Olive oil may reduce your risk of dementia-related death – and 4 other things we learned about healthy living this week

Welcome to your weekly roundup of health news you may have missed. This week, experts spoke to Yahoo about the rise in colorectal cancers among children and what could be driving this alarming trend. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said doctors found a dead worm in his brain. And Jessica Biel explained why she bathed in 20 pounds of Epsom salt before the Met Gala.

Back in the news this week is Panera Bread, whose highly caffeinated “loaded lemonade” is being phased out following several lawsuits. In the meantime, Oprah Winfrey said she was “done with diet culture” during a live-streamed conversation with WeightWatchers.

In addition to this health news, new studies explore the benefits of bird watching and olive oil. Here’s what you need to know.

🐦 Want to reduce stress? Try bird watching

Look at the sky to feel better? It’s worth a try, according to a new study from North Carolina State University. The study found that students who participated in nature-based experiences reported better well-being and less psychological distress – and that bird watching was particularly effective, even compared to outdoor activities like walks in nature.

🧑‍🍼 The pressure to be a perfect parent is bad for everyone’s mental health

A recent study by researchers at the Ohio State University College of Nursing, which surveyed more than 700 parents, found that 57 percent reported feeling exhausted. Parental burnout, linked to unrealistic expectations about their role, was also associated with an increase in mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, in children. Meanwhile, spending more free time playing with children – and reducing structured activities – is correlated with a decrease in these mental health problems in children.

🫒 Olive oil may have major benefits for the brain

A new observational study published in JAMA Network Open found that participants who included half a tablespoon of olive oil in their diet each day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared to those who did not. did not consume it. Those who consumed more olive oil had a lower risk overall, regardless of the rest of their diet.

🍰 Ultra-processed foods can lead to premature death

A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal BMJ found that people who ate more ultra-processed foods (such as biscuits, sugary cereals and chicken nuggets) had a 4% higher risk of death . The study, which looked at the eating habits of 115,000 people without a history of cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, found that meat products, as well as sugary foods like ice cream and soda, were particularly associated with to mortality.

🚴‍♀️ Moving more can ease symptoms of depression

A new study from the University of Toronto found that people with depression had lower levels of physical activity and those who moved less were more likely to have more severe symptoms. However, the opposite was also true: those who moved more were more likely to have better moods. The study authors suggest that while depression can affect a person in the long term, it may not be as significant as the impact of current activity levels, highlighting the importance of not only staying active on your physical health but also on your mental and emotional health. .