03/21/25 - #352

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Butter Linked to Higher Death Risk While Plant-based Oils May Boost Health

  • I've Lost 50 Lbs!

  • Vaping Doesn't Help People Quit Smoking, Study Finds

  • Vitamin a is Not a Substitute for the Measles Vaccine, Houston Health Experts Say

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Butter Linked to Higher Death Risk While Plant-based Oils May Boost Health

Recent research shows that using butter often might increase your risk of dying earlier. A 30-year study showed that people who used a lot of butter had a 15% higher risk of early death than those who used less. However, switching from butter to plant-based oils like olive or canola oil could lower your risk of dying early by 17%.

The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, followed the eating habits of about 221,000 middle-aged and older adults in the US for up to 33 years. It found that people who used more plant-based oils had a 16% lower risk of dying.

Not all oils are the same, though. Oils like olive, soybean, and canola were linked to lower risks of death, cancer, and heart disease. Corn and safflower oils didn’t show the same benefits. The study didn’t examine palm or coconut oils, which are high in unhealthy fats and linked to heart problems.

There’s been a lot of talk on social media about the health effects of different oils. Experts say this study helps clear up some of that confusion and supports using oils that are better for your heart instead of butter.

Choosing healthier oils is an easy way to boost your health. It helps guard against heart disease and stroke, so you can still enjoy your food.

WEIGHT LOSS

I've Lost 50 Lbs!

Have you ever imagined losing weight without changing what you eat or how much you eat? It sounds too good to be true, right? But there's a new method in town called intermittent fasting, and it's changing the game.

Intermittent fasting isn't about the types of food you eat; it's all about timing your meals to allow for periods of fasting. This method isn't just about cutting calories—it's also linked to numerous health benefits, like lower blood pressure and improved glucose levels.

One popular approach is the 16/8 method, where you eat during an 8-hour window, say from noon to 8 PM, and fast for the remaining 16 hours. Another option is eating on alternate days, which might sound daunting but has helped many like our next guest, who lost 50 pounds!

Before she started intermittent fasting, she struggled with weight gain from stressful jobs and unhealthy eating habits. Traditional diets and gym routines didn't work for her. But once she tried intermittent fasting, the pounds started to drop, and the benefits didn't stop at weight loss. Improved energy, better sleep, and even clearer skin were part of the package.

She's not alone—many are turning to this flexible eating plan. And today, she's here to share her journey and inspire others with her story. If you've tried everything and nothing has stuck, intermittent fasting might just be the breakthrough you need. So, why not give it a try?

HEALTH

Vaping Doesn't Help People Quit Smoking, Study Finds

A new study has found that using e-cigarettes, or vaping, isn't an effective way to quit smoking. Researchers at the University of California San Diego studied over 6,000 smokers in the U.S. They found that daily vapers are 15% less likely to quit smoking than non-vapers.

Vaping means inhaling vapors that often have nicotine. Nicotine is the same addictive substance in cigarettes. This can lead to inflammation in the lungs and introduce harmful chemicals into the body. E-cigarettes also contain substances like propylene glycol and flavorings that can be harmful. The liquid in e-cigarettes can contain toxic metals like lead and nickel. It may also have cancer-causing chemicals, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.

Vaping is popular, especially with young adults. However, we still don't know its long-term health effects. Vaping is just as addictive as smoking. It can also cause serious health problems, like lung damage and heart disease.

For those looking to quit smoking or vaping, better options exist. Quitlines and nicotine replacement therapies, like gum, patches, or lozenges, work well. These methods ease cravings and lower withdrawal symptoms. This makes it simpler to quit nicotine for good.

In conclusion, if you're trying to quit smoking, relying on vaping might not be the best approach. There are other more effective and safer methods to help you quit.

Vitamin A is Not a Substitute for the Measles Vaccine, Houston Health Experts Say

Health experts in Houston say that Vitamin A cannot replace the measles vaccine. During a measles outbreak in West Texas, some thought Vitamin A could prevent the disease. However, doctors are clearing up this misunderstanding.

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, boosts the body's immune system. It can lessen measles symptoms, especially in kids who are undernourished, but it won't cure the disease. "Vitamin A helps after you are sick, but it won't prevent measles," said Dr. Stacey Rose from Baylor College of Medicine. "The best protection is the vaccine."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is about 97% effective with two doses. Local health officials emphasize the need for vaccination. This helps stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Dr. Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease expert at UT Health, explained, "Vitamin A can help with some effects of measles if you are already sick, but it does not prevent the infection."

Houston has maintained a high measles vaccination rate. This is notable, especially after the outbreak that caused nearly 200 cases and two deaths. About 94% of people in the area are vaccinated, according to County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Residents should check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed. This is the best way to protect our community from measles.

✢ 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.