Want to live a healthier, happier life? Take a look at these five habits you need to start embracing…
1 Choose organic
Eating more organic foods may help lower your overall risk of developing cancer, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers studied 68 946 volunteers and found that those who most frequently ate organic food products had 25% fewer cancers than adults who never consumed organic foods.
ALSO SEE: What Is Organic Food?
2 Socialise more
Social isolation increases the risk of premature death from every cause and for every race, according to new research from the American Cancer Society. Without human contact, our blood pressure rises, inflammation is boosted, and many end up engaging in a poor diet and lack of physical activity.
3 Switch up your carbs
Despite their bad reputation, certain carbs offer great fibre, vitamins and minerals. “The key to consuming carbs healthily lies in the foods you choose,” explains nutritional therapist Sian Baker. “With white flour having been stripped of fibre, vitamins and minerals, switching to wholewheat pasta and bread will increase the value of carbohydrates, enabling you to feel the benefits.”
4 Get intimate
A Caerphilly-based study found those who make love twice a week have a reduced risk of death, compared with those who have sex less than once a month. Women who have regular sex have longer telomeres – a DNA component that indicates longevity – the longer they are, the longer you live.
ALSO SEE: 5 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life
5 Say thank you
Saying thank you more isn’t just polite, it can reduce symptoms of depression, too. Scientists at the University of California found ‘gratitude therapy’ – deliberately expressing thanks to those close to you for support – can combat depression, ease pain and improve heart health.
Words Emily Jefferies
