Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Organic Carrot Recall in 18 States Due to E. Coli

• Drinks for Weight Loss?

• Sitting Too Long Can Harm Heart Health, Even for Active People | Approximately 10 Hours or More of Sedentary Behavior Per Day is Associated With Heightened Risk of Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Death, Even in Those Who Regularly Exercise

• It’s Actually Healthier to Enjoy Holiday Foods Without the Anxiety

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Organic Carrot Recall in 18 States Due to E. Coli

There's a big problem with organic carrots causing sickness in 18 states. The carrots, both whole and baby types, come from Grimmway Farms and are linked to a dangerous E. coli outbreak. Sadly, one person has died and 38 others have gotten sick.

The sickness reports started appearing from September 6 to October 28, mostly in Washington, Minnesota, and New York. The CDC thinks more people are likely affected but haven't reported it.

Because of this, Grimmway Farms is recalling various sizes of their organic carrots. These include baby carrots best if used by dates from September 11 to November 12, and whole carrots sold between August 14 and October 23. They were sold at many stores like Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. If you bought these carrots, throw them away and clean any area they touched.

E. coli can make you very sick with stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, usually within a few days after eating the contaminated food. Most people get better in a week. But, it can cause a severe problem, hemolytic uremic syndrome, which affects the kidneys.

It’s important to check your fridge for these carrots and throw them out if you find them to stay safe.

Source: npr.org

WEIGHT LOSS

Drinks for Weight Loss?

Losing weight can be tough, especially as we get older, but some drinks might help when paired with healthy habits. Here are five drinks that could aid in your weight loss journey:

1. Green Tea: This tea is full of health benefits. It has antioxidants called catechins that might help you burn fat and speed up your metabolism. Drinking a lot of green tea has helped people lose weight in studies. Matcha, a special kind of green tea, has even more catechins and can be particularly good for losing weight.

2. Coffee: Many people drink coffee to wake up and feel energetic. Coffee has caffeine, which can boost your metabolism a bit and help burn fat. But to help with weight loss, it's best to drink it black, without sugar or milk. Try having a cup before you exercise to help you work out a little harder.

3. Black Tea: Like green tea, black tea has substances that might help you lose weight. It’s full of antioxidants and also has caffeine. Just remember to drink it without milk to get the most benefit.

4. Protein Shakes: Drinks high in protein can make you feel full and eat less. They're a good swap for a snack or meal that has more calories.

5. Water: Simple but effective, water can help with weight loss. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks cuts calories and helps manage your weight.

Adding these drinks to a healthy diet and exercise can make a big difference in your weight loss efforts!

Source: Healthline

HEALTH

Sitting Too Long Can Harm Heart Health, Even for Active People | Approximately 10 Hours or More of Sedentary Behavior Per Day is Associated With Heightened Risk of Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Death, Even in Those Who Regularly Exercise

Even if you exercise, sitting for long periods could still harm your heart. A new study by the American College of Cardiology shows that sitting for about 10 hours or more each day increases the risk of heart failure and death from heart disease. This is true even for those who get regular exercise.

The study points out that exercising is important, but it’s not enough to make up for sitting too much. Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a heart doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and one of the main researchers, says we need to sit less to protect our hearts. The risk of heart problems starts to go up significantly after sitting more than 10.6 hours a day.

Using wrist-worn devices, the study tracked how much people move each day. The findings suggest that replacing just 30 minutes of sitting with any kind of physical activity can greatly lower the risk of heart issues.

Dr. Charles Eaton from Brown University notes that health advice should focus more on sitting less. A study of over 89,000 people shows that daily activity is vital for heart health.

Health experts are now urging everyone to move more and sit less. They believe this is key to better heart health for everyone.

Source: eurekalert.org

It’s Actually Healthier to Enjoy Holiday Foods Without the Anxiety

The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy tasty foods. However, many people feel guilty about eating too much during these times. A survey by Orlando Health shows that 39% of Americans worry about overeating during the holidays. Some even skip meals to save calories for big meals like Thanksgiving dinner.

Sara Riehm, a dietitian at Orlando Health, believes that this way of thinking isn’t helpful. She advises people to enjoy holiday foods without feeling bad about it. “It's not about cutting out holiday favorites," she says. "It's about enjoying them while still being healthy.”

Riehm explains that stressing over food can actually lead to weight gain because it increases cortisol, a stress hormone. Instead, she suggests focusing on the joy of the holidays.

To stay on track with health goals, Riehm recommends eating vegetables and leaving room for treats. A quick walk after eating can also help.

She advises against skipping meals before big holiday dinners because it can lead to overeating later. It's better to eat small, balanced meals throughout the day.

Riehm also warns against post-holiday detoxes like juice cleanses, which can be harmful. Instead, if you overeat, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.

Overall, Riehm encourages people to enjoy all foods in moderation during the holidays. This season, allow yourself to enjoy the celebrations, including the delicious food, without guilt.

Source: scientificamerican.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.