Category Archives: Facts

Yoga can reverse the molecular reactions in our DNA which cause ill-health and depression. A study of 846 participants over 11 years reveal that mind-body interventions (MBIs) such as meditation, yoga and Tai Chi don’t simply relax us; they can ‘reverse’ the molecular reactions in our DNA which cause ill-health and depression. Lead investigator IvanaContinue reading “Yoga can reverse the molecular reactions in our DNA which cause ill-health and depression”

Dark chocolate may positively affect mood and relieve depressive symptoms. A UCL-led study looked at whether different types of chocolate are associated with mood disorders. It was found that individuals who ate dark chocolate in two 24-hour periods had 70 % lower odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who ate no chocolate at all.Continue reading “Dark chocolate may positively affect mood and relieve depressive symptoms”

When temperature goes up, blood pressure goes down in Hot Yoga study. Taking hot yoga classes lowered blood pressure in a small study of 10 men and women, between ages 20 and 65 years with elevated or stage 1 hypertension, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions.  FiveContinue reading “When temperature goes up, blood pressure goes down in Hot Yoga study”

Vegan diet can boost gut microbes and lead to improved body weight and blood sugar control New research suggests that a 16-week vegan diet can boost the gut microbes that are related to improvements in body weight, body composition and blood sugar control. Changes to the gut microbes were associated with a reduction of bodyContinue reading “Vegan diet can boost gut microbes and lead to improved body weight and blood sugar control”

It’s never too late to start exercising Older people who have never taken part in sustained exercise programmes have the same ability to build muscle mass as highly trained master athletes of a similar age, according to new research at the University of Birmingham. The research shows that even those who are entirely unaccustomed toContinue reading “It’s never too late to start exercising”

Limiting mealtimes may increase your motivation for exercise A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that a surge in levels of appetite-promoting hormone, ghrelin, after a period of fasting prompted mice to initiate voluntary exercise. Dr Tajiri comments, “Our findings suggest that hunger, which promotes ghrelin production, may also be involved in increasingContinue reading “Limiting mealtimes may increase your motivation for exercise”

Exercising before eating breakfast burns more fat According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, health scientists found that by changing the timing of when you eat and exercise, people can better control their blood sugar levels. The six-week study found that people who performed exercise before having breakfast burnedContinue reading “Exercising before eating breakfast burns more fat”

Physical activity may protect against new episodes of depression Increased levels of physical activity can significantly reduce the odds of depression, even among people who are genetically predisposed to the condition, according to a new study from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).  The team reported that individuals who engaged in at least several hoursContinue reading “Physical activity may protect against new episodes of depression”