Latest news with #NewsMedical
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Common food swap linked to 'aggressive' cancer, study finds
Experts found a worrying link when looking at the effects on mice A recent study from China has raised alarm bells over the link between aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, and glioblastoma, the deadliest type of primary brain tumour, reports News Medical. The sweetener is often used in place of sugar, and research published in Scientific Reports, used mouse models to examine into the specific changes aspartame induces in gut bacteria and its subsequent effect on glioblastoma progression. The study suggests that aspartame consumption could foster conditions in the gut conducive to tumour growth. Notably, increased intake of aspartame was associated with a decrease in Rikenellaceae family bacteria levels in the gut, which have been implicated in various health problems including obesity, Parkinson's disease, and HIV. Furthermore, the research identified a link between aspartame use and gene regulation within glioblastoma tumours. Researchers said: "Our findings not only provide critical evidence for evaluating the safety of artificial sweeteners but also offer a comprehensive assessment of their impact on tumour progression. "These insights open new avenues for GBM treatment strategies, including gene-targeted therapies and microbial-based interventions, among others." The team plans to extend their research to further understand the effects of aspartame-induced changes on metabolism and the tumour microenvironment. A previous collaborative report, involving bodies like the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has tagged aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic'. This categorisation suggests that it might have the potential to cause cancer in humans, although definitive proof is lacking. The report has set the acceptable daily intake of aspartame at 40mg per kilogram of body weight. So a person weighing 80kg should not exceed a daily aspartame consumption of 3.2g. Although this may appear to be a generous limit, aspartame is present in many common products, particularly those branded as 'diet' or sugar-free. For instance, a single can of certain fizzy drinks could contain as much as 200mg of aspartame. Aspartame is also an ingredient in various other products, such as some medications and chewable vitamins. According to experts at ZOE, it's around 200 times sweeter than traditional sugar. Despite assurances of its safety from international regulatory authorities, researchers have been voicing their concerns about aspartame through numerous studies over the years. Yet, a 2019 BMJ review analysing these studies concluded that there were no significant health risks or benefits linked to artificial sweeteners, mainly due to the fact that most studies involved too few participants, were short-term, or were not of high quality. In line with this, a 2022 World Health Organisation review also remarked: "There is (a) suggestion of negative health effects with long-term use, but the evidence is ultimately inconclusive." The 'adverse health impacts' highlighted in the review encompassed issues such as obesity, type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even mortality. However, experts from ZOE offered a glimmer of hope: "Entirely avoiding aspartame would be incredibly challenging, and it might not be necessary. A diet with a wide variety of plant-based foods is the healthiest choice. "And it's less healthy to consume high amounts of ultra-processed foods, which are more likely to contain aspartame. So, whenever you can, opt for fresh ingredients, fruits and vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds, and the like. "Aim to have 30 different plant foods each week. That way, your intake of ultra-processed foods, and therefore aspartame, will naturally decline."
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Experimental new drug could literally 'burn fat'
A research team was looking to make a new anti-inflammatory medication when they found some incredible side effects Researchers may have accidentally discovered a new weight loss treatment while working on an anti-inflammatory medication. The experimental drug, currently referred to as SANA (salicylate-based nitroalkene), has shown promising results by causing fat cells to generate heat, effectively burning away fat. Animal trials successfully showed it prevented fat accumulation, while phase one clinical trials with humans saw weight loss and improved blood sugar in obese participants. However, researchers have said it's important to note that this drug is still very experimental. Carlos Escande, a researcher at the Pasteur Institute in Montevideo, Uruguay, and study coordinator, said, according to News Medical: "This result isn't conclusive because it was a small group, and the objective was to assess whether the compound is safe and well tolerated. We intend to start phase two of the study later this year, which is designed to test its effectiveness in treating obesity." SANA is a derivative of salicylate, a compound with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties used in medications such as aspirin. Initially, Escande's team were exploring this line of research to develop a new anti-inflammatory drug. However, their experiments with various derivatives and modifications led to the unexpected discovery of SANA's potential weight loss effects. Carlos continued: "Salicylate is the drug that's been known the longest, and many people consume its derivatives daily. However, we observed that instead of protecting against inflammation, the molecule we synthesized protects against diet-induced obesity." In subsequent animal trials, one group of average-sized mice were put on a high-fat diet - administration of SANA successfully prevented them from gaining weight. Another experiment involved giving the compound to overweight mice, resulting in an impressive loss of 20 per cent of their body mass within three weeks, alongside significant reductions in blood sugar and liver fat and enhanced insulin sensitivity. A team of nine Brazilian scientists joined forces for the following phase to unearth precisely how SANA was achieving these effects. Their research showed that the drug specifically targets adipose tissue and fat cells, triggering thermogenesis, which causes the cells to heat up and expend their energy. Distinct from current drugs on the market like Mounjaro, it doesn't appear to impact a person's hunger, digestion, or central nervous system. This approach of effectively 'burning away' fat might lay the groundwork for a completely new category of anti-obesity drugs. Marcelo Mori from the Institute of Biology at UNICAMP, one of the Brazilian research team, added: "The fact that it's a small molecule and acts through a totally different mechanism allows SANA to be combined with other substances already used in the treatment of obesity, such as GLP-1 analogs. When we reduce food intake, our body tends to slow down its metabolism. To avoid this plateau effect, it'd be interesting to combine a molecule that inhibits appetite with another that promotes caloric expenditure." Regarding the preliminary research on SANA, Carlos said studies had shown the medication only marginally affects body temperature and appears not to present a substantial health risk.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Leaving meat is not enough: New study reveals the vegetarian diet your heart really needs
For decades, giving up red meat has been seen as a fast track to better heart health . From lowering cholesterol to reducing blood pressure, the plant-based shift has been widely celebrated as a wholesome lifestyle choice. But new research suggests that this narrative needs a serious reality check. According to The Mirror, a recent study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology and reported by News Medical, reveals a startling insight: not all plant-based diets are created equal, and simply cutting out meat may not be enough to protect your heart. In fact, some vegetarian diets could be doing more harm than good. When 'Plant-Based' Becomes Problematic The study, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, analyzed the diets and heart health of more than 7,000 U.S. adults. What they found disrupts the usual assumptions about vegetarianism . Participants who consumed less healthy plant-based foods were found to have 65% higher chances of elevated cardiac troponin levels—biomarkers that indicate heart muscle damage and can be early warning signs of serious cardiac conditions like heart attacks. So what exactly counts as less healthy plant food? The list may surprise you. It includes staples like French fries, mashed potatoes, potato or corn chips, and refined grains such as white rice, white bread, and sugary breakfast cereals. All technically vegetarian, but far from heart-friendly. iStock A well-balanced plant-based diet for heart health should be rich in fibre, antioxidants, and low in saturated fats. (Image: iStoxk) Healthy Plants vs. Unhealthy Plants According to the American Heart Association, a well-balanced plant-based diet should be rich in fibre, antioxidants, and low in saturated fats. Think whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, and leafy greens. These form the basis of the hPDI ( Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index) and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)—two dietary models that were closely examined in the study. You Might Also Like: Harvard expert reveals the secret superfood you're probably ignoring that could protect your heart The DASH diet, in particular, is designed to support individuals with high blood pressure. It emphasises vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, while cutting back on sodium, sugar, and processed foods . Participants adhering to the DASH diet over 12 weeks showed a measurable reduction in heart disease markers. Not Just About What You Eliminate, But What You Choose One of the key revelations of the study is this: eliminating animal-based food isn't inherently heart-healthy if it's replaced by processed, nutrient-poor vegetarian options. 'People often assume vegetarian equals healthy, but it's not that simple,' the researchers noted. It's the quality of plant-based foods that determines cardiovascular benefit—not just the absence of meat. Limitations and Real-World Impact While the study leaned on self-reported dietary habits—which can introduce bias—it still raises a critical point. The rush to embrace plant-based living must be accompanied by informed choices. It's not about rejecting meat, but about embracing better plants. The research aims to spark more nuanced conversations around diet culture, especially at a time when plant-based eating is trending globally. 'This could change the way we talk about vegetarianism,' experts believe—encouraging people not just to go green, but to go clean. You Might Also Like: How being in love can actually boost your heart health, according to cardiologists You Might Also Like: Harvard doctor warns about 4 common mistakes that can destroy heart health
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Half teaspoon of these seeds could stop greying and cut high blood pressure
The black seeds can be added to almost any dish as a tasty garnish to offer people several health benefits Black sesame seeds are not just a trendy garnish growing more popular on desserts, spreads, salads and dressings - they also pack a powerful health punch. Just half a teaspoon of these charcoal black seeds can reportedly make a difference to your cholesterol levels. News Medical experts have analysed studies on the benefits and myths surrounding black sesame seeds. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Heart health It has been claimed by some that black sesame 'nourishes the blood', and this might actually not be too far off the mark. One study highlighted by the experts found that people who consumed 2.5 grams of seeds daily saw a 6% reduction in systolic blood pressure within a month. A 2012 study showed that eating 40 grams every day for two months reduced cholesterol levels by 10%. Other human and animal studies have shown that the seeds increase blood antioxidant levels, protecting cells from damage and stress. Liver and kidney One study has shown that kidney disease patients could see a reduction in inflammatory markers by up to 79% after consuming a mix of seeds, including six grams of sesame seeds daily for three months. In research involving mice, the intake of black sesame seeds each day improved insulin levels and decreased liver inflammation and fat build-up. Hair and skin The seeds are traditionally believed to prevent greying hair and enhance skin tone, but the scientific evidence for these claims is limited. However, one study did find that sesame oil could protect the skin from UV damage keeping sunburns, wrinkling and early skin ageing at bay. It could also improve skin elasticity and moisture retention. Another study found it also reduced pain when massaged into wounded extremities in trauma departments. Nutrients Two tablespoons of black sesame seeds are packed with nutrients and contain around three to four grams of healthy fats. They are also a good source of protein, fibre, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron, and vitamins B1, B6, and E. Although white sesame seeds also offer health benefits, black sesame seeds boast higher levels of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Experts at News Medical said: "Whether sprinkled over a meal, blended into a latte, or taken as a supplement, black sesame seeds are a delicious and nutrient-dense way to boost heart, liver, kidney, brain, and skin health. "With its impressive nutritional profile and potential health benefits, black sesame seeds are a testament to the enduring wisdom of traditional practices blended with modern nutritional science."
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Lose 5lbs really fast' with doctor's 3 easy weight loss tips
Losing weight may be easier than you think with these easy and simple habits. Losing weight can feel like an impossible challenge, especially as we near the warmer months, when many of us feel pressure to have a 'summer body'. But losing a few pounds doesn't have to be impossible. And one social media doctor has shared some simple tips that he says can help you "lose five pounds really fast." Dr Eric Berg boasts a staggering 17 million YouTube subscribers, and over a million TikTok followers. He often shares health advice on his platform, including dieting and weight loss advice. One video on his TikTok page shows him listing some easy tips and tricks to shed a few pounds in a short period of time. Some of these are easy habits you can build up over time, and one is a quick health -boosting drink you can easily make. Here are Dr Berg's easy weight loss tips. Walk for 10 minutes after eating The health expert said: "The first tip is simple. Walk 10 minutes after every time you eat. Exercise can burn off glucose so it's not converted into fat." Website Doctors Hospital explains that walking after eating can help burn extra calories. They say that on average, a person who weighs around 11 stone will burn about 100 calories per mile walking at a mild pace. And walking longer or faster can increase the amount of calories you burn. The average person takes about 20 minutes to walk a mile, so a 30-minute walk after a meal at a mild pace could help you burn up to 150 calories. Drink water with apple cider vinegar and cinnamon Dr Berg recommends drinking apple cider vinegar with a pinch of cinnamon in a glass of water, three times a day. He says this will "help you stabilise your blood sugar and reduce your cravings for carbohydrates." Many health influencers claim that apple cider vinegar boasts weight-loss benefits by increasing metabolism and encouraging calorie burning, and the ingredient has blown up on social media in recent times. However, there is little scientific evidence to back up these claims. But News Medical explains that cinnamon, on the other hand, is high in fibre, and can therefore help reduce food cravings by promoting a feeling of satiety and fullness. Cinnamon can also boost metabolism, since the body uses more energy to process the spice than it does for other foods. Combine intermittent fasting with a low-carb diet The expert, who specialises in intermittent fasting, said: "These two together are going to completely reduce your hunger and cravings." Dr Berg recommended fasting for 18 hours, and having a window of six hours where you eat a day. He said: "Your first meal is at lunchtime, at 12pm, and your second meal is at 6pm. Keep those meals low-carb, force the body to go after its own fat reserves, and appetite goes down to zero." Dr Berg's recommendation may seem extreme, but there are easier levels of intermittent fasting that can boast similar benefits to the body. The late Dr Michael Mosley was also a big advocate for intermittent fasting for weight loss, and his diets involved less extreme options than Dr Berg's, such as trying a nine-hour eating window rather than six. Another of Mosley's diets, the Fast 800, involves choosing two days a week where you consume only 800 calories, and eating a healthy balanced diet for the rest of the week. When trying to lose weight, the most important thing to remember is to set yourself realistic restrictions that are within your capabilities. Although Dr Berg mentioned Ozempic in his video, it is not marketed by manufacturers Novo Nordisk as a weight loss drug and is prescribed to those with Type 2 diabetes to help manage their condition by controlling blood sugar levels alongside other medications. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
