Good morning. In today’s edition:

• The Cost of Fresh Fruit and Veggies is Rising. Is Canned or Frozen Produce Just as Healthy?

• Current Medical Training Focuses on Weight and BMI, Exacerbating Anti-obesity Bias and Increasing the Risk of Eating Disorders. Focusing on Other Measures of Health Instead of BMI, Weight Could Make an Impact on Global Health Challenges

• Patients With a Common Heart Rhythm Disorder Are at Risk of Vascular Dementia. There Was a 17% Increased Risk of Developing Dementia Due to Any Cause, and a 68% Higher Chance of Vascular Dementia in Patients With AF. More Patients With AF Also Died During Their Follow-up (44% Higher Risk)

• High or Persistent Stress Levels Are Associated With Reduced Social Interactions, Impaired Ability to Engage in Leisure and Physical Activities, and an Increased Risk of Dementia

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

The Cost of Fresh Fruit and Veggies is Rising. Is Canned or Frozen Produce Just as Healthy?

As the cost of living soars in Australia, it's getting tougher to budget for groceries, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Fewer than 5% of Australians eat the recommended daily amount of these foods. So, it's important to explore cheap alternatives, like canned or frozen produce.

Fresh fruits and veggies are often considered the healthiest option. However, transporting and storing them can lead to a loss of nutrients over time. Frozen vegetables might have more vitamins like C and E. This is because they are frozen soon after harvest. This preserves their freshness and nutritional value. Plus, using frozen produce can help reduce food waste since you only use what you need.

Canned vegetables and fruits are another budget-friendly choice. They are convenient and have a long shelf life without the need for added preservatives. Some nutrients, like vitamin C, may decrease due to heating in canning. But, they still provide key minerals and vitamins.

For those looking to save more, consider buying seasonal produce. Also, opt for less perfect fruits and veggies. You can even grow your own. Not only does this reduce costs, but it also ensures you’re not compromising on nutrition.

Fresh produce is great. But, don't overlook the benefits of canned and frozen options. They can be just as nutritious and cheaper.

Source: sbs.com.au

WEIGHT LOSS

Current Medical Training Focuses on Weight and BMI, Exacerbating Anti-obesity Bias and Increasing the Risk of Eating Disorders. Focusing on Other Measures of Health Instead of BMI, Weight Could Make an Impact on Global Health Challenges

Recent research from the University of Georgia suggests that doctors are taught too much about weight and BMI. This can lead to unfair judgments about obesity. It can also increase eating disorders. Kearney Gunsalus is a professor involved in the study. He explains that it's wrong to think that being overweight always causes health problems. This belief can make people think losing weight is the only solution.

However, being overweight doesn't always mean being unhealthy. The study argues that medical schools should teach more about cardiometabolic health. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol, and how the body uses insulin. These are better signs of someone's health than their weight or BMI.

Dr. Ellen House is another researcher. She points out that treatments for obesity can improve health. These include surgeries or medicines. They do this without needing weight loss. This shows that health discussions should focus on well-being. They should not just focus on losing weight.

The study also says that current teaching doesn't cover this issue enough. It doesn't address the unfair treatment of overweight people. This bias can lead to poorer care. It causes overlooked health issues because symptoms are wrongly blamed on weight.

The researchers suggest that doctors and patients should talk about healthy behaviors. They should do this more broadly, instead of just focusing on weight. This could help everyone feel more supported and focused on achieving better health.

Source: news.uga.edu

HEALTH

Patients With a Common Heart Rhythm Disorder Are at Risk of Vascular Dementia. There Was a 17% Increased Risk of Developing Dementia Due to Any Cause, and a 68% Higher Chance of Vascular Dementia in Patients With AF. More Patients With AF Also Died During Their Follow-up (44% Higher Risk)

A study from the University of Birmingham found that people with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher risk of getting vascular dementia. AF is a type of irregular heartbeat that affects about 1.4 million people in the UK. This condition can slow down blood flow to the brain, leading to a type of memory loss called vascular dementia.

Researchers looked at over 36,000 patients with AF who were not taking blood thinners because they were considered at low risk for strokes. They compared these patients to more than 117,000 people without AF. The results showed that AF patients had a 68% higher chance of developing vascular dementia. They also found that these patients were more likely to have strokes. They had a 44% higher risk of dying during the study.

The findings highlight the need for better care strategies for AF to prevent not only strokes but also dementia. Professor Dipak Kotecha led the study. He said it’s crucial to improve how we manage AF. More people are expected to have this condition soon.

This study is part of ongoing research. It includes clinical trials to see if blood thinners can prevent serious problems, like dementia, in patients thought to be at lower risk. Understanding all the risks of AF is important for taking better care of patients.

Source: inews.co.uk

High or Persistent Stress Levels Are Associated With Reduced Social Interactions, Impaired Ability to Engage in Leisure and Physical Activities, and an Increased Risk of Dementia

Stress does more than just make us feel uneasy; it can also hurt our brain health. A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that stress can reduce the benefits of activities that usually keep our minds sharp as we age.

This concept is known as "cognitive reserve." We can build up our cognitive reserve. We can do this by things like getting a good education, having challenging jobs, staying active, and keeping a vibrant social life.

But, the recent study shows that stress can decrease these benefits. It was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. It can lead to fewer social interactions, less physical activity, and a higher chance of developing dementia.

The research included 113 participants from the memory clinic at Karolinska University Hospital. It found that having a strong cognitive reserve usually improves our brain function. But, stress, measured by cortisol in saliva, can weaken this effect.

The lead researcher is Manasa Shanta Yerramalla. She suggests that managing stress with mindfulness and meditation might help protect our brain. This is in addition to other healthy habits. Although the study had a small number of participants, the findings are still useful.

The team plans to keep exploring. They want to see how stress and sleep harm our thinking ability. This connection is important. It keeps our minds clear and sharp as we age.

Source: news.ki.se

✢ 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.