National Post Life & Wellness

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What's Dame Helen Mirren's bikini fitness secret? Why, the Royal Canadian Air Force, of course! Twelve minutes. It’s not long time, is it? Long enough to boil bronze-extruded spaghetti, send a few emails — or ensure that, like the Mounties, you will always get your man ... [Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images files; Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images file]

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Depression blood test may reveal those at risk of lifelong mental illness, researchers say A new study from Cambridge University says a simple biological test may accurately predict who is at the highest risk of developing severe depression later in life, and make it possible to intervene earlier to save lives. [Photo illustration by Greg Southam/Postmedia News files]

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Having the worst Valentine’s Day ever? Two new studies suggest a few tips to turn things around — and we add a few of our own. [Photo credit: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images]

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Marijuana-induced ‘munchies’ explained: Food cravings are rooted in heightened sense of smell, study finds It turns out that the number of cannabinoid receptors in your olfactory (smelling) system may be the root cause of why you get hungry after fasting for a while — and why pot causes hunger cravings, too, a new France study has found. And the results are intriguing, they say, because they may pave the way for novel treatments of binge-eating and obesity. [Christopher Furlong/Getty Images files]

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Antioxidants in blueberry, green tea extracts linked to slower cognitive decline in older adults, U.S. study says a supplement containing extracts from blueberries and green tea, combined with vitamin D3 and amino acids, helps slow cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study ... [Thinkstock/Getty Images]

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What does cancer eat? Sugar, mostly That the roots of cancer are found in its hunger for glucose was only one of the lessons Jane Macdougall learned during a dinner conversation with a pathologist recently. [Illustration by Sarah Lazarovic]

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European probiotics may help with weight loss: Don't bypass the yogurt aisle, study suggests Probiotics found in European products may help boost weight loss, and help keep it off, at least for women, Quebec researchers say in a new study. [Ted Rhodes/Postmedia News files]

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Pubic hair on mannequins? They're doing it in New York Makeovers of the artificial clothing models include back fat, bigger waists and tattoos, too ... [Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images]

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Debunking three diet myths athletes fall for: Put down that protein bar and pick up some toast after training I am constantly surprised by the lack of credible information promoted about sports nutrition, supplements, how to lose body fat, gain muscle mass and “get cut.” I am fortunate to work with sports nutritionist Carrie Mullin Innes, who helps to set the record straight. She has a master’s degree in science in nutrition and is one of the few dietitians in Canada who has completed the intensive International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Nutrition ... [Rod MacIvor/Postmedia News files]

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Slower, but wiser: older brains take longer to process information because of greater experience levels, not necessarily mental decline: Germany study It happens to everyone as we age: forgetting someone’s name, where you put your keys, even what day it is. But if you’re over a certain age, it could just be the result of being too worldly. [Thinkstock/Getty]

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Cooler temperatures may help shed excess weight, Holland study says If you find yourself shivering on a bus or in that cold pocket of your office? Take some solace in new research released this week that suggests spending time in lower temperature areas may help shed excess weight and fend off obesity. [Spencer Platt/Getty Images files]

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What do drinking water, thinking optimistically and eating more sardines have in common? They may all help make you happier Here are 5 brain shifts to become a more content person this winter, plus a few diet tips for improving your mood in general. You're welcome. [Fotolia]

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Gut bacteria health may be the key to living longer, disease-free lives, U.S. fruit fly study reveals As we age, our bodies' ability to maintain a good balance of bacteria in the intestines may become hindered — restoring balance, however, may be the key to living longer, healthier lives, by reducing inflammation before it even has a chance to get started. [Wayne Cuddington/Postmedia News files]

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Is meditation the new antidepressant? Mindfulness practice may be more effective than drugs for anxiety, depression A new study spelled it out last week, and countless corporate classes being offered on and off the job are confirming it: the latest stress and anxiety-busting technique is meditation, and specifically, mindfulness meditation. But what is it, and how does it work? [Fotolia]

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Beyond cardio and resistance training: The three pillars of physical fitness most people ignore Getting on the treadmill or track and then hitting the weight room are fine places to start your workout regimen, but don't forget these three other major areas that contribute to your physical health, kinesiologist Rob Williams advises in his column. [Photodisc]

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‘Our choices make us fat, not McDonald’s': U.S. science teacher mimics Super Size Me, says he lost 37 pounds An Iowa teacher had a bone to pick with Super Size Me and Morgan Spurlock, so he mimicked the documentary's McDonald's exclusive diet — for three months — and says his dietary health actually improved. [Scott Olson/Getty Images files]

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This year, forget resolutions and adopt some brilliant lifehacks Here are 14 simple ways to have a better 2014, from a new way to shave, to whiter teeth, from unlocking your phone to getting engaged, to never hitting snooze again to wearing a crappy watch — make this year better by stealing the successful ways of others. [Illustration by Steve Murray/National Post]