Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Ultra-processed Foods Are Not More Appealing, New Study Finds. Results Challenge Assumption We Eat Highly Processed Foods Because They Are More Desirable. Foods Tasting More Intense (Mainly Related to the Level of Sweetness and Saltiness), Were More Liked and Desired

• Study Reveals a Marked Reduction in Alcohol Use Disorder in All Six Patients Who Received Semaglutide Treatment in the Course of Pharmacotherapy for Weight Loss. The Results Suggest a Potential Role for This Medication in the Management of Alcohol Use Disorder

• U.S. Men Die Nearly Six Years Before Women, Gap is Largest Since 1996

• Walking Faster Linked to ‘significantly Lower Risk’ of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Ultra-processed Foods Are Not More Appealing, New Study Finds. Results Challenge Assumption We Eat Highly Processed Foods Because They Are More Desirable. Foods Tasting More Intense (Mainly Related to the Level of Sweetness and Saltiness), Were More Liked and Desired

Think foods like ice cream or microwave dinners are always more tempting than simple foods? A study from the University of Bristol found something interesting: they're not necessarily more appealing.

Professor Peter Rogers and his team worked with 224 adults. They showed them pictures of different foods, like avocados, nuts, and even ice cream. These foods varied in calories, how much they were processed, and their mix of carbs and fats. The people rated how tasty each food seemed and how much they wanted to eat it.

Surprisingly, foods that were highly processed, called ultra-processed foods (UPFs), weren't always more liked or wanted than less processed foods. What really mattered was how sweet or salty the food tasted.

Professor Rogers explains that it's not just about how much a food is processed. People usually like foods that have a good balance of carbs and fats and less fiber. This is because these foods give us more energy without filling us up too much.

This study is important because some UPFs, like soda and certain fast foods, can be bad for your health. They can lead to problems like heart disease and weight gain. But, not all UPFs are harmful; some, like certain breads and cereals, can be good for you.

So, when you're picking out snacks, remember that it's not only about how processed they are. It's also about what's inside them and how they taste. Balance is always important!

Source: theguardian.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Study Reveals a Marked Reduction in Alcohol Use Disorder in All Six Patients Who Received Semaglutide Treatment in the Course of Pharmacotherapy for Weight Loss. The Results Suggest a Potential Role for This Medication in the Management of Alcohol Use Disorder

Have you heard of semaglutide? It's a medicine usually used for diabetes and weight loss. But, scientists from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University have found something new about it. It might also help people who drink too much alcohol.

In their study, six patients used semaglutide for losing weight. They noticed they didn't feel like drinking alcohol as much. This change was measured with a test called the AUDIT. The results were so interesting, they got published in a big medical journal.

Semaglutide is known as Ozempic and Wegovy. It's approved by the FDA for diabetes and weight loss. But now, researchers think it could also help with alcohol addiction.

Dr. Jesse Richards, who led this study, says this is a big step. It helps us understand new ways to use semaglutide.

More research is coming. Dr. Kyle Simmons is leading a trial named STAR (Semaglutide Therapy for Alcohol Reduction). He wants to find out if this medicine is really safe and works well for treating alcohol addiction. However, right now, doctors still suggest the usual treatments for alcohol problems.

Why is this important? This study opens new paths in treating alcohol addiction. It shows how teamwork in science can lead to exciting discoveries. We're waiting to see how this research will help people with alcohol addiction in the future.

Source: eurekalert.org

HEALTH

U.S. Men Die Nearly Six Years Before Women, Gap is Largest Since 1996

Recent research has shown something surprising: in America, men are now living almost six years less than women. This is the biggest difference seen since 1996. Experts from Harvard and the University of California found this trend started growing around 2010.

The main reasons? COVID-19 and problems like drug overdoses. These are called 'deaths of despair.' The pandemic affected men more, and they also had more accidents and suicides.

A study found that in 2021, men lived 5.8 years less than women. This is more than in 2010 when the difference was 4.8 years. The average life in the U.S. dropped to 76.1 years in 2021.

Brandon Yan, a leading researcher, says we've seen life expectancy drop, but not much focus on why it's happening more to men.

Deaths from drugs, suicide, and alcohol, often linked to stress or money problems, are hitting men hard. This points to the need for better health care for men, especially in mental health.

Before COVID-19, the main causes of this gap were injuries, diabetes, suicide, and heart disease. But during the pandemic, COVID-19 was a big reason men died more. This could be due to different health habits and risks at work.

Yan suggests focusing more on men's health care to stop this problem. Researchers like Howard Koh say we need to watch these trends and invest in health care to prevent this gap from growing.

Source: news.harvard.edu

Walking Faster Linked to ‘Significantly Lower Risk’ of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

Love walking? Here's some exciting news: walking faster might greatly reduce your chance of getting type 2 diabetes. This info comes from a new study that looked at people all over the world.

Type 2 diabetes is a big health problem. It can cause serious issues like heart attacks and even losing a limb. But walking can help! Researchers have always known walking is good for you, but they weren't sure how fast you should walk. Now, they've found that faster is better.

Here's what the study says:

• Walking quicker than 1.86mph (3km/h) lowers your chance of getting diabetes.

• Walking super fast, over 3.7mph (6km/h), cuts your risk by 39%!

If you walk at a normal speed (around 3-5km/h), your risk goes down by 15%. If you pick up the pace to a brisk walk (5-6km/h), it drops by 24%.

The study had some limits, like some people were already healthier. But it's clear that faster walking means better health and less risk of diabetes.

Neil Gibson from Diabetes UK agrees. He says walking faster is even better for your health. Walking is free, easy, and you can do it when you go to work or the store.

Just remember, walk at a speed that feels right for you. If you can, try to walk a bit faster. It's a simple way to stay healthy and lower your chance of type 2 diabetes.

Source: theguardian.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.