Olive Oil May Lower Risk of Dementia-Related Death — and 4 Other Things We Learned About Healthy Living This Week

Welcome to your weekly roundup of health news you might have missed. This week, experts spoke with Yahoo about the rise in colorectal cancer in children and what might be behind this alarming trend. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared that doctors found a dead worm in his brain. And Jessica Biel explained why she bathed in 20 pounds of Epsom salt before the Met Gala.

Back in the news this week is Panera Bread, whose highly caffeinated “charged lemonade” is being phased out following multiple lawsuits. About that, Oprah Winfrey declared that he is “done with diet culture” in a live-streamed conversation with WeightWatchers.

In addition to these health news, new studies explore the benefits of birdwatching and olive oil. Here’s what you should know.

Want to reduce stress? Try birdwatching

Looking at the sky to feel better? It’s worth a try, he says a new study from North Carolina State University. The study found that students who participated in nature-based experiences reported better well-being and less psychological distress – and that birdwatching was particularly effective, even when compared to outdoor activities such as nature walks.

The pressure to be a perfect parent is bad for everyone’s mental health

A recent study by researchers at the Ohio State University College of Nursing, who interviewed more than 700 parents, revealed that 57% of parents reported feeling burned out. Parental burnout, which was linked to unrealistic role expectations, was also linked to an increase in mental health problems – such as anxiety and depression – in children. Meanwhile, spending more free time playing with children – and reducing structured activities – is correlated with fewer of these mental health problems in children.

Olive oil may have great benefits for the brain

A new observational study published in JAMA Network Open found that participants who included half a tablespoon of olive oil every day in their diet had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared to those who did not consume olive oil. Those who consumed the most olive oil had a lower overall risk, regardless of what the rest of their diet looked like.

Ultra-processed foods can lead to early death

A new study published in O BMJ Peer Reviewed Journal, found that people who consumed more ultra-processed foods (like cookies, sugary cereals, and chicken nuggets) had a 4% higher risk of death. The study, which looked at the eating habits of 115,000 people with no history of cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, found that meat products, as well as sugary foods such as ice cream and soft drinks, had a particularly high association with mortality. .

Moving More Can Ease Depression Symptoms

A new study from the University of Toronto found that people suffering from depression had lower levels of physical activity and that those who moved less were more likely to experience worse symptoms. However, it turned out that the opposite was also true: those who moved more were more likely to have improved mood. The study authors suggest that while depression can affect a person long-term, it may not be as significant as the impact of current activity levels – highlighting the importance of staying active not just on your physical health, but also on your health. mental and emotional. .