Good morning. In today’s edition:

• A Supplement Containing Phytonutrients From the Mediterranean Diet Can Influence Epigenetics Linked to Healthy Aging and Might Help Reduce the Risk of Age-related Diseases

• How I Lost 150 Pounds

• Marriage Strongly Associated With Optimal Health and Well-being in Men as They Age | No Association Was Found Between Marriage and Optimal Aging Among Women — Though Older Women Who Were Widowed or Divorce Fared Worse Than Their Never-married Peers

• Type 2 Diabetes Increased by Almost 20% Over a Decade in the United States

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

A Supplement Containing Phytonutrients From the Mediterranean Diet Can Influence Epigenetics Linked to Healthy Aging and Might Help Reduce the Risk of Age-related Diseases

Researchers are exploring if a new supplement, DailyColors™, can help us age better. It contains nutrients from the Mediterranean diet. This diet is full of natural ingredients. They include vegetables, fruits, and berries. They are good for our health. They may lower the risk of age-related diseases, such as heart problems and memory loss.

The Mediterranean diet features healthy fats from olive oil, lots of fresh fruit, and a moderate amount of seafood and poultry. It's known for being good for our health, especially as we get older.

In a recent study, 30 people between the ages of 55 and 80 tried DailyColors™. They either took this supplement or a placebo, a pill that has no real effect, for one week each. DailyColors™ users showed no rise in a harmful blood marker, CD38. It's linked to inflammation and poor cell function. In contrast, those who took the placebo did. There was also a decrease in oxidative stress, which can damage cells.

The study also looked at changes in DNA methylation, a process that could show how our bodies are aging. A follow-up study suggests DailyColors™ might slow some aging. But, more research is needed to be sure.

This research suggests that DailyColors™ may provide some aging benefits of the Mediterranean diet in a pill.

Source: kcl.ac.uk

WEIGHT LOSS

How I Lost 150 Pounds

When the pandemic began, Fema Johnson was eight months into her fitness journey. At 32 years old, this Atlanta mom was already making progress. Then, a family trip to Disney World with her son, David, changed everything. Walking around the park, Fema felt so tired that she realized she needed to make a big change.

She started by swapping sugary drinks for water and choosing baked foods instead of fried ones. She calls these choices "body fuel," a term she loves to explain in her book. These simple diet changes, along with daily exercise, helped her lose a lot of weight.

Fema stopped worrying about the scale. Instead, she focused on how she felt and her energy after workouts. This new approach helped her feel better about herself.

Now, after losing 150 pounds, Fema works as a personal trainer. Her son, now eight, was amazed by her transformation. "He barely recognized me in an old photo," she says. Fema's journey is about more than weight loss; it's about self-care and setting small goals.

Her advice to others? "Start small and keep going. You can do it." Fema's story shows that it's never too late to make a change and feel great about yourself.

Source: FOX 5 Atlanta

HEALTH

Marriage Strongly Associated With Optimal Health and Well-being in Men as They Age | No Association Was Found Between Marriage and Optimal Aging Among Women — Though Older Women Who Were Widowed or Divorce Fared Worse Than Their Never-married Peers

A recent study by the University of Toronto looked at over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for about three years. It found that, for older men, marriage boosts health and happiness. It helps more than being unmarried.

For women, the situation is a bit different. The study showed that women who were never married were just as healthy and happy as those who were married. But women who got divorced or became widows during the study did not do as well.

Mabel Ho, who led the study, wanted to know how marriage affects older men and women differently. The researchers looked at people who started the study in good health, without any big health problems.

David Burnes, a study professor, said that married people might encourage each other to be healthier. This includes things like not smoking and exercising more.

The research also showed that having friends and family around helps older adults stay healthy and happy. Regular contact with loved ones makes a big difference.

Healthy habits are also important. The study found that not smoking, staying active, and keeping a healthy weight are key for aging well. Esme Fuller-Thomson, another professor on the team, emphasized that it's never too late to start living healthier.

This study helps us understand how to better support older adults, especially those who are single or have lost a spouse.

Source: eurekalert.org

Type 2 Diabetes Increased by Almost 20% Over a Decade in the United States

Type 2 diabetes in America has jumped nearly 20% in the past ten years. This rise affects all groups, but it hits older adults and non-Hispanic Black individuals the hardest. A recent study from the University of Georgia sheds light on this concerning trend.

Here’s what the research shows:

• Among all races, non-Hispanic Black people saw the highest diagnosis rates, with almost 16% affected.

• People aged 65 and above are particularly vulnerable. Over 20% in this age group have diabetes, compared to less than 10% of those aged 18 to 24.

• Those between 45 and 64 are also at increased risk, over five times more than the youngest adults studied.

• Low income seems to play a role too. If you earn less, you're more likely to be diagnosed than someone with a higher income.

Sulakshan Neupane, a researcher at the University, warns, “Diabetes is on the rise and will continue to climb. It's costly, too—about $412 billion a year in medical bills and lost work.”

The South and Midwest have seen the sharpest increases. States like Arkansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska are particularly hard-hit.

What can we do? While some risk factors like age and race can't be changed, there are steps to lower your risk:

• Stay active.

• Watch your weight.

• Eat healthily.

These changes might seem small, but they can make a big difference in preventing diabetes. So, let's get moving and make health a priority!

Source: news.uga.edu

✢ 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.