09/23/25 - #484

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Vitamin D Supplements May Lower Your Level of One Type of Vitamin D

• Consuming More Legumes and Less Red and Processed Meat May Have a Surprisingly Positive Impact on Men’s Health. Replacing Red and Processed Meat With Pea- and Faba Bean–based Foods Resulted in Reduced Total and ‘Bad’ LDL Cholesterol Levels in Men, Along With Weight Loss

• Your Health Insurance is About to Go Up by the Biggest Percentage in 15 Years

• Working Out Doesn't Just Reshape Your Body – It Rewires Your Gut

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Vitamin D Supplements May Lower Your Level of One Type of Vitamin D

Many people take vitamin D supplements during the fall and winter when there is less sunlight. But a new study shows that some types of vitamin D may lower the level of another kind your body needs.

There are two types of vitamin D supplements:

• Vitamin D3, which comes from animals like sheep

• Vitamin D2, which comes from plants like mushrooms

Our bodies make vitamin D3 from sunlight. D3 is also the form that works better in our bodies to support bones and the immune system.

Researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK looked at 11 studies with 655 people. They found that people who took vitamin D2 had lower levels of vitamin D3 than people who didn’t take any supplements.

Experts don’t fully know why this happens. But D3 may help the immune system more than D2, especially by helping the body fight viruses and bacteria.

Even so, D2 can still help—especially for people who are vegan or avoiding animal products. Some researchers say D2 may be better for older adults who have trouble turning D3 into its active form.

Plant-based D3 is starting to become more available, but it’s not common yet.

Bottom line: D3 may be more helpful for most people, but D2 is still better than taking nothing at all. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Source: newscientist.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Consuming More Legumes and Less Red and Processed Meat May Have a Surprisingly Positive Impact on Men’s Health. Replacing Red and Processed Meat With Pea- and Faba Bean–based Foods Resulted in Reduced Total and ‘Bad’ LDL Cholesterol Levels in Men, Along With Weight Loss

A study from the University of Helsinki found that eating more beans and less red and processed meat may help men lose weight and lower their cholesterol.

In the study, 102 men were split into two groups. One group ate their usual amount of red and processed meat—like beef, pork, sausages, and cold cuts. The other group ate less meat and more foods made from peas and faba beans.

After six weeks, the bean group lost an average of 1 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds). The meat group lost only 300 grams (less than a pound). The bean group also had lower total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol.

The researchers did not tell anyone to diet or lose weight. They just gave them foods to eat. The group eating more beans still followed a normal mixed diet, so they kept getting enough key nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron.

The bean-based meals were easy to make, and the men got recipes to help. The researchers say that even small changes—like eating beans a few times a week instead of meat—can be good for your health.

Eating fewer animal products and more plant-based foods may also help the planet. Legumes like peas, beans, and lentils are a healthy and affordable choice.

Bottom line: Swapping some red and processed meat for beans may help lower cholesterol and support healthy weight.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor.

Source: helsinki.fi

HEALTH

Your Health Insurance is About to Go Up by the Biggest Percentage in 15 Years

Get ready: health insurance costs are rising faster than they have in 15 years. A new report from Mercer shows that in 2026, the average cost of health benefits per employee is expected to go up by 6.5%. If employers make no changes, the increase could be closer to 9%.

Why the jump? There are two big reasons: rising prices for medical care and more people using healthcare. Many people delayed doctor visits during the pandemic and are now catching up. On top of that, newer treatments—like advanced cancer care and popular weight-loss drugs—are much more expensive than older options.

Mergers among hospitals and medical groups have also led to higher prices. At the same time, virtual care has become more popular, especially for mental health. While convenient, it has added to the number of people using services, driving up costs.

As a result, nearly 60% of employers plan to make changes in 2026, like raising deductibles and copays. That means more out-of-pocket costs for you. Premiums (the amount taken from your paycheck) are expected to rise 6–7% on average.

Experts say to choose your plan carefully during open enrollment. Balance premium costs with how much you expect to pay when you see a doctor. Some employers are offering new “high-performance” plans that may help lower total costs if you use select providers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical or financial advice. Always talk to your doctor or benefits advisor.

Soure: yahoo.com

Working Out Doesn't Just Reshape Your Body – It Rewires Your Gut

Exercise helps your body and mind—but it may also change your gut. A new study from Edith Cowan University found that how hard you train can affect the bacteria in your gut. This group of bacteria is called the gut microbiome, and it plays a big role in your health.

The study looked at athletes and found that those who trained harder had different gut bacteria than those who trained less. These changes included more short-chain fatty acids, which are good for your gut, and a better mix of bacteria.

One reason may be that hard workouts produce more lactate in the muscles. This lactate travels to the gut and may help certain bacteria grow.

Diet also plays a role. During rest periods, athletes often eat more fast food, drink more alcohol, and eat fewer fresh fruits and vegetables. Even if fiber and carbs stay the same, a lower-quality diet can hurt gut health.

The study also found that gut movement slows down during low training times. This may also change the types of bacteria in the gut.

Researchers don’t yet know exactly how gut health affects athletic performance, but they believe it matters. The gut may help manage lactate and pH levels in the body, which could affect energy and recovery.

Even if you’re not an athlete, this research shows that regular exercise and a healthy diet can support better gut health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor.

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.