Research reveals...

TEA FOR THE TICKER

Care for a cuppa and the cuppa could care for you.

Drinking Earl Grey tea could help guard against heart disease.

A new study found that bergamot extract - a key ingredient in the hot drink - is rather effective at controlling cholesterol.

Bergamot is a type of citrus fruit found in South Italy.

Scientists from Italy's University of Calabria say bergamot extract contains enzymes, which can attack proteins in the body known to cause heart disease.

The researchers say the enzymes affect proteins which cause heart disease and 'bad' cholesterol.

It also increases levels of good cholesterol.

A 2012 study also found that Bergamot could help you lose weight and protect against diabetes.

To keep the doctor away longer, have a brew with the usual apple.

WELL, DUH!

A recent 'discovery' suggests that sweating it out for at least 2½ hours each week cuts the chance of getting the flu.

About 4,800 people took part in this year's online Flu Survey, run by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Participants answered how many hours of "vigorous exercise" they do each week, from none to more than five hours.

They were also asked to log in each week to note how they were feeling, and whether they had any flu-like symptoms.

The researchers say the findings suggest 10 per cent of flu cases could be prevented just by engaging in vigorous exercise.

Survey leader Dr Alma Adler said: "We need to treat this result cautiously as these are preliminary findings. However, they are consistent with findings for other conditions and really show the health benefits of exercise."

GET OLDER, BE BIGGER, LIVE LONGER

For many of us, adding extra weight as we get older is hardly an issue of effort.

But new research suggests the current healthy body mass index (BMI) range needs to be increased for those 65 years and older.

In fact, senior citizens who carry a few extra kilos tend to live longer.

The research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked into the relationship between BMI and risk of death in people 65 and older.

The team from Deakin University in Melbourne found those with the lowest risk had a BMI of about 27.5 - considered overweight by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The risk of death increased "significantly" among those with a BMI between 22 and 23 - WHO's normal weight range.

Before you cancel the gym subscription, there is still a difference between overweight and obese.

But for now, give love handles more love.

Here's the good news for guys.

There is now better awareness of testicular cancer among men between 18 to 50.

But a study by British cancer charity Orchid says that the average bloke is 'blur' on how to check himself.

In fact, two thirds of men in a survey of 3,000 didn't know how to check themselves for signs of testicular cancer.

And single men are less likely to recognise the signs and symptoms.

3 in 10 would rather confide in their wives or mothers. They shy away from going to the doctor as finding a lump on a testicle is a pretty daunting thing.

It's often their partner who prompts them to seek medical help.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 45, with more than 2,200 new cases diagnosed every year.

It accounts for 1 - 2 per cent of all cancers, and 1 per cent of cancers in males in Singapore.

It is also one of the most treatable cancers, especially if it is diagnosed early.

So ladies, it's time to grab your man's health by the balls.

This article was published on April 13 in The New Paper.

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