08/01/25 - #447

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Coca-Cola to Bring Cane Sugar Version to U.S. In Line With Trump’s ‘MAHA’ Claims

  • Weight loss drugs could be a gamechanger for women with a common hormonal disorder

  • 'Forever Chemicals' Detected in Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

  • How Many Daily Steps Do You Need to Boost Health? It’s Not 10,000, New Study Says

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Coca-Cola to Bring Cane Sugar Version to U.S. In Line With Trump’s ‘MAHA’ Claims

Coca-Cola will soon sell a version of its soda made with cane sugar in the U.S. This change comes after President Donald Trump said the new version “just tastes better.” His health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also praised the switch, saying cane sugar is safer than high-fructose corn syrup and linked corn syrup to obesity and diabetes.

But health experts disagree. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a heart doctor at Tufts University, says cane sugar and corn syrup are almost the same. Both are made of half fructose and half glucose. They have the same number of calories and affect the body in the same way. Both can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Dr. Melanie Jay, a doctor at NYU, says there might be a small benefit for the whole population if people get less corn syrup. Still, she warns that added sugar of any kind should be limited. “It’s not like table sugar is a health food,” she said.

Critics say this move is more about public image than real health. Some experts point out that the government is also cutting food safety programs and rolling back clean air rules, which could harm health.

Brian Tyler Cohen, a former personal trainer, said the best advice he gave clients was to avoid soda and fast food. He called the government’s soda praise misleading.

In short, cane sugar may taste different, but it’s not healthier.

Cutting back on all soda is still the smart choice.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight loss drugs could be a gamechanger for women with a common hormonal disorder

New weight loss drugs may help women with a common hormone problem called PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). PCOS affects up to 6 million women in the U.S. It can cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, hair loss, and trouble getting pregnant.

Some women with PCOS say drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound helped them feel better. These drugs are usually used for weight loss and diabetes. But now, they may also help women with PCOS by lowering insulin and hormone levels.

Grace Hamilton had PCOS symptoms for years. She joined a study in 2024 and started taking a GLP-1 drug. Within weeks, her period came back. After 10 months, she had lost 50 pounds, her hair grew back, and her mood improved.

Another woman, Haley Sipes, also saw big changes. She lost 60 pounds and had less pain and bloating. Her periods became more regular, and her mental health improved.

Doctors think the drugs work by helping the body use insulin better. This can lower the hormones that cause PCOS symptoms. But the drugs are not approved for PCOS, and more studies are needed.

Insurance is another problem. Many plans only cover these drugs for diabetes, not PCOS. Some women pay over $1,000 a month or turn to cheaper versions made at special pharmacies.

Still, early results bring hope. Doctors and patients say these drugs might be the missing piece in treating PCOS. But more research is needed to prove they work for everyone.

HEALTH

'Forever Chemicals' Detected in Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

Reusable menstrual products, like period underwear and cups, are often seen as eco-friendly choices. But a new study suggests they may contain harmful chemicals called PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals.”

Researchers from Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame tested 59 products from around the world. These included menstrual cups, reusable pads, and incontinence underwear. Nearly 30% of the items contained PFAS, and some had levels so high it looked like the chemicals were added on purpose.

PFAS are man-made substances used to resist water and stains. They don’t break down easily and can build up in the body. Over time, they’ve been linked to health problems like hormone issues, cancer, and a weaker immune system.

What’s especially concerning is how these products touch sensitive areas for long periods. According to experts, the skin in those areas can absorb chemicals quickly into the bloodstream.

Many women are choosing reusables for environmental reasons. But if these items contain PFAS, they could also harm nature. These chemicals can leak into soil and water when thrown away.

Experts say it’s time for companies to be more honest. Not all ingredients are listed on product labels, which makes it hard for shoppers to know what they’re buying.

If you use reusable feminine products, keep an eye out for updates and research safer options. What you put next to your skin matters—for your health and the planet.

How Many Daily Steps Do You Need to Boost Health? It’s Not 10,000, New Study Says

You may have heard that walking 10,000 steps a day is the goal for better health. But new research shows that fewer steps may still offer big benefits.

A study looked at the daily habits of over 160,000 people. It found that walking just 7,000 steps a day can lower the risk of several health problems. These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, depression, and dementia. In fact, people who walked 7,000 steps had a 38% lower risk of dementia and a 28% lower risk of falling.

Even walking 4,000 steps was better than walking only 2,000. Adding 1,000 steps a day made a real difference, especially for people with health issues.

Walking helps your heart, lowers blood pressure, boosts circulation, and helps with weight control. It’s also easy to do, doesn’t cost money, and is gentle on the joints.

Experts say the benefits level off around 7,000 steps. This is good news for older adults or those who struggle with high step counts. The study also supports other advice: aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. That could mean brisk walking or bike riding.

While the study had some limits, doctors say it’s clear that moving more helps both your body and mind. You don’t need to hit 10,000 steps. Just focus on adding more movement to your day.

A short walk can make a big difference—one step at a time.

✢ 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.