Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Study is the First of Its Kind to Demonstrate That Two of the Most Commercially Available Algal Species Are Rich in Protein Which Supports Muscle Remodeling, Suggesting They Could Be an Alternative to Animal-derived Protein With Respect to Maintaining and Building Muscle

• Ozempic and Wegovy May Reduce Inflammation by Targeting the Brain

• Not Being Able to Burp, a Condition Called Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD) Leads to Excessive Flatulence, a Bloated Stomach, and Socially Awkward Gurgling Noises | Scientists Hope to Raise Awareness to Reduce the Stigma and Feelings of Embarrassment Among Sufferers

• Having High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure Before Age 55 Has a Lasting Impact on Your Risk of Heart Disease in Later Life -- Even if You Subsequently Lower Your Levels

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Study is the First of Its Kind to Demonstrate That Two of the Most Commercially Available Algal Species Are Rich in Protein Which Supports Muscle Remodeling, Suggesting They Could Be an Alternative to Animal-derived Protein With Respect to Maintaining and Building Muscle

Looking for a meat alternative that's good for your muscles and the planet? Researchers have exciting news: algae might be the answer.

A new study from the University of Exeter, published in The Journal of Nutrition, reveals that spirulina and chlorella, two types of algae you can buy, are rich in protein. They help build and maintain muscles, making them a great alternative to meat.

Researcher Ino Van Der Heijden from the University of Exeter points out that algae could be a sustainable and reliable food source. As more people try to eat less meat due to environmental and ethical reasons, algae emerge as a promising option.

We usually get protein from meat, which is essential for muscle health. However, producing meat can harm the environment and raise ethical concerns. Algae, on the other hand, are easy to grow and packed with nutrients.

To understand this better, the researchers conducted an experiment with 36 adults. After exercising, the participants drank a protein shake made from either algae or a fungus-based protein. The results showed that algae were just as effective as the fungus protein in helping muscles grow.

This discovery is important. It suggests that algae can be as good as animal protein for muscle growth and recovery. This could change how we think about protein, especially for older adults. More research is needed, but algae show a lot of promise as a protein source that's good for us and the environment.

Source: news.exeter.ac.uk

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic and Wegovy May Reduce Inflammation by Targeting the Brain

Did you know that medicines for weight loss and diabetes, like Ozempic and Wegovy, might do more than just help you shed pounds? Recent studies with mice show they might also fight inflammation by working on the brain.

These drugs, both containing something called semaglutide, are really interesting. They could lower the risk of heart attacks more than expected, just from losing weight.

How They Work

Semaglutide copies a hormone in your gut named GLP-1. After you eat, GLP-1 helps you feel full, cuts down hunger, and helps control blood sugar.

Researchers found that these drugs don't just help people lose weight. They also reduce inflammation, which is like a mild swelling inside your body. They can tell because a blood marker for inflammation, called CRP, goes down.

The Study

Scientists did an experiment with mice. They caused inflammation in the mice and then treated some with semaglutide. The mice with the treatment had less inflammation. But this didn’t happen in mice that couldn’t respond to GLP-1 in their brains. This means the drug works through the brain, not just by helping lose weight.

Why It Matters

This is exciting because it might help treat diseases linked to inflammation. Also, people taking these drugs haven't had more infections, which can be a concern with drugs that fight inflammation.

Source: newscientist.com

HEALTH

Not Being Able to Burp, a Condition Called Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD) Leads to Excessive Flatulence, a Bloated Stomach, and Socially Awkward Gurgling Noises | Scientists Hope to Raise Awareness to Reduce the Stigma and Feelings of Embarrassment Among Sufferers

Imagine if you couldn't burp. This might sound funny, but it's a serious problem for some. It's called retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, or R-CPD for short. Scientists in the US have found out more about this condition.

In a study with 199 adults who can't burp, researchers discovered these people often feel bloated, make gurgling noises, and pass a lot of gas. This happens because a throat muscle, named the cricopharyngeal muscle, doesn't relax as it should. So, the gas that should come out as a burp gets stuck, causing discomfort.

This study was done by Texas Tech University and shared in a science journal. It shows that R-CPD is not just a small problem. About half of the people with R-CPD haven't talked to their doctors, often feeling too shy. This condition doesn't just hurt their stomachs; it also affects their lives, relationships, and feelings, causing anxiety and sadness.

R-CPD is more than a physical issue. It can change how people live and feel every day. The scientists want to spread the word about R-CPD, so people understand it better. They hope this will help people feel less embarrassed and more willing to seek help.

So, if you or someone you know has these symptoms and can't burp, it's important to know it's a real health issue. Understanding and talking about it can make a big difference.

Source: scimex.org

Having High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure Before Age 55 Has a Lasting Impact on Your Risk of Heart Disease in Later Life -- Even if You Subsequently Lower Your Levels

If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure before you're 55, it could mean trouble for your heart later, even if you get these under control. This is what new research tells us.

Experts found that young people with high LDL (bad cholesterol) and high blood pressure are more likely to get heart disease later. This stays true even if their cholesterol and blood pressure get better when they're older.

The study looked at over 135,000 people. It showed that the longer you have high cholesterol and blood pressure, the more at risk your heart is. Dr. Nelson Wang, who led the study, says we should keep an eye on these things our whole life, starting young.

Dr. Gordon Huggins, a heart doctor not in the study, says it's better to improve your cholesterol and blood pressure early. Waiting too long isn't as good.

Heart problems often start when we're young. Dr. Matthew Tomey reminds us that many people don't know they have heart issues. If we take care of our blood pressure and cholesterol early, we can stop many heart diseases.

Dr. James Cireddu adds that eating right, exercising, and sometimes medicine can help. Other things like age, being male, and smoking also affect your heart.

Dr. Jeffrey Anderson explains that this study shows why treating high cholesterol and blood pressure early is so important. It helps both young and older people.

In short, taking care of your blood pressure and cholesterol early can keep your heart healthy longer.

Source: upi.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.