03/10/25 - #343

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Replacing Butter With Plant-based Oils May Reduce the Risk of Premature Death

  • More Than Half of Adults Worldwide Will Be Overweight or Obese by 2050 – Report

  • Scientists Discover New Part of the Immune System. The Proteasome - a Cell Structure That Recycles Proteins - Has a Secret Mode That Can Spew Out an Arsenal of Bacteria-killing Chemicals. Identifying These Proteasome-derived Defence Peptides Could Provide an Untapped Source of Natural Antibiotics

  • About 40% of Adults With Chronic Pain Have Anxiety or Depression, According to New Research Covering Data From More Than 50 Countries. Those Most Likely to Have Depression and Anxiety Are Women, Younger People

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Replacing Butter With Plant-based Oils May Reduce the Risk of Premature Death

A new study says using plant-based oils instead of butter might help you live longer. This research was shown at the American Heart Association's meeting and is also in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal. It looked at health data from over 200,000 U.S. adults across 33 years.

The findings? People who ate a lot of butter were more likely to die sooner, especially from cancer. On the other hand, those who used oils like olive, canola, and soybean oil had a lower risk of dying early. If someone swapped about a tablespoon of butter with the same amount of these oils each day, they could lower their risk of dying by 17%.

The study kept track of what people ate every four years through surveys and checked when someone died using national health records. The results show that small changes in what we eat every day can make us healthier over time.

Most of the people in the study were non-Hispanic white women who worked in health care, so the results might not be the same for everyone. The study shows that eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy oils is good for our health. It also suggests we should eat less processed and sugary foods.

The American Heart Association experts say that eating less butter and more plant oils can help keep our cholesterol healthy. This is good for our hearts. These tips follow what doctors recommend for a heart-healthy diet.

WEIGHT LOSS

More Than Half of Adults Worldwide Will Be Overweight or Obese by 2050 – Report

A new study shows that by 2050, over half of all adults and one-third of young people around the world could be overweight or obese. This is a big problem because it can lead to early death and put a lot of pressure on hospitals and doctors.

A study in the Lancet shows that obesity has increased significantly. We haven't done enough to stop it in the last 30 years.- Right now, about 2.11 billion adults and 493 million young people are too heavy. This is a big increase from 1990, when there were 731 million adults and 198 million young people in the same situation.

By 2050, the numbers could be even higher: 3.8 billion adults and 746 million children and teens might be overweight or obese. The study points out a really worrying rise in obesity among kids and teens—up 121%.

The main places with lots of overweight or obese people are China, India, the USA, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt.

The report warns that many kids are gaining weight faster than before. This could lead to serious illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease, at a young age.

Experts are calling for quick action to help solve this huge health problem before it gets worse.

HEALTH

Scientists Discover New Part of the Immune System. The Proteasome - a Cell Structure That Recycles Proteins - Has a Secret Mode That Can Spew Out an Arsenal of Bacteria-killing Chemicals. Identifying These Proteasome-derived Defence Peptides Could Provide an Untapped Source of Natural Antibiotics

Scientists found something exciting about the immune system. This could help create new natural antibiotics. They found a new role for something called the proteasome, a tiny part of every cell that usually breaks down old proteins so the cell can make new ones.

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel discovered that when a cell is attacked by bacteria, the proteasome changes its job. Instead of just breaking down proteins, it starts making chemicals that can kill the bacteria by breaking their outer layers.

This discovery is important because it helps us understand better how our bodies fight off infections. It also offers scientists a new spot to search for antibiotics. This is important now, as many bacteria are becoming resistant to our current drugs.

The research team tested these new chemicals on bacteria in the lab and on mice with infections like pneumonia. The results were promising and similar to some of the antibiotics we use today.

This discovery is exciting. However, experts like Prof. Daniel Davis from Imperial College London say it will take more time and testing to make it a usable treatment for doctors.

Millions die each year from infections that don't respond to current drugs. This new discovery offers hope. Scientists and doctors may have a new way to fight these infections using something found in our own cells.

About 40% of Adults With Chronic Pain Have Anxiety or Depression, According to New Research Covering Data From More Than 50 Countries. Those Most Likely to Have Depression and Anxiety Are Women, Younger People

Recent research shows that nearly 40% of adults with chronic pain also struggle with anxiety or depression. This study looked at data from over 50 countries and nearly 350,000 people. It shows that we must consider both mental and physical health when treating chronic pain.

The study found that women, younger adults, and people with types of pain that don't come from visible injuries, like fibromyalgia, are more likely to have mental health issues. This tells us that chronic pain doesn't just affect the body; it also seriously impacts how people feel mentally.

Experts believe it's very important to check for mental health problems regularly in people with chronic pain. This way, they can receive the right help for their mental and physical issues. This can improve the effectiveness of treatments overall.

Having good treatment available is crucial. With the right help, people with chronic pain can manage both their pain and their mental health better. This research promotes a fuller approach to health care. It shows that caring for the mind is just as important as caring for the body.

If you have chronic pain, knowing how it connects to mental health can help you feel better. This study shows why we need to treat the whole person, not just the pain, for better health and well-being.

✢ 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.