Kennedy accepts vaccine panel's recommendation to remove preservative from US flu shots
A newly revamped vaccine advisory panel, members of which were chosen by Kennedy himself, had made the recommendation last month.
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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The number of almonds you should eat every day for good heart and gut health
Eaten straight from the bag, sprinkled on porridge, or ground into flour for a gluten-free batch of cookies, almonds are a versatile and delicious nut. 'They're little nutritional powerhouses,' says Emily Holt, a registered dietitian. Surprisingly – though they have become synonymous with the nut family – they're actually seeds from the almond fruit and more closely related to peaches and cherries. And they boast many health benefits. In fact, a recent study found that eating 45 almonds a day can significantly improve gut health, nutrient intake and cardiovascular health in people with metabolic conditions, such as obesity and high blood pressure. 'It's promising research and demonstrates how almonds can help to slow down the blood sugar response thanks to their levels of fat, fibre and protein,' Holt explains. Yet, even if you're an almond super-fan, eating 45 each day to reap these benefits feels like a lot. So, what are the key health benefits of almonds and how many should we really try to include in our daily diet? What are the health benefits of almonds? 1. Full of heart-healthy fats 'A 30g serving of almonds contains around 15g of monounsaturated fats,' Holt says. These are the 'heart-healthy' fats which extra-virgin olive oil and avocados are also rich in. A 2018 review in Nutrients examined several well-conducted clinical trials and found that almonds were shown to reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is an established risk factor for heart disease. The authors said adding a portion of almonds to your diet each day is a 'safe and practical nutritional strategy' to help manage levels of fat in the blood. 2. Support gut health 'Almonds are one of the highest-fibre nuts, and a source of prebiotic fibre for your gut microbes,' Dr Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist and dietitian, explains. In fact, a 30g serving of almonds contains around 4g of fibre, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut. This creates a more diverse and healthy microbiome which helps with immunity, regular bowel movement and proper digestion. Adequate fibre intake also aids in satiety and weight management. Recent research suggests it may have cognitive benefits for over-60s, too. 3. Loaded with antioxidants Vitamin E is a 'potent antioxidant,' Holt says, 'and almonds are very rich in it'. In fact, a 30g portion of almonds contains approximately 7.5mg of vitamin E – almost double the recommended daily intake for adults. 'It can help to maintain healthy skin and eyes, and strengthen the body's natural defence against illness and infection,' Holt explains. Several studies have even linked higher vitamin E intake to lower rates of heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer, although more thorough and large-scale research is needed to confirm these findings. 4. May help stabilise blood sugar As they're low in carbohydrates but high in healthy fats, protein and fibre, almonds are the perfect snack for people trying to manage their blood sugar levels. They're also rich in magnesium – a 30g serving contains around 80mg, which is roughly a quarter of the recommended daily allowance. Multiple studies have linked magnesium levels and blood sugar management, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A 2021 meta-analysis in Nutrients concluded that, in people with a high risk of diabetes, magnesium supplementation significantly improved their blood glucose levels. How many almonds should we really eat per day? 'In the UK we're eating on average only 6g of nuts a day. Yet even a single handful, around 30 grams, is well recognised to provide many health benefits,' says Dr Leeming. While some experts agree that a 30g serving of almonds is sufficient, other studies suggest that you'll actually reap the best benefits by eating double that amount. A 2022 analysis found that eating up to 60g of almonds per day reduced two different markers of inflammation in the body. Similarly, a 2021 report discovered that eating 56g of almonds daily for 12 weeks reduced markers of inflammation among a group of more than 200 participants. Now, this recent study purports 45 almonds as the magic number – that's more than 100g each day. So, what do our experts think? Luckily both Dr Leeming and Holt agree that a handful of almonds – around 30g a day – is sufficient. 'This amount is well-recognised to provide many health benefits, down to its fibre, vitamin E and healthy fats,' Dr Leeming says. How do they compare to almond butter? 'Both whole almonds and almond butter offer similar nutrients, as long as the almond butter doesn't have added sugars or oils,' Dr Leeming says. Whole almonds are slightly higher in fibre, Holt adds. As they take longer to chew, they may also be better for digestion and maintaining blood sugar levels. 'Your body's having to work harder to break down that food before absorbing it and that's why we see in this recent study that eating whole almonds slows post-meal glucose spikes. This can be really helpful for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.' Alternatively, almond butter may be better for people with a poor appetite or those looking to gain weight, Holt suggests, as it provides the healthy fats and protein in an easier, more digestible way. How about other popular nuts? 'Almonds are one of the highest-fibre nuts, which is great news for your gut,' Dr Leeming says. Peanuts are a close second with 2.6g fibre per 30g, and they are much richer in protein with 7.8g compared to almonds' 6.3g. 'They're more affordable too, which is an important consideration for some,' Holt adds. 'Walnuts are a better source of omega-3 fatty acids which support our brain and heart as well,' Holt says, 'whilst cashews are a bit lower in fibre but a really good source of iron.' This plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system and promoting good sleep. They've all got their own unique nutritional profiles and benefits so Holt says it's best to 'add a variety of different nuts to your diet'. Are there any downsides to eating almonds? As a nut allergy sufferer herself, Holt highlights the life-threatening impact that almonds may have for some. 'Obviously we can't get the important vitamins and minerals from nuts,' she says, 'so similarly nutritious foods for those with a nut allergy include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds. Olive oil is a great source of vitamin E too, as are certain wholegrains.' She also points to the calorie content of almonds. 'A single portion is quite high at 200 calories and they're also very easy to overeat.' If you're trying to lose or maintain weight, she advises 'portioning out your serving of almonds and avoiding mindless grazing'. How to add almonds to your diet 'The simplest way is to eat a small handful of almonds each day as a snack. You can keep a jar of them on your desk or in your bag for when you need something to keep you going,' Dr Leeming says. She also recommends sprinkling them on your porridge or yogurt in the morning, adding them to a salad for extra crunch, or blending them into a smoothie. 'Almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative for baking, whilst it's so easy and beneficial to add a tablespoon of almond butter to your toast or a bowl of fruit,' Holt concludes. Healthy almond recipes
The Guardian
4 hours ago
- The Guardian
If we're serious about protecting pregnancies, we need to stop spraying pesticides
As a biochemist trained in environmental health, I was relieved to see coverage of pesticide exposure and pregnancy risk (Exposure to a mix of pesticides raises risk of pregnancy complications, study suggests, 19 July). But one key detail is missing: food is not the main route of exposure for most women, especially in urban environments. While dietary pesticide levels are regulated, many studies – including urine biomonitoring – have shown less difference in pesticide load between children eating organic and conventional diets in cities than we would expect. Why? Because exposure is happening elsewhere. Pesticides are being sprayed by building managers, neighbours, city governments and businesses – on sidewalks, in apartment hallways, in parks, and even indoors. Many women are exposed without ever handling these chemicals themselves. In fact, a 2020 study found that urban women who used pesticides at home had the same increased risk of birth defects as women exposed to farm drift: a threefold increase in holoprosencephaly, one of the most common birth defects in the US. We must shift the conversation beyond food. These chemicals are in the air women breathe and the homes they live in – often without their knowledge or consent. If we're serious about protecting pregnancies, we need to stop the ShaveOlympia, Washington, US
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
Top medical body concerned over RFK Jr's reported plans to cut preventive health panel
A top US medical body has expressed 'deep concern' to Robert F Kennedy Jr over news reports that the health secretary plans to overhaul a panel that determines which preventive health measures including cancer screenings should be covered by insurance companies. The letter from the the American Medical Association comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Kennedy plans to overhaul the 40-year old US Preventive Services Task Force because he regards them as too 'woke', according to sources familiar with the matter. During his second term, Donald Trump has frequently raged against organizations and government departments that he considers too liberal – often without any evidence. The US president, and his cabinet members such as Kennedy, have also overseen huge cuts and job losses across the US government. The taskforce is made up of a 16-member panel appointed by health and human services secretaries to serve four-year terms. In addition to cancer screenings, the taskforce issues recommendations for a variety of other screenings including osteoporosis, intimate partner violence, HIV prevention, as well as depression in children. Writing in its letter to Kennedy on Sunday, the AMA defended the panel, saying: 'As you know, USPSTF plays a critical, non-partisan role in guiding physicians' efforts to prevent disease and improve the health of patients by helping to ensure access to evidence-based clinical preventive services.' 'As such, we urge you to retain the previously appointed members of the USPSTF and commit to the long-standing process of regular meetings to ensure their important work can be continued without disruption,' it added. Citing Kennedy's own slogan of 'Making America healthy again,' the AMA went on to say: 'USPSTF members have been selected through an open, public nomination process and are nationally recognized experts in primary care, prevention and evidence-based medicine. They serve on a volunteer basis, dedicating their time to help reduce disease and improve the health of all Americans – a mission well-aligned with the Make America Healthy Again initiative.' According to the Affordable Care Act, public and private insurance companies must cover any services recommended by the Preventive Services Task Force without cost sharing. In a statement to MedPage Today, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon did not confirm the reports, instead saying: 'No final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS' mandate to Make America Healthy Again.' Reports of Kennedy's alleged decision to overhaul the taskforce come after the American Conservative published an essay earlier this month that described the taskforce as advocating for 'leftwing ideological orthodoxy'. It went on to accuse the panel of being 'packed with Biden administration appointees devoted to the ideological capture of medicine', warning that the 'continued occupation of an important advisory body in HHS – one that has the capacity to force private health insurers to cover services and procedures – by leftwing activists would be a grave oversight by the Trump administration'. In response to the essay, 104 health organizations, including the American Medical Association, issued a separate letter to multiple congressional health committees in which they urged the committees to 'protect the integrity' of the taskforce. 'The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care,' the organizations said. In June, Kennedy removed all 17 members of a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel of vaccine experts. Writing in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, he accused the committee of having too many conflicts of interest. Kennedy's decision to overhaul the immunization panel was met with widespread criticism from health experts, with the American Public Health Association executive director Georges Benjamin calling the ouster 'a coup'. 'It's not how democracies work. It's not good for the health of the nation,' Benjamin said.
