More than one-third of Americans take multivitamins, despite little evidence that they help (there’s little evidence they cause harm either). And now a new study says multivitamins don’t promote cardiovascular health. 

You may already know that cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression are among the top risk factors for dementia. But so is being “skinny fat”, especially among older people, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging. 

Here’s one more reason to give up smoking: brain calcifications. If you smoke or have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing calcifications in the hippocampus, the portion of the brain responsible for memory, emotions and motivation, according a study published in Radiology.

The “secret ingredient” in these coconut-infused blueberry cupcakes—mashed potatoes—gives the cake great texture, almost like pound cake. The fluffy frosting is just fun. Because it’s low in calories and fat, you can spread or pipe a generous amount on top of each cupcake to make them look extra festive. The frosting stiffens as it stands, so be sure to put it on the cupcakes right after you make it. 

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 1/4 hours (including cooling time)

Once again, rotisserie chickens can really relieve the dinner-rush pressure-especially in this Italian-inspired soup that cries out for a piece of crusty bread and a glass of red wine.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

If you’ve been a loyal patient of your primary care physician, here’s some good news: Patients who continuously use the same primary care doctor live longer, according to a recent study published in BMJ Open journal. Results also suggest continuity of care from your primary care doctor is particularly valuable for patients living with a chronic condition or mental health illness.

One of the drugs commonly prescribed to control frequent acid reflux, or GERD, has been linked to pneumonia in older adults, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 

Now that it’s summer, you should be taking precautions against tick-borne illnesses if you’re spending time outside. Ticks are notorious for spreading illnesses such as Lyme disease, Powassan virus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. But clothing treated with permethrin may help keep you safe, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. 

If you’re trying to lose weight, listen up: You need to take measures to protect your bones. Weight loss is associated with a lower bone density, particularly among older Americans, according to a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.  

Toasted nuts and fresh orange zest adorn these versatile green beans. Toast the nuts while you steam the beans and you have a polished addition to any meal ready in 15 minutes flat. Double it: Steam the green beans in a Dutch oven instead of a saucepan.