Soak it up: everything science taught us about health and wellness in 2025
Do hot baths improve endurance? Will creatine bolster your brain power? Does pickle juice prevent cramp? Here’s what we learned about living well this year
TL;DR
- Collagen supplementation may improve explosive strength by enhancing muscle-tendon stiffness.
- Hot baths after high-intensity interval training can improve endurance under low-oxygen conditions.
- Cold water immersion after resistance workouts may reduce blood flow and stunt muscle growth.
- Beetroot juice can lower blood pressure and improve the oral microbiome in older adults.
- Physical activity, particularly with 'open' motor skills, may help reduce internet addiction.
- Gargling with pickle juice can help stop muscle cramps by stimulating reflex signals.
- Creatine may benefit brain cognition in older adults and menopausal women.
- Sexual activity can provide a mood boost lasting up to 48 hours.
- Higher fruit intake may protect lungs from the effects of air pollution, especially in women.
- Prolonged sedentary time is associated with worse cognitive function, even with high physical activity levels.
- Using social media before athletic activity may diminish performance, such as attack efficiency in volleyball.
- Dehydration can lead to a significantly higher cortisol response to stress.
- Drinking coffee in the morning is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, while afternoon coffee does not show the same benefit.