Aging

The time and place of one's birth and the relationship it has with mortality rates has been a topic studied by scientists throughout the world. Several studies have found that season of birth influences mortality, while other research suggests vitamin D may provide a crucial counterbalance. Research Suggests Season of Birth Influences Mortality Past research has found that individuals born...

People all over the world love spicy foods -- and chili peppers in particular -- but these potent peppers may do more than just add flavor to our favorite meals. According to a recent study conducted at Italy's Mediterranean Neurological Institute, eating chili peppers may benefit longevity. In particular, the researchers found that capsaicin reduces mortality risk by positively affecting...

New research has linked the gut microbiome and aging, suggesting that maintaining a healthier gut can help you feel younger for longer. A study conducted at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University focused on the effects of transferring the more diverse gut microbiota of older mice into the guts of younger mice. Once the transfer was complete, the younger mice were examined...

As people age, it's normal to experience a natural decline in cognitive ability. This is why seniors can tend to be more forgetful, less patient and exhibit a decline in critical thinking abilities. However, some seniors experience more severe cognitive degeneration as a result of a condition known as dementia. Dementia involves a more rapid decline of mental functioning that...

Chili peppers are used to create spicy dishes throughout the world, but research has found that this pepper also provides a vast array of health benefits. In fact, it’s the compound in the chili pepper responsible for creating that spicy, burning feeling that provides those benefits. This compound is called capsaicin and it has been the focus of several scientific...

While the physical symptoms of aging are obvious, they're only the most noticeable aspects of a process that begins deep inside the body at a molecular -- and even genetic -- level. Just as the aging process is the end result of many different contributing factors, there are many factors that can speed up this process. Can taking a so...

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most salient health trends of the past decade. Physicians are increasingly recommending these oily supplements for a variety of purposes, from helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges to combating the physical effects of aging. But when is the best time to take omega-3 supplements? Most people who take...

Menopause is a period of time in a woman's life that is characterized by a lack of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. Menopause most commonly occurs sometime in women's 40s or 50s. While being free from the inconveniences of having a monthly period may seem like a blessing, menopause can actually produce some uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful, symptoms. During...

Fruits and vegetables are essential sources of the fiber, nutrients and vitamins that our bodies need to thrive. We already know that a healthy plant-based diet can help us maintain healthy blood pressure, improve digestion and reduce our risks of developing certain types of cancer. Now, a new study suggests that fruits and veggies reduce death risk. More specifically, consuming...

When bones are healthy, they are able to maintain a certain degree of density; that is, as bone tissue begins to degrade, the body produces more bone to make up for that loss. In this way, the body stays strong and the bones can continue to support the tissue, muscle and organs throughout the body. However, with osteoporosis, bone loss...