Category: Feature Stories

Our stomach is a stretchy muscle that can take a lot. But at some point, it comes to an end. If your waistband pinches after a meal, it’s because your stomach has expanded and demands space. But how far can the stomach actually expand? While the stomach is usually the size of a 0.5-liter beverage can, it can expand to the size of a 2-liter bottle. “The size of the stomach can quadruple or more,” Dr. Arthur Beyder, professor of medicine and physiology at the Mayo Clinic, told Live Science.…

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The question of the right time to eat at night is controversial. Experts now explain why 3 hours before bedtime is best.The question of the best time to eat dinner is a constant source of debate. But what do scientists say? According to the director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California, Valter Longo, the ideal time depends primarily on when you go to sleep.The key is to finish your plate at least three hours before you go to bed. If you usually go to bed at…

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A supposedly reputable online store offers unbeatable prices and only requires a bank transfer. After placing an order, you suddenly receive a request for payment by email and WhatsApp—but the goods never arrive. The fake store bikeunivers.de offers brand-name bikes at low prices. However, payment can only be made by bank transfer. If you don’t pay, you receive a payment request by email and WhatsApp. If you ignore this, you will not receive the goods despite paying. How to recognize fake storesThe fake store looks reputable at first glance. It…

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The expert, known from the TV show “NDR-Ernährungsdocs” and author of several bestsellers, explains why the day’s first meal should not be underestimated.Why breakfast is essentialAccording to Riedl, people who skip breakfast are at an increased risk of developing unhealthy eating patterns. Those who don’t eat in the morning tend to reach for unhealthy snacks later in the day. “The metabolism is ready for food when you get up. You shouldn’t let it wait longer than two hours,” explains the expert.Especially for diabetics, a nutritious breakfast can help to avoid…

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Have you ever caught yourself giggling at the most inappropriate moments? Perhaps at a funeral or during a crisis meeting? Don’t worry. You’re not alone—and no, you’re not an insensitive brute. This is why you need to smile when something bad happensLaughter is a complex human reaction that often serves as an outlet for pent-up emotions. In stressful or unpleasant situations, our brains can use laughter as a mechanism to relieve tension and restore emotional balance. The Austrian psychologist Christa Schirl describes laughter in inappropriate moments as a so-called “leapfrog…

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Juices, from refreshing spritzers to seemingly healthy fruit blends, have become staples in many people’s diets. Marketed for their taste and vitamin-rich profiles, juices can easily be perceived as healthful options. However, despite their popularity, drinking juice daily may not be as beneficial as you think. In this article, we delve into the reasons why daily juice consumption can be more harmful than helpful, exploring the types of juices available, the potential pitfalls of excess sugar, calorie intake, and the overlooked benefits of whole fruits. The Different Types of Juices…

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In a time “marked by disinformation and polarization,” Pope Francis has called for reality not to be reduced to slogans. A few centers of power control an unprecedented amount of data and information, explained the 88-year-old Francis, without, however, referring specifically to platforms such as X or Facebook. “All too often, communication today does not generate hope but fear and despair, prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred. All too often, it simplifies reality to provoke instinctive reactions,” warned the head of the Catholic Church on Friday in view of…

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A whole grain-based diet can help to lower high blood pressure. According to Peter Walger, a doctor of internal medicine and intensive care medicine, the risk of heart attack,stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure can be minimised. The doctor explains that three portions of whole grain products daily, such as unground wheat, wild rice, barley, or oatmeal, are required to have a health-promoting effect. Whole grains work, as well as taking medicationThe finding is not new; the scientific study from the UK to which Walger refers proved the positive effect…

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Microplastics are everywhere; however, scientists are gradually discovering their effects on the human body and our health. Researchers from China have now provided a further building block: they showed that microplastics cause immune cells to accumulate in the brains of mice, blocking small blood vessels. This can lead to neurological impairments such as coordination problems, motor disorders, and memory deficits. The study was published in the journal Science Advances. In 2023, researchers led by Austrian pathologist Lukas Kenner showed that microscopically small plastic particles can enter the brain within a…

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