03/05/25 - #340

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Fasting After Learning Might Sharpen Some Memories, but Blur Others, Study Suggests

  • I Just Wanted to Share My Weight Loss Tips

  • Bird Flu is Continuing to Impact U.S. Consumers. But, These States Aren’t Testing Livestock for the Virus

  • Broccoli Sprout Compound Can Help Fend Off Type 2 Diabetes - a New Study Found That One of the Vegetable’s Standout Compounds, the Antioxidant Sulforaphane, Also Improved Blood Sugar Levels in People With Prediabetes, the Precursor to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Fasting After Learning Might Sharpen Some Memories, but Blur Others, Study Suggests

Have you noticed that being hungry changes how you remember things? A recent study in the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory suggests that not eating after learning can help you remember general facts better. But it may be tougher to recall exact details, like when and where things occurred.

Researchers are curious about how our brains strengthen memories, a process called consolidation. We know sleep is crucial for this, but being hungry might also play a role. Previous animal studies found a link between fasting and memory. Now, researchers are testing this idea in humans.

The study had healthy men either fast or eat normally after learning. They did memory tasks like memorizing word pairs or recognizing shapes. Then, they either continued to fast or ate meals over the next ten hours.

The results were interesting. Fasting improved memory for word pairs but made it difficult to recall where shapes were placed. Fasting impacted memory differently. It seemed to boost memories linked to the cortex, the brain's outer layer. However, it did not help with detailed memories from the hippocampus.

Researchers believe that when we're hungry, our brains focus on simple facts. This helps reduce confusion from the hippocampus and improves memory for basic information.

These findings are just the beginning. They suggest that our eating habits may affect our memory. More studies are needed, but it's a fascinating discovery.

WEIGHT LOSS

I Just Wanted to Share My Weight Loss Tips

Losing weight and keeping it off means finding a plan that fits your life and the foods you love. Here are eight easy tips to help you on your weight loss journey:

  1. Embrace Your Roots: Include familiar foods in your diet. If you're used to eating rice and wheat, keep them in your meals in smaller amounts.

  2. Treat Yourself: Allowing occasional treats can help you avoid eating too much later.

  3. Stay Active: Exercise is as important as what you eat. Try to get 150 minutes of activity each week.

  4. Choose Whole Grains: Pick whole grains and foods with lots of fiber. They help you feel full faster and keep you full longer.

  5. Watch Portions: There's wisdom in the old advice: eat a big breakfast, a medium lunch, and a small dinner.

  6. Get Enough Sleep: Sleeping well is crucial. If you're tired, you might eat more than you need.

  7. Cook Smart: Use healthier cooking methods like grilling, boiling, and steaming instead of frying.

  8. Colorful Meals: Make your plate colorful with different types of foods—grains, proteins, veggies, fruits, and dairy. This mix gives you all the nutrients you need.

These simple changes can make a big difference in reaching your weight loss goals while still enjoying your meals.

HEALTH

Bird Flu is Continuing to Impact U.S. Consumers. But, These States Aren’t Testing Livestock for the Virus

Bird flu continues to cause problems in the U.S., but not all states are checking their livestock for the virus. Since 2022, over 157 million birds have been killed to stop the spread, and 968 dairy herds have been hit by the virus.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stepped up testing on milk products and keeps a close eye on wild birds. But, 28 states have joined the National Milk Testing Strategy to track the H5N1 virus. Still, some major dairy and poultry states have not participated. Texas, for example, with over 12 million cattle, isn't testing because they say there are no current cases.

Not testing in some states is worrying, especially as egg prices are at an all-time high, and grocery costs are going up. The virus has forced stores to limit how many eggs people can buy, affecting everyday shopping. Also, Texas reported the first known bird flu cases in a mammal and a human, showing there are risks.

Health experts keep saying that the risk to people is low and that food like pasteurized milk is safe. However, with the virus not slowing down, there's a growing need for all states to work together to protect farms and public health.

Broccoli Sprout Compound Can Help Fend Off Type 2 Diabetes - a New Study Found That One of the Vegetable’s Standout Compounds, the Antioxidant Sulforaphane, Also Improved Blood Sugar Levels in People With Prediabetes, the Precursor to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

A new study in Nature Microbiology looked at sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli sprouts. It may help control blood sugar in people with prediabetes. This condition can lead to Type 2 diabetes if not managed well.

Researchers tested broccoli sprout extract (BSE) by giving it daily to people with prediabetes. They compared their blood sugar levels to others who took a placebo, or a dummy pill, for 12 weeks. The results showed a small improvement in the blood sugar levels of those who took the BSE, but it wasn’t as significant as hoped.

What’s interesting is that the study found the effects of sulforaphane vary from person to person. This variation might depend on the types of bacteria living in our guts. Some people with certain gut bacteria saw better improvements in their blood sugar levels.

The study shows that sulforaphane might be a simple and cheap way to help manage blood sugar levels early, alongside other lifestyle changes.

This research shows we might need to customize how we prevent diabetes based on individual health factors and gut bacteria. Broccoli sprout extract may help prevent Type 2 diabetes. This is especially true for people noticing changes in their blood sugar levels. It could be a good addition to a personalized health plan.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.