A dog’s body can generate vitamin C. So, too, can a cat’s. Unfortunately, human ancestors lost that trick during their evolutionary climb.
Roughly 40 million years ago, the forebearers of apes and humans could access plentiful fruit rich in vitamin C. So over time, the gene responsible for making it withered on the evolutionary tree. We lost the ability.
Which for marketers is a good thing, otherwise we might not have gotten one of the most famous ad slogans ever: A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.
Now, a Japanese study shows just how important a glass of OJ, or a piece of any fruit or vegetable producing the nutrient, is to our good health. Researchers demonstrated that lower vitamin C levels were associated with reduced brain tissue and altered structural network patterns in the organ.
That provides strength to what scientists long suspected. The vitamin might help prevent cognitive decline.
The study included about 2,000 volunteers who underwent brain MRIs. Scientists also measured their vitamin C levels through a blood test.
Previous research had already shown that vitamin C levels in the fluid surrounding the brain are twice those in blood. That, too, suggests its importance in brain health.
Scientists don’t suggest that vitamin C acts alone in maintaining the brain. It is instead viewed as perhaps one of several important factors.
It’s essential to remember that these findings can only indicate an association and do not establish cause and effect.
Until natural selection jump-starts our ability to produce vitamin C once more, it can’t hurt to grab an orange now and then.

A dog’s body can generate vitamin C. So, too, can a cat’s. Unfortunately, human ancestors lost that trick during their evolutionary climb. Roughly 40 million years ago, the forebearers of apes and humans could access plentiful fruit rich in vitamin C. So over time, the gene responsible for making it withered on the evolutionary tree. We lost the ability. Which for marketers is a good thing, otherwise we might not have gotten one of the most famous ad slogans ever: A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine. Now, a Japanese study shows just how important a glass of OJ, or a piece of any fruit or vegetable producing the nutrient, is to our good health. Researchers demonstrated that lower vitamin C levels were associated with reduced brain tissue and altered structural network patterns in the organ. That provides strength to what scientists long suspected. The vitamin might help prevent cognitive decline. The study included about 2,000 volunteers who underwent brain MRIs. Scientists also measured their vitamin C levels through a blood test. Previous research had already shown that vitamin C levels in the fluid surrounding the brain are twice those in blood. That, too, suggests its importance in brain health. Scientists don’t suggest that vitamin C acts alone in maintaining the brain. It is instead viewed as perhaps one of several important factors. It’s essential to remember that these findings can only indicate an association and do not establish cause and effect. Until natural selection jump-starts our ability to produce vitamin C once more, it can’t hurt to grab an orange now and then.

Study shows vitamin C’s importance to brain health

Is there anything better than sitting? By looking at the rates of Americans who engage in the sedentary activity — roughly half of the population, by the way — you’d guess no. And, though your body prefers moving to sitting by miles, we’re going to tell you what you really want to know: how to sit better.
A study led by the University of Glasgow found that breaking up your sitting by short movement breaks was associated with an 18% lower risk of death from diabetes- and obesity-related cancers per each added hour of relentless reclining.
Researchers defined “interrupted sitting” as a sit either lasting less than half an hour, or one broken up by some kind of activity.
Though previous research has largely targeted decreasing how much total time we spend on our rears, this study posited that simply decreasing the duration of each “sit” could matter just as much as sitting less.
When they modeled these results, scientists noted that swapping out even one hour of uninterrupted sitting with the intermittent version was linked to a 12% lower risk of death related to cancer. The analysis drew from the data of more than 90,000 participants across 12 years. To get an idea of how often people were moving, researchers relied upon wrist devices that tracked activity as opposed to self-reports of movement.
Though more research is needed to understand what’s prompting these improvements, scientists think extended sedentary periods could be impacting mechanisms like blood sugar regulation, scientists say. Getting up, even for a little, keeps your body running smoothly.
Taking the time to leave your chair to rinse out a coffee cup has never felt more important.

Is there anything better than sitting? By looking at the rates of Americans who engage in the sedentary activity — roughly half of the population, by the way — you’d guess no. And, though your body prefers moving to sitting by miles, we’re going to tell you what you really want to know: how to sit better. A study led by the University of Glasgow found that breaking up your sitting by short movement breaks was associated with an 18% lower risk of death from diabetes- and obesity-related cancers per each added hour of relentless reclining. Researchers defined “interrupted sitting” as a sit either lasting less than half an hour, or one broken up by some kind of activity. Though previous research has largely targeted decreasing how much total time we spend on our rears, this study posited that simply decreasing the duration of each “sit” could matter just as much as sitting less. When they modeled these results, scientists noted that swapping out even one hour of uninterrupted sitting with the intermittent version was linked to a 12% lower risk of death related to cancer. The analysis drew from the data of more than 90,000 participants across 12 years. To get an idea of how often people were moving, researchers relied upon wrist devices that tracked activity as opposed to self-reports of movement. Though more research is needed to understand what’s prompting these improvements, scientists think extended sedentary periods could be impacting mechanisms like blood sugar regulation, scientists say. Getting up, even for a little, keeps your body running smoothly. Taking the time to leave your chair to rinse out a coffee cup has never felt more important.

How to sit better (and avoid cancer while doing so)

Fish oil supplements are a huge industry. Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on them, hoping to support brain health by taking in the omega-3 fatty acids they contain.
A new study may provide a dose of reality, however. A two-year clinical trial conducted by University of Southern California researchers found that while fish oil supplements do deliver omega-3s to the brain, there is no meaningful benefit for memory, cognition or Alzheimer’s-related changes.
On its face, taking fish oil supplements is not illogical. Omega-3s, healthy fats found in some fish, help build the connections between brain cells key to our ability to think and remember.
More than 350 people between the ages of 55 and 80 who rarely ate fish were enrolled in the study. All were at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. They were placed in two groups. One group was given a daily, high-dose fish oil supplement; the other group got a placebo.
Each supplement contained 2,000 milligrams of docosahexaenoic [duh-kow-suh-hek-suh-know-ick] acid, or DHA, an omega-3 important in brain function. For the brain, DHA is like premium oil is to an engine.
By measuring DHA levels in participants’ cerebrospinal fluid, they could see it did indeed reach the brain.
Even so, that did not equate to measurable cognitive benefits. Participants went through memory tests at the start of the study and two years later. Those who took DHA supplements performed no better than the placebo group.
For now, the researchers say those who hope to safeguard brain health should focus on eating nutritious food and staying fit. And eating salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies surely can’t hurt.

Fish oil supplements are a huge industry. Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on them, hoping to support brain health by taking in the omega-3 fatty acids they contain. A new study may provide a dose of reality, however. A two-year clinical trial conducted by University of Southern California researchers found that while fish oil supplements do deliver omega-3s to the brain, there is no meaningful benefit for memory, cognition or Alzheimer’s-related changes. On its face, taking fish oil supplements is not illogical. Omega-3s, healthy fats found in some fish, help build the connections between brain cells key to our ability to think and remember. More than 350 people between the ages of 55 and 80 who rarely ate fish were enrolled in the study. All were at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. They were placed in two groups. One group was given a daily, high-dose fish oil supplement; the other group got a placebo. Each supplement contained 2,000 milligrams of docosahexaenoic [duh-kow-suh-hek-suh-know-ick] acid, or DHA, an omega-3 important in brain function. For the brain, DHA is like premium oil is to an engine. By measuring DHA levels in participants’ cerebrospinal fluid, they could see it did indeed reach the brain. Even so, that did not equate to measurable cognitive benefits. Participants went through memory tests at the start of the study and two years later. Those who took DHA supplements performed no better than the placebo group. For now, the researchers say those who hope to safeguard brain health should focus on eating nutritious food and staying fit. And eating salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies surely can’t hurt.

Fish oil supplements no help against memory issues

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in our bodies. It’s in our hair, skin, fingernails, bones, blood vessels and intestines, of all places.
As we age, our bodies begin to produce less collagen, leaving our skin less elastic and our bones more brittle.
For many years, collagen supplements, derived from the remains of animals, like cows, pigs, chickens or fish, have been popular with those trying to maintain a youthful look.
But more recently, these supplements have been marketed for everything from strengthening joints to boosting athletic performance.
A new study set out to pin down what collagen can do and what it cannot.
Researchers in the United Kingdom conducted the most comprehensive study of collagen to date, involving at least 8,000 supplement-taking participants from around the world.
Here is what the study found that collagen can do, if taken for a sustained period: It can make your skin look and feel more hydrated. And it can help relieve some joint stiffness from osteoarthritis.
To a lesser degree, taking extra collagen can offer modest improvements in muscle mass and muscle structure.
But if you are taking it in hopes of achieving a new personal best race time or to improve your vertical leap, the researchers say you will probably be disappointed. Collagen also will not help you bounce back faster from strenuous exercise, reduce muscle soreness or improve your tendons in any way.
They also noted that collagen won’t lower cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar. Nor can it rebuild tooth enamel or regrow gum tissue.
Taking collagen supplements may do you good. Just be sure to take claims about them with a big grain of salt.

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in our bodies. It’s in our hair, skin, fingernails, bones, blood vessels and intestines, of all places. As we age, our bodies begin to produce less collagen, leaving our skin less elastic and our bones more brittle. For many years, collagen supplements, derived from the remains of animals, like cows, pigs, chickens or fish, have been popular with those trying to maintain a youthful look. But more recently, these supplements have been marketed for everything from strengthening joints to boosting athletic performance. A new study set out to pin down what collagen can do and what it cannot. Researchers in the United Kingdom conducted the most comprehensive study of collagen to date, involving at least 8,000 supplement-taking participants from around the world. Here is what the study found that collagen can do, if taken for a sustained period: It can make your skin look and feel more hydrated. And it can help relieve some joint stiffness from osteoarthritis. To a lesser degree, taking extra collagen can offer modest improvements in muscle mass and muscle structure. But if you are taking it in hopes of achieving a new personal best race time or to improve your vertical leap, the researchers say you will probably be disappointed. Collagen also will not help you bounce back faster from strenuous exercise, reduce muscle soreness or improve your tendons in any way. They also noted that collagen won’t lower cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar. Nor can it rebuild tooth enamel or regrow gum tissue. Taking collagen supplements may do you good. Just be sure to take claims about them with a big grain of salt.

The lowdown on collagen supplements

By some measures, intermittent fasting is one of the most popular diet plans. At least one study suggests that one-fourth of U.S. adults have tried eating only during certain times...

Reduced-calorie dieting may be more effective than intermittent fasting

Once again, it’s time to take a long, hard look at the clock on your car’s dashboard and wonder, “How do I change the time on this again?” Daylight saving...

Daylight saving time nearly here, get ready to adjust

Let’s put the brakes on the idea that commuting to work or other places away from home has no redeeming value. Yes, we have to deal with traffic, aggressive drivers...

Commuting for good mental health

For chocolate lovers, indulging in their favorite treat can make them wax poetic. Now, science has decoded the process that takes place when chocolate changes from solid to liquid as...

Creating a better, healthier chocolate experience

For decades, women have told those who keep track of such things that they would like to have two children. And many of them say they want to have those...

Young Americans want children, but many aren’t having them

As the traffic jam grows longer, you fuss, fume and complain about the inconvenience. But traffic jams pose a threat to more than just your blood pressure and sanity: As...

When traffic backs up, pollution builds up

Exercise is great, but many of us would still rather do less of it. Luckily, new research from Edith Cowan University suggests there’s a quick way to decrease your gym...

Change weightlifting to lowering, reduce your gym time

In this season of trying on new, healthier habits, here’s another one for you: a nice, hot cup of tea. Black tea, specifically. A new study from Australian researchers suggests...

Put the kettle on and treat yourself to a healthier life

To spank or not to spank. For many parents, that is the question. From decades of research, a conventional wisdom eventually emerged: Spanking children is linked to negative effects on...

Spanking children affects brain activity in kids

If you’re middle age or older, hopefully this won’t keep you up at night: Getting less than five hours of sleep can heighten your risk of developing at least two...

Too little sleep in middle age can raise disease risk

Health in a Heartbeat is a daily radio series that features two-minute segments providing consumer-health information and the latest news on medical research, patient-care breakthroughs and health-care industry trends.  The series launched in January 2000 and is available at no charge to public radio stations nationwide. It is a unique project offered by University of Florida Health in association with the UF radio stations 89.1 WUFT-FM and 90.1 WJUF-FM. It currently airs in more than 53 cities in 18 states and Washington, D.C., in addition to being available on NPR.org and the NPR One mobile app.  Our scripts go through a vigorous research and approval process. Each script is reviewed by University of Florida physicians, UF Health experts and qualified medical editors. This ensures that you are receiving accurate and up-to-date health information.

Health & Fitness

Education

Health in a Heartbeat is a daily radio series that features two-minute segments providing consumer-health information and the latest news on medical research, patient-care breakthroughs and health-care industry trends. The series launched in January 2000 and is available at no charge to public radio stations nationwide. It is a unique project offered by University of Florida Health in association with the UF radio stations 89.1 WUFT-FM and 90.1 WJUF-FM. It currently airs in more than 53 cities in 18 states and Washington, D.C., in addition to being available on NPR.org and the NPR One mobile app. Our scripts go through a vigorous research and approval process. Each script is reviewed by University of Florida physicians, UF Health experts and qualified medical editors. This ensures that you are receiving accurate and up-to-date health information.

Share Health in a Heartbeat

Sign up to save your podcasts

Health in a Heartbeat

FAQs about Health in a Heartbeat:

How many episodes does Health in a Heartbeat have?

Health in a Heartbeat episodes:

FAQs about Health in a Heartbeat:

How many episodes does Health in a Heartbeat have?

More shows like Health in a Heartbeat

Up First from NPR