Health news: gut bacteria, green tea and dust bunnies

1. Don't forget - pop the kettle on 

A new study has found that the biologically active component in green tea could reverse memory impairment, brain insulin resistance, and obesity caused by a bad diet (defined as a diet high in fat and high in fructose). Discover more brain-boosting foods.

2. Just how friendly is your friendly gut bacteria?

It's long been understood that parasitic infections can manipulate the host animal into harming itself but now scientists are trying to discover if microbes can also do the opposite. Researchers are exploring the idea that microbes could be responsible for the way animals act selflessly and altruistically toward their own kind, a phenomenon that scientists have never been able to understand.

3. Are dust bunnies tipping the scales?

They sound cute but yes, it turns out they are actually evil. Researchers recently discovered that minor amounts of household dust can cause fat cells to build up triglycerides (fat) so even a moderate amount of household dust can interfere with metabolic health. 

4. You're never too old (to develop an allergy) 

A new U.S national study (currently under review) suggests that nearly 52% of American adults with a reported food allergy developed their allergy after age 18. The main allergies tend to be to milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish in both adults and children but it is as yet unclear what causes the allergies to develop. Importantly, they note, an allergic reaction is not the same as a food intolerance. An allergic reaction tends to develop within 2 hours of eating the food and is characterized by marked symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, trouble breathing or vomiting. 

5. It's definitely worth it

A recently published study has shown that people who refrain from engaging in "risky health behaviours" tend to live an average of 7 years longer (longer than the famously long-lived Japanese!). Crucially, the study also showed that most of these additional years of life are spent in good health. Risky health behaviours were defined as being overweight, smoking, and drinking excessively. 

Look after your friendly gut bacteria with these belly-balancing recipes from VITL Life: 

• Ancient Grain Blueberry and Ginger Porridge

• Rosemary and Linseed Thins

• Ginger Granola Bars