04/02/25 - #360

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Boiled Coffee in a Pot Contains High Levels of the Worst of Cholesterol-elevating Substances. Coffee From Most Coffee Machines in Workplaces Also Contains High Levels of Cholesterol-elevating Substances. However, Regular Paper Filter Coffee Makers Filter Out Most of These Substances, Finds Study

• Ketogenic Diets May Help People Lose More Weight Than Other Diets by Reducing Hunger, Stabilizing Blood Sugar, Improving Insulin Sensitivity, and Supporting Mood—often Without Calorie Counting

• Exercise of Any Kind Boosts Brainpower at Any Age. Whether It’s an Early Morning Jog, or a Touch of Tai Chi, Groundbreaking Research Shows That Any Form of Exercise Can Significantly Boost Brain Function and Memory Across Children, Adults, and Older Adults

• Drinking From Plastic Bottles Directly Linked to High Blood Pressure and Heart Problems

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Boiled Coffee in a Pot Contains High Levels of the Worst of Cholesterol-elevating Substances. Coffee From Most Coffee Machines in Workplaces Also Contains High Levels of Cholesterol-elevating Substances. However, Regular Paper Filter Coffee Makers Filter Out Most of These Substances, Finds Study

Coffee lovers at work might want to rethink their next cup. A recent study from Uppsala University shows that many coffee machines at work serve drinks high in cholesterol-raising substances. But traditional drip-filter coffee makers with paper filters cut down on these harmful elements.

The research worked with Chalmers University of Technology. It looked at coffee from fourteen machines in workplace break rooms. The study compared this coffee to coffee made with other methods. Machines that lack proper filters let more harmful diterpenes through. Cafestol and kahweol are two such diterpenes. They can raise LDL cholesterol levels and may increase the risk of heart disease.

Interestingly, not all coffee machines are created equal. The study showed big differences in diterpene levels. These changes happened across various machines and at different times. Machines that mimic brewing methods, such as percolators and French presses, had very high levels. Drip-filter coffee makers, on the other hand, lowered these cholesterol-raising substances to very low levels.

For avid coffee drinkers, especially those consuming multiple cups daily, the findings are a call to action. Choosing coffee made with a paper filter can be a healthier option. It may help reduce future heart risks.

David Iggman, the study's lead researcher, says we need a more controlled study. This would help us measure the effects on cholesterol more accurately. For now, using a simple paper filter coffee maker might be a smart choice for your health and heart.

Source: uu.se

WEIGHT LOSS

Ketogenic Diets May Help People Lose More Weight Than Other Diets by Reducing Hunger, Stabilizing Blood Sugar, Improving Insulin Sensitivity, and Supporting Mood—often Without Calorie Counting

Ketogenic diets are getting a lot of attention for helping people lose weight without counting calories. This diet is low in carbs but high in fats, which makes the body use fat for energy. This process is called ketosis.

One big plus of the ketogenic diet is that it makes you feel less hungry. Foods high in fat and protein keep you full longer, so you naturally eat less. Also, ketosis affects hunger hormones, helping you feel satisfied with less food.

This diet also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which is great for preventing diabetes. By eating fewer carbs, your body gets better at managing insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar.

Another benefit is better mood stability. The diet helps your brain get a steady supply of energy from fats instead of carbs, which might make you feel more balanced and happy.

It's important for people over 45 to talk to their doctor before starting a ketogenic diet, especially if they have health issues. The diet can offer many benefits, but it's good to understand how it fits your personal health needs.

In short, the ketogenic diet can be a useful way to lose weight while feeling full and energetic. Always check with a healthcare provider to make sure it's safe and right for you.

Source: mdpi.com

HEALTH

Exercise of Any Kind Boosts Brainpower at Any Age. Whether It’s an Early Morning Jog, or a Touch of Tai Chi, Groundbreaking Research Shows That Any Form of Exercise Can Significantly Boost Brain Function and Memory Across Children, Adults, and Older Adults

Exercise, like a morning jog or Tai Chi, can boost your brainpower. Research from the University of South Australia confirms this. This is true for everyone, whether you're young, an adult, or older.

Researchers looked at over 258,000 people and found that regular physical activity improves how we think, remember things, and handle complex tasks. They reviewed many studies and found that even light or moderate exercise is very helpful.

Kids and teenagers see the biggest improvements in memory. Adults with ADHD benefit too, with better focus and less impulsivity. Yoga, Tai Chi, and video games like Pokémon Go are especially good for making your brain work better.

Dr. Ben Singh, who led the study, says that even a little exercise can make a big difference quickly. Improvements can be seen in just 1 to 3 months. He notes that gentle activities are enough to help, making it possible for people of all ages and abilities to keep their brains sharp.

Professor Carol Maher, another expert on the team, believes exercise should be a key part of staying mentally sharp at any age. She highlights that with brain diseases becoming more common worldwide, exercise is a powerful way to protect brain health for life.

So, get moving—your brain will thank you for it!

Source: unisa.edu.au

Drinking From Plastic Bottles Directly Linked to High Blood Pressure and Heart Problems

We use plastic bottles every day because they are convenient. But studies show they could be harmful to our health, especially our hearts.

Researchers are looking at microplastics—tiny plastic particles that come from things like car tires and clothes. These particles are everywhere: in our food, water, air, and even inside our bodies. They could be causing inflammation and other problems that affect our heart health.

A recent study focused on how these microplastics might raise our blood pressure, a major risk for heart disease. Eight people participated in the study, and they drank tap water instead of bottled water for a month. The results were interesting—women in the study saw their blood pressure go down, which suggests that avoiding plastic could help our hearts.

However, the study was small, and more research is needed to be sure of these effects. But it's clear that microplastics could be a hidden danger to our health.

The researchers suggest that we should try to use fewer plastic bottles. Choosing tap water and reusable containers might reduce our exposure to these harmful particles.

As we learn more, it's important to think about how using less plastic can not only help the environment but also our health. Cutting down on plastic bottles could be a simple way to protect our hearts.

Source: earth.com

✢ 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.