consumption is linked to improved cardiovascular health. Its rich content of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols contributes to lowering LDL cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing endothelial function.
Marijuana May Be More Harmful to Your Heart Than You Think.
A 2025 study from UC San Francisco, published in JAMA Cardiology, found that chronic cannabis use—whether smoked or consumed as edibles—is linked to significantly reduced blood vessel function, comparable to the effects seen in tobacco smokers.