Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Oat Milk: Why Wellness Influencers Have Stopped Drinking It

• What Foods Have Helped You Lose Weight?

• A Research Team Discovered That the Intensity of Physical Activity Affects Mortality Risk: It Significantly Decreases When Physical Activity is More Intense

• 'Forever Chemicals' Linked to Poorer Sleep

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Oat Milk: Why Wellness Influencers Have Stopped Drinking It

TikTok influencers are changing their minds about oat milk, a popular dairy-free drink. They used to love it, but now they're choosing other milks like almond or soy, or even going back to cow's milk. They say oat milk has too much starch. It might cause skin breakouts. It also has oils that can cause inflammation.

Nutritionist Melissa Smith from The Health Gardener says plant milks, like oat milk, help those who can't or choose not to drink cow's milk. However, oat milk often has extra ingredients that aren't in natural milk, which can affect our bodies differently.

Also, if the oats are not grown organically, they could be bad for the environment and our health. Katie Sheen from Soul Nutrition notes that oat milk has less protein and fat, which can make our blood sugar rise quickly. This is not ideal as it could lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes.

Despite some problems, not all plant milks are perfect. For example, almond milk can also harm the environment in different ways.

Experts say enjoying oat milk in small amounts is okay, especially if it's part of a healthy meal. An Oatly spokesperson disagrees with the criticism. They say their oat milk is healthy, eco-friendly, and that sales are rising.

Overall, while oat milk has some issues, it can still be a good choice if used wisely and as part of a balanced diet.

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

What Foods Have Helped You Lose Weight?

Struggling with stubborn belly fat? Many of us want that gone! It's not just about cutting sugar; it's also about understanding our bodies. High cortisol, a stress hormone, can cause belly fat. It makes our liver turn proteins and fats into sugar, raising insulin levels.

To manage belly fat, consider what you eat. Here are ten foods that can help:

1. Eggs: They are high in protein and low in carbs. They help control insulin levels.

2. Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fats, it helps improve insulin effectiveness and lowers cortisol.

3. Cod Liver Oil: Great for reducing insulin resistance and cortisol levels.

4. Sauerkraut: Boosts liver function and has probiotics that help with weight management.

5. Cruciferous Vegetables: Like broccoli and kale, they’re high in minerals that help reduce stress and improve liver health.

6. Hamburger: Choose a high-quality, grass-fed burger without the extras—it’s low in carbs and rich in nutrients.

7. Avocado: Loaded with good fats and very low in carbs, supporting blood sugar control.

8. Broccoli Sprouts: Packed with nutrients that might reduce visceral fat.

9. Asparagus: Helps detoxify and supports insulin sensitivity.

10. Nutritional Yeast: Provides B-vitamins to aid the liver and reduce cortisol.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help manage belly fat effectively. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about creating healthier habits to support your body’s needs.

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC

HEALTH

A Research Team Discovered That the Intensity of Physical Activity Affects Mortality Risk: It Significantly Decreases When Physical Activity is More Intense

Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life. Well, scientists from the University of Basel have found a key tip: it’s not just any exercise that helps us live longer—it’s the intense kind!

Led by Fabian Schwendinger from the Department of Sport, Exercise, and Health, the team discovered that doing exercises that get your heart pumping harder can actually lower your chances of dying early. Their findings were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

The researchers studied over 7,000 people in the USA who wore special devices that track movement. These gadgets showed that when people move faster and more energetically, like running instead of walking, it’s much better for their heart and health.

So, what does this mean for you? You don’t have to run marathons or exhaust yourself. Just quicken your pace a bit. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or try to walk faster to the bus stop.

The researchers also noticed that it might be better to do one longer session of intense activity rather than spreading it out into smaller bits throughout the day.

This study could help change how experts tell us to exercise in the future. The main takeaway? Boosting the intensity of your daily activities can really make a difference in how long and how well you live.

Source: unibas.ch

'Forever Chemicals' Linked to Poorer Sleep

Do you ever struggle to fall asleep at night? The reason might be more than just your mattress or daily worries. Recent research suggests that "forever chemicals" could be a part of the problem.

"Forever chemicals," also known as PFAS, are substances that last a long time in the environment. You can find them in nonstick pans, waterproof clothes, and firefighting foams. These chemicals are linked to health problems. They can raise cholesterol, lower fertility, delay children's development, and increase cancer risk.

In this new study, scientists looked at blood samples from 144 young adults between the ages of 19 and 24. They checked the levels of seven types of PFAS. The results showed that three types of these chemicals were linked to losing up to 80 minutes of sleep. Another type was linked to trouble sleeping and feeling tired the next day.

The study also found that certain genes activated by PFAS might affect sleep by impacting cortisol, a stress hormone. Even though some types of PFAS are no longer used, they are still found in people, likely from exposure over many years.

Lead researcher Shiwen Li of USC is concerned. Our ongoing exposure to these chemicals, possibly even before birth, is troubling. This study sheds light on how everyday environmental factors might be affecting our sleep.

Source: e360.yale.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.