HEALTH HACKS

Take a hot bath to cut your risk of a stroke

A long soak in a hot bath five times a week could cut your risk of having a stroke – and it’s not just because it’s so relaxing.

A Japanese study of more than 800 people aged 55 to 77 found those who regularly soaked at 41C had healthier arteries. The team from Kyoto University concluded that being immersed in hot water may increase blood flow to the heart and ease the opening and closing of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and the risk of stroke.