Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Honey Added to Yogurt Supports Probiotic Cultures for Digestive Health, by Improving Survival of Yogurt’s Probiotic Bacteria in the Gut, Finds New Randomized Controlled Trial. The Pairing of Yogurt and Honey is Common in the Mediterranean Diet. Just One Tablespoon in a Serve of Yogurt is Enough

• Nearly Half of Online Pharmacies Selling Weight Loss Drugs Are Operating Illegally, Study Finds

• Vaccine 'Sharply Cuts Risk of Dementia' New Study Finds

• A New Study is the First in the World to Show That a Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Even in Individuals With a High Genetic Risk. In Other Words, Everyone Benefits From Lifestyle Changes, Regardless of Genetic Risk

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Honey Added to Yogurt Supports Probiotic Cultures for Digestive Health, by Improving Survival of Yogurt’s Probiotic Bacteria in the Gut, Finds New Randomized Controlled Trial. The Pairing of Yogurt and Honey is Common in the Mediterranean Diet. Just One Tablespoon in a Serve of Yogurt is Enough

Adding a tablespoon of honey to your yogurt makes it sweeter. It also helps the good bacteria in the yogurt survive longer. This finding comes from new research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Yogurt is full of probiotics. They are good for your digestion and your mind. But our stomach's natural processes often kill these helpful bacteria before they can do their work.

The study looked at different honey types—like alfalfa, buckwheat, clover, and orange blossom. It found that all kinds of honey helped, but clover honey was the best at keeping the probiotics alive longer in the intestines.

Researchers then gave 66 people yogurt with clover honey and plain yogurt in a test. Those who ate the yogurt with honey had more good bacteria survive in their gut.

The study also found that eating honey with yogurt didn't affect bathroom use or improve mood or thinking. This was likely because the subjects were already healthy.

Since honey is still a sugar, it’s important to use it sparingly, especially if you’re watching your weight. But a little honey in unsweetened yogurt can be a tasty and healthy addition to your diet.

To boost gut health even more, try adding berries, seeds, or nuts to your yogurt, along with a bit of honey, as the researchers suggest. This makes your yogurt even healthier and tastier.

Source: aces.illinois.edu

WEIGHT LOSS

Nearly Half of Online Pharmacies Selling Weight Loss Drugs Are Operating Illegally, Study Finds

A recent study shows that buying weight loss drugs online can be risky. About 42% of online pharmacies that sell the drug semaglutide, often known as Wegovy, are illegal. These pharmacies don't have the right licenses and usually don't ask for prescriptions.

Tim Mackey, a professor and study author, warns that drugs from these illegal sources can be weak or even harmful. They might contain the wrong amounts of medication, which is dangerous.

The shortage of popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy has led to more illegal online sales. Dr. Christopher McGowan from True You Weight Loss explains the danger. "This is absolutely terrifying," he says. These unregulated products can be unsafe.

The study also found scams where online stores took money but didn't send the drugs. Some sites asked for more money to get the drugs through customs, but the drugs never arrived.

Health experts say you should only buy from trusted sources that ask for a prescription. This ensures the drugs are safe and approved by the FDA.

If you're thinking about buying weight loss drugs online, be very careful. Always check that the pharmacy is legitimate and requires a prescription. Your health is important, so it's best to play it safe.

Source: nbcnews.com

HEALTH

Vaccine 'Sharply Cuts Risk of Dementia' New Study Finds

A new study says the Shingrix vaccine, given to people 65 and older, greatly lowers the chance of getting dementia. Researchers at the University of Oxford found that people who got this vaccine had a 17% lower risk of dementia over six years compared to those who got an older vaccine called Zostavax.

The research included over 200,000 people. It showed that getting the Shingrix vaccine could mean living five to nine more months without dementia. Women seemed to benefit more from this vaccine. Dr. Maxime Taquet, who led the study, said these results are strong. They could spark research on how vaccines might protect against dementia.

Shingles, the illness this vaccine prevents, is a painful rash. It occurs more in older people. It can cause serious problems like long-lasting pain, blindness, and even deafness. The study suggests that stopping shingles might also help prevent dementia. Another idea is that the ingredients in the vaccine might help keep the brain healthy.

The NHS gives the Shingrix vaccine to people aged 65. It's shown to protect against shingles for at least ten years.

More studies are needed to understand how the vaccine lowers dementia risk. But, this research gives hope. It points out a possible big health benefit from getting vaccinated, especially for older adults.

Source: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

A New Study is the First in the World to Show That a Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Even in Individuals With a High Genetic Risk. In Other Words, Everyone Benefits From Lifestyle Changes, Regardless of Genetic Risk

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that eating well and exercising can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, even for people who are more likely to get it because of their genes. This important research is the first to prove that changing how you live can help anyone, no matter their genetic risk.

Type 2 diabetes is a big health issue around the world. It makes up 90% of all diabetes cases. Although genes can increase your risk, this study tells us that what you eat and how much you move are just as important.

Almost 1,000 men between 50 and 75 years old took part in the study. They were split into two groups. The first group got advice on how to eat better and stay active through meetings and a special website. The second group didn’t get this help.

The results were clear. The men who changed their lifestyle ate more fiber and healthier fats. They also kept up their exercise. These changes helped them lower their risk of diabetes much more than those who didn’t make these changes.

This shows us that making good choices about food and exercise can really help. It also shows that getting help through groups and online can save money and keep people healthier. So, no matter your genes, changing your lifestyle can make a big difference.

Source: uef.fi

✢ 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.