Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Foods That Improve Mental Health/Happiness

• Things They Never Told You About Losing Weight

• CVS is Yanking Popular Decongestants From Its Shelves After the FDA Said They Don't Work

• Eating Red Meat Twice a Week May Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Scientists Found Replacing One Daily Serving of Red Meat for Another Protein Source, Researchers Found Substituting for Nuts and Legumes Was Associated With a 30% Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Foods That Improve Mental Health/Happiness

Looking to brighten your day with food? Skip the sweets and try these mood-improving options:

1. Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps your brain cells run smoothly, which can fend off the blues. Aim for a few servings per week.

2. Dark Chocolate: It's tasty and full of compounds that boost your mood and brain health. Just a small piece can do the trick!

3. Bananas: With vitamin B6, bananas help create feel-good chemicals in your brain. Plus, their natural sugars release slowly for a steady mood.

4. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients and tryptophan, an amino acid that can lift your spirits.

5. Beans and Lentils: These are rich in B vitamins which are crucial for a positive mood and brain communication.

6. Blueberries: High in antioxidants, they help protect your brain and might improve your memory.

7. Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt support good gut health, which is linked to a happy mind.

8. Oats: They provide long-lasting energy and stabilize blood sugar, which helps keep your mood even.

9. Coffee: A cup can perk you up and might have other mood-enhancing properties.

And here's a surprising one: Oysters! High in zinc, they not only boost your love life but can also help reduce anxiety.

Incorporate these foods into your regular diet and you might just find a happier, healthier you.

Source: Dr. Yang Health Talks

WEIGHT LOSS

Things They Never Told You About Losing Weight

Ever felt like no diet works? Scientists say it's not your fault—we've been taught the wrong way to lose weight! The old advice was "eat less, and the pounds will fall off," but that left many, like Jennifer, tired and stuck.

A new report is changing the game. It says eating less can actually backfire by making you hungrier and slowing down your metabolism. The key? It's all about the carbs, not the calories.

Dr. David Ludwig, the report's author, introduced the "Carbohydrate Insulin Model." This approach focuses on eating fewer carbs to keep insulin in check. Why? High insulin tells your body to store calories as fat, which can make you feel hungry.

Jennifer tried a low-carb diet with healthy fats and protein. In six weeks, she shed 20 pounds, and after three years, an amazing 88 pounds! This diet helps the body burn its own fat because it runs out of sugar to use for energy.

And it's not just weight loss. The benefits include reducing the risk of some cancers and better mental health. Plus, you don't need intense exercise; a daily walk will do.

This new way isn't about cutting all carbs; it's about balancing them. If you're struggling with weight loss, maybe it's time to try a smarter approach. Understand your body, and the change might just happen!

Source: Today

HEALTH

CVS is Yanking Popular Decongestants From Its Shelves After the FDA Said They Don't Work

If you've been buying certain stuffy-nose medicines from CVS, you might not find them next time. CVS Pharmacy is taking some cold medicines off its shelves because experts say they don't really help with congestion.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which checks if our medicines are good, found out that a common ingredient called phenylephrine isn't doing its job. It's supposed to clear your nose, but it turns out it might be no better than taking a sugar pill.

This ingredient is in many medicines you might know like Sudafed PE and DayQuil. These are the kinds of drugs we grab when we get a cold or allergies and want to feel better fast.

But CVS says no more to medicines that only have phenylephrine. They want to make sure what they sell actually helps. Although, some medicines with phenylephrine and other stuff that works will stay on the shelves.

Why did it take so long to find this out? Well, in the past, people were only checking if medicines were safe to take, not if they worked super well. Now, the FDA is looking more at whether these drugs really do what they say.

For now, CVS is the only big pharmacy making this change. Other stores like Walgreens and Rite Aid are waiting to see if the FDA says everyone has to stop selling these medicines. So next time you've got a cold, you might see some new options at CVS to help you breathe easier!

Source: insider.com

Eating Red Meat Twice a Week May Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Scientists Found Replacing One Daily Serving of Red Meat for Another Protein Source, Researchers Found Substituting for Nuts and Legumes Was Associated With a 30% Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

If you enjoy a good steak or hamburger, you might want to read this. Recent research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that eating red meat twice a week could raise your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. This is especially important for men and women over 45, as diabetes risks increase with age.

The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on October 19, 2023, analyzed health data from over 200,000 people. The researchers found that those who ate the most red meat had a 62% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who ate the least. Processed red meats, like hot dogs and bacon, were particularly risky. Each extra daily serving of processed red meat raised the risk of diabetes by 46%.

But there's good news! You can lower this risk by replacing red meat with other proteins. Eating nuts, legumes (like beans and lentils), or a bit of dairy instead can make a big difference. The study found that swapping red meat for nuts and legumes can cut the risk of diabetes by 30%. Even switching to dairy can reduce the risk by 22%.

This isn't just about health. Eating less red meat can also help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

So, next time you're planning a meal, think about having some nuts or beans instead of steak. Your body (and the planet) might thank you!

Source: hsph.harvard.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.