05/06/25 - #384

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Black Tea and Berries Could Contribute to Healthier Ageing. People Who Increased Their Intake of Flavonoid-rich Food Had 6% to 11% Lower Risk Across Ageing Outcomes in Women (Frailty, Impaired Physical Function, and Poor Mental Health) and a 15% Lower Risk of Poor Mental Health in Men

• Eli Lilly Says GLP-1 Pill for Diabetes and Weight Loss Effective in Study, Plans to Seek FDA Approval

• Tackling These 17 Factors Could Cut Your Risk of Stroke, Dementia and Late-life Depression

• Young People Who Increase Their Physical Activity From Age 14 Have a Lower Risk of Developing Depression Symptoms. However, This Does Not Apply to Adolescents Aged 10-14

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Black Tea and Berries Could Contribute to Healthier Ageing. People Who Increased Their Intake of Flavonoid-rich Food Had 6% to 11% Lower Risk Across Ageing Outcomes in Women (Frailty, Impaired Physical Function, and Poor Mental Health) and a 15% Lower Risk of Poor Mental Health in Men

A new study shows that drinking black tea and eating berries, apples, and oranges may help people age in a healthier way. These foods are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural plant compounds that can help reduce inflammation, protect blood vessels, and keep muscles and the brain healthy.

Researchers followed over 86,000 adults—mostly women—for 24 years. Women who ate the most flavonoid-rich foods had a 15% lower risk of becoming frail, a 12% lower risk of weak physical function, and a 12% lower risk of poor mental health. Men who ate more flavonoids had a 15% lower risk of mental health problems.

Adding just three servings of flavonoid-rich foods a day—like a cup of tea, a handful of berries, or an apple—made a clear difference in health.

The study was led by researchers at Edith Cowan University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Harvard. The goal was not just to help people live longer, but to help them stay active and feel well as they age.

Dr. Nicola Bondonno said people who eat more flavonoids are also less likely to get diseases like heart problems, diabetes, or dementia. Professor Aedin Cassidy added that flavonoids may help prevent frailty and support both body and mind in older age.

Simple diet changes—like drinking tea or eating more fruit—may help you stay strong and feel better as you grow older.

Small steps can make a big difference for healthy aging.

Source: scimex.org

WEIGHT LOSS

Eli Lilly Says GLP-1 Pill for Diabetes and Weight Loss Effective in Study, Plans to Seek FDA Approval

A new pill from drugmaker Eli Lilly may help people with type 2 diabetes and weight loss — without shots. The pill is called orforglipron. In a recent study, people who took it lost up to 16 pounds in 40 weeks. It also helped lower their A1C, a blood test that shows blood sugar levels.

The pill works like popular drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro but is taken by mouth, not by injection. That makes it easier to use, especially in places where shots are harder to get or store. The company said this is the first GLP-1 pill to work this well in a large study.

Some people had side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach. These were mostly mild to moderate. The study did not say who the people were or their age or background.

Eli Lilly plans to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve the pill for diabetes in 2026. They will also ask global health groups to approve it for weight loss by the end of this year.

Experts say this pill could be a big step forward. Dr. Louis Aronne, who studies obesity, called the drug “transformational.” Still, doctors say the pill works best with healthy eating and exercise.

“These drugs reduce hunger and slow digestion,” said CBS News medical expert Dr. Jon LaPook. “But they’re not magic. You still need to eat well and stay active.”

This new pill could help millions of adults live healthier lives.

Source: cbsnews.com

HEALTH

Tackling These 17 Factors Could Cut Your Risk of Stroke, Dementia and Late-life Depression

A new study found that changing some habits may lower your risk of stroke, dementia, and depression later in life. Researchers reviewed 59 studies and identified 17 shared risk factors for these brain conditions.

Four habits may protect your brain: staying physically active, doing activities that challenge your mind (like puzzles), having a strong sense of purpose, and drinking little or no alcohol.

Eleven factors increase your risk: high blood pressure, kidney disease, smoking, high blood sugar, poor sleep, obesity, hearing loss, depression, stress, chronic pain, and high cholesterol.

Two factors can help or harm, depending on how they’re managed. A healthy diet (with fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and dairy) lowers risk. A poor diet (high in red meat, sugary drinks, and salty snacks) raises it. Being socially active helps, while loneliness increases risk.

High blood pressure is the most serious risk. It’s often called a “silent killer” because many people don’t know they have it. But it can be treated with lifestyle changes and medicine.

The study shows that working on even one risk factor may help with others. For example, walking daily may lower stress, blood pressure, and cholesterol all at once.

Experts say it’s best to start in your 40s or 50s, but it’s never too late to make changes. Simple steps, like joining a group or getting a health check, can protect your brain and improve your quality of life as you age.

Source: cbc.ca

Young People Who Increase Their Physical Activity From Age 14 Have a Lower Risk of Developing Depression Symptoms. However, This Does Not Apply to Adolescents Aged 10-14

A new study shows that teens who become more active starting at age 14 are less likely to develop depression. The research followed 873 kids from age 6 to 18. Every two years, researchers measured their physical activity using a special step counter. They also did interviews to check for signs of depression.

The biggest benefit was seen in teens between 14 and 18. Those who moved more, especially at a higher intensity, had fewer signs of depression. This means things like running, biking, or playing sports may help protect mental health during these years.

However, the same effect was not found in younger kids. For those ages 10 to 14, being more active did not seem to lower the risk of depression. In fact, kids who felt more depressed during these years often became less active over time.

The study also looked at other factors, like how teens felt about their bodies, if they believed they were good at being active, or if they played sports. These did not change the main results.

Experts say the findings are clear: teens who increase their activity after age 14 may lower their risk of feeling depressed. Staying active can help both the body and the mind.

If you have a teen at home, it may be a good time to support daily movement—like walking, biking, or joining a team. It could boost their mood and help protect their mental health.

Source: norwegianscitechnews.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.