Carbs have been getting a bad rap in recent years – some say unfairly. Blame low-carb diets – the weight-loss trend that's led many people to believe foods such as potatoes, pasta and fruit are inherently unhealthy. In truth, diet experts who actually know what they're talking about insist this is a myth. The real issue is not carbohydrates themselves, but highly processed carbs stripped of fibre, such as white bread, sugary cereals and sweet snacks, says consultant dietitian Sophie Medlin, director of CityDietitians. Whole-food carbohydrate sources – including grains, beans, vegetables and fruit – provide energy, fibre, vitamins and minerals and are consistently linked in large population studies to lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes ...
A warm cup of tea can trigger sweating and lower your body temperature, but only if you’re in an airy space Could a warm cup of tea really be the key to cooling down in hot weather? Or is that just something caffeine fiends tell themselves when they’re still working through a pot of coffee as the temperature hits 30C? Prof John Tregoning, the author of Live Forever? A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Ageing and Death, says it depends on the circumstances. He points to the work of Australian scientist Prof Ollie Jay, who is a world leader in researching heat and how it balances out in your body. When it comes to drinking a hot beverage, there are two effects on your body. “You’ve got the heat that the drink gives you, and then the amount ...
Tinnitus affects millions of people and it can take many different forms. But there are therapies that can help make it more bearable. For some it’s a high-pitched mosquito whine; for others it’s a low bass hum. It might come and go with periods of stress, or it might be the permanent, irritating background track to daily life and nightly sleep. Whatever form it takes, tinnitus – hearing sounds like ringing, buzzing or hissing when no external noise is there – can be extremely distressing because it’s quite literally in your head; there is no escaping it. Given that at least one-quarter of the population report experiencing tinnitus at some stage in their life, it’s surprising how little is understood about why. “The theory that’s most ...
