Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Over 160,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Due to E. Coli Risk

• What Are Some Meals That You Ate to Lose Weight?

• Don’t Sit on the Toilet for More Than 10 Minutes, Doctors Warn

• A Flavanol-rich Cocoa Drink Can Protect the Body’s Vasculature Against Stress Even After Eating High-fat Food, Finds New Study. Drinking or Eating a Food High in Flavanols May Be Used as a Strategy to Mitigate Some of the Impact of Poorer Food Choices on the Vascular System

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Over 160,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Due to E. Coli Risk

A big health warning has been issued as about 167,000 pounds of ground beef are being recalled across the country. This includes both fresh and frozen types. The recall is because the beef might be contaminated with a harmful bacteria called E. coli. Officials are asking everyone, especially restaurants, to act quickly to avoid health problems.

This problem was discovered after health departments in Minnesota linked some sickness reports to ground beef from Wolverine Packing Co. in Detroit. Tests on the beef confirmed the presence of E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous bacteria. This is the same bacteria found last month in onions at McDonald’s.

So far, fifteen people have gotten sick from this E. coli, with the first cases reported between November 2 and November 10. The beef being recalled has a mark on it that says "EST. 2574B" and specific "use by" dates: November 14 for fresh and October 22 for frozen.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has shared pictures of the labels on the recalled beef to help identify them. These products were sent to restaurants all over, and there's a worry they might still be used.

Everyone is advised to cook beef to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the bacteria. Check your beef products for these dates and markings to make sure you’re not using the recalled beef.

Source: nbcnews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

What Are Some Meals That You Ate to Lose Weight?

Struggling to lose weight? Here are my top 10 breakfast foods to boost your metabolism and help with weight loss.

Number 10 is kale. It's not the tastiest because it’s bitter, but it’s full of a nutrient called sulforaphane that helps protect your DNA. I try to eat at least one cup per meal, chopped or blended with some berries to make it tastier.

Kale and other dark greens are super important because they have something called chlorophyll, which is centered around magnesium. Magnesium is essential for over 300 body processes, including muscle function and metabolism. Many people don't eat enough magnesium-rich foods like beans and greens, so I also take a magnesium supplement to make sure I’m getting enough. But if you have kidney problems, always talk to a doctor before starting any supplement.

I also make sure to eat fruits high in vitamin C like kiwis or red bell peppers, which have even more vitamin C than oranges. I mix these with other good foods like blueberries, hummus, and avocados that add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to my breakfast.

I like to include balsamic vinegar and nutritional yeast in my meals for their health benefits and great taste. Balsamic vinegar helps control blood sugar, and nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and is full of B vitamins.

Lastly, the number one thing on my list is water. Drinking enough water is key, and having some before meals can help control your appetite. Here’s to a healthier you!

Source: Healthy Immune Doc

HEALTH

Don’t Sit on the Toilet for More Than 10 Minutes, Doctors Warn

Spending too long in the bathroom with your phone? Doctors are advising against it. Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon, warns that sitting on the toilet for over ten minutes can cause health issues. These include hemorrhoids and weakened pelvic muscles.

When you sit too long, especially with phones distracting us, it's easy to lose track of time. This can put pressure on your lower body, affecting blood circulation and even leading to hemorrhoids. Dr. Xue explains that the pressure from prolonged sitting makes it hard for blood to flow back up, causing veins to enlarge.

Dr. Farah Monzur points out that it's best to keep bathroom visits between five to ten minutes. She suggests leaving devices like phones and magazines out of the bathroom to avoid distractions. This helps to focus on the task and avoid straining. Straining can cause issues like rectal prolapse and increase the risk of colorectal cancer in severe cases.

For those struggling to go, Dr. Xue recommends walking around if you haven’t been successful in ten minutes, as movement can help. Staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods also aid in regular bowel movements.

It’s not just about comfort. Prolonged toilet time might indicate more serious health issues. If you're consistently taking long bathroom breaks, it might be time to consult a doctor. Remember, your health is worth more than another scroll on your phone.

Source: edition.cnn.com

A Flavanol-rich Cocoa Drink Can Protect the Body’s Vasculature Against Stress Even After Eating High-fat Food, Finds New Study. Drinking or Eating a Food High in Flavanols May Be Used as a Strategy to Mitigate Some of the Impact of Poorer Food Choices on the Vascular System

A recent study by the University of Birmingham shows that drinking cocoa rich in flavanols can protect your heart from stress after eating high-fat foods. This news could be very helpful for people aged 45 and older who face higher risks of heart problems.

The research looked at how certain foods can impact our body’s ability to handle stress. High-fat foods can hurt blood flow and oxygen delivery. They are vital for our heart and brain health. Flavanols, a nutrient in cocoa, green tea, and some fruits and nuts, can fight these harmful effects.

In the study, healthy adults ate a fatty breakfast and drank cocoa that was either high or low in flavanols. They then took a stressful math test. Those who had the high-flavanol cocoa did much better in keeping their blood vessels healthy compared to those who had the low-flavanol drink.

Flavanols help maintain normal blood pressure and protect the heart. So, they are important, especially as we age.

Eating flavanol-rich foods can help, especially in stress. These foods include natural cocoa, green tea, and berries. These foods support our heart and keep our blood vessels working well.

The study suggests that making smarter food choices, even when stressed, can make a big difference in our heart health. So next time you reach for a snack, think about grabbing something with flavanols to give your heart a boost.

Source: birmingham.ac.uk

✢ 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.