07/24/25 - #441

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Trump Wants Cane Sugar in Coke, but is It Healthier Than Corn Syrup? Experts Weigh in.

  • Chinese Obesity Drug Emerges as a Potential Rival to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound

  • Childhood Trauma Can Harm Health for Life

  • Why Can’t Americans Sleep?

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Trump Wants Cane Sugar in Coke, but is It Healthier Than Corn Syrup? Experts Weigh in.

President Trump recently said Coca-Cola will start using cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup in its U.S. sodas. He called it “just better.” But is cane sugar actually healthier?

Experts say the difference is small. Both cane sugar and corn syrup are high in calories and raise blood sugar levels in similar ways. They are also both linked to health problems like weight gain, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes when consumed in large amounts.

Cane sugar is mostly sucrose—made up of 50% glucose and 50% fructose. Corn syrup has slightly more fructose—about 55%. That extra fructose may increase inflammation, which can lead to other health issues. Still, both sweeteners are considered “empty calories,” meaning they add energy but no nutrients.

Corn syrup is more processed and cheaper to make, which is why it’s added to many packaged foods. Cane sugar comes from the sugar cane plant and is slightly less processed.

When it comes to your teeth, neither sweetener is better. Both can lead to cavities if consumed often.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and 9 for men. Most Americans eat more than double that.

In the end, experts agree: it doesn’t matter much which sweetener is used in soda. What matters most is how much you drink. Limit both types of sugar to stay healthier. Moderation is key.

WEIGHT LOSS

Chinese Obesity Drug Emerges as a Potential Rival to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound

A new weight loss drug from China may soon compete with popular options like Zepbound. The drug, called HRS9531, is a weekly shot developed by Hengrui Pharma and its U.S. partner, Kailera Therapeutics.

In a recent study, people taking HRS9531 lost about 18% of their body weight in 48 weeks. That’s much more than those who got a fake treatment (placebo). Nearly 9 out of 10 people lost at least 5% of their weight, and almost half lost 20% or more.

The drug works by targeting two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. These help control hunger and slow down how fast the stomach empties. This makes people feel full longer and eat less. Zepbound works in a similar way.

Side effects of HRS9531 were mostly stomach-related, like nausea, and were not serious. The full safety details haven’t been shared yet, but the companies say the side effects were mild and like other drugs in its class.

Right now, Hengrui is planning to get approval to sell the drug in China. Kailera will also begin studies in other countries using higher doses and longer treatment times.

Zepbound helped people lose up to 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks in earlier studies. While it’s hard to compare results from different trials, HRS9531’s results are strong.

This new drug could offer another option for people trying to lose weight, though it may take years to reach the U.S. market.

Talk to your doctor before starting any new medicine.

HEALTH

Childhood Trauma Can Harm Health for Life

A new study from the University of Georgia shows that childhood trauma can cause long-term health problems.

Researchers followed over 800 families for many years. They found that children as young as 10 could tell if their homes or neighborhoods felt unsafe. This stress affected their minds and bodies, even causing inflammation in the nervous system.

As these children grew into young adults, many used alcohol to cope. Those who drank heavily faced serious health issues later. They were more likely to have heart problems and signs of aging at a younger age. These effects were worse for women.

Black children faced more risks. Those who experienced racism were more likely to drink heavily as adults. This led to faster aging and more health problems. The stress of both unsafe environments and discrimination made things worse.

Dr. Sierra Carter, one of the study’s authors, said, “What happens to children early in life can affect their health for years to come.” Dr. Steven Beach added, “Even when the effects don’t show right away, they can appear later and cause harm.”

The study shows how important it is to support children early. Safe homes, kind treatment, and strong communities can help protect health in the future.

Helping kids today doesn’t just improve childhood. It sets the stage for a healthier life as an adult. Investing in children now can lead to better health, less disease, and longer lives down the road.

Why Can’t Americans Sleep?

More and more Americans are struggling to sleep—and it’s becoming a serious problem. Experts say insomnia, or the inability to fall or stay asleep, is reaching crisis levels across the country.

Many people used to sleep just fine. They had regular sleep schedules and didn’t even need alarm clocks. But now, something has changed. Even when life seems good and nothing major is going wrong, people are finding it harder to shut off their brains at night.

This isn’t just about tossing and turning for a night or two. For some, it becomes a pattern that won’t go away. They lie in bed feeling alert, their thoughts racing, unable to drift off. Even though their bodies are tired, their minds won’t cooperate.

Scientists say that good sleep depends on routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps your body stay in rhythm. But our modern world—filled with stress, bright screens, and nonstop schedules—can easily throw that rhythm off.

Sleep is more than rest. It’s critical for your heart, brain, and mood. Poor sleep can lead to serious health problems over time, including depression, high blood pressure, and weakened immunity.

If you’re struggling with sleep, you’re not alone. Talk to a doctor, reduce screen time at night, and try to keep a regular bedtime. A few changes could help your body remember how to power down again.

Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

✢ 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.