Good morning. In today’s edition:

• 6 Supplements, Including Green Tea, Turmeric, Linked to Liver Toxicity

• A Plant-based Diet is Strongly Associated With Weight Loss, With Raw Vegetable Intake Having a Negative Causal Effect on Obesity and Favoring the Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Pooled Analysis Finds

• Simple Blood Test Could Predict a Person’s Heart Disease Risk 30 Years Out, Study Finds

• Type 2 Diabetes Drug Associated With 35% Lower Risk of Dementia, Study Finds

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

6 Supplements, Including Green Tea, Turmeric, Linked to Liver Toxicity

Recent studies show that some popular herbal supplements could harm the liver. About 15.6 million adults in the U.S. may be affected. Supplements like green tea extract, turmeric, and ashwagandha are included.

For a long time, people have used herbs for health. Social media, like TikTok, has made these herbs popular. However, just because something is natural doesn't mean it's always safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't check these products before they are sold, which means we can't always be sure they are safe. Some of these herbs can mess with other medicines you might be taking.

The study looked at data from over 9,500 adults. About 5% had used at least one of six supplements that could hurt the liver. These include ashwagandha, black cohosh, Garcinia cambogia, green tea extract, red yeast rice, and turmeric. The researchers want more people to know about these risks because the damage to the liver isn't always obvious right away.

Experts say you should talk to doctors or other health experts before you start taking any new supplements. Rosario Ligresti, a doctor specializing in stomach and liver health, noted the lack of strict checks as a big risk. He reminded that natural doesn't always mean safe. Some natural things can be harmful, especially in big amounts or when mixed with certain medicines.

Before trying new supplements, it's best to talk to a healthcare provider to avoid risks like serious liver damage.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

WEIGHT LOSS

A Plant-based Diet is Strongly Associated With Weight Loss, With Raw Vegetable Intake Having a Negative Causal Effect on Obesity and Favoring the Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Pooled Analysis Finds

Thinking about eating more plants? Research shows it could help you lose weight and lower your risk of heart disease. Here’s a quick look at what the studies say.

Weight Loss: People who eat plant-based diets, like vegan or vegetarian, often lose more weight than those who don’t. Even losing just one extra pound can be a big deal for your health.

Heart Health: Eating more raw vegetables is especially good for your heart. It can help you avoid obesity and lower your chances of getting heart disease. People who eat lots of raw veggies tend to have better cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart problems.

How It Helps:

• Fewer Calories: Plants usually have fewer calories than other types of food. Eating less calories helps you lose weight.

• More Fiber: Plants are full of fiber, which makes you feel full and eat less.

• Lots of Nutrients: Vegetables have lots of important vitamins and minerals.

The study noted that how much you benefit from a plant-based diet can depend on how long you stick with it and whether you include foods like eggs and dairy.

Takeaway: Switching to a plant-rich diet could be a great way to help you lose weight and keep your heart healthy. If you're thinking about making big changes to what you eat, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor first, especially if you have health issues.

Source: frontiersin.org

HEALTH

Simple Blood Test Could Predict a Person’s Heart Disease Risk 30 Years Out, Study Finds

A new study shows a regular blood test could predict if you'll have heart disease 30 years later. Usually, this test checks for LDL cholesterol, which is the bad type. Now, scientists are also looking at two other things in your blood: lipoprotein(a) and C-reactive protein. They measure fat and inflammation in your body. They help doctors see heart risks earlier.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that all three markers give a better idea of who might get heart problems like heart attacks or strokes.

Dr. Paul Ridker, who led the study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, says these blood markers can show hidden dangers of heart disease. The research looked at nearly 30,000 women from the U.S. over 30 years. Women with the highest levels of these markers were much more likely to develop heart disease.

Doctors now suggest doing this test in your 30s or 40s. Catching these signs early can help you make changes, like eating better or maybe taking medicine.

Dr. Rachel Bond, a heart expert not in the study, says everyone should check their lipoprotein(a) at least once. It's especially important for women after menopause.

Even though the study was on women, the findings likely apply to men too. It’s a step towards preventing heart disease better, especially in women who often go undiagnosed.

Source: nbcnews.com

Type 2 Diabetes Drug Associated With 35% Lower Risk of Dementia, Study Finds

A new study from Korea has exciting news: a drug for type 2 diabetes, called SGLT-2 inhibitors, might also cut the risk of getting dementia by 35%. This could be a big deal for the millions of people who might face this brain disease.

Dementia is a major problem worldwide, with cases expected to hit 153 million by 2050. The costs for taking care of people with dementia are already over $1 trillion every year. Other things, besides diabetes, can raise dementia risk. They include high cholesterol, poor eyesight or hearing, high blood pressure, smoking, being overweight, and not exercising.

The research looked at health records from over 220,000 Koreans aged 40 to 69. They had diabetes but no dementia. They compared those taking SGLT-2 inhibitors to those on DPP-4 inhibitors, another diabetes drug.

The results showed that SGLT-2 inhibitors cut dementia risk by 35%. They also reduced Alzheimer's risk by 39% and vascular dementia risk by 52%.

These findings suggest that a drug already used for diabetes could also help prevent dementia. This could make it faster and cheaper to find new treatments. However, more studies are needed to be sure of these benefits. This research gives hope for new ways to fight dementia in the future.

Source: theguardian.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.