06/10/25 - #409

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Food Additive Titanium Dioxide Likely Has More Toxic Effects Than Thought, Study Finds | Controversial Additive May Be in as Many as 11,000 US Products and Could Lead to Diabetes and Obesity in Mice

• Adopting a Healthy Diet May Have Cardiometabolic Benefits Regardless of Weight Loss

• Massaging the Neck and Face May Help Flush Waste Out of the Brain

• Farting Can Reduce Your Blood Pressure, Says Science

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Food Additive Titanium Dioxide Likely Has More Toxic Effects Than Thought, Study Finds | Controversial Additive May Be in as Many as 11,000 US Products and Could Lead to Diabetes and Obesity in Mice

A new study shows that the food additive titanium dioxide may be more dangerous than people thought. This ingredient is used to make food look brighter or whiter. It is found in up to 11,000 products in the U.S., including candy like M&Ms and cookies like Chips Ahoy!

The study found that very small particles of titanium dioxide, called nanoparticles, may cause health problems. In mice, the nanoparticles changed gut hormones that help control hunger, digestion, and blood sugar. Mice that ate these particles had higher blood sugar levels, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and weight gain.

Titanium dioxide is also used in nonstick pans. In the body, it may harm cells and stay in organs for years. It could also affect the brain, the immune system, and even damage genes.

Europe banned titanium dioxide in food in 2022. But in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still says it is safe. A group of health experts asked the FDA to ban it in 2023, but the agency has not responded. The group says it may sue if nothing changes.

Experts warn that when blood sugar levels are thrown off, it raises the risk of diabetes. Many believe this additive is not safe and should not be in food.

As more studies come out, pressure is growing on the FDA to act. People are being warned to check food labels and stay aware of what they’re eating.

Source: theguardian.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Adopting a Healthy Diet May Have Cardiometabolic Benefits Regardless of Weight Loss

Eating a healthy diet can boost your health even if the scale doesn’t move. That’s the key finding from a new study by researchers from Harvard and Ben Gurion University.

The study looked at 761 adults with belly fat. They followed healthy diets like low-fat, low-carb, or Mediterranean for up to two years. Some people lost weight. Others didn’t. But even those who didn’t lose weight saw major health improvements.

They had higher levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol), lower levels of leptin (a hormone linked to hunger), and less deep belly fat around their organs. These changes can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Lead researcher Anat Yaskolka Meir said many people think weight loss is the only sign of success. “But our study shows health can improve without it. That’s a message of hope,” she said.

The study found that nearly one-third of people didn’t lose weight, yet their bodies still responded well to better food. The researchers also found that older adults and women were more likely not to lose weight, but still gained important health benefits.

The team even found signs in people’s DNA that may help explain why some lose weight easily and others don’t.

Bottom line: A healthy diet can help your heart and metabolism, even if your weight stays the same. It’s not just about the number on the scale—it’s about what’s happening inside your body.

Source: hsph.harvard.edu

HEALTH

Massaging the Neck and Face May Help Flush Waste Out of the Brain

A new study shows that gently massaging your neck and face may help clean waste out of the brain. This could one day help people with brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The brain makes waste as it works. A fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, helps wash this waste away. CSF flows in and out of the brain, then drains through small tubes called lymphatic vessels. These vessels carry the waste out of the brain.

Until now, scientists thought these tubes were too deep in the neck to reach easily. But a new study in South Korea found some of these vessels just under the skin of the face and neck. This makes them easier to reach.

To test this, researchers gently stroked the neck and face of mice using a soft cotton ball. They moved the ball downward for one minute. This light massage helped CSF flow better and faster. It worked in both young and old mice.

By helping the brain flush out waste, this method may lower the risk of memory loss and other problems linked to aging. It’s a simple idea that might lead to new treatments in the future.

The study was done on animals, so more research is needed in humans. Still, it’s a hopeful step toward better brain health. One day, a gentle daily face and neck massage could become part of how we care for our brains.

Source: newscientist.com

Farting Can Reduce Your Blood Pressure, Says Science

It might sound funny, but science says passing gas could be good for your heart. A new study from Johns Hopkins University found that a gas made in your gut, called hydrogen sulfide, may help lower blood pressure.

Hydrogen sulfide is made when certain bacteria in your gut break down food. This gas is also part of what makes farts smell bad. But researchers found that it might help relax your blood vessels. When blood vessels relax, blood flows more easily. This lowers the pressure on your arteries and helps prevent heart problems, like stroke or heart attack.

This process is called vasodilation. It helps your body keep a healthy blood pressure. The healthier your gut, the better your body can make helpful gases like hydrogen sulfide.

How do you get a healthy gut? Eating foods with lots of fiber—like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains—can help. You can also support your gut with probiotics and prebiotics.

That doesn’t mean you should rely on farting to stay healthy. The study does not suggest changing your habits or skipping your medicine. But it does show that your gut and your heart are connected. What happens in your belly can affect your whole body.

So next time you feel embarrassed about passing gas, remember—it might actually be helping you. Gut health matters, and sometimes, it works in strange ways.

Talk to your doctor before making any health changes, but don’t ignore what your gut is telling you!

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.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.