When was the last time you read a book? Not an email, a news headline, or a social media post...but an actual book?

In this episode of The Health Deli, the crew dives into the surprisingly powerful health benefits of reading. From lowering stress levels in as little as six minutes to improving sleep, boosting cognitive function, and even reducing mortality risk, books may be doing more for your body and brain than you realize. We talk about fiction as “emotional CPR,” the science behind neural connectivity and dementia risk, and why audiobooks absolutely count.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a podcast-only multitasker, or someone who hasn’t cracked a spine since high school, this episode might just convince you to dust off the bookshelf — or download Libby — and give your brain a workout.

Turns out, reading isn’t just a hobby. It’s preventive medicine.