05/26/25 - #398

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Breakfast Cereals in the United States Now Contain More Sugar, Fat, and Salt, While Key Nutrients Like Protein and Fiber Are on the Decline, According to New Research. The Study Looked at 1,200 Newly Launched or Reformulated Cereals Sold Between 2010 and 2023

• Eating Craved Foods With Meals Lessens Cravings, Boosts Weight Loss | Consuming Craved Foods as "Desserts" Helps Dieters Manage Cravings, Lose More Weight

• Why It Feels Like Allergy Season is Getting Longer, More Severe

• Research Shows Higher Temperatures Were Associated With a 45 Percent Increased Likelihood of a Sleeper Experiencing Obstructive Sleep Apnea on a Given Night. However, Findings Varied by Region, With People in Europe Seeing Higher Rates of OSA When Temperatures Rise Than Those in the United States

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Breakfast Cereals in the United States Now Contain More Sugar, Fat, and Salt, While Key Nutrients Like Protein and Fiber Are on the Decline, According to New Research. The Study Looked at 1,200 Newly Launched or Reformulated Cereals Sold Between 2010 and 2023

Many breakfast cereals in the U.S. have become less healthy over the years, according to new research. A study looked at 1,200 cereals that were either newly launched or reformulated between 2010 and 2023.

The results show that sugar, fat, and salt levels have gone up in many of these products. At the same time, important nutrients like protein and fiber have gone down.

Breakfast cereal is often seen as a quick and easy way to start the day. But these changes may make it harder for people to get the nutrients they need—especially older adults who may rely on cereals for part of their daily nutrition.

Experts say the rise in sugar and fat can lead to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Less fiber and protein can also leave you feeling hungry sooner, which may cause people to eat more throughout the day.

Some cereals are now more like dessert than a healthy breakfast. The study’s authors suggest that better labeling and stronger rules may help encourage companies to make healthier choices.

If you enjoy cereal, check the nutrition label. Look for options with less sugar and more fiber and protein. Adding nuts, seeds, or fruit to your cereal can also boost its nutrition.

Eating well in the morning can set the tone for the rest of the day—and help protect your long-term health.

Source: upi.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Eating Craved Foods With Meals Lessens Cravings, Boosts Weight Loss | Consuming Craved Foods as "Desserts" Helps Dieters Manage Cravings, Lose More Weight

A new study from the University of Illinois shows that people can lose more weight by including small amounts of their favorite foods, like desserts, during meals.

In the study, adults followed a one-year online weight-loss program. Many used a method called the “inclusion strategy.” This means they added small portions of foods they craved—such as cookies, chips, or cake—into balanced meals instead of eating them as snacks.

The results were clear: People who used this strategy lost more weight and kept it off longer. On average, those who finished the first year lost about 8% of their body weight. Most kept off the weight the next year.

Cravings for sweets and high-fat foods also went down during the program. The study found that cravings stayed low as long as people didn’t regain the weight. This challenges the old idea that “hungry fat cells” cause cravings. Instead, cravings drop as fat is lost and stay low if the weight stays off.

The study included people ages 18 to 75 with health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes. They took part in 22 online lessons and weighed themselves daily using smart scales.

The researchers say the key to success is planning and consistency—not willpower. Regular meals, steady eating habits, and allowing some treats helped people avoid strong cravings and stick to their goals.

Bottom line: You don’t have to give up your favorite foods. Eat them in small amounts with meals—and lose more weight.

Source: eurekalert.org

HEALTH

Why It Feels Like Allergy Season is Getting Longer, More Severe

If your allergies seem worse each year, you’re not alone. Allergy season is now starting earlier, lasting longer, and making more people feel sick.

Experts say climate change is one reason. Warmer weather and more carbon dioxide in the air help plants grow for longer. This causes them to release more pollen. Also, the first frost of fall happens later, which means pollen stays in the air longer.

Pollen is a big cause of seasonal allergies. When you breathe it in, your immune system may think it’s harmful and overreact. This can cause sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and other common allergy symptoms.

About 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has seasonal allergies. That number may grow as allergy seasons continue to get longer and stronger.

There are ways to feel better. Over-the-counter allergy pills, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help. Some people may need allergy shots if symptoms don’t improve. Doctors also suggest starting medicines a few weeks before allergy season begins.

You can also take steps at home. Keep your windows closed, use air filters, and change your clothes when you come inside. Showering before bed helps wash off pollen. Try to keep your bedroom free of pollen so your body can rest at night.

Allergy season is changing, but you can stay ahead of it with the right tools and habits. Talk to your doctor if symptoms don’t get better. Help is available.

Source: yahoo.com

Research Shows Higher Temperatures Were Associated With a 45 Percent Increased Likelihood of a Sleeper Experiencing Obstructive Sleep Apnea on a Given Night. However, Findings Varied by Region, With People in Europe Seeing Higher Rates of OSA When Temperatures Rise Than Those in the United States

A new study found that higher nighttime temperatures can raise the risk of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops and starts breathing while sleeping. It can lead to health problems like tiredness, heart disease, and poor focus.

Researchers studied over 116,000 people who used special sensors under their mattresses to track sleep. They found that people were 45% more likely to have sleep apnea on hotter nights.

The risk was not the same in every country. People in Europe were more affected by rising temperatures than those in the United States or Australia.

Experts warn that as climate change causes more hot nights, sleep apnea may become more common and more severe. In fact, the number of people with sleep apnea could double by the year 2100 if temperatures rise by 2°C or more.

The study also showed that climate change has already increased sleep apnea by 50% to 100% since the year 2000. Many people do not know they have sleep apnea, so the full impact may be even worse.

Dr. Bastien Lechat, the lead researcher, said we need better ways to find and treat sleep apnea. Diagnosing more people and giving them treatment may help lower the health risks linked to hotter nights.

If you snore, feel tired during the day, or have trouble breathing at night, talk to your doctor. Treating sleep apnea can improve your health—and help you sleep better, even in warmer weather.

Source: eurekalert.org

✢ 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.