12/12/23 - #20

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Do Green Juices Provide Any Real Benefits?

  • Food for Weight Loss, for People Who Don’t Work Out?

  • Unitedhealth Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Algorithmic Care Denials in Medicare Advantage Plans

  • Poor Nutrition Contributes to Poor Mental Health and Risk of Diabetes: People With Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) Are Two-to-three Times More Likely to Have Depression Than People Without, Study Finds

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Do Green Juices Provide Any Real Benefits?

Green juices are a hit, especially for those over 45 looking for a health boost. But what makes them special?

Made from veggies and leafy greens with little sugar, green juices started in the 1930s for health reasons. Today, they're a popular health choice. The freshest and best ones are made from organic ingredients.

Here's why people like green juices:

  1. Quick Nutrients: They're a fast way to get vitamins and minerals. Great for those who don't eat enough veggies or have trouble digesting food.

  1. Detox Boost: Green juice helps your body get rid of toxins. It cleans your blood, which is good for your skin and makes your breath fresh.

  1. Weight Loss and Gut Health: With few calories but lots of nutrients, green juice can help with weight loss and keep your stomach working well.

  1. Fights Inflammation: Ingredients in green juice can reduce swelling in your body, which is linked to many long-term health problems. It's good for your brain and heart health.

But, green juice isn't right for everyone. If you have thyroid or kidney problems, check with your doctor first.

The taste of green juices might be strong at first. You can make them tastier with herbs, lemon, or apple. Many people get used to the taste and like how they feel afterwards.

In short, green juices are full of nutrients, help cleanse your body, aid in weight loss, and reduce inflammation. They're not a miracle cure, but can be a good part of a healthy lifestyle. Give them a try and see the benefits for yourself!

WEIGHT LOSS

Food for Weight Loss, for People Who Don’t Work Out?

Want to lose belly fat but don't like working out? Here are 10 foods that can help you!

1. Eggs: Eggs are great because they don't have many carbs, but they have a lot of good protein. They also help break down fat in your liver.

2. Salmon: Salmon has a lot of omega-3 fats. These fats help control your insulin and stress hormone levels.

3. Cod Liver or Cod Liver Oil: Like salmon, these are high in omega-3s, which help your body use insulin better and lower stress hormones.

4. Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage is good for your liver and full of Vitamin C, which your body needs to handle stress.

5. Cruciferous Vegetables: Veggies like kale and broccoli are good for your liver and have minerals that help lower stress.

6. Hamburger (Grass-fed): A fatty hamburger (no bun) doesn't raise your insulin much and is full of nutrients.

7. Avocado: Avocado helps with blood sugar and insulin. It's also good for a fatty liver.

8. Broccoli Sprouts: These sprouts help reduce fat around your belly and liver.

9. Asparagus: Asparagus cleans out your liver and helps with blood sugar.

10. Nutritional Yeast (Unfortified): This gives you B vitamins for your liver and reduces stress hormones.

Remember, what you don't eat is just as important. Avoid foods that raise your insulin, like high-carb diets and too many snacks. Mixing these good foods in your meals can help you lose belly fat, even without exercise!

HEALTH

Unitedhealth Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Algorithmic Care Denials in Medicare Advantage Plans

UnitedHealth, a large insurance company, is being sued. They used a computer program to make health care decisions, but it often made wrong choices. This program tried to guess how long patients needed to stay in rehab, but it wasn't very accurate.

A California law firm is suing UnitedHealth for this. They say the company used the computer program to wrongly deny medical care to people with Medicare Advantage plans. The lawsuit claims UnitedHealth knew the program wasn't always right but still used it. This caused problems for older patients. Some had to leave care facilities too soon or their families had to pay a lot for their care.

UnitedHealth and NaviHealth are being sued for not covering needed care in nursing homes. UnitedHealth says the computer program was just a tool, not the main way they decided on care. However, the lawsuit says UnitedHealth was aware the program often made errors.

Two families are important in this lawsuit. One had to pay $150,000 for a 91-year-old man's care after UnitedHealth stopped paying. Another family paid $70,000 for a 74-year-old man's care after a stroke when UnitedHealth didn't cover it.

This lawsuit is raising a big question: Should a computer make important health care decisions? Can we trust a computer more than a doctor? UnitedHealth believes they did not make any errors. However, the lawsuit questions their use of a computer program to make healthcare decisions.

Poor Nutrition Contributes to Poor Mental Health and Risk of Diabetes: People With Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) Are Two-to-three Times More Likely to Have Depression Than People Without, Study Finds

Did you know that eating healthy is good for both your body and your mind? Researchers at George Mason University found out that the food we eat can affect our mood and the chance of getting diabetes.

People with diabetes often feel more sad or depressed. Doctors usually suggest talking to someone or taking medicine, but now we know that choosing the right foods is important too. Eating badly can make you more likely to get diabetes and feel worried or sad.

Professor Raedeh Basiri and her team learned that eating better can really help. Foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy can lower the chance of getting diabetes and feeling down. But, eating too many processed foods can increase these risks.

Getting enough of certain nutrients is also key. If you don't get enough omega-3 fats, vitamins like D, E, B6, and B12, folate, selenium, chromium, and magnesium, you might feel worse mentally and increase your diabetes risk.

Basiri's research tells us that eating a balanced diet can make you feel less anxious or depressed and help control diabetes. This study isn't just for scientists. It helps all of us make better food choices. Remember, the right food keeps you healthy and happy!

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.