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A new study suggests that regularly consuming artificial sweeteners, equivalent to about one can of diet soda per day, may be associated with faster memory and thinking decline over time. Researchers observed an estimated 62% faster cognitive decline, roughly equal to 1.6 additional years of brain ageing, although the study does not prove that diet soda directly causes memory loss. Experts believe genetics, sleep, exercise, vascular health, and overall diet play much larger roles in brain health. They recommend limiting artificially sweetened beverages and choosing healthier options such as water, buttermilk, or coconut water while maintaining a balanced lifestyle to support long-term cognitive function.

Eating one avocado every day may help reduce the risk of heart disease in adults with obesity, according to new research. After six months, participants who included a daily avocado in their diet showed fewer low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles circulating in their blood. This improvement was associated with an estimated 4% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers suggest that replacing less healthy foods with nutrient-rich avocados may contribute to better heart health as part of a balanced diet. While the findings are promising, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a nutritious diet, remains essential for long-term cardiovascular protection.

Passive heat therapy, including steam rooms and saunas, may improve circulation, temporarily relieve nasal congestion, promote relaxation, and support cardiovascular health. However, the strongest scientific evidence comes from Finnish sauna research rather than conventional steam rooms. Current studies suggest potential benefits for vascular function, stress reduction, and cellular protection, while evidence supporting detoxification, skin rejuvenation, and respiratory disease treatment remains limited. Steam therapy should be considered a complementary wellness practice rather than a substitute for regular exercise or medical care. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heat intolerance, or other chronic medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating steam therapy into their routine.

The viral trend of drinking ghee on an empty stomach, inspired by the Ayurvedic practice of Snehapana, is being widely misunderstood, experts warn. Clinical nutritionist Charu Dua explains that Snehapana is a supervised therapeutic procedure using measured doses of medicated ghee as part of Panchakarma—not a daily wellness hack. While ghee provides healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins, there is no scientific evidence that consuming large amounts on an empty stomach detoxifies the body, boosts metabolism, or improves gut health. Experts recommend enjoying ghee in moderation as part of balanced meals and caution that people with conditions like fatty liver, diabetes, or gallstones should avoid following the trend without medical guidance.

High-protein diets have become increasingly popular, but new research suggests they may not be the best choice for everyone—especially those who are less physically active. Scientists found that excess amino acids from protein, when not used for muscle building through exercise, may accelerate cellular damage linked to aging. Animal studies and early human research indicate that moderate protein restriction could improve metabolism, increase the hormone FGF21, and promote healthier aging. However, experts emphasize that there is still no long-term human evidence, and protein needs vary based on age, health, and activity levels. For now, staying physically active may be just as important as increasing protein intake.

Researchers have found that ferulic acid, a natural compound found in rice bran, may help reduce symptoms of diarrhea-related digestive disorders by calming overactive intestinal muscles. In laboratory experiments, ferulic acid reduced calcium signals that trigger gut muscle contractions, suppressing spasms caused by several chemical messengers. These findings suggest the compound could support future dietary or therapeutic approaches for conditions such as diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. However, researchers caution that slowing intestinal movement could worsen constipation, so further studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in humans.

Neuroscientist Christof Koch is exploring one of science’s biggest unanswered questions: does the brain create consciousness, or simply interact with it? While modern neuroscience has made major advances in understanding brain function, the so-called “hard problem” of explaining subjective conscious experience remains unsolved. Koch argues that current materialist theories have yet to fully explain consciousness and is examining phenomena such as near-death experiences and terminal lucidity for potential clues. Although these ideas remain controversial and unproven, they challenge conventional thinking and raise the possibility that consciousness may be a fundamental feature of reality rather than a product of the brain alone.

A new study in rats suggests that signals travelling from the gut to the brain may play an important role in forming memories related to food. Researchers found that nutritious meals triggered stronger memory activity than sweet drinks with little nutritional value. When the vagus nerve, which carries signals from the gut to the brain, was blocked, the animals struggled to remember where food had been located. The study also found that long-term diets high in fat and sugar weakened this memory pathway. While the findings are limited to animal studies, they highlight a potential link between diet, gut health and memory that warrants further research in humans.

A preliminary study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin may help older adults maintain the strength and stamina needed for everyday activities. After three years, participants taking a multivitamin reported better functional health and greater ability to perform daily tasks compared with those receiving a placebo. Researchers believe the findings indicate that multivitamins may support healthy ageing by helping preserve physical function. However, the results have not yet undergone peer review, and more research is needed to confirm whether daily multivitamin use provides long-term benefits for maintaining independence in older adults.

Oral cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, with experts pointing to the growing use of smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, paan masala, flavoured supari and nicotine pouches. While tobacco and areca nut remain the leading causes in India, poor oral hygiene, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic mouth irritation, HPV infection and genetic factors may also contribute. Doctors warn that any mouth ulcer lasting longer than two weeks, persistent white or red patches, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck should be evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes and helps preserve speech, swallowing and overall quality of life.