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New York Times
05-08-2025
- Health
- New York Times
This Heart-Healthy Diet Has a Nordic Twist
When Cecilie Kyro used to summer with her grandparents on the Danish islands of Langeland and Oro, a typical breakfast was cold, plain oatmeal. For lunch, she'd have an open-faced sandwich (called 'smorrebrod') on dense rye bread, often topped with pickled herring, a small, fatty fish preserved in vinegar-based brine. Dinner frequently included root vegetables with fish — or less frequently and in smaller portions, meat. Now, as an epidemiologist at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen, Dr. Kyro studies how this eating pattern, more recently coined the Nordic diet, influences disease risk. As with the famously healthy Mediterranean diet, the Nordic diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beneficial fats. While it hasn't been studied for as long as the Mediterranean diet, preliminary research suggests that the Nordic diet may have big rewards — especially for the heart. What is the Nordic diet? Similar to its southern cousin, the Nordic diet prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean proteins and fatty fish. The main difference is that it highlights food native to the Nordic region, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Instead of olive oil, the Nordic diet features rapeseed (or canola) oil — made from the rapeseed plant, which thrives in cooler temperatures. Root vegetables like turnips, carrots and parsnips, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower, are staples of the diet. Blueberries, strawberries, lingonberries (small, tart fruits similar to cranberries) and other berries also play a prominent role, as do fruits like apples and pears. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Air pollution exposure may raise risk of meningioma brain tumour, new research finds
Breathing polluted air daily may do more harm than we thought—especially to your brain. A new Danish study published in Neurology has found a potential link between long-term air pollution exposure and a higher risk of developing meningioma, a typically non-cancerous but serious type of brain tumour. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research followed nearly four million adults over 21 years and revealed that exposure to ultrafine particles—like those from traffic and diesel fumes—was associated with increased tumour risk. These findings add to growing evidence that air pollution doesn't just affect your lungs and heart—it may impact brain health too. Meningioma brain tumour development linked to air pollution in large-scale study A new large-scale has found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution over long periods may face an increased risk of developing meningioma—a type of brain tumour that is typically non-cancerous but can still cause serious health problems. Published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the study followed nearly four million Danish adults over a span of 21 years. Researchers tracked the development of tumours of the central nervous system and found that approximately 16,600 participants were diagnosed during that period—of which 4,600 cases were meningioma. What is meningioma brain tumour and why is it a concern? Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour. While usually benign (non-cancerous), they can grow large enough to press on nearby brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels, potentially leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or seizures. Because they grow slowly, they can go unnoticed for years. Ultrafine particles in air pollution linked to higher brain tumour risk To estimate long-term pollution exposure, researchers assessed air quality in participants' neighborhoods—particularly traffic-related emissions, diesel exhaust, and ultrafine particles such as those found in smoke and vehicle fumes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The analysis revealed a clear link between higher air pollution levels and increased risk of meningioma, especially in those exposed to ultrafine particles. However, no strong connection was observed between air pollution and more aggressive or cancerous tumours, such as gliomas. According to lead study author , a senior scientist at the Danish Cancer Institute, these findings add to the growing understanding that air pollution doesn't just harm the lungs and heart—but may also affect the brain. 'While research on the health effects of ultrafine particles is still in its early stages, these findings point to a possible link between traffic-related ultrafine particle exposure and the development of meningioma,' said Hvidtfeldt in a statement. How can air pollution affect brain health? Although the study does not establish direct causation, it strengthens the growing body of evidence suggesting that airborne pollutants can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially triggering inflammation or damage to brain tissue. Previous research has found that ultrafine particles, due to their small size, may penetrate deeply into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and reach the brain, where they may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases or cognitive decline. Other known risk factors for meningiomas brain tumour While the exact cause of meningioma is still unclear, other recognised risk factors include: Radiation exposure, especially during childhood Hormonal factors (more common in women) Genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) This study sheds new light on the possible role of environmental triggers like air quality in meningioma development. While the findings are significant, researchers noted several limitations. Pollution exposure was estimated based on outdoor air quality in residential areas and did not account for time spent indoors or at work, where pollution levels can differ. The authors emphasised that more detailed studies are needed to confirm these results and explore whether reducing air pollution could help lower the risk of developing brain tumours.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Breathing dirty air could raise the risk of a common brain tumour
Breathing in dirty air may not only affect the lungs but also raise the risk of developing a common type of brain tumour, a study has found. Scientists analysed several air pollutants, including those commonly linked to traffic – such as nitrogen dioxide and ultrafine particles which are often found in urban environments. The study, published in the journal Neurology found people exposed to this type of pollution are more likely to develop meningioma – a typically noncancerous brain tumour. 'Various types of air pollution have been shown to have negative effects on health, and ultrafine particles are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and may directly affect brain tissue,' said study author Dr Ulla Hvidtfeldt at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen. 'Our study suggests that long-term exposure to air pollution from traffic and other sources may play a role in the development of meningioma and adds to the growing body of evidence that air pollution can affect the brain – not just the heart and lungs.' This common type of brain tumour forms in the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour and make up around one in three of all primary brain and spinal cord tumours in adults in the UK, according to Macmillan. However, the findings do not prove that air pollution causes meningioma; they only show a link between the two. Data from almost 4million adults in Denmark with an average age of 35 were included in the study. The participants were followed over a 21-year period, during which time 16,596 people developed a tumour of the central nervous system including 4,645 who developed meningioma. Using home addresses and advanced modelling researchers were able to estimate long-term exposure to air pollution and calculated a 10-year average exposure to certain pollutants. Researchers looked at exposure to the following: ultrafine particles with particles less than 0.1 micrometers in diameter; fine particulate matter, also called PM2.5, with particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less; nitrogen dioxide, a gas mostly from traffic emissions; and elemental carbon, a marker of diesel pollution. People in the lowest group had an average 10-year exposure of 11,041 ultrafine particles per centimeter cubed (cm3) compared to people with the highest exposure of 21,715 particles/cm3. Those with the lowest level of exposure were compared to people with the highest. Researchers also adjusted for factors like age, sex, socioeconomic status. The results showed that people with a higher exposure to pollutants had a greater risk of developing meningioma. There was a 10 per cent higher risk for ultrafine particles for every increase of 5,747 particles/cm3, a 21 per cent higher risk for fine particulate matter for every increase of 4.0 micrograms per meter cubed (μg/m3), a 12 per cent risk increase for nitrogen dioxide for every 8.3 μg/m3 and a 3 per cent increase elemental carbon for every 0.4 μg/m3. Researchers did not find a strong link between these pollutants and more aggressive brain tumours.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Breathing dirty air could raise the risk of a common brain tumour
Breathing in dirty air may not only affect the lungs but also raise the risk of developing a common type of brain tumour, a study has found. Scientists analysed several air pollutants, including those commonly linked to traffic – such as nitrogen dioxide and ultrafine particles which are often found in urban environments. The study, published in the journal Neurology found people exposed to this type of pollution are more likely to develop meningioma – a typically noncancerous brain tumour. 'Various types of air pollution have been shown to have negative effects on health, and ultrafine particles are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and may directly affect brain tissue,' said study author Dr Ulla Hvidtfeldt at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen. 'Our study suggests that long-term exposure to air pollution from traffic and other sources may play a role in the development of meningioma and adds to the growing body of evidence that air pollution can affect the brain – not just the heart and lungs.' This common type of brain tumour forms in the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour and make up around one in three of all primary brain and spinal cord tumours in adults in the UK, according to Macmillan. However, the findings do not prove that air pollution causes meningioma; they only show a link between the two. Data from almost 4million adults in Denmark with an average age of 35 were included in the study. The participants were followed over a 21-year period, during which time 16,596 people developed a tumour of the central nervous system including 4,645 who developed meningioma. Using home addresses and advanced modelling researchers were able to estimate long-term exposure to air pollution and calculated a 10-year average exposure to certain pollutants. Researchers looked at exposure to the following: ultrafine particles with particles less than 0.1 micrometers in diameter; fine particulate matter, also called PM2.5, with particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less; nitrogen dioxide, a gas mostly from traffic emissions; and elemental carbon, a marker of diesel pollution. People in the lowest group had an average 10-year exposure of 11,041 ultrafine particles per centimeter cubed (cm3) compared to people with the highest exposure of 21,715 particles/cm3. Those with the lowest level of exposure were compared to people with the highest. Researchers also adjusted for factors like age, sex, socioeconomic status. The results showed that people with a higher exposure to pollutants had a greater risk of developing meningioma. There was a 10 per cent higher risk for ultrafine particles for every increase of 5,747 particles/cm3, a 21 per cent higher risk for fine particulate matter for every increase of 4.0 micrograms per meter cubed (μg/m3), a 12 per cent risk increase for nitrogen dioxide for every 8.3 μg/m3 and a 3 per cent increase elemental carbon for every 0.4 μg/m3.
Medical News Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Healthy aging: Eating more berries, flavanoids may be key
A new study has found a link between consuming more berries and healthier aging. Vera Lair/Stocksy As people are living longer, there is a greater emphasis on healthy aging. Diet is one aspect that can contribute to healthier aging. A new study found that consuming more foods and beverages rich in flavonoids may help lower a person's risk of certain aspects of unhealthy aging, such as frailty and poor mental health. People are living longer than ever before. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people globally ages 60 and over is expected to jump from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion in 2030, to 2.1 billion by 2050. Additionally, the number of centenarians—people aged 100 years or more—is expected to reach almost 4 million by 2054. With people expected to live for longer, there has been a research emphasis on finding ways to ensure they age in a healthy way, with a high quality of life and free of major disease. 'As people live longer, we want to ensure they stay healthy and independent for as long as possible,' Nicola Bondonno, PhD, post-doctoral researcher at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, told Medical News Today . 'Finding natural, everyday ways to support healthy aging, like through diet, offers a low-cost, accessible approach that can have a big impact on quality of life and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.' Bondonno is the first author of a new study recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found consuming more foods and beverages rich in the phytochemical compound flavonoids may help lower a person's risk of certain aspects of unhealthy aging, such as frailty and poor mental health. Flavonoids are found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods, such as: Berries like blueberries and raspberries Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit Dark chocolate Fruits such as peaches and bananas Green and black tea Leafy greens such as kale and spinach Red wine Vegetables such as peas, onions, and tomatoes '(Flavonoids are) what give many plants their vibrant colors, but they also seem to have health-promoting properties,' Bondonno said. 'We focused on flavonoids because our previous research suggests they may protect against chronic diseases. 'Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help protect the body's cells from damage as we age. They also support blood vessel health and may help preserve muscle and brain function. While not all flavonoids work in the same way, many appear to support the body's systems that tend to decline with age.' — Nicola Bondonno, PhD Health data included the amount of flavonoid-rich foods and beverages study participants consumed, as well as information on their incident frailty, physical function, and mental health. At the study's conclusion, scientists found that female study participants with the highest flavonoid intake had a 15% lower risk of frailty, as well as a 12% lesser chance of impaired physical function. 'These findings suggest that diets rich in flavonoid-containing foods may help older women maintain strength and mobility as they age — key factors in staying independent, avoiding falls, and preserving overall quality of life,' Bondonno explained. 'Even modest improvements like these can make a real difference in someone's ability to live well into older age.' These same female participants also experienced a 12% lower risk of having poor mental health. Improved mental health 'Women with the highest flavonoid intake had a 12% lower risk of having evidence of mental health concerns such as feeling low, lacking energy, or having depressive symptoms. This finding is important because it shows that what we eat may play a role in supporting not just our physical health, but our emotional and psychological well-being as we age.' — Nicola Bondonno, PhD Interestingly, Bondonno and her team did not find that high consumption of flavonoid-rich foods impact male participants in the same way it did female participants. While male study participants with the highest flavonoid intake experienced a 15% decrease in their risk of poor mental health, there was no benefit when it came to lowering frailty or impaired physical function risks. Men vs. women 'It's possible that the difference we saw between men and women has more to do with how the study was structured than a true biological difference. The men were followed for a shorter period of time, so we may not have had enough data to detect certain effects. More research is needed to understand whether men and women truly respond differently to flavonoids.' — Nicola Bondonno, PhD 'Our next steps are to explore the two-way relationship between flavonoids and well-being — looking not only at how flavonoids may support mental health, but also how a person's well-being might influence their intake of flavonoid-rich foods,' she continued. 'We also plan to continue investigating how these foods can be used to support healthy aging and help people live longer, disease-free lives.' MNT had the opportunity to speak with Manisha Parulekar, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD, director of the Division of Geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center and co-director of the Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, about this study. 'Flavonoids are potent antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects,' Parulekar said. 'Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are considered key drivers of aging and age-related diseases. By potentially slowing down these processes, flavonoids could theoretically slow down negative aspects of aging.' Parulekar said that lifestyle modifications to improve the aging process through diet offer a proactive, accessible, and potentially transformative approach to promoting healthy longevity for everyone. 'It represents a shift towards preventative healthcare and empowers individuals to take an active role in shaping their own health trajectory,' she continued. 'Focusing on diet promotes a more holistic approach to health, addressing the root causes of aging-related decline rather than just treating symptoms. Dietary changes often have positive ripple effects on other aspects of health, such as weight management, energy levels, and mood.' For readers who would like to add more flavonoids to their diet, we asked Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, for her top tips. 'Flavonoids, including the six subtypes related to dietary sources — anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones, flavanones, and isoflavones — have been attributed to protecting cell degradation from oxidative stress and free radicals, as well as being anti-inflammatory due to their concentrated antioxidant levels. They also can act as a chelator (binder) to oxidizing effects of metal ions like zinc, iron, and copper.' — Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN Richard encouraged readers to consider the numerous foods rich in flavonoids and consider where they may be able to be added throughout the day and week. 'When you think of 'flavonoids' think of flavor and see how adding some flare to your daily foods can punch up their benefit and appeal,' she continued. 'Also keep in mind the benefit and bioavailability varies by food and per person — keeping the diet diverse and varied is key.' Richard said a sample diet featuring three servings of flavonol-rich foods a day may look like: Breakfast: A cup of green tea or a smoothie with berries A cup of green tea or a smoothie with berries Lunch: A lean protein atop a salad with kale, apples, walnuts, Gorgonzola, and balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing (with chives and garlic) A lean protein atop a salad with kale, apples, walnuts, Gorgonzola, and balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing (with chives and garlic) Dinner: 4 ounces of fatty cold water fish such as salmon or tilapia, topped with a strawberry salsa, 3/4 cup roasted sweet potatoes and 2/3 cup long grain rice, 2 ounces dark chocolate, and 5 ounces red wine or grape juice Nutrition / Diet Seniors / Aging
