health & wellness
Real talk: Are ‘blue zones’ BS?
Maybe it’s the healthy habits associated with them, or perhaps it’s because of the Netflix documentary about them. One way or another, you’ve likely heard of the “blue zones” before. Blue zones are areas in the world that are said to have an especially high density of...
This German life hack improves indoor air quality in the winter
During my first summer in the Netherlands, I constantly left the windows open to let in a breeze — the best I could manage without central air conditioning. But, to my surprise, I also had a natural inclination to open the windows in the winter. Sometimes, the house...
The French are known to drag out meals — and you probably should too
There’s often some confusion and misconceptions when it comes to dietary habits and norms around the world — just take the common TikTok claim that Europeans don’t drink water as an example. But one difference that’s clear, according to research, is that Americans...
The Danes have a simple remedy for the winter blues — and you can try it from your living room
Winters in Denmark are known to be cold and dreary. On the worst days, Danes see just seven hours of sunlight, and it’s often only a little glow peeking out from behind the fog and clouds. For many people, these conditions can trigger the winter blues or, as the...
Is green tea Asia’s Ozempic? The link between tea and weight loss
From matcha to store-bought tea bags, green tea is far from exotic in most places around the world. With that said, consumption of the stuff is highest across Asia, including in countries such as China, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and South Korea. Across the East, it’s...
Is sleep before midnight essential to your health? What Chinese medicine (and science) says
“Every hour of sleep before midnight is worth two after midnight.” You might’ve heard this adage before, especially if you’re familiar with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to traditional health practitioners in China, there’s a 24-hour body clock that...
Eat these 7 international foods for better gut health
Bacteria might not come to mind when you think of satisfying healthy food, but some germs deserve a place in your diet. Okay, hear us out before you scroll on. Probiotics — one type of bacteria and yeast found in foods and supplements — are known to offer a range of...