How Blue Light Affects Your Health: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Blue light has been a hot topic in recent years, but how does it really affect your health? Well, the blue light found in natural sunlight actually has a beneficial, energizing effect that helps wake you up and supports your circadian rhythm. On the flip side, being exposed to blue light sources – like electronics – in the evening can throw your sleep-wake cycle off track, putting you at risk for sleep difficulties and various health conditions. There's also concern that too much blue light may harm retinal and eye health. (More)

Musical Instruments, Choir Singing Boost Brain Health

Cognitive decline continues to be a concern for many adults as they get older, but there are a number of action steps you can take to prevent it, especially if you are musically inclined. As a recent study found, engaging in music through activities like playing a musical instrument or singing in a choir is associated with better brain aging. Even if you haven't participated in music before, it's never too late to get started, particularly because learning something new is also great for protecting brain function. (More)

ACE Inhibitors Can Cause Dangerous Skin Swelling

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a commonly used group of drugs for managing high blood pressure. Although all medications come with potential side effects, a recent study highlighted the fact that ACE inhibitors carry the little-known risk of skin swelling – also called angioedema. Though rare and often not life-threatening, angioedema from ACE inhibitors can become very dangerous if it affects the throat, larynx, or tongue. (More)

The Best Way to Cook Eggs to Maximize Vitamin D Content

Egg yolks are one of few natural food sources of vitamin D. Chickens that spend more time out in sunlight or that are fed vitamin D enriched feed produce eggs with even higher amounts of vitamin D, but that's not the only way to optimize this essential nutrient in eggs. According to a new study, the way you cook your eggs also matters. Scrambling and poaching eggs are two of the best methods for maximizing vitamin D, while frying eggs is one of the worst. (More)

7 Popular Supplements That May Have Hidden Dangers

Dietary supplements have become incredibly popular in recent years, and while some can be helpful, even natural supplements may carry certain risks. Calcium and vitamin D are both examples of nutrients that can be harmful if over-consumed. St John's Wort is an herb that has shown potential for helping depression but can also interact with a number of medications. Concentrated amounts of kava – another herb – may harm your liver, while multivitamins can't make up for an unhealthy diet. (More)