05/23/24 - #136

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Cancer and Death, Large Review Finds

  • Millions More Middle-aged Are Obese, Study Suggests

  • Toxic Metals in Vapes May Pose Major Health Risks for Youth, Study Finds

  • A Rare Genetic Condition That Causes Short Stature May Also Provide Protection From Diabetes, Heart Disease and Other Illnesses, a New Study Says

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Cancer and Death, Large Review Finds

A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE analyzed almost 50 studies. It found that eating more plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains could lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and early death.

The research showed that both vegetarian and vegan diets are linked to lower chances of getting prostate cancer. They also lower the risk of digestive system cancers, like colon cancer. Vegetarians also have a lower risk of dying from heart diseases.

Why are these diets helpful? They tend to lead to healthier body weight, less inflammation, and better cholesterol levels. Matthew Landry, a researcher involved in the study, mentions that even cutting back on meat a little, like a few days a week, can help your health over time.

However, not all plant-based diets are the same. Dr. Walter Willett is from Harvard University. He says that the best vegetarian diets have lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils. Just avoiding meat doesn’t automatically make a diet healthy.

Eating whole foods rather than taking supplements is important. Foods like beans and oats are especially good because they have a lot of fiber, which can lower bad cholesterol.

While these diets are generally good for all ages, they may not be perfect for everyone. For example, during pregnancy, a strictly plant-based diet might not be recommended. Sometimes, a vitamin supplement, like B12, might be needed.

Eating more plants could improve health. But, it’s key to focus on high-quality foods.

WEIGHT LOSS

Millions More Middle-aged Are Obese, Study Suggests

A recent study from Italy has brought to light that many middle-aged adults might be obese without knowing it. The University of Tor Vergata in Rome conducted this research. It suggests a change in how we measure obesity. This change could show a more accurate number of affected people.

Typically, obesity is measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates weight in relation to height. The World Health Organization supports this method, but it does not account for muscle versus fat content in the body. The Italian study, however, used body fat percentage as a measure and found significantly higher rates of obesity among participants.

The study involved 4,800 adults between 40 and 80 years old. While only 38% of men and 41% of women were considered obese by BMI standards (30 or above), the numbers jumped to 71% for men and 64% for women when their body fat was measured.

The researchers propose lowering the BMI cut-off for obesity from 30 to 27. This change could help find more people at risk of diseases. These diseases include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Though BMI is a quick and cost-effective tool, it may not be the most accurate. The study's authors suggest that a simpler, more accessible tool is needed to effectively screen for obesity. They also see that more research is needed. It should cover more regions and demographics to confirm these findings.

HEALTH

Toxic Metals in Vapes May Pose Major Health Risks for Youth, Study Finds

Recent research has found that vapes are popular among kids and teenagers. They might contain harmful metals like lead, uranium, and cadmium. These metals can cause serious health issues. They include problems with brain functions, changes in behavior, and diseases like cancer and heart problems.

The study was published in the Tobacco Control journal. It warns that using vapes for a short time can be dangerous. This is especially true for young people. Their bodies are still growing. For example, lead can harm the brain and heart, and cadmium can increase the risk of getting osteoporosis and certain cancers.

In Canada, even though fewer young people are smoking cigarettes, many are starting to use vapes. Recent data shows a big increase in vaping among teens aged 15 to 19, with many of them never having smoked regular cigarettes.

Health experts are worried about flavored vapes because they attract young users. Some places in Canada have already banned these flavors to help stop kids from vaping.

The study tested urine samples from teenagers and found that those who vape more often have higher levels of toxic metals. This is concerning and shows why it's important to control vaping among young people. The Canadian government is looking at ways to limit vaping. They may ban some flavors and reduce the nicotine in vapes. This would make them less appealing and safer for youth.

A Rare Genetic Condition That Causes Short Stature May Also Provide Protection From Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Other Illnesses, a New Study Says

Imagine being only 4 feet tall. You have a rare condition that protects you from getting sick with diseases, like diabetes or heart disease. This condition is called Laron syndrome.

Nathaly Paola Castro Torres, 42, has Laron syndrome. She often gets unwanted attention due to her height. But, her height also gives her a unique health benefit. Nathaly grew up in Quito, Ecuador, and now works in a restaurant in Los Angeles.

Laron syndrome is caused by a special change in her genes, which affects her growth but also protects her from serious health problems. Researchers like Professor Valter Longo and Dr. Jaime Guevara-Aguirre have studied people like Nathaly for many years. They found that people with this condition rarely get cancer or diabetes. They also tend to have younger-looking brains without signs of diseases like Alzheimer's.

The condition affects about 350 to 500 people worldwide. It's caused by a gene change that stops the normal growth hormone from working right. Instead of causing problems, this change helps protect their bodies from aging too fast and getting certain diseases.

Being very short can lead to other health issues, like obesity. But, researchers found that people with Laron syndrome still have a lower risk of heart disease.

This condition shows how our genes greatly affect our health. It might help doctors find new ways to prevent diseases for everyone.

✢ 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.