A little of what you fancy does do you good after all
WE’RE told on a daily basis about all the things that can harm our health. So how about a bit of good news on all those things that are ‘bad’ for us? People who drink a daily glass of wine or beer have a 53 per cent lower chance of developing diabetes compared with abstainers, according to a Greek study published in Diabetes and Metabolism.
After monitoring more than 3000 people for 10 years, researchers believe that moderate alcohol consumption could boost cells’ sensitivity to the hormone insulin. It is one of the richest sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, says Elizabeth Wall, nutritionist at Holland & Barrett.
The nuts are thought to help reduce inflammation in the body and boost the health of blood vessels around the heart. If there’s enough light to read, there’s enough light, say Specsavers. The sleepiness you feel when you drift off into a daydream can boost your brain power, according to a study. Brain scans have revealed that when our mind wanders, the brain’s problem-solving centre becomes extremely active. “The belief that the body quickly switches to starvation mode is a myth,” says Dr Michael Mosley, author of the Fast Diet and BY MICHELE O’CONNOR Fast Exercise books (michaelmosley.co.uk).
But, he warns, it’s vital to eat protein: “The body can store fat and carbs but not protein.
“If you go without it, the body starts to extract it from the muscles.” Italian researchers have found that eating spaghetti can reduce body mass index and lower waist circumference. Data from Brigham Young University suggests it could reduce joint inflammation.
Scientists even suggest running could delay the onset
of osteoarthritis. Visiting your local makes you healthier, happier – and boosts community spirit, say psychologists at Oxford University.
Children who are thumb-suckers or nail-biters are a third less likely to have allergies as adults – because they build up an immune response that makes them less susceptible to allergens. The milk and cream mixture contains the amino acid tryptophan, which has a calming effect on the brain. It raises the metabolism for the rest of the day, making it easier to burn off other meals and snacks. Just go easy at lunch and dinner. A few expletives help employees cope with stress, raise team spirit and help us cope with pain.