Latest news with #ClaireByrne
RTÉ News
14-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Could tea, chocolate and apples help lower your blood pressure?
Analysis: New research suggests that plant compounds found in everyday food may have real potential for protecting heart health By Christian Heiss, University of Surrey We're constantly told to "eat healthy", but what does that actually mean? Even doctors sometimes struggle to offer clear, practical advice on which specific foods support health, why they work and what real benefits people can expect. A growing body of research is starting to offer some answers. Along with colleagues, I have researched whether a group of plant compounds called flavan-3-ols could help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. The results suggest these everyday compounds may have real potential for protecting heart health. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, Dr Paddy Barrett from Blackrock Clinic on how to reduce your blood pressure Flavan-3-ols – sometimes called flavanols or catechins – are natural plant compounds that belong to the flavonoid family. They're part of what gives plants their colour and helps protect them from sunlight and pests. For us, they show up in some of our most familiar foods: cocoa, green and black tea, grapes, apples and even some berries. That slightly tart or bitter note you taste in dark chocolate or strong tea? That's flavan-3-ols at work. Scientists have long been interested in their health effects. In 2022, the Cosmos trial (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study), which followed over 21,000 people, found that cocoa flavanols, but not multivitamin supplements, reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease by 27%. Our study set out to dig even deeper, focusing specifically on their effects on blood pressure and endothelial function (how well blood vessels dilate and respond to blood flow). From Irish Heart Foundation, what is blood pressure? We analysed data from 145 randomised controlled trials involving more than 5,200 participants. These studies tested a range of flavan-3-ol-rich foods and supplements, including cocoa, tea, grapes, apples and isolated compounds like epicatechin, and measured their effects on two key cardiovascular markers: blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation (FMD): a measure of how well the inner lining of blood vessels functions. The studies ranged from short-term (a single dose) to longer-term interventions lasting weeks or months. On average, participants consumed about 586 mg of flavan-3-ols daily; roughly the amount found in two to three cups of tea, one to two servings of dark chocolate, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, or a couple of apples. Regular consumption of flavan-3-ols led to an average drop in office blood pressure of 2.8 mmHg systolic (the top number) and 2.0 mmHg diastolic (the bottom number). But for people who started with elevated blood pressure or diagnosed hypertension, the benefits were even greater with reductions of up to 6–7 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic. That's comparable to the effects of some prescription blood pressure medications and could significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. From HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, a discussion on hearthHealth with Janis Morrissey from the Irish Heart Foundation We also found that flavan-3-ols improved endothelial function, with an average 1.7% increase in FMD after sustained intake. This benefit appeared even in participants whose blood pressure was already normal, suggesting these compounds may help protect blood vessels through multiple pathways. Side effects were uncommon and typically mild, usually limited to minor digestive issues, suggesting that adding flavan-3-ol-rich foods to your diet is generally safe. Supporting cardiovascular health While the benefits were most pronounced in those with high blood pressure, even people with normal readings saw improvements in vascular function. This suggests flavan-3-ols may help prevent cardiovascular problems before they begin. From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, Prof Robert Byrne from the Mater Private Network on how to improve heart health High blood pressure is one of the major drivers of heart disease worldwide, even at levels that don't qualify as full-blown hypertension (140/90 mmHg or higher). Recent guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology now recognise that even "elevated" blood pressure (120–139 systolic and 70–89 diastolic) carries increased risk. Lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise, are recommended by doctors as first-line strategies. But patients and even healthcare providers often lack clear, specific guidance on which foods truly make a difference. Our findings help fill this gap by showing that boosting flavan-3-ol intake through everyday foods may offer a simple, evidence-based way to support cardiovascular health. What about supplements? Some studies tested supplements or isolated flavan-3-ol compounds, but these generally showed smaller effects than whole foods like tea or cocoa. This may be because other beneficial compounds in whole foods work together, enhancing absorption and effectiveness. At present, it appears both safer and more effective to focus on getting flavan-3-ols from foods rather than high-dose supplements, especially for people taking medications, since interactions are not fully understood. The studies we reviewed suggest that 500–600 mg of flavan-3-ols daily may be enough to see benefits. You could reach this by combining two to three cups of green or black tea, one to two servings (about 56g) of dark chocolate or two to three tablespoons of cocoa powder, two to three apples, plus other flavan-3-ol-rich fruits like grapes, pears and berries. Small daily swaps, then, like trading a sugary snack for an apple and a piece of dark chocolate or adding an extra cup of tea, could gradually improve your heart health over time. Because flavan-3-ol content can vary between foods, monitoring your blood pressure at home may help you see if it's making a difference for you. Combined with other healthy habits, flavan-3-ols may offer a meaningful – and delicious – boost to cardiovascular health More research is needed, particularly in people with diabetes, where the results were less consistent. We also need to better understand how flavan-3-ols interact with medications and whether even greater benefits can be achieved when combined with other healthy habits. But the evidence is now strong enough to recommend flavan-3-ol-rich foods as part of a heart-healthy diet. As clinicians seek practical, affordable lifestyle strategies for patients, these findings bring us closer to the idea of using food as medicine. Of course, flavan-3-ols aren't a magic fix and they won't replace medication for everyone. But combined with other healthy habits, they may offer a meaningful – and delicious – boost to cardiovascular health. And unlike many health fads, this isn't about exotic superfoods or expensive powders. It's about foods many of us already enjoy, used a little more intentionally.
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Labubu dolls freak me out, reveals RTE star Claire Byrne as she insists popular plush toy ‘should only be €10'
RTE star Claire Byrne has revealed how the popular Labubu toys 'freak' her out as she hammered the cost people shell out for them. The Radio One host discussed the collectable plush toys - also known as "The Monsters" - which has become the latest craze for A-list stars and youngsters. 2 Claire Byrne poses with a Labubu plush toy in the RTE studios 2 Labubus have become a major craze amongst A-list celebrities Household names such as Speaking on Today With The Irish host invited RTE Business reporter Adam McGuire on the show to share his insights on the product. Both Claire and Adam brought their very own Labubus into the studio, which they had "borrowed" from their kids. READ MORE IN CLAIRE BYRNE Describing the teddy, Byrne said: "It's a teddy that looks a bit like a Gremlin, the one that I have has nail polish." The 49-year-old admitted that the mouth of the teddy "freaked her out". The teeth , 10 teeth going up into its hairline and the eyes are a little bit angry, but it is nice and soft I suppose?' McGuire laughed: 'It's somewhere between creepy and cute.' Most read in News TV He explained that Labubus are just regular teddies but are often used as keychains on purses or schoolbags. The official name of the franchise is The Monsters, and one character goes by the name of Labubu, which stuck with customers going forward. They became popular after the pandemic , as McGuire explained: 'People were looking for something that wasn't perfect or polished; they wanted something a little bit strange and weird .' RTE star makes hilarious response to Joe Duffy replacement rumours Claire was shocked to hear that the tiny toy is priced between €20 and €30 in Europe , but costs just under €10 in China . She said: 'Jesus that's what they should be, they should only be €10, like look at them. "People are going wild for them, you even have stories of brawls breaking out. Where to buy Labubu dolls and how to know if they are real LABUBU dolls are the latest craze to have taken over the internet, going viral on TikTok especially. The new viral trend has reached Ireland leaving stores across the country scrambling to stock the colourful and fluffy dolls. But what actually are Labubus and why is everyone so obsessed with them? The Labubu doll is an animated character with large eyes and several pointed teeth. They come on a keyring with people attaching them to their keys, bags and decorating their The fluffy creature comes bagged in sealed packaging and you have to open them up to reveal what colour you got in your box. Katelyn Brown, who posts under Katelyn revealed to followers she paid £8.99 for the furry friend which is around €10.50. However, prices across different stores in Ireland vary and can range from €10 up to €20 or €30. In Dublin, Forbidden Planet in Temple bar are selling Labubus for €19.99. McGuire told how the Labubu plush toy is a "lucky dip" as customers have no idea which character they will get. He added: "Some people will queue overnight outside shops for them for the latest drop."
RTÉ News
04-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
More people presenting with hay fever due to high pollen levels
A Clare-based GP has said "there's been a big change" in people attending the medical practice for hay fever. Her remarks come after the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service reported that pollen levels were so extreme in parts of Europe during Spring, that even people not known to suffer allergies felt the effects of hay fever. Dr Yvonne Williams said patients, who have never had hay fever before, are attending the practice, saying "the normal medicines, the antihistamines, they get over the counter just aren't working for them this year". Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, she added that others are wondering "why their head cold hasn't gotten better" or why it is "going on much longer than a cold and wondering what's wrong with them, they've never had hay fever before". She said those affected by allergies can try avoidance measures such as washing pollen from hair at night and keeping doors and windows closed. She said hay fever sufferers can also try "simple things" like placing Vaseline around the nose or wearing wrap around sunglasses to keep pollen out the eyes. Medicines are also available, Dr Williams said, including antihistamines, eye drops and nose sprays. But she warned some antihistamines can "make people sleepy and you have to be careful if you're driving with those". "Your pharmacy will be a great point of contact and then your GP, if you can't control it with over-the-counter medication because it can affect your sleep, it can make you tired - that has implications," she said. "For the asthmatics, that drip of hay fever and the constant sniffle - can trigger off quite bad flares of asthma and really make your asthma go out of control," she added. Scientists say that climate change is altering the production and distribution of pollen and spores, as more and more people have reported developing allergy symptoms. As winter frost thaws earlier and spring weather gets warmer, plants and trees flower earlier, extending the pollen season and misery for allergy sufferers. Around a quarter of adults in Europe suffer from airborne allergies, including severe asthma, while the proportion among children is 30 to 40%. That figure is expected to rise to half of Europeans by 2050, according to the World Health Organization. Assistant Professor at Dublin City University in the School of Chemical Sciences said "basically anyone" can have the symptoms of hay fever. "If the pollen levels get high enough, people who never have suffer from them will actually start exhibiting symptoms," Dr David O'Connor said. Dr O'Connor said pollen season starts in January and runs until September, but he said "we've noticed in our work, it's like getting longer - the start date has been pushed into December and the end date is actually heading towards October". "Also, we see increasing concentrations of the pollen as well and actually the amount of allergen in the pollen is also increasing," he added. Speaking on the same programme, he noted a pollen forecast is available for people to access on the Met Éireann website, allowing people to take mitigating measures ahead of high pollen levels. "Just kind of like your weather forecast, if you know it's gonna be raining tomorrow, you might bring a coat or an umbrella with you, if you know it's gonna be a high pollen concentration day tomorrow, you can take your antihistamine and wear your mask," he said. Dr O'Connor warned hay fever can be dangerous for those with asthma, explaining for such individuals "if they breathe in high concentrations of pollen it can actually give them an asthma attack. "That's where it goes from a well-being problem to actually a life or death problem," he added.
RTÉ News
01-07-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Could fast fashion clothes be used to insulate your house?
Analysis: A new research project is converting discarded polyester textiles into polyurethane to use as insulation to improve energy efficiency of homes A recent report shows that there was a record 124 million tonnes of fibres produced in 2023. If we keep going at the current pace, this figure could reach 160 million tonnes by 2030. Every year, 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded by EU consumers and 4.3 million of these are dumped. That's the equivalent of 60 truckloads of clothes being burned or buried in landfill every single minute. Recycling efforts are barely making a dent, with less than 1% of clothes globally recycled back to clothing. I It's also a major climate issue: the textile industry generates 8 to 10% of all global carbon dioxide emissions, more than the emissions from air travel and shipping combined. In Ireland, the Government has pledged to reach net zero by 2050, with textiles being one of seven key products identified for improved waste management to aid emission reduction. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, are we overloaded with fast fashion? Over the past 20 years, the amount of fibre made for clothing has doubled, and polyester now makes up 60% of all clothes produced and has revolutionised the fast fashion industry. But there's a catch: polyester, unlike cotton, doesn't break down. Made from fossil fuels, it can take up to 200 years to decompose in nature, and its ability to break down is affected by things like temperature, fibre structure, dyes and finishes, making the problem more complex. Polyester waste contributes to landfill pollution and microplastic release, especially during the first few washes Fast fashion items, often low in quality, wear out quickly and are discarded after only a few uses, making this worse. With the expected growth in global textile production and consumption, sustainable textile waste management is becoming increasingly more important. It is therefore essential to develop sustainable and economical techniques for recycling polyester waste for a long-term protection of our resources and the environment. At present, mechanical recycling breaks down old clothes into fibres that can be spun into new fabric. It's the most common way to recycle polyester, but it has big limitations. Each time clothes are recycled this way, the fibres become shorter and weaker, reducing the quality of the new fabric. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, the environmental impact of fast fashion, especially returns Chemical recycling offers an alternative by breaking polyester down into its basic building blocks, which can then be used to make new, high-quality fibres. Unlike mechanical recycling, it can handle complex materials, preserve fibre strength, and allow for repeated recycling without loss of quality. The PUreTex project is working to make chemical recycling more sustainable by reducing its energy use and environmental impact. At the same time, it explores how to create valuable building blocks that can be reused not only to produce new polyester fibres and materials, but also to develop entirely new products, such as eco-friendly insulation for homes or sustainable paints. Insulating buildings is one of the most effective ways to cut energy use, and the insulation industry heavily depends on virgin fossil-based materials. However, the PUreTex team began to examine if the basic building blocks from textile waste could be modified for use as insulation. How the PUreTex project works The team soon grew to include scientists, engineers, sustainability experts and behavioural psychologists. Their goal isn't just to develop innovative recycling solutions, but also to understand the full life cycle of complex textiles, from how they're made and used, to what happens when they're thrown away. No matter how green the recycling process is, it's clear that real change means tackling overconsumption at its source. The big goal here is to prove that a low-energy, chemical recycling process can be scaled up, one that takes old clothes (gathered with support from charity partners) and transforms them into something genuinely useful. It will mean less pollution, fewer carbon emissions and a much-needed alternative to burning or dumping textiles. But clever science alone isn't enough and real change only comes when systems shift. Just look at how the plastic bag levy or the new ReTurn bottle scheme quickly changed everyday habits. We know Ireland is more than capable of leading the way. That's why we're also working with policymakers to help make textile recycling a national priority, and with designers to start designing clothes that are easier to recycle from the beginning. Clever science alone isn't enough and real change only comes when systems shift Is there anything readers can do? Yes, embrace sustainable shopping habits. This means prioritising quality over quantity and making mindful purchases that minimise impact to the environment and society. You can start by shopping at thrift stores or buying second-hand clothing, which helps reduce pollution from newly manufactured garments. Repairing and upcycling old clothes before discarding them also prevents waste. Opt for garments made from natural fibres over synthetic ones to lessen your ecological impact. Choose timeless, durable pieces instead of chasing fast fashion trends and low-quality items that wear out quickly. Additionally, donate or sell unwanted clothing to charity shops or clothing banks - what no longer serves you may benefit someone else. By adopting these habits, you actively contribute to first-hand clothing recycling through thoughtful behaviour, reducing the need for complex textile recycling solutions.
RTÉ News
01-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
6 policy changes to help consumers save money and cut costs
Analysis: These simple, quick initiatives could deliver financial relief, promote fairer markets and strengthen consumer protections The past few years have been particularly difficult for consumers, marked by record increases in the cost of living and little indication of relief in the near future. As we approach the Dáil summer recess, now is an opportune moment for the Government to act on several straightforward policy measures. These low-hanging fruit initiatives could deliver tangible financial relief, promote fairer markets, and strengthen consumer protections. While some of these areas are already under review, many have stalled amid shifting priorities and limited political momentum. Strengthening consumer protection A long-overdue reform is the passage of the Consumer Protection (Loyalty Penalty and Customer Complaints) Bill, first introduced in 2021. The bill would ban the widespread practice of penalising loyal customers, particularly in sectors like telecommunications, insurance and utilities, by offering better deals only to new customers. This forces consumers to switch providers annually just to avoid paying more, a burden that disproportionately affects older people and those less comfortable navigating comparison tools. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, why are car insurance premiums rising so much? In addition, the bill aims to hold service providers accountable for poor customer service. Strengthening enforcement powers would provide a credible deterrent and incentivise genuine improvements across the sector. The Government should prioritise its enactment. Enhancing price transparency Opaque pricing practices have become increasingly common, and frustrating, for consumers. A key example is event ticketing, where the advertised price often excludes booking fees, which are only revealed at checkout. Additionally, it's unclear how many tickets are actually available at the advertised price, or how many are allocated to presales or corporate hospitality. This lack of transparency erodes trust. Hotels also frequently inflate prices following major event announcements. Some go so far as to cancel existing bookings and re-list rooms at higher rates, a practice many rightly view as exploitative. Anecdotally, it can be cheaper to attend a concert abroad, including paying for flights and accommodation, than to stay a single night in Dublin. This should raise red flags about the state of competition and fairness in the domestic hospitality sector. From RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline, listeners complain about Dublin hotel prices for the Taylor Swift concerts The Government should consider mandating that the advertised price of any product or service include all unavoidable fees, starting with booking charges for events. Furthermore, hotels should be required to honour confirmed bookings, regardless of changes in demand. Mid-contract price increases, another common gripe, could be addressed through transparency requirements similar to those in the UK, where any increase must be clearly indicated as a monetary amount. Customers should also be shown a contract's total expected cost up front, akin to how energy providers display estimated annual bills. Reducing over-reliance on private operators Government policy has leaned heavily on private comparison tools and platforms, such as or to help consumers navigate markets like broadband, insurance and loans. While useful, these platforms are commercial enterprises with inherent conflicts of interest. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, health insurance expert Dermot Goode on health Insurance cost increases At the same time, many consumers lack financial literacy and may not fully understand the long-term implications of offers like low monthly personal contract plans for car payments or buy-now-pay-later schemes. These products are often marketed in a way that emphasises benefits and obscures risks. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) currently lacks the resources and scope to provide the kind of public services needed to address these challenges. With expanded funding and remit, the CCPC could take on a much larger role in consumer education, comparison tools, and price tracking, including a public grocery price database with historical trends. This could also be utilised to track per unit prices for shrinkflation. The first port of call for consumer awareness should be a public and impartial body, not a private business with a financial stake in consumer choices. Make it easier to switch bank accounts Switching banks in Ireland remains a cumbersome and stressful process. The burden is on consumers to verify that all direct debits and payments have transferred correctly, which discourages switching and reduces market competition. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, personal finance expert Eoin McGee on switching bank accounts A streamlined, digital switching process, where consumers could select their new provider and accounts online with just a few clicks, would dramatically improve user experience. Documentation could follow as needed, but the core process should be intuitive and low-friction. Transport and mobility Another often-overlooked aspect of consumer costs is transportation, particularly for those living in areas poorly served by public transit. Travel expenses for commuting, accessing services or attending events can represent a significant portion of household budgets. The Government could ease this burden by expanding fare caps, increasing access to multi-modal travel passes and ensuring affordability across regions. In the private vehicle market, the growth of personal contract plans and leasing arrangements raises concerns about predatory lending and poor transparency. Many consumers are enticed by low monthly payments without a clear understanding of balloon payments or long-term costs. Regulatory oversight must catch up to ensure that car financing products are sold responsibly, with full and fair disclosure of terms. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, why Gen Z are the squeezed generation when it comes to money Tackle energy poverty Ireland's growing energy poverty crisis is another area that demands urgent attention. Current policy responses have focused primarily on short-term subsidies, but these do not address the root causes. Many affected households live in poorly insulated homes with outdated, fossil-fuel heating systems. While home retrofitting incentives exist, they typically require an up-front investment or the ability to borrow, resources many low-income households lack. As a result, those with the greatest need are often least able to access the benefits of lower energy bills. At a time when many households are struggling to keep up, acting on these proposals is both good policy and common sense. The Government should introduce long-term, interest-free (or very low-interest) retrofit loans, secured against the property and means-tested to ensure equity. Those in the lowest income brackets could qualify for zero up-front costs. Additionally, landlords should be able to access heavily subsidised schemes to improve rental standards across the board. These proposed changes, ranging from pricing transparency and consumer protections to financial literacy and energy equity, represent practical, impactful measures that the Government could implement quickly. They would offer direct benefits to consumers, enhance market fairness and reduce structural vulnerabilities. At a time when many households are struggling to keep up, acting on these proposals is both good policy and common sense.
