Spring into action Eat less, live longer

CUTTING calories helps to lose kilos but investigators found that it also halted ageing in those not overweight.

within the body to gauge the degree of ageing that was present in the final blood test.

SPRING: Season of allergies and colds.

Linda Hall

SPRING, almost here, is an in ­ between time with some sunny days and others when we freeze again.

As the weather changes, we require extra vitamins and minerals, so start with Omega 3 to promote brain and heart health, while protecting against chronic conditions.

Severe allergies require medical treatment, but people reacting to the burgeoning blossom and blooms can benefit from a zinc supplement to boost the immune system.

Magnesium also makes a big difference to spring allergies, helping to relax airways and lungs while reducing congestion.

Spring, when we shed our winter woollies and spend more time out of doors, calls for multivitamins, with special emphasis on Vitamins B and C.

Finally, ever­important and immune­boosting Vitamin D compensates for reduced sunlight exposure on those chilly days when winter temporarily returns.

Researchers worked with 220 volunteers living in New Zealand aged between 26 and 45, one third of whom reduced their calories by 25 per cent for two years. The remaining two­thirds ate normally.

OWNING a domestic animal brings health benefits. Scientific studies have shown that interaction with a pet can have a powerful impact on mental, physical and social health. Pets are recognised as helping to buffer stress and address social isolation. Medical research also

Cutting calories by a third also cuts ageing.

Testing for higher blood pressure and cholesterol was matched with genetic activity

Get a pet

demonstrates that pet owners generally have lower blood pressure. Dog­owners in particular were more likely to achieve recommended levels of daily exercise and less likely to be obese.

Wet hair warning

ANYBODY who has ever been tempted to go to bed with wet hair should think twice. It will do more than leave you with damp pillows, a top haircare expert warned. Hair is at its most fragile when it is wet, she explained and the friction between wet hair and the pillow will cause serious breakage and frizz.

Investigators found that those on fewer calories appeared to age up to three percent more slowly.

“This study is very exciting,” said Dr Daniel Belsky, who led the study. “Slowing down biological aging means living longer and getting ill later.”