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- 04/11/25 - #367
04/11/25 - #367
Health Horizon. Herald Staff
April 11, 2025
Good morning. In today’s edition:
Dutch Dietary Guidelines Could Dramatically Cut Chronic Disease Rates by 2050. Removing Processed Meat From Diet Was Similarly Predicted to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes and Colorectal Cancer Cases by 18.6 and 8.7% in Women, Respectively, as Well as 24.5% and 10.4% in Men
New Research Suggests That Instead of Drastically Reducing Calories, People Can Achieve Similar Metabolic Benefits of Intermittent Fasting by Cutting Back on Carbs, Leading to Better Handling of a High-fat Meal and Reduced Triglyceride Levels
Growing Measles Outbreak in Texas Pushes U.S. Cases Above 520
Vegan and Vegetarian Diets Can Protect Brain Health by Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, but They Need Careful Planning and Supplements to Avoid Nutrient Shortages That Could Hurt Memory and Mood
…and lots more. Have a great day!
FOOD & NUTRITION
Dutch Dietary Guidelines Could Dramatically Cut Chronic Disease Rates by 2050. Removing Processed Meat From Diet Was Similarly Predicted to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes and Colorectal Cancer Cases by 18.6 and 8.7% in Women, Respectively, as Well as 24.5% and 10.4% in Men
A recent study suggests that if the Netherlands follows the Dutch dietary guidelines, it could greatly reduce chronic diseases by 2050. The study focused on the impact of removing processed meat from the diet and increasing fruit consumption. Here are some key findings:
Processed Meat: Cutting out processed meats may lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and colorectal cancer. For men, the risk of diabetes and colorectal cancer could drop by 24.5% and 10.4%, respectively. Women could see an 18.6% and 8.7% decrease in the same diseases.
Fruit Consumption: Eating 200 grams of fruit each day may reduce the risk of stroke and lung cancer. Men could see a 19.1% reduction in stroke cases, while women could experience an 8.2% decrease in lung cancer cases.
The study used data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey and other health studies to predict these results. Diet is key to managing health risks linked to chronic diseases. Following these guidelines can help both men and women live longer. They can also enjoy more years without disease.
This study shows how diet affects chronic disease prevention. It also points out the benefits of national dietary guidelines. Looking to 2050, these measures may be key in easing health issues and improving quality of life for many.
WEIGHT LOSS
New Research Suggests That Instead of Drastically Reducing Calories, People Can Achieve Similar Metabolic Benefits of Intermittent Fasting by Cutting Back on Carbs, Leading to Better Handling of a High-fat Meal and Reduced Triglyceride Levels
Recent research from the University of Surrey has some good news for those who don’t like strict dieting. Eating fewer carbs can aid weight loss, similar to intermittent fasting. This method involves consuming very few calories at certain times. This finding is especially helpful for adults over 45 who are trying to stay healthy.
The study looked at overweight or obese people between 20 and 65 years old. They tested three diets: one with the usual carbs, one with fewer carbs but the same calories, and one with fewer carbs and fewer calories.
Both plans with fewer carbs worked well. Participants managed fatty meals better and had lower levels of triglycerides—a type of fat that can cause heart disease. These diets also helped the body burn fat instead of carbs, which is great for losing weight.
Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert, said, "By just cutting carbs and not calories, we get the good effects that fasting brings, like weight loss."
The study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found something interesting. On low-carb days, people felt hungrier. But they didn’t eat more later. This suggests that cutting carbs could be an easy diet to stick to for a long time.
This new approach to diets can help people manage diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It focuses on carbs rather than calories.
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HEALTH
Growing Measles Outbreak in Texas Pushes U.S. Cases Above 520
A measles outbreak in Texas has caused more than 520 cases in the U.S. this year, the second highest in ten years. Most of the 400 cases in Texas were people who hadn't gotten their measles shots.
The virus has spread quickly, leading to 41 people being hospitalized and sadly, the death of a young child. It began in Gaines County, where many children are not vaccinated. Nearly 18% of the kids there haven't had their measles shots.
Measles spreads very easily through the air. If someone with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus can stay in the air and make others sick. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads.
Vaccination is the best way to stop measles. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, works really well if you get two shots. Even though most kids in the U.S. are vaccinated, younger children might not be as protected.
Because the outbreak has spread to other states, health workers are trying to get more people vaccinated. In some places, they might even start vaccinating babies as young as 6 months old.
This outbreak shows how important it is to get vaccinated to keep diseases like measles away.
Vegan and Vegetarian Diets Can Protect Brain Health by Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, but They Need Careful Planning and Supplements to Avoid Nutrient Shortages That Could Hurt Memory and Mood
Many people choose vegan and vegetarian diets because they're good for the planet and don't use animal products. These diets can be great for your brain too. They have lots of healthy parts from plants that can lower inflammation and keep your brain safe from stress, which helps protect it as you get older.
Benefits: Fighting Inflammation
Fruits and vegetables in these diets are full of nutrients that fight inflammation in the body. This is good because too much inflammation can lead to brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Risks: Missing Nutrients
However, these diets can miss important nutrients if not planned well. For example, vitamin B12, which is mostly found in animal foods, is very important for your brain. Not having enough B12 can make you forgetful and feel down. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are in fish, are also important for a healthy brain but are less common in plant foods. Iron and zinc are harder to get from plants but are necessary for your brain to send messages and stay healthy.
Solution: Smart Choices and Supplements
To make the most of these diets without missing important nutrients, it’s important to plan well. Eating foods enriched with these nutrients or taking supplements can help. Checking your diet regularly to make sure you’re getting what you need is also a good idea.
In short, while these diets have many benefits, it’s important to eat a variety of foods and possibly add supplements to stay healthy and sharp.
✢ 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.