Be abreast of current affairs to live longer

In the study,involving 1,000 people,the researchers found that those who were most exposed to newspaper,TV and the internet had healthier diets than those who were less well informed,the ‘Daily Mail’ reported.

The study assessed the correlation between exposure to information and eating habits,and found those most exposed to mass media consumed a healthier diet,with greater quantities of fruit and fresh fish,which eventually reduced the risk of obesity,heart disease and cancer.

The subjects filled in a specific questionnaire on mass media usage,from TV viewing to newspaper and magazine reading and surfing the internet,which was then analysed alongside medical,lifestyle and dietary data.

Findings showed those who were more inquisitive about current affairs had better diets,say the researchers.

“We focused on eating habits,mainly on Mediterranean diet. Results have shown that people most exposed to information delivered by any mass media source,reported higher adherence to Mediterranean- like eating patterns.

“The latter are considered as the most effective eating model for reducing the risk of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases,” lead researcher Dr Americo Bonanni was quoted by the British newspaper as saying.

Past research has often suggested that mass media can have a negative impact on health. But the latest findings suggest that television programmes,addressing health issues,can also make people more health-conscious.

Lab director Dr Giovanni de Gaetano supported the contribution of mass media in increasing awareness about health. He said: “Information delivered by mass media may appear fragmented or imprecise,especially when we talk about health and prevention.

“Our study has however provided data which may turn out to be very useful in a period in which to combat obesity increase,unhealthy dietary habits and diffused laziness we are urged to find new ways to communicate health.”