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There was so much we discovered this year about what’s healthy and what’s not. Some studies have been provoking, others reinforcing what we already know. To wrap up 2019, here are some of the key findings we learned about in the world of health and wellness:
1. Four-Day Work Weeks Are Better For Mental Wellbeing & Productivity
Microsoft Japan’s test of a four-day work week led to a 40% productivity rise. It also was a win for our planet, as the company shed of 23% of its electricity use.
2. Your Reusable Bamboo Coffee Cup Might Be Toxic
Research conducted by German consumer group Stiftung Warentest found that all 12 popular bamboo coffee cups brands tested contained melamine resin, a problematic substance from a health and environmental perspective.
3. More Research On Health Impact Of Microplastics Needs To Be Done
In an assessment, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says microplastics are increasingly present in drinking water and that more research desperately needs to be conducted to learn more about potential adverse health effects.
4. An Organic Apple A Day Could Really Keep The Doctor Away
Researchers at Austria’s Graz University of Technology found that a typical apple contains over 100 million gut-friendly bacteria vital to our health. Organic apples contain even more, and these are better balanced compared to conventional ones.
5. Plant-Based Diets Provide Complete Nutrition
A Harvard University study finds that we don’t need to eat meat to obtain all our essential nutrients.
6. Toxic Heavy Metals Are In Common Baby Food Products
And especially rice-based baby foods, according to the study by Healthy Babies Right Futures. Testing for 168 products from major US manufacturers, 95% contained lead, 73% contained arsenic, 75% had cadmium and 32% contained mercury.
Lead image courtesy of Unsplash.
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