Just 10 things Michael Mosley's top health and wellbeing tips

Dr Michael Mosley, the popular TV presenter, podcaster and columnist who died last week, was best known for his surprisingly straightforward tips to improve your health and wellbeing.

- Andrew Gregory

Broadcasters and doctors said he had left an “enormous legacy” of explaining medical science to millions of people . Guardian readers also paid tribute , with one describing how he had done more to change her everyday life than any other broadcaster.

In his last interview broadcast on Radio 4 yesterday, he recounted his own attempts to embrace cold water: ‘What I typically do is go into the warm shower, I wash myself and then I hit the cold. I cannot say it is a moment of bliss, normally followed by a lot of screaming! What I do is sing very loudly which my wife really hates – but it gets me through it. ”

Here are 10 of his top health tips.

Swim to increase mental speed

Swimming can have significant benefits for your blood vessels, mental speed and longevity, Mosley advised. Going three times a week for about 20 to 30 minutes each time works best, he said.

The physical benefits are obvious: “When you’re swimming vigorously, you are using lots of different muscle groups and, importantly, you are working against the weight of the water .”

But there are also mental benefits : “A small study from New Zealand found that doing a 20-minute swimming exercise boosts brain function and even produced slightly faster reaction times.” Even gentle laps can help people with injuries such as knee problems, who may find it harder to run. “Take the plunge: you could get big benefits for your blood vessels, your brain, your heart.”

Volunteer , and live a longer, healthier life

Helping others could help you too, Mosley said. By giving volunteering a go, you could boost your mental health, lower your cholesterol, and live longer and healthier. It could even help you lose weight.

Cook tomatoes for more benefits