Good morning. In today’s edition:

• A New List of Foods & Drinks Commonly Consumed in the US Hints at Why Adults May Overdo It on Saturated Fat & Added Sugar: Beyond Cheese & Soda, the Study Identifies Other Popular Sources of These Nutrients of Concern, Helping Explain Why It’s Hard to Limit Fat & Sugar to 10% of Daily Calories

• Out of 22 Participants in This Study, 41% Lost an Avg of 12.9% of Their Body Weight (7.1 kg of Fat) Over a 25-month Period by Increasing Protein and Fiber Intake While Consuming 1,500kcal or Less Daily, but Researchers Found a Strong Correlation Between Proteins, Fiber Consumption and Weight Loss

• Low Levels of Magnesium Linked to Disease-causing DNA Damage | The Study Found 172 Middle-aged Adults With Low Magnesium Also Had High Levels of an Amino Acid Called Homocysteine, Which Can Damage Human DNA

• People Living in US States That Enacted Tighter Abortion Restrictions in the Wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Decision, Which Returned Regulation of Abortion Access to State Legislatures, Are More Likely to Report Elevated Levels of Mental Distress

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

A New List of Foods & Drinks Commonly Consumed in the US Hints at Why Adults May Overdo It on Saturated Fat & Added Sugar: Beyond Cheese & Soda, the Study Identifies Other Popular Sources of These Nutrients of Concern, Helping Explain Why It’s Hard to Limit Fat & Sugar to 10% of Daily Calories

A recent study shows why many Americans have a hard time keeping their intake of saturated fat and added sugar low. These nutrients should be 10% of our daily calories. But, some common foods and drinks make this hard.

We know cheese and soda have lots of saturated fat and sugar. The study points out other foods that contribute too. For example, chicken and ketchup might seem okay. But, they can raise our risk of diseases like heart problems and diabetes.

The research looked at over 35,000 U.S. adults and found that even foods thought to be healthier, like chicken breast, still have some hidden fats. Christopher Taylor, a professor at The Ohio State University, said, "Watch out for not just the obvious bad foods, but also for small amounts in other foods."

Susan Schembre of Georgetown University said, "Sugar is everywhere, often in unexpected amounts. It's a big health issue."

The findings, published in the Nutrients journal, are based on a large survey that tracks what Americans eat. The hope is that by knowing these hidden sources of fat and sugar, people will start reading labels more carefully and make better food choices.

Understanding what we eat is key, especially since different people need different diets. This knowledge can help us all eat healthier.

Source: news.osu.edu

WEIGHT LOSS

Out of 22 Participants in This Study, 41% Lost an Avg of 12.9% of Their Body Weight (7.1 kg of Fat) Over a 25-month Period by Increasing Protein and Fiber Intake While Consuming 1,500kcal or Less Daily, but Researchers Found a Strong Correlation Between Proteins, Fiber Consumption and Weight Loss

A University of Illinois study found that 41% of participants lost 12.9% of their body weight over 25 months. They managed this by eating more protein and fiber and keeping their daily calories under 1,500.

The study was led by Professor Manabu Nakamura and his team. They used a program called the Individualized Diet Improvement Program (iDip). It lets people plan their diets to fit their needs. The participants aimed to eat around 80 grams of protein and 20 grams of fiber every day.

The research included 22 adults, aged 30 to 64. They had health issues like high cholesterol and blood pressure. Those who followed the diet plan not only lost weight but also kept their muscle mass, mainly losing fat.

A key tool in the study was a new way to look at food's nutrients through a data visualization tool. This tool showed how much protein and fiber were in foods per calorie, helping participants choose their meals wisely.

The study also showed that making lasting changes to eating habits early on was crucial. Participants who adjusted their diets in the first three months continued to lose weight, while those who didn’t struggled later on.

This research supports that a high-protein, high-fiber diet can aid weight loss. It is especially true when it is low in calories. A diet plan that can be adjusted to each person’s needs works best.

Source: news.illinois.edu

HEALTH

Low Levels of Magnesium Linked to Disease-causing DNA Damage | The Study Found 172 Middle-aged Adults With Low Magnesium Also Had High Levels of an Amino Acid Called Homocysteine, Which Can Damage Human DNA

A University of South Australia study found a worrying link. Low magnesium levels may damage DNA. Researchers looked at blood samples from 172 middle-aged people. They found those with low magnesium levels also had high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can harm DNA.

Dr. Permal Deo, a scientist at the university, said, "Our study shows that not having enough magnesium is linked to more DNA damage. It's important to have enough magnesium to block the harmful effects of homocysteine."

Magnesium helps in over 300 body processes. It controls blood pressure, manages blood sugar, and keeps nerves working. It's also key for making DNA and RNA.

The research also showed that high magnesium levels are often found with better levels of folate and vitamin B12. These help lower the bad effects of homocysteine. Too little magnesium can raise the risk of stomach diseases, some cancers, and brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

To avoid these problems, adults should get at least 420 mg of magnesium daily, through foods or supplements. Good food sources include nuts, seeds, spinach, and dark chocolate.

Dr. Deo stressed, "Magnesium is very important for our health, from protecting our DNA to helping our brain. Make sure you're getting enough."

The team plans more studies to find the best amount of magnesium to eat every day.

Source: newatlas.com

People Living in US States That Enacted Tighter Abortion Restrictions in the Wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Decision, Which Returned Regulation of Abortion Access to State Legislatures, Are More Likely to Report Elevated Levels of Mental Distress

In July 2024, a study revealed that people in US states with stricter abortion laws are facing more mental distress. This is especially true for those with less money.

The research used data from over two years and included responses from 60,000 people each time. It showed that after new abortion laws were put in place, more people reported feeling anxious, worried, and depressed. There was a significant increase—about 3% more—compared to before these laws.

Here’s why it matters: The Dobbs decision in 2022 changed a lot. Some states made getting an abortion harder, and others tried to keep access open. This has led many women to travel to different states to get the care they need. As of now, 21 states have tougher abortion rules.

The study shows that these changes can make life harder for people, especially those who don’t have much money or education. Those with more resources don't feel the impact as much.

The big question is why poorer people are more affected. It might be because of the extra costs of having a baby or traveling for an abortion. Financial worries like these can be tougher on people who already have less.

More research is needed, but this study adds to evidence that abortion laws affect more than just women’s health. They impact the mental well-being of many Americans, showing that the effects of such laws stretch across various groups in society.

Source: theconversation.com

✢ 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.