National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: Why olive oil is so powerful; understanding your "leaky" gut; how COVID can attack your heart; what to do when you see mold on your food; how noise pollution hurts your brain and your heart; new lung cancer screening guidelines; chronic vs. acute stress.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SARAH RICE/REDUX

No food or medicine can do what olive oil can do. Here's why.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest out there—but many experts say the secret sauce is its liberal use of extra virgin olive oil. While every fruit and vegetable has health-promoting compounds, the ones unique to olive oil, called phenols, are especially powerful—and adding more to your diet could alleviate high blood pressure, help with weight loss, and more.

WHY IT'S SUCH POWERFUL MEDICINE

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAD DAVENPORT, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

The Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time for a reason: It works

It's easy to follow, is balanced and flexible, and helps prevent chronic diseases that shorten our lives: "It has worked for generations, and it works for lifetimes."

HOW TO FOLLOW IT

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIKA LARSEN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Omega-3 fatty acids are more critical for your health than we thought

A recent study shows that the nutrients found in walnuts, seeds, and certain types of seafood can reduce inflammation and improve declining lung function.

THE BEST SOURCES

Learn more:

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6 vitamin pairings that will boost your brain, heart, and immune system

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These 7 seeds are nutritional powerhouses

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'Brain food' is real. Here's what to eat to keep it healthy and strong.

MICROGRAPH BY STEVE GSCHMEISSNER, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

What exactly is 'leaky gut'—and what can you do about it?

Dubious claims are out there of this mysterious condition that's said to cause depression, anxiety, and autoimmune disorders ranging from Hashimoto's thyroiditis to rheumatoid arthritis. Here's what you need to know about this very real condition, whether it's dangerous, and if it's preventable.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ARE YOUR HORMONES UNBALANCED? And what does that even mean? We separate fact from fiction. +

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

This is how even a mild case of COVID can attack your heart

Scientists have noticed that COVID-19 can trigger serious cardiovascular problems, especially among older people. But now, a new study has revealed why that happens—and that even a mild case of COVID-19 can directly infect the arteries of the heart. Here's what that means for you.

A HIGHER RISK OF STROKE AND HEART ATTACK

COVID and its aftermath:

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Multiple COVID infections can lead to chronic health issues. Here's what to know.

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Have scientists solved the mystery of long COVID?

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What is POTS? This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic

NOISE POLLUTION HARMS MORE THAN YOUR HEARING

PHOTOGRAPH BY BSIP, UIG/GETTY IMAGES

Chronic exposure to loud noises doesn't just damage the membranes, hair cells, or nerves that allow us to hear—it can also disturb our sleep and trigger a cascade of problems throughout your body, from your brain to your heart.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SPOT MOLD ON YOUR FOOD

PHOTOGRAPH BY JON SNEDDEN, CAMERA PRESS/REDUX

Can one fuzzy raspberry ruin the bunch? Can you cut away a spotty piece of bread from the loaf? As innocuous as a few dusty patches might seem, foodborne mold can cause a host of issues. Here’s your expert guide to best household practices to extend your food life and protect your gut.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

COUNTER OR FRIDGE? Here's how to store fruits and veggies for maximum freshness +

NEW LUNG CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN GUARIGLIA, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Lung cancer kills more Americans than any other cancer, and an estimated quarter million people are expected to be diagnosed with it this year. Survival rates vary dramatically based on whether the disease has spread—which is why last week the American Cancer Society released new screening guidelines. Here's what you need to know.

WHO'S AFFECTED BY NEW GUIDELINES

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Colon cancer is rising among young adults. Here are signs to watch for.

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When should you get screened for breast cancer—and how often?

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Cancer vaccines are showing promise. Here’s how they work.

READ MORE TOP STORIES FROM NAT GEO

SIDNEY MOULDS, SCIENCE SOURCE

There's a difference between chronic stress and everyday—or acute—stress. Knowing how each looks and feels can help you better overcome them when they strike, mental health experts say. Here are the signs to look for.

WHAT KIND OF STRESS DO YOU HAVE?

Why is there a Vitamin K but no Vitamin F?

How can you tell if a photo is AI generated? Here are some tips.

Are you drinking water all wrong? Here’s what you need to know about hydrating.

Some call it 'nature's Ozempic.' Are the claims too good to be true?

Fruits and vegetables are less nutritious than they used to be

Alcohol is killing more women than ever before

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