Health headlines: February 2025

The latest in medical and wellness news you need to know.

Author

Umayya Theba
February 28, 2025

Beta carotene supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer in people with a history of smoking or asbestos exposure. However, experts generally consider it safe to consume beta carotene in foods.

An omega-3 dose a day could slow ageing process, ‘healthspan’ trial finds

The trial showed that healthy older people who took one gram of the essential fatty acid for three years were found to have aged three months less than others on the trial, as measured by biological markers. Additional vitamin D and regular exercise boosted the effect to nearly 4 months, researchers found.

Calcium-rich foods daily cut bowel cancer risk in half, study finds.

A large UK study has found further evidence that people with more calcium in their diet—equivalent to a glass of milk a day—can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer.The researchers analysed the diets of more than half a million women over 16 years and found dark leafy greens, bread and non-dairy milks containing calcium also had a protective effect.

Viral cucumber recipes racked up millions of views in the past year, thrusting the salad bar staple into the spotlight. While they’re not super-nutritious, they do offer a few note-worthy benefits, including high water content and vitamin K essential for blood clotting.

Mediterranean diet lowers cancer risk in a surprising way, new study finds

People who most closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet had about a 6% lower risk of developing obesity-related cancers compared to those with less adherence, the study found, which suggests that other mechanisms—such as reduced inflammation, improved metabolic health, or dietary interactions with the microbiome—may be responsible for the protective effects.

Nutrient-rich foods found to aid eczema management

Eczema, an itchy and painful inflammatory skin condition that causes skin lesions and infections, has been linked to food allergies as well as nutrient imbalances and gut microbiome issues. However, dietary choices can help manage eczema in various ways; lowering inflammation, supporting gut health, and improving nutritional deficiencies.