04/30/24 - #119

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Is Coconut Oil Beneficial for Health?

  • How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight?

  • Years After the U.S. Began to Slowly Emerge From Mandatory COVID-19 Lockdowns, More Than Half of Older Adults Still Spend More Time at Home and Less Time Socializing in Public Spaces Than They Did Pre-pandemic

  • A Study Shows That Total Life Expectancy is Five Years Longer in People With Blood Pressure Below 120/80 mmHg Compared to People at 140/90 mmHg and Above

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Is Coconut Oil Beneficial for Health?

Many people worry that coconut oil might be harmful or even poisonous. However, these fears are not true. Coconut oil has been safely used in many cultures for hundreds of years.

One of the biggest benefits of coconut oil is that it can increase the good cholesterol in your body, known as HDL. This type of cholesterol helps keep your heart healthy, proving that coconut oil is not bad for your heart.

Coconut oil contains special fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs can turn into ketones, which are great for brain health. Ketones provide energy that helps protect brain and nerve cells from stress. This is particularly helpful for people with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Another important part of coconut oil is lauric acid. This fatty acid can fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Lauric acid helps your immune system. It does this by breaking down the protective layers of some viruses. This makes it easier for your body to fight illnesses.

Lastly, coconut oil can boost your energy. MCTs are absorbed directly into your body, giving you a quick and efficient energy source.

Including coconut oil in your diet can be part of a healthy lifestyle. It's safe and offers many health benefits, like better heart health, improved brain function, stronger immune system, and more energy.

WEIGHT LOSS

How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight?

Losing weight might seem tough, but intermittent fasting can make it easier. This method isn't just skipping meals. It's a planned way to eat and fast. For example, you might eat all your meals in an 8-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours each day.

Why does this work? It's because of how our bodies handle food. When we fast, our insulin levels go down. Insulin is a hormone that helps manage blood sugar. If it’s too high from eating too often or eating junk food, our bodies store more fat.

Intermittent fasting also helps other important hormones. Growth hormone, which helps build muscle and burn fat, increases with fasting. Leptin, which tells us when we're full, works better, so we don’t overeat.

Fasting can also make your stomach feel less bloated and improve your overall health.

So, how quickly can you lose weight with this method? It depends. Your body starts to change right away by balancing hormones and reducing swelling, even if you can't see these changes. Usually, people start to notice weight loss after a few weeks.

Everyone’s body is different. People who are already healthy might see results faster. The most important thing is to keep at it and be patient. If you stick with intermittent fasting, you’re likely to see not just weight loss, but better overall health.

HEALTH

Years After the U.S. Began to Slowly Emerge From Mandatory COVID-19 Lockdowns, More Than Half of Older Adults Still Spend More Time at Home and Less Time Socializing in Public Spaces Than They Did Pre-pandemic

Years since COVID-19 lockdowns lifted, over half of older adults still spend more time at home and less out in public than before the pandemic, a CU Boulder study shows.

Many older people say they're worried about getting sick and feel awkward in social places. Jessica Finlay, a health expert, explains, "The pandemic is not over for a lot of folks. Some people feel left behind."

This comes as the U.S. Surgeon General talks about an "epidemic of loneliness." Older adults, especially those with health issues, are feeling very lonely. Changes in how we live and interact have lasting effects on their health and happiness.

Data from the COVID-19 Coping Study shows 59% of older adults stay home more. 75% eat out less. More than half go to places like gyms and churches less often. Although some enjoy more outdoor activities or online events, the feeling of being alone is still there.

The study also notes some older adults face negative reactions for wearing masks or keeping distance in public, making it harder for them to go out.

Despite this, Finlay emphasizes making public places safer. He wants to make them more welcoming for everyone. She hopes for more kindness towards those still cautious about the pandemic. "How can we make it easier for them to re-engage?" she asks.

A Study Shows That Total Life Expectancy is Five Years Longer in People With Blood Pressure Below 120/80 mmHg Compared to People at 140/90 mmHg and Above

Keeping your blood pressure low could help you live up to five years longer. Research shows that people with blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg usually live longer than those with levels at 140/90 mmHg or higher. High blood pressure is linked to serious health risks like heart attacks and strokes.

Despite many warnings, lots of people still don't keep an eye on their blood pressure. William Faloon, who has tried to help people manage their blood pressure for 40 years, remembers a case from the 1980s. A supporter thought his healthy diet and vitamins would keep him safe, but he ended up having a stroke because his blood pressure was too high.

As we get older, our blood pressure tends to go up, but there are ways to prevent this. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, and even memory issues. Managing your blood pressure isn't just about taking medicine. It also means checking it regularly and making changes like eating healthier and exercising more.

Studies like the Framingham Heart Study have shown something important. It's key to keep blood pressure low. This prevents heart and brain diseases. This study has shown clear benefits to maintaining lower blood pressure.

In summary, taking care of your blood pressure can help you live a longer, healthier life. Small changes today can lead to a better tomorrow. It's never too late to start looking after your heart and blood pressure.

✢ 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.