Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Frequent Drinking of Fizzy Beverages and Fruit Juice Linked to an Increased Risk of Stroke: Research

• Researchers Have Hit on an Unusual Tip for Walkers Who Want to Burn More Calories: Rather Than Plodding Along Steadily From Start to Finish, Consider Taking Rest Stops

• COVID-19 May Increase the Risk of Heart Attacks, Strokes and Deaths for Three Years After an Infection, Study Suggests

• Sugary Diets Associated With Greater Likelihood of Depression

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Frequent Drinking of Fizzy Beverages and Fruit Juice Linked to an Increased Risk of Stroke: Research

A study from Galway University and McMaster University found that some drinks might raise your stroke risk. Researchers looked at the habits of 13,500 people from 27 countries who had strokes.

They found that sugary sodas and diet sodas could make you 22% more likely to have a stroke. Many people think fruit juices are healthy, but they could increase your stroke risk by 37%.

Dr. Andrew Smyth, who led the study, explained that not all fruit juices are just fruit. Many contain added sugars and other things that are not good for your health.

However, the study also found some good news about other drinks. Drinking three to four cups of black or green tea each day could lower your stroke risk by a third, but only if you don't add milk. Also, drinking about seven glasses of water a day could help reduce the risk of stroke.

Dr. Christopher Labos, a heart doctor and researcher, is cautious about these findings. He pointed out that remembering what you drank over many years isn't always accurate. He also mentioned that too much caffeine, especially from energy drinks, could be harmful, especially for young people.

This study aims to help people choose drinks to lower their stroke risk, said Dr. Smyth.

Source: ctvnews.ca

WEIGHT LOSS

Researchers Have Hit on an Unusual Tip for Walkers Who Want to Burn More Calories: Rather Than Plodding Along Steadily From Start to Finish, Consider Taking Rest Stops

If you enjoy walking and are looking to burn more calories, there’s a new strategy to consider: taking breaks during your walk. Normally, we think the best way to get health benefits from walking is to keep going non-stop. However, some recent research suggests that stopping for short rests might actually help you burn more calories.

Here’s how it works: you start by walking fast for a few minutes, then you take a short break to catch your breath. After the break, you start walking fast again. These pauses can make it easier for you to maintain a quicker pace when you are moving. This is because knowing you have a break coming up might give you the energy to push yourself a little harder.

Researchers believe that walking in this way—with bursts of fast walking followed by rests—might activate your metabolism in a new way. This change can make your body use more energy, not just while you're walking, but also after you finish, as your body works to recover.

Next time you put on your walking shoes, try this method: walk briskly for a few minutes, then allow yourself a short rest. Repeat this pattern throughout your walk. This approach could improve your fitness. It might also make your walks more interesting.

Source: theguardian.com

HEALTH

COVID-19 May Increase the Risk of Heart Attacks, Strokes and Deaths for Three Years After an Infection, Study Suggests

A new study has found that people who had COVID-19 in 2020, before we had vaccines, might face double the risk of serious heart issues like heart attacks and strokes. This higher risk could last up to three years compared to those who never caught the virus.

The research looked at medical records from about 250,000 people in a big study database called the UK Biobank. It found that over 11,000 of these people had COVID-19 in 2020. Of them, almost 3,000 had severe cases and were hospitalized.

Those who had severe COVID-19 are over three times more likely to have major heart problems than those who didn’t have the virus. This risk is as serious as the risk from diabetes or artery disease.

Dr. Stanley Hazen from the Cleveland Clinic explained that COVID-19 seems to damage blood vessel walls. This long-lasting effect may explain the high risk.

The study also noticed that your blood type could affect your risk. People with types A, B, or AB might be more likely to have heart issues after COVID-19 than those with type O.

The study didn't look at how vaccines might help. But, watching your heart health, controlling blood pressure, and maybe taking daily aspirin could lower your risks after COVID-19.

Source: edition.cnn.com

Sugary Diets Associated With Greater Likelihood of Depression

If you love sweet snacks and drinks, you might want to consider changing your habits. A recent study in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that people who often choose sugary foods are more likely to be depressed. Those with a sweet tooth were 31% more likely to be depressed than those who chose healthy snacks.

The research involved 180,000 adults who filled out a survey about their favorite foods. Based on their answers, researchers grouped them into three categories: health-conscious, omnivores, and sweet tooth. The results showed that people who liked sugary treats had a higher risk of depression. They were also more likely to develop diabetes and have strokes.

In contrast, the health-conscious group, who liked fruits and vegetables, had lower health risks. They had better blood test results. Their cholesterol was lower and inflammation was less. This lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

This study shows a strong link between our food preferences and our health. However, the info was self-reported and may be inaccurate. The study doesn’t prove that liking sugary foods causes health issues, but it does show a clear connection.

To improve your diet, eat more fiber and less sugar and ultra-processed foods, say the researchers. You may love sugary foods. But, you can change your diet. It may improve your health.

Source: psypost.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.