Recent health studies you need to know now

September 9, 2024

By Kim Komando

Did you know video games are good for your health? No, really! I’m a health nut, so I keep up with studies that have practical takeaways for a better, longer life. Spoiler: Your parents were right about eating your broccoli.

But first, I have to say this: I’m not a doctor. Consult yours if you want to try anything new that impacts your health.

🍪 No substitute: You may think sugar-free foods are always healthier than the real deal, but choose wisely. Sugar substitute xylitol is in everything from chewing gum to baked goods. It’s super popular in foods marketed as “healthy” alternatives.

Cleveland Clinic researchers found higher amounts of xylitol are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. I’m skipping it for now …

🥦 Vegging out: Got high blood pressure? Pile on the broccoli. A new study suggests certain cruciferous vegetables could have a significant impact on cardiovascular health, especially for middle-aged and older adults.

Four servings of cruciferous veggies a day for two weeks resulted in a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure. Add broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage to your shopping list.

😴 Hit snooze: Sleeping in on weekends is good for you. We should all aim for a solid seven to eight hours of sleep a night, but catching up during the weekend can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 20%.

Previous research showed extra weekend sleep wouldn’t make up for lost sleep during weekdays, but the tides may have turned. Don’t forget the blackout curtains!

🕜 Fast and furious: The fasting fad might not be as good as it seems. In a recent study of over 20,000 adults, those who followed an eight-hour time-restricted eating schedule (aka intermittent fasting), had a 91% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Those with existing heart conditions or cancer also had an increased risk.

Although fasting does have potential short-term benefits, like weight loss, you might not want to make it a habit. Researchers say eating across a standard 12- to 16-hour daily window is A-OK.

🍳 Sticky subject: Still using that crusty cookware from college? Last year, over 200 reports of suspected polymer fume fever, or “Teflon flu,” were reported to poison centers across the U.S. Nonstick coating can break down into tiny particles at normal cooking temperatures, releasing toxic gasses and chemicals.

Symptoms of Teflon flu range from headaches and fever to nausea and muscle cramps. You might also get an unpleasant taste in your mouth. I love this nonstick pan, btw. Cast iron is nice, too, if you want to go chemical-free.

🎮 Game time: Good news for all the gamers out there! New research suggests playing video games can “level up” your mental health in terms of reduced psychological distress (aka stress) and improved life satisfaction.

That doesn’t mean you should play all day. The benefits go from good to not-so-good around the three-hour mark. Take a break and touch some grass.

🍖 A case against carnivores: Which diet will give you the longest lifespan? In a new study, vegetarians had a lower risk of death from all causes compared to non-vegetarians. At age 65, veg-heads had an 11% lower risk of death. Men had an even bigger reduction, at 19%. 

If you’re not ready to go all veg, pescovegetarians (fish but no meat) had lower mortality rates, too. At age 85, pescovegetarians had a 10% lower risk of death compared to non-vegetarians. I love cooking salmon on one of these salt blocks.

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