Good morning. In today’s edition:

• These Nuts May Help Prevent Blindness in Old Age, Reveals Scientist

• Fasting Strategies Led to Slightly Greater Short-term Reductions in Body Weight and Fat Mass Compared to Continuous Caloric Restriction

• Yoga May Help With Chronic Back Pain, Even if It’s Delivered via Live Streaming Online - After 12 Weeks of Yoga, People Rated Their Pain as Less Severe, Reported Being Less Physically Impaired, Using Fewer Painkillers, and Sleeping Better After 24 Weeks of Yoga, These Improvements Were Sustained

• Nevada Boy Able to Sleep With His Eyes Closed for the First Time

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

These Nuts May Help Prevent Blindness in Old Age, Reveals Scientist

Pistachios are more than just a yummy snack—they might also help keep your eyes healthy as you get older. Researchers at Tufts University in Massachusetts found that pistachios are full of nutrients. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants protect your eyes from harmful blue light and stress.

The study focused on how eating pistachios can increase macular pigment in your eyes. This pigment protects your retina. It reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness in older people.

The research included 36 adults who were split into two groups. One group ate their usual diet, and the other added two ounces of pistachios to their daily meals. After six weeks, the pistachio group showed big improvements in eye health.

Professor Tammy M. Scott, who led the study, is excited about the results. She said, "Eating pistachios could be a simple, natural way to help your eyes stay healthy as you get older." She likes to eat pistachios on their own, in salads, with yogurt, and even in muffins.

This study received funding from American Pistachio Growers and the NIH. It shows an interest in the health benefits of nuts.

Source: newsweek.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Fasting Strategies Led to Slightly Greater Short-term Reductions in Body Weight and Fat Mass Compared to Continuous Caloric Restriction

People often wonder if it's better to fast or to eat fewer calories every day to lose weight. Recent studies looked into this question by comparing two popular methods: fasting-based strategies (FBS) and continuous caloric restriction (CCR). Both methods help reduce body weight by limiting calories. But, they work in different ways.

Researchers at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada, Spain, reviewed data from 10 studies with 623 participants. They found that both fasting and cutting daily calories helped people lose weight and fat. However, those who fasted lost about one extra pound compared to those who cut calories every day.

But this small difference might not matter much in everyday life. The studies also showed that both groups kept their muscle mass and had similar waist and hip sizes. They also improved in areas like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.

Fasting seemed to improve insulin sensitivity better than daily calorie reduction. This means fasting could be especially good for keeping blood sugar levels stable.

But, in the long run, fasting wasn't better than daily calorie cutting. Both methods worked well for managing weight over time.

The bottom line? The best way to lose weight may be the one you can stick with. It could be fasting or eating fewer calories each day. More research is needed to see if one way is truly better than the other.

Source: mdpi.com

HEALTH

Yoga May Help With Chronic Back Pain, Even if It’s Delivered via Live Streaming Online - After 12 Weeks of Yoga, People Rated Their Pain as Less Severe, Reported Being Less Physically Impaired, Using Fewer Painkillers, and Sleeping Better After 24 Weeks of Yoga, These Improvements Were Sustained

If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, yoga might be a useful remedy, and you don’t even need to leave your home to try it. Recent findings suggest that live-streamed yoga classes can significantly ease back pain.

US researchers studied 140 adults with chronic low back pain. They tested the effectiveness of virtual yoga. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group took part in yoga sessions via live stream. The other was placed on a waiting list.

Results were promising. After 12 weeks, those in the yoga group reported feeling less back pain and physical impairment. They also used fewer painkillers and enjoyed better sleep compared to those who were waiting. What’s more, these benefits continued to hold strong after 24 weeks of practice.

This peer-reviewed study aimed to minimize bias. It found that virtual yoga is a safe, effective way to manage chronic lower back pain. It's also feasible. It's a convenient option for those who struggle to attend in-person classes. It offers a way to improve their quality of life without traditional medication. Whether you’re a beginner or have practiced yoga before, this might be a good time to roll out your mat in the living room and give it a try.

Source: scimex.org

Nevada Boy Able to Sleep With His Eyes Closed for the First Time

For the first time, seven-year-old Carter Bresee from Nevada has been able to sleep with his eyes closed, thanks to a special surgery. Carter was born with a rare skin condition called lamellar ichthyosis that made his eyelids turn outward, which kept him from closing his eyes fully. This not only made blinking hard but also caused him a lot of pain and discomfort.

The life-changing surgery was done last month in San Diego. It involved fixing Carter's eyelids and adding new skin to them. After the surgery, Carter's mom, Shai Bresee, shared their good news. She said, "He slept until noon today. He got the best night's sleep." You could hear the happiness in her voice as she talked about her son's successful surgery.

Earlier in May, a local news station, Fox5, shared Carter's story. Many people saw the story and wanted to help. They gave money to a GoFundMe page set up for Carter's medical bills, raising over $46,000.

Carter described the surgery in simple terms, "The doctor took skin and placed it on my eyelid. I couldn't see on the first day, but on the second day, I could." His words show how much this surgery has improved his life.

This story is not just about Carter's medical journey but also shows how kind and supportive people can be when someone needs help. Now, Carter can enjoy something many of us take for granted—closing our eyes to sleep.

Source: ctvnews.ca

✢ 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.