When it comes to longevity, much of the focus has been on the foods you eat and the best types of exercise. For good reason too - regular exercise and eating well can slash your risk of chronic disease, namely heart disease, which claims millions of lives each year. However, there are other lifestyle habits that contribute to longevity and research suggests they should not be overlooked.

Specifically, the researchers sought to determine the extent to which social relationships influence risk for mortality, which aspects of social relationships are most highly predictive, and which factors may moderate the risk.

Data were extracted on several participant characteristics, including cause of mortality, initial health status, and pre-existing health conditions, as well as on study characteristics, including length of follow-up and type of assessment of social relationships.

Drawing on 148 studies, the researchers put a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival for participants with stronger social relationships.

This finding remained consistent across age, sex, initial health status, cause of death, and follow-up period.

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Significant differences were found across the type of social dynamic evaluated.

For example, the association was strongest for complex measures of social integration.

In contrast, the outcomes were poorest for those living alone.

The result is not entirely surprising.

Although its hard to measure social isolation and loneliness precisely, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cite a number of studies found that tie social isolation to poorer health outcomes.

In one study, social isolation significantly increased a persons risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

In another, social isolation was associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of dementia.

What's more, poor social relationships (characterised by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke.

Other evidence suggests loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

Furthermore, loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly four times increased risk of death, 68 percent increased risk of hospitalisation, and 57 percent increased risk of emergency department visits in one study.

"Your doctor can assess your risk for loneliness and social isolation and get you connected to community resources for help, if needed," notes the CDC.

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The habit that may increase your chances of longevity by 50% - its not exercise or diet - Express

Visceral fat lurks within your abdominal cavity, neighbouring important organs such as the liver, stomach, kidneys, and intestines. The belly fat has been linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Fortunately, you can beat the belly fat into submission by improving your diet.

One study found that for every 10-gram increase in soluble fibre eaten per day, visceral fat was reduced by 3.7 percent over five years.

Ten grams of soluble fibre can be achieved by eating two small apples, one cup of green peas and one-half cup of pinto beans; moderate activity means exercising vigorously for 30 minutes, two to four times a week, said Kristen Hairston, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest Baptist and lead researcher on the study.

In addition, increased moderate activity resulted in a 7.4 percent decrease in the rate of visceral fat accumulation over the same time period.

For the study, published in the journal Obesity, researchers examined whether lifestyle factors, such as diet and frequency of exercise, were associated with a five-year change in abdominal fat of African Americans and Hispanic Americans; populations at a disproportionately higher risk for developing high blood pressure and diabetes and accumulating visceral fat.

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At the beginning of the study, which involved 1,114 people, the participants were given a physical exam, an extensive questionnaire on lifestyle issues, and a CT scan, the only accurate way to measure how much subcutaneous (the fat you can pinch) and visceral fat the participants had.

Five years later, the exact same process was repeated.

Researchers found that increased soluble fibre intake was associated with a decreased rate of accumulated visceral fat, but not subcutaneous fat.

"There is mounting evidence that eating more soluble fibre and increasing exercise reduces visceral or belly fat, although we still don't know how it works," Hairston said.

"Although the fibre-obesity relationship has been extensively studied, the relationship between fibre and specific fat deposits has not. Our study is valuable because it provides specific information on how dietary fibre, especially soluble fibre, may affect weight accumulation through abdominal fat deposits."

According to Bupa, "combining resistance (strength) exercise and cardiovascular exercise is ideal" for burning the belly fat.

The health body continued: "Resistance exercises are a great way of helping you to maintain your muscle mass and your glucose metabolism (the way your body processes sugar and uses it for fuel), which are important for managing your weight."

As it reports, resistance training has also been shown to reduce fat around your tummy area.

According to the NHS, you should do strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) on at least two days a week.

You should also do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week, advises the health body.

Moderate activity will raise your heart rate, and make you breathe faster and feel warmer.

Vigorous intensity activity makes you breathe hard and fast.

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How to lose visceral fat: Four cheap and simple ways to burn belly fat in the 'long run' - Express

Cardiometabolic diseases are the number one cause of death in the world. Cardiometabolic diseases are a group of common but often preventable conditions including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Reducing your risk of developing cardiometabolic diseasesis therefore a key ingredient to achieving longevity.

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition aimed to investigate the association of diet quality with cardiometabolic diseasefree life expectancy between ages 50 and 85.

Researchers assessed the relationship between the health outcomes of 8041 participants of the Whitehall II cohort study (an interdisciplinary study of ageing) and adherence to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010).

The AHEI-2010 is based on 11 components: six components for which the highest intakes were supposed to be ideal (vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and legumes and polyunsaturated fats), one component for which only moderate intake was supposed to be ideal (alcohol), and four components for which avoidance or lowest intake were supposed to be ideal (sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juice, red and processed meat, trans-fats, and sodium).

Each component was given a minimal score of 0 and a maximal score of 10.

READ MORE:How to live longer: The simple and free daily habit thats linked to a longer lifespan

A higher score represented a healthier diet.

Cardiometabolic diseasefree life expectancy was defined based on the years without these chronic diseases.

The number of cardiometabolic diseasefree life-years after age 50 was 23.9 years for participants with the healthiest diet, that is, a higher score on the AHEI-2010, and 21.4 years for participants with the unhealthiest diet.

The association between diet quality and cardiometabolic diseasefree life expectancy followed a doseresponse pattern, meaning the more participants adhered to the dietary pattern, the greater the benefits.

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What's more, the finding was consistent across occupational position, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, and smoking habit.

"Healthier dietary habits are associated with cardiometabolic diseasefree life expectancy between ages 50 and 85," the researchers concluded.

Cutting back on saturated fat is key to living a long life.

Saturated fat is the kind of fat found in butter, lard, ghee, fatty meats and cheese.

"To reduce our risk of ill health from inactivity, we are advised to exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes a week, and reduce sitting time," advises the NHS.

According to the health body, sitting for long periods is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat.

"Many adults in the UK spend around nine hours a day sitting," it adds.

"This includes watching TV, using a computer, reading, doing homework, travelling by car, bus or train but does not include sleeping."

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How to live longer: The diet linked to a disease-free life expectancy past the age of 50 - Express

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us to isolate and disrupted our usual routinesespecially those related to exercise. If you haven't resumed regular physical activity, a new study might make you want to get back on the horse (or bike, as it were). It found that being inactive has a potentially very serious consequence. Read on to find out moreand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You Have "Long" COVID and May Not Even Know It.

According to the study published in the journal Stroke, people younger than 60 who reported sitting for eight or more hours dailyand not being otherwise physically activewere seven times more likely to have a stroke than people who were sedentary for less than four hours and got at least 10 minutes of exercise every day.

Researchers looked at the health data of 143,000 adults registered with the Canadian Community Health Survey, which tracked participantsall 40 years and older, with no prior history of strokefor an average of 9.4 years.

"Sedentary time is increasing in the United States and Canada," said lead study author Dr. Raed Joundi of the University of Calgary. "Sedentary time is the duration of awake activities that are done sitting or lying down. Leisure sedentary time is specific to the sedentary activities done while not at work. It is important to understand whether high amounts of sedentary time can lead to stroke in young individuals, as a stroke can cause premature death or significantly impair function and quality of life."

"Sedentary time is thought to impair glucose, lipid metabolism and blood flow, and increase inflammation in the body," Joundi told CNN. "These changes, over time, may have adverse effects on the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke."

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"Physical activity has a very important role in that it reduces the actual time spent sedentary, and it also seems to diminish the negative impact of excess sedentary time," said Joundi.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, each week.

Joundi told CNN that ideally, that activity is done for more than 10 minutes at a time. "Activities are considered moderate intensity when you are exercising enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat, such as brisk walking or biking." Examples of vigorous activity include running, rowing or swimming.

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Other studies have found that 10 risk factors are associated with 90% of strokes, Joundi said, so "90% of strokes could in theory be avoided if all of these risk factors were removed in a population." They are:

"Improving physical activity is only one important component of stroke risk reduction, together with a nutritious diet, smoking cessation, and diagnosing and treating conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes," said Joundi. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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Never Do This or Risk a Stroke, Says New Study | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have made it more challenging to exercise as often (or as intensely) as some people did before.

In fact, many of us have found ourselves practicing a more sedentary lifestyle, gaining unwanted weight over the past year.

But as restrictions ease, a number of us have started thinking how to approach losing weight and embracing exercise in a healthy, measured way.

New research published in the journal Nutrients may make that task easier.

The study examined the connection between physical activity and its effects on both how and what we eat.

The findings offer some interesting insight into our relationship with fitness and food, and may help provide a clearer road map for people looking to make lifestyle changes.

For the study, researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Nebraska surveyed 41 healthy adults 23 women and 18 men between ages 19 and 29.

The participants had an average body mass index (BMI) of 23.7. This is an estimate of body fat based on height and weight.

Generally, a BMI over 25 indicates a person might be overweight.

They were then randomly assigned either a 45-minute session of exercise or a 45-minute rest period at their first visit. They would then switch and complete the opposite session at their second visit with the researchers.

During each visit, those assigned to the exercise group were given electronic questionnaires before physical activity about how hungry or full they were, their preferred amount of food to eat, and a choice between types of food that differed in how long it would take to eat them.

The participants would then let the researchers know what their preferred food quantities were by writing down the portion size they would like for each type of food item.

The researchers collected these preferences for both immediate and later consumption of the food after 4 hours.

Once they answered this questionnaire, participants would complete their 45 minutes of exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Right after finishing, they would complete the questionnaire a second time and then again after a 30-minute recess.

Those who werent in the exercise group still completed all three rounds of questionnaires, but instead of 45 minutes of exercise, they had periods of rest.

The results?

The researchers found that exercise offered a greater increase in food quantities people chose. This was both right after exercise and then 30 minutes later.

They also found that exercise resulted in more desire for immediate consumption right after finishing their workout and 30 minutes after.

Most surprising to us was that the increase in hypothetical preferences for food amount and immediate consumption were already apparent, albeit not as strong, immediately after the exercise bout, study author Karsten Khler, PhD, professor of exercise, nutrition, and health at TUM, told Healthline.

Khler said that his research team expected the increase would be noticeable after the 30-minute postexercise period, but anticipated no increase right after exercise.

He said this is due to whats called exercise-induced anorexia, or a reduction in a persons sense of hunger or appetite during and right after exercise.

This phenomenon is caused by anorexigenic hormones and reactions in appetite-stimulating hormones as a result of exercise.

However, the fact that increases were less robust immediately after exercise when compared to 30-minute postexercise somewhat validates our initial assumption, he added.

When asked why someone might overeat or eat higher quantities of food after exercising, Khler said we generally know that the body responds to both psychological and physiological cues from exercise.

The psychological involves the sense of seeking a reward for completing a workout, while the physiological derives from metabolic and endocrine cues from your body that stimulate food intake in order to compensate for the increased energy expenditure of exercise, he said.

The research done by Khler and his team is certainly timely.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that obesity defined as a BMI of 30 or higher has tripled globally since 1975, and that 39 percent of adults 18 and over were overweight, according to 2016 figures.

About 13 percent of these people were living with obesity.

Concerns over weight and whether people are practicing enough physical activity have only been exacerbated during the pandemic.

Another recent study showed 61 percent of U.S. adults gained weight during the current health crisis, citing stress, lack of activity, and unhealthy shifts in eating habits as main drivers for weight changes.

When asked how common it is for people to practice the eating behaviors shown by the new study, Erica Sander, an exercise physiologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), said that your body is smart, it will want to replace the energy it used.

The highly palatable foods, like pizza, can be more appealing when you are famished from a workout. If you are trying to lose fat mass and continuing rewarding every workout with extra calories, the scale wont budge, she told Healthline.

Sander, who wasnt affiliated with the new study, said that fat loss is not a math equation of calories in and calories out, its more like a chemistry set yoga, running, french fries, kale, stress from work, and a comfy couch at home all have a different impact on hormones in your body.

In order to lose weight, you need to maintain a caloric deficit, which is mainly driven by reduced calorie intake, Sander explained.

David Janke, an exercise physiologist at UCSF, added that most people know in general what they should or shouldnt eat after a workout.

I think there is a portion of people that exercise so they think they can eat whatever they want. However, this is a huge misconception that people have. To lose weight you must consume less calories than your body is using, he told Healthline, echoing Sander.

Janke used the example of someone doing a big workout that burns 600 calories, such as an hour of vigorous cardio exercise. Following that physical activity, they then consume a large jelly doughnut thats also roughly 600 calories.

The hard work and exercise they did is now a wash because consuming a food that has literally no nutritional value and tons [of] calories puts the person right back where they started before the hour of cardio, said Janke, who also wasnt affiliated with the new study.

A huge portion of losing weight comes from what you eat, he added.

Khler said that planning your postexercise snack or meal before you actually work out might be a good way to go, rather than impulsively opting for those doughnuts.

Secondly, we also saw that there is a rather large inter-individual variability. Some participants wanted much more, others wanted less, he said.

That way, not everyone needs to follow my first advice. However, based on what we know from the literature and also from some preliminary analyses of our data set, those who are more likely to overeat following exercise also tend to have a higher weight/BMI, Khler explained.

Janke recommends you try to eat your meals at the same time each day. This allows your body to know when food is coming, and it can have something of a domino effect, helping with your appetite, digestion, and the rate at which your body processes fat, sugar, and cholesterol.

I also recommend that if someone is trying to lose weight and really has to have an unhealthy calorie-dense meal, then they should consume that meal for breakfast, Janke added. Giving your body a chance to use those calories throughout the day and for the exercise session.

Sander agreed with the above points, saying that having a plan is key. You should always plan to fuel your exercise as well as your recovery from exercise.

Your plan doesnt have to be stacked containers of meal prep in the fridge, it can start by only buying the food that fits your plan, she added.

What about recommendations for go-to foods?

Janke encourages people to have a snack of some kind within 30 to 45 minutes after their workout. He said thats the crucial anabolic window when its best to refuel your muscles after exercise.

A few of my go-to recommendations for a postexercise snack include: apples with a natural nut butter no additives hummus with carrots and broccoli, plain organic Greek yogurt with berries, and almonds with sweet potatoes, he said.

Sander said it really depends on the individual.

It varies depending on that persons nutritional needs and the kinds of exercise theyve just completed. A heavy gym session or a long bike ride might require completely different fuel before and after workout.

Sander also asserted that snacks and meals are different.

Some people swear they love a green protein shake after a workout where I usually prefer to have a meal. One of my first suggestions that fits many diet styles is to add more veggies and drink water, Sander said.

As a mountain biker, I need to have a plan for pre-, during, and post-rides. I like having a stack of waffles in the freezer, both sweet and savory; and its always a crowd pleaser if you bring enough to share, Sander added.

Both Janke and Sander said the pandemic weve been living through has certainly made life more complicated especially when it comes to approaching overall health, exercise, and nutrition.

The pandemic has created a unique situation where a lot of people are gaining weight. I believe there are several factors that contribute to the recent gain in weight seen in many Americans. Factors such as stress eating and increased inactivity due to the inability to do the physical activities people once did, Janke said.

Gyms have been closed, group exercise classes have been canceled, and the push to socially distance ourselves have made it harder for a lot of Americans to get the recommended amount of physical activity they should be getting, he added.

Sander said that its been a challenge for many this past year, especially with the loss of a sense of routine.

Today is a great day to start: Can you find an activity that you are comfortable with?' she said.

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How Exercise Can Influence What We Eat and How Much - Healthline

Whether she's walking the runways at Paris Fashion Week or posing poolside for a print campaign, Bella Hadid has made a career of staying fit. However, you won't find the star sacrificing her health or happiness to get into runway-ready shape. In series of new ab-bearing photos, Hadid revealed her "secret" to her followers.

Read on to discover the star's exact diet and workout plan. And for more insight into how your favorite stars get in shape, check out Bachelorette Star Andi Dorfman Reveals Exact Workout and Diet in New Bikini Pics.

On April 20, Hadid posted a series of photos of herself to Instagram, revealing her toned abs, legs, and arms. "The secret is being yourself," she captioned the pictures. "Oooohhhh I just gave it away to em."

The star has admitted in the past that regular exercise is also an essential tool in her healthy living arsenaland one that similarly boosts her confidence.

"Put in 100% from the start to the end of a workout. There is nothing better than to push yourself to the limit, while making the most of it. Going to the gym for two hours with only 50% motivation is the best way of erasing the feeling of accomplishment and well-being that boosts self-confidence that you get from a workout," she told Vogue France.

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So, exactly how does a supermodel getand stayin shape? Hadid says that boxing has been a game-changer when it comes to keeping her toned and motivated.

"I train with my coach for intensive sessions. I run non-stop for 20 minutes followed by a boxing session and finally a series of weights targeting the abs and glutes," she told Vogue France. She even admitted to the magazine that her sister Gigi Hadid is her dream sparring partner, calling the fellow model "strong and sturdy both mentally and physically."

To keep her energy high during her workout, Hadid told Vogue France that she drinks "a smoothie, a juice, or a protein drink 30 minutes before the session." After she's done, she typically eats a meal with a mixture of protein and carbs, like chicken and brown rice. And for more celebrity transformations, check out Nicole Scherzinger Shares Her Exact Diet and Workouts in New Bikini Pics.

It's not just pre- and post-workout snacks that keep Hadid going strong all day. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Hadid revealed that she has "really low blood sugar" and has to "eat all the time" to keep her energy up.

"I like having a good protein meal because I get really tired if I eat too much, so I try to fill myself up with things that will make me feel good," said the star.

Hadid doesn't shy away from her favorite carbs, either. The supermodel told Harper's Bazaar that, on mornings off when she doesn't feel like cooking, she typically visits the bagel shop near her apartment. "My go-to is an egg sandwich on a plain bagel," says Hadid.

She relies on coffee to keep her energy up, as well. "I'm also a big coffee drinker," she told Bazaar. "I'll have three espressos before noon." And if you want to know how stars shape up, check out DWTS Star Witney Carson Reveals Her Exact 30-Day Weight Loss Plan.

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This Is Bella Hadid's Exact Diet and Workout Plan | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Fruits are generally considered healthy as part of a balanced diet. However, some people with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions may find some fruits more suitable than others.

Whole fruits can be part of an overall healthy diet for many people. Diets that are rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support overall health and may help prevent some chronic conditions.

Fruits contain nutrients that may be lacking in the average diet, along with other beneficial plant compounds, such as various antioxidants.

For some people, certain types of fruit may be more desirable than others.

Some people or diets may consider certain fruits unhealthy, and, in some cases, there may be healthier alternatives for people to consider.

This article looks at why people with certain dietary restrictions or health conditions may wish to avoid certain fruits, which fruits they may wish to avoid, and some alternatives they may consider healthier.

Although fruit is generally a healthy staple in any diet, there are some factors that may make certain fruits unhealthy by a persons individual standards, based on any health conditions, dietary restrictions, or weight loss goals they may have.

For example, some people following low carbohydrate or ketogenic diets may restrict their fruit intake.

The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking system for carb foods such as fruit to measure how they affect blood sugar levels after a person eats them.

Foods with higher GI scores affect blood sugar more after ingestion, so they may not be the most healthy option for people who need to control their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes.

Even aside from GI scores, some people may be looking to cut higher sugar sources from their diet.

In general, fruit is a rich source of dietary sugars. This extra sugar may lead to the person eating more calories than intended.

For others, the sugar itself may be the thing they wish to avoid.

Some people may also look to eliminate certain fruits for being high in fats.

Fruits such as avocado and coconut are naturally high in fats. People who are following a low fat diet may not consider these fruits healthy for them, or they may want to avoid the extra calories from fat that these fruits have.

It is important to keep in mind that most whole fruits are healthy when a person eats them in moderation and as a part of a balanced diet.

No fruits are truly unhealthy in and of themselves.

However, some people may simply prefer not to eat certain fruits due to their higher sugar, fat, or calorie level that may interfere with their weight loss goals, current diet, or dietary restrictions.

Others, such as those with diabetes or allergies, may need to watch their intake of certain fruits for health reasons.

The following sections look at some fruits that certain people may consider unhealthy.

Bananas contain a number of important nutrients.

However, some people may not enjoy eating bananas due to their higher amounts of carbs, sugars, and calories per serving.

One banana contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Mangoes are rich in vitamins and some antioxidants.

However, they are also very rich in sugars that may affect blood sugar levels, so some people may need to avoid eating them.

One cup of mango contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and important nutrients.

However, they also have a lot of sugar per serving, with little fiber to balance this out. Some people may choose to avoid eating cherries for this reason.

One cup of cherries contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm, and people use it for its meat, water, and oil.

Coconut is very high in fat, so it may not be ideal for people who are looking to reduce their fat or calorie intake.

One cup of fresh coconut contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Grapes contain important vitamins and antioxidants.

However, they are also high in sugars and have little fiber to balance this out.

One cup of grapes contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Lychees have a highly fragrant smell and taste, and they contain beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.

However, they may be too sweet for some people, and they have very little fiber to balance out their sugar content.

One cup of lychees contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Oranges are sources of fiber, water, and important vitamins, such as vitamin C.

Orange juice is a popular way to consume oranges, but it may not be as healthy as oranges themselves.

The juicing process removes much of the fiber from an orange, making it easier to consume more of it without becoming full.

Orange juice is also rich in sugars and is quite acidic, which may contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel.

About 1 cup of orange juice contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Dried fruit has had all of its water removed.

The result is a smaller, more nutrient dense version of the fruit. These tend to be sweeter and smaller than their whole fruit alternatives, which may make it easier to overeat them.

People who are watching their calorie or sugar intake may, therefore, want to avoid dried fruits.

When people use the term unhealthy fruits, they may be referring to the balance between sugars and fiber, the fat or carb content of the fruit, or other factors, such as the levels of vitamins or antioxidants in the fruit.

From these perspectives, there may be some fruits that are preferable for some people and in some diets.

In general, berries are well-rounded from a nutritional standpoint.

Although their exact composition will vary, many berries are typically lower in sugar than many other fruits and contain beneficial fiber and vitamins.

Berries also tend to have higher levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants that may support overall health.

Because of their unique composition, berries have been the subject of many studies.

For example, one meta-analysis in the journal Nutrients notes that having a high intake of various berries may help reduce weight, decrease caloric intake, and reduce the risk of conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer.

Watermelons name derives from the fact that it mostly comprises water. It is very low in calories while providing the sweet taste that many people desire from fruit.

One cup of watermelon contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Apples are rich in water and healthy fibers that may be more filling than some other options without being very calorie dense. They also provide important antioxidants to the body.

One large apple contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Grapefruit is low in calories and high in nutrients, including a number of helpful antioxidants.

One cup of grapefruit contains:

It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:

Although no fruit is inherently unhealthy, it is important to consider fruits in the context of a balanced, healthy diet.

Overeating some foods especially those high in sugars, fats, or calories may not be right for people with certain conditions or dietary restrictions.

These people may consider some fruits less healthy than others based on their personal needs. Trying other alternatives may help them maintain their health or reach their weight or body composition goals.

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Which fruits are less healthy, and which are better for you? - Medical News Today

A plant-based diet has several benefits, including reducing stroke risk and improving overall cardiovascular health, according to a new study by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

After looking at health data of more than 200,000 men and women, researchers found that those who reported a regular consumption of plant-based foods had a 10% lower risk of experiencing a stroke.

Plant-based diets include dark leafy greens, whole grains and beans.

Letting a disagreement fester can not only hurt a relationship, it also can hurt a persons health.

Thats according to a new study that shows if an argument lasts for a long time, it can directly affect a persons health.

But exactly how long is too long?

Oregon State University researchers used data from the National Study of Daily Experiences and determined that any disagreements should be resolved on the day they happen to prevent a prolonged increase in negative emotions.

Source: The Journals of Gerontology

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Vigorous workouts caffeinated workouts, leafy greens and muscles, plant-based diet cardio benefits, arguments and health - nwitimes.com

The term freshman 15 is commonly used in America to describe the weight students tend to gain during their freshman year in college, which is believed to be around 15 pounds (7 kg).

While first-year college students might not gain exactly 15 pounds (7 kg), studies show that most college students gain some weight during their first year.

For example, in a review of 32 studies, researchers found that more than 60% of college students gained an average of 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg) during their freshman year (1).

Thats a faster pace of weight gain than in the rest of the population (1).

This weight gain may not be surprising, considering that college is a big lifestyle shift for students. It also tends to be the first time many students make all their own decisions around eating and exercise (2).

Freshman 15 is a term used for the weight students tend to gain in their first year in college. While it may not be exactly 15 pounds (7 kg), studies suggest most students gain some weight in their first year.

There are many reasons college students may gain weight during their first year.

The following information explains some but not all of the common reasons for gaining weight.

In the United States, most students move onto their schools campus, where they have prepaid meal plans for the duration of the semester.

Since cooking in the dorms is hard and sometimes impossible if you dont have access to kitchen facilities, meal plans are typically your best bet.

With meal plans, you typically have to swipe your student ID or prepaid meal card to access the cafeteria, where you can fill your tray with what youd like to eat.

Although many campus menus offer healthy options, it can be tempting to go for less healthy processed foods, especially when people around you may be eating those less healthy foods or when youve had a long, stressful day of studying and activities (3).

It may also be harder to control portion sizes when food is served in an all you can eat format, which could contribute to greater calorie intake that leads to weight gain.

College also involves a lot of social events put on by various clubs, organizations, and dorms. They tend to include food, and the options are often limited to takeout foods such as pizza.

One study of 756 first-year college students found that after starting college, students who lived on campus generally ate fewer healthy food options such as fruits, veggies, and dairy products (4).

Calories dont count more significantly when consumed at night. However, studies show that late eaters tend to eat more calories overall.

In one study, researchers found that people who ate between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. consumed around 500 more calories per day and gained about 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) more per year than people who ate only during daylight hours (5).

One reason for this may be that people who commonly eat late at night tend to go for more convenient, less healthy, high calorie foods since it may be harder to make healthy food choices late at night.

This may be especially true when youre on campus with limited food options outside of the dining hall.

On top of this, studies suggest that up to 60% of college students find themselves sleep-deprived for various reasons, such as studying late (6).

People who are sleep-deprived tend to consume more calories and crave foods that are convenient and less healthy and contain more calories (7, 8).

The college experience can be both exciting and stressful.

Many students may find themselves stressed with the pressure to do well on exams, balance their studies with social life, and cope with the financial burden of student loans.

Studies have found that people who are stressed are more likely to gain weight for reasons such as altered hunger hormones and increased cravings (9, 10, 11).

Plus, many people find themselves seeking comfort in food during stressful times. At those times, they may tend to eat highly palatable, less nutritious foods that are high in sugar and fat, such as ice cream, chocolate, lollipops, and potato chips (12).

College is the period of life when many people start drinking alcohol.

While the occasional drink likely wont contribute to much weight gain, heavy drinking during your freshman year can quickly rack up excess calories.

Studies estimate that more than 30% of American college students drink heavily, with more than 42% of students reporting one or more episodes of heavy drinking in a month (defined as more than five standard drinks for men and four for women) (13).

Consuming alcohol frequently can quickly increase your calorie intake and lead to weight gain, as alcohol itself provides 7 calories per gram. Also, alcoholic drinks may contain additional calories from carbohydrates and fat, depending on the mixers used.

Aside from simply increasing your calorie intake, alcohol can affect your weight in other ways.

When you drink alcohol, your body prefers to metabolize it before carbs or fat, which means calories from those nutrients may be more likely to be stored as fat (14).

Additionally, studies suggest not only that alcohol can increase your appetite but also that when youre intoxicated, you have decreased inhibitions around food. This may mean youre more likely to choose less nutritious, high fat, high salt foods (15, 16, 17, 18).

Exercise is great for both your physical and mental health. However, studies have found that people tend to be less active as they transition from high school to college (19, 20).

On top of this, college students tend to engage in more sedentary activities, such as sitting down for long periods. An analysis of 125 studies in students found that students on average sit for more than 7 hours per day (21).

Sitting for long periods means you burn fewer calories over the course of the day, which can lead to weight gain especially if youre eating the same way you did when you were more active, such as in high school.

Studies have also linked more sedentary behavior to a number of negative health outcomes as well as increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, which are not good for overall well-being (22, 23, 24).

There are various causes for weight gain during the freshman year, such as eating in dorms, social events, eating late at night, stress and emotional eating, increased alcohol intake, and decreased physical activity.

While gaining weight in college may seem unavoidable, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent it and keep yourself feeling better in the long run.

Below are some tips to help you manage your weight in college.

To begin with, its a good idea to make an effort to stay active during your time in college.

Try to find activities you enjoy and schedule regular exercise into your weekly routine. You could try jogging, following a YouTube workout, lifting weights, or joining a group fitness class.

Increasing your daily activity doesnt necessarily mean you have to go to the gym or exercise more. Simple things like walking to your classes or taking the stairs instead of elevators can make a difference in the long run.

If you tend to study late at night and need snacks to stay focused, prepare some healthy snacks beforehand that will keep you focused, curb your appetite, and help you stay away from less nutritious, higher calorie fare.

Its also a good idea to stock some healthy snacks in your dorm room to reduce the urge to eat processed foods when hunger or cravings hit.

Here are some great healthy and convenient snack options you can keep in your room:

Its also a good idea to cut back on sugary drinks and alcohol. Theyre generally high in empty calories and lacking in nutrients, and they dont curb your appetite the same way whole foods do (25).

When it comes to navigating the dining hall, start by filling your plate with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains such as brown rice, and a source of lean protein like fish, chicken, or beans.

Filling your plate with more healthy nutrient-dense foods like these will leave less room for unhealthy items.

Building a balanced plate with a combination of fiber-rich whole grains, colorful produce, and lean protein will also help you stay fuller longer, give you the energy to power through a long day of classes and studying, and help prevent unwanted weight gain.

Stress can be difficult to manage and can affect your weight and mental health.

There are many approaches to stress management, so its a good idea to take some time to figure out which healthy ways to manage stress work best for you.

Some great ways to help relieve stress include:

If youre having trouble finding a healthy way to manage stress, consider seeking help from a mental health counselor at your college.

You can do many things to avoid weight gain, such as finding ways to stay active, keeping nutritious snacks on hand, choosing healthier options from the cafeteria, and finding healthy ways to manage stress.

Follow this link:
The Freshman 15: Causes and Prevention Tips - Healthline

Nutrition plays a significant role for both, the COVID-19 patients and those who are on the path of recovery. During COVID-19, the body gets weakened and it continues for days even after recovering from the symptoms. Thus, it becomes essential to consume the right kind of diet for a speedy and complete recovery of the body. We spoke to celebrity nutritionist Sandhya Gugnani and she recommended some food and diet tips based on the latest research. Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Covid patients Start with meeting 50% of the nutritional requirement of the patient and proceed to 70% by the 3rd day, gradually increasing to 100% by the end of the week. Calorie requirement / RDA

Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) In case of diarrhoea

Five serving of all coloured fruits and vegetables are a must to get adequate vitamins and minerals when you are COVID positive. You can have small amounts of dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa which can lift your mood, get rid of anxiety and will also boost your immunity.

Most COVID patients experience loss of smell and taste or difficulty in swallowing. It is important to eat soft foods at small intervals and to add amchoor in the food.

Sample Diet Chart

Common questions to be addressed

Consume energy-boosting foods like banana, apples, oranges or sweet lime juice to deal with post-COVID fatigue. Add sweet potato in the salad or as a part of your meal. Take warm water with organic honey and lime.

How to manage dry cough?

Drink plenty of fluids, like warm water with tulsi leaves to manage COVID symptoms, like cough and itchy throat. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, coffee as it leads to dehydration. Inhale steam with the tongue out at least 2-3 times a day.

Originally posted here:
Diet plan and food dos and don'ts for COVID-19 patients - Times of India