Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Cocoa Products, Including Chocolate, Sold by U.S. Retailers May Exceed Safety Guidelines for Heavy Metals, With Organic Options Being the Worst Offenders | Study Reveals That 43% of Cocoa Products Studied Exceeded the Maximum Allowable Dose for Lead, and 35% Exceeded the Limit for Cadmium

• Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug Zepbound Cuts Heart Failure Risks in Late-stage Study

• Men More Likely to Admit Poor Hygiene, Women Confess Moral Lapses | The Findings Indicate That Women More Often Disclosed Morally Disgusting Behaviors and Artistic Abilities, While Men Tended to Reveal Pathogenically Disgusting Behaviors and Kindness

• Having Strong Bonds With Pets May Alleviate Anxiety and Depression in Women, Especially Those With a History of Childhood Abuse | The Study of Around 200 Women Found That Having a Greater Attachment to a Pet Was Linked With Lower Generalised Anxiety

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Cocoa Products, Including Chocolate, Sold by U.S. Retailers May Exceed Safety Guidelines for Heavy Metals, With Organic Options Being the Worst Offenders | Study Reveals That 43% of Cocoa Products Studied Exceeded the Maximum Allowable Dose for Lead, and 35% Exceeded the Limit for Cadmium

A study found that many U.S. cocoa products, like dark chocolate, have unsafe levels of lead and cadmium. The research, led by George Washington University and ConsumerLab.com, looked at 72 cocoa products from 2014 to 2022. They found that 43% of these products had too much lead. Also, 35% had too much cadmium, based on California's safety standards.

The study found that "organic" products often had higher metal levels. This may change how people view buying organic chocolate. It's usually seen as a healthier choice.

The good news is, most tested chocolates and cocoa products are safe. They did not have enough lead or cadmium to be dangerous if eaten in normal amounts. However, eating a lot of these products, or eating them along with other foods that have heavy metals, could be harmful.

The study found high metals in some products. But, it's safe to eat cocoa products in moderation as part of a varied diet. But, it’s important for companies to keep checking their products and make sure they are safe, especially the organic ones. This study tells us that we need better checks to keep everyone safe, especially when choosing healthier options like organic food.

Source: frontiersin.org

WEIGHT LOSS

Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug Zepbound Cuts Heart Failure Risks in Late-stage Study

A recent study found great results for Zepbound, Eli Lilly's weight loss drug. It not only helps people lose weight but also reduces the risk of heart problems in patients who are overweight. The study found that Zepbound users had a 38% lower chance of needing hospital care or dying from heart issues compared to those who didn’t take the drug.

Zepbound is a GLP-1 drug. It's in the spotlight for its weight loss and heart health benefits. These drugs work by targeting certain hormones in the body, helping reduce hunger and keep blood sugar levels stable.

The study followed over 700 patients with a type of heart failure called HFpEF and obesity for about two years. Many of these patients also had diabetes, which can make heart and weight problems worse. HFpEF is a condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood, causing tiredness, shortness of breath, and making it hard to exercise.

Eli Lilly will share these results with U.S. health regulators. It hopes to get approval to use Zepbound for more health benefits. If successful, more people might get this drug through their insurance. It could help them manage their weight and heart health better.

Source: cnbc.com

HEALTH

Men More Likely to Admit Poor Hygiene, Women Confess Moral Lapses | The Findings Indicate That Women More Often Disclosed Morally Disgusting Behaviors and Artistic Abilities, While Men Tended to Reveal Pathogenically Disgusting Behaviors and Kindness

When dating, it's hard to share things about ourselves that aren't so great. A recent study looked into this. It found that men often admit to not being clean. Women, however, confess to moral mistakes more often.

Researchers wanted to see how people show their good and bad sides in romantic situations. They learned that women usually talk about wrongdoings like dishonesty and their talents in art. Men, on the other hand, often share their problems with cleanliness and how kind they are.

The study involved over a thousand people from Poland and the U.S. They played a dating simulation game. This game helped researchers see how people choose to present themselves when dating.

Results showed that men are more open about hygiene issues. Women are more likely to admit to moral faults. Men also tend to highlight their kindness, whereas women prefer to show off their artistic skills.

There was no big difference in how men and women talked about sexual behaviors or in showing off their looks and money. This suggests that both men and women are equally comfortable or uncomfortable in these areas.

This study helps us understand how different people choose to present themselves when dating. It also shows that what we decide to share can be influenced by gender and perhaps even by who we like romantically.

Source: psypost.org

Having Strong Bonds With Pets May Alleviate Anxiety and Depression in Women, Especially Those With a History of Childhood Abuse | The Study of Around 200 Women Found That Having a Greater Attachment to a Pet Was Linked With Lower Generalised Anxiety

Recent research in the US shows that having a strong connection with pets, especially dogs, might help lower anxiety and depression in women, particularly those who have had tough childhoods. The study looked at about 200 women, and more than half had faced childhood abuse. It found that women who felt very close to their pets had less anxiety overall.

This study points out that forming a deep bond with a dog can help reduce feelings of sadness and worry. For women who had difficult early relationships, pets seem to offer important emotional support. Pets may act like a safety net, providing the love and security missing from their human relationships.

The research suggests that pets might play a big role in making mental health better for those who have had tough pasts. This was an observational study. It doesn't prove that pets can prevent mental health issues. But, it does show a clear link. Caring for a pet can improve your mood.

This information adds to the growing evidence that the relationships we have with our pets are very important for our mental health. Pets can be more than friends. They can be vital supporters in managing and improving our mental health, especially for those who need it most.

Source: scimex.org

✢ 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.