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How corn can affect your body if you eat them regularly

Research suggests that corn provides dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support several important functions in the body.

At the same time, studies indicate that the health benefits depend on whether corn is consumed in its whole form or as a highly processed product, according to Verywell Health.

Better digestion

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Research published in Advances in Physiology Education suggests that the dietary fiber in corn can promote healthy bowel movements, relieve constipation, and contribute to regular digestion.

Verywell Health also notes that some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find certain forms of corn more difficult to digest.

Stable energy

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Research published in Advances in Food and Nutrition Research highlights that whole corn contains complex carbohydrates, which release energy more gradually than refined or sweetened corn products.

Antioxidants

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According to a study published in the FASEB Journal, yellow corn contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the retina.

Another study published in Antioxidants suggests that these compounds may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Minerals

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Research published in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension shows that the potassium and magnesium found in corn help regulate blood pressure.

Studies published in Food Chemistry and Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine also suggest that the plant compound ferulic acid may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Blood sugar is influenced by preparation

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Verywell Health explains that corn has a moderate glycemic index.

Preparation methods therefore matter, and corn can still serve as a source of complex carbohydrates for people with diabetes or insulin resistance, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Both a vegetable and a whole grain

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Fresh corn on the cob is classified as a starchy vegetable, while dried corn, such as popcorn, is considered a whole grain.

Both forms can be healthy choices when they are not prepared with large amounts of butter, oil, or salt.

Dietary fiber

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One cup of cooked corn contains approximately 4.5 grams of dietary fiber, which supports digestion, the gut microbiome, and calcium absorption.

Vitamins and minerals

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Corn provides several essential nutrients, including vitamin B1, folate, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, all of which play important roles in energy metabolism, nervous system function, blood pressure regulation, and bone health.

Whole corn

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Verywell Health highlights fresh corn on the cob, frozen corn kernels, and low-sodium canned corn as some of the best options for maximizing nutrient intake.

Meal composition

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According to Verywell Health, pairing corn with lean protein or healthy fats may increase satiety and help maintain more stable blood sugar levels.

Appropriate portion sizes

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Verywell Health recommends consuming around half a cup to one cup of corn per meal, particularly for people monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Several forms of corn are healthy choices

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Fresh corn on the cob, frozen corn kernels, air-popped popcorn without butter, corn tortillas, and homemade corn-based dishes are all highlighted as nutritious options.

Ultra-processed products

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Verywell Health cites research published in Public Health Nutrition linking ultra-processed corn products to weight gain, inflammation, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Examples include sugary popcorn, deep-fried tortilla chips, puffed corn snacks, and beverages containing corn syrup.

Experts reveal the recommended daily fiber intake

The trend known as “fibermaxxing” has become popular on social media.

It involves increasing dietary fiber intake by adding foods such as seeds, beans, and other fiber-rich foods to everyday meals.

According to Popular Science, the growing attention can be a positive development.

However, gastroenterologists Sunana Sohi and Rabia De Latour told Popular Science that dietary fiber alone does not create a healthy lifestyle. A varied diet and healthy habits remain the most important factors.

Fiber should come from food

Dietary fiber supports healthy digestion, can help you feel full for longer, and contributes to stable blood sugar levels and healthy cholesterol levels.

The experts recommend getting fiber primarily from whole foods such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

They advise against relying too heavily on supplements or following extreme advice on social media.

The biggest problem

According to Popular Science, fiber intake should be increased gradually while drinking plenty of water.

This can help reduce the risk of bloating and other digestive issues.

The experts believe the biggest problem is that most people do not consume the recommended amount of dietary fiber.

According to Popular Science, the recommendation is approximately 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men.

Only after those levels have been reached through a regular, balanced diet does it make sense to consider increasing fiber intake even further.

Doctor reveals: These are the essentials your medicine cabinet should contain

During the summer, many people spend more time outdoors, increasing the risk of minor cuts, insect bites, and discomfort caused by the sun and heat.

For that reason, it is a good idea to be prepared, according to Yle, as reported by News55.

A well-stocked medicine cabinet can make it easier to deal with minor injuries and common summer ailments before they become more serious.

Common summer health problems

According to Yle, intense sunshine and high temperatures can lead to sunburn and heatstroke.

Frequent swimming can also cause irritation or infections of the ear canal, which can often be treated with over-the-counter ear drops.

Tick bites are also common during the summer.

Yle advises that you should contact a doctor if a red rash more than five centimetres in diameter develops around the bite site one to four weeks after a tick bite, as this may be a sign of Lyme disease.

People with allergies may benefit from antihistamines, while hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching caused by mosquito bites and other insect bites.

Adder bites are rare but should always be assessed by a doctor, as they can cause severe swelling and pain.

What should you always have on hand?

Yle recommends keeping adhesive bandages, wound dressings, disinfectant, pain relief medication, antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment, medication for constipation or diarrhoea, a tick remover, and sunscreen at home.

According to general practitioner Jan Selenius, however, medication is not the most important factor.

He told Yle that common sense and prevention provide the best protection.

This includes protecting yourself from the sun, paying attention to your body’s warning signs, and being prepared for the most common health challenges of the summer season.

Doctors say this morning headache could be a warning sign

Most people blame a morning headache on a late night, too little water or a stressful week. Often that assumption is correct. But when the same pain keeps appearing after waking up, it may be worth paying closer attention.

According to Times of India Health, which spoke with neurologist Dr. Mangesh Udar from Manipal Hospital in Pune, recurring morning headaches can sometimes provide important clues that help doctors identify an underlying medical condition.

Doctors look beyond the pain

When someone seeks medical advice for headaches, the first question is not always how severe the pain feels. Specialists also want to know when it starts, whether it interrupts sleep, how often it returns and if it has changed over time. That pattern can be just as valuable as the symptoms themselves when narrowing down possible causes.

A headache that regularly appears during the night or is most intense immediately after waking does not automatically indicate a dangerous illness. However, doctors recommend that recurring episodes should be evaluated rather than ignored.

Several conditions can be responsible

Morning headaches are linked to a wide range of health conditions, many of which are common and treatable.

  • Poor sleep quality
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Migraine
  • High blood pressure
  • Medication overuse from frequent painkiller use

In less common situations, increased pressure inside the skull may also trigger headaches after sleep. According to the article, this can occur because of conditions including swelling, bleeding, fluid accumulation or a brain tumour.

These conditions are far less common than everyday headache disorders, which is why doctors assess the complete clinical picture before drawing conclusions.

Recognising warning signs

Healthcare professionals recommend seeking medical assessment if headaches become progressively worse, repeatedly disturb sleep or occur together with symptoms such as vomiting without a stomach illness, blurred or double vision, weakness, speech problems, confusion, seizures, balance difficulties or changes in memory or personality.

Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about symptoms and medical history, followed by a neurological examination. Brain imaging, including CT or MRI scans, is generally reserved for cases where doctors suspect an underlying condition.

Because headaches are symptoms rather than diseases, treatment depends entirely on the cause. Identifying the reason early allows healthcare professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment while reducing the risk of overlooking a more serious medical problem.

Popular sweeteners may be linked to faster cognitive decline

Researchers followed 12,772 adults in Brazil for approximately eight years to investigate whether the consumption of artificial sweeteners was associated with changes in memory and cognitive function.

Participants completed several cognitive tests throughout the study period, according to ScienceDaily, which reported on the study published in the journal Neurology.

The study included aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose.

These sweeteners are commonly found in low-calorie products, soft drinks, energy drinks, yogurt, and other ultra-processed foods.

Differences between groups

The researchers found the strongest association among people under the age of 60 and individuals with diabetes.

The same association was not observed in participants aged 60 and older.

Tagatose was the only sweetener included in the study that was not associated with changes in cognitive test results.

The researchers also adjusted their analyses for factors including age, sex, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

The results should be interpreted with caution

Participants with the highest overall intake of artificial sweeteners experienced a faster decline in memory and cognitive function than those with the lowest intake.

According to the researchers, the difference was equivalent to approximately 1.6 additional years of cognitive aging.

However, the researchers emphasize that the study shows only an association and does not prove that artificial sweeteners are the cause of the decline.

They also note that the dietary data were based on participants’ self-reported assessments and that further research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

How garlic can affect your liver if you eat it regularly

Garlic is best known for its bold flavor, but research suggests that eating it regularly may also have benefits for your liver health, reports Parade.

Your liver already cleans your body

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In healthy people, the liver continuously filters toxins, medications, bacteria, and waste products. That’s why detox cleanses are generally unnecessary.

Detox products may do more harm than good

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Experts warn that detox supplements containing large amounts of herbs, vitamins, or minerals can place extra strain on the liver as it processes those ingredients.

Garlic works best as part of a healthy diet

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Researchers say garlic may support liver health, but it should be viewed as part of an overall healthy lifestyle rather than a treatment or cure.

Most research focuses on fatty liver disease

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The strongest evidence comes from studies involving people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Consistency appears to matter

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Research suggests that potential benefits are linked to regular, long-term garlic intake rather than occasional consumption.

Natural compounds may support liver health

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Garlic contains compounds such as allicin and diallyl disulfide, which may help increase antioxidant activity, reduce inflammation, and limit fat buildup in the liver.

Benefits may take around 12 weeks

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Some studies suggest that regular garlic intake may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation after about 12 weeks.

Preparation makes a difference

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Chopping, crushing, or chewing raw garlic releases more allicin than cooking it, potentially increasing its active compounds.

Raw garlic has shown promising results

Garlic Cloves” by Matthew Pilachowski/ CC0 1.0

One study involving Chinese men found that eating raw garlic was associated with a lower risk of progressive MASLD.

The ideal amount is still unknown

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Researchers have not yet determined how much raw garlic is needed to provide potential liver benefits.

Not everyone tolerates garlic well

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Some people may experience heartburn or digestive discomfort after eating raw garlic.

Be careful with medications and supplements

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People taking blood-thinning medications, including warfarin or aspirin, should consult their healthcare provider before significantly increasing their garlic intake or using garlic supplements.

Can an epidural harm the baby? Study of nearly 500,000 births provides a clear answer

Researchers at Glasgow Royal Infirmary analyzed nearly 500,000 births in Scotland over a 13-year period.

The aim was to determine whether epidural anesthesia during labor is associated with serious health problems in newborns.

According to HealthDay, the study included both uncomplicated and high-risk pregnancies, as well as preterm births.

Around one in four women in the study received an epidural.

Multiple risks examined

The researchers investigated the risk of brain injury, severe respiratory problems, sepsis, low Apgar scores, death shortly after birth, and cerebral palsy later in childhood.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, is an observational study. This means it cannot prove that one factor directly causes the other.

However, the researchers believe that the large dataset and the lengthy follow-up period make the findings more robust.

Reassuring findings

Children born to mothers who received an epidural were not at greater risk of any of the serious conditions examined by the researchers.

Severe brain injuries were rare, occurring in fewer than one in 1,000 children.

According to HealthDay, the results were consistent regardless of whether the birth was preterm, considered high-risk, or involved different modes of delivery.

The researchers therefore conclude that the findings support epidural anesthesia as a safe option for pain relief during childbirth.

Newly approved cholesterol pill could become an alternative to injections

Many people with high cholesterol are treated with statins, but some do not achieve sufficient results.

Researchers are therefore continuing to develop new treatment options, according to HealthDay.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the approval is based on two clinical trials involving a total of 3,207 adults who were already taking the highest dose of statins they could tolerate.

Studies show strong results

In one trial, participants’ LDL cholesterol levels fell by 56 percent after 24 weeks of treatment.

In the second trial, which included people with inherited high cholesterol, LDL cholesterol levels declined by 59 percent.

The FDA also said that side effects were generally comparable to those seen with a placebo.

However, in the trial involving people with inherited high cholesterol, diarrhea and dizziness were reported slightly more frequently.

First tablet of its kind

The FDA has approved the drug Lipfendra. It is the first tablet designed to inhibit the PCSK9 protein, which affects the body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

According to The New York Times, the treatment costs $315 for a one-month supply.

Existing PCSK9 treatments are administered by injection and typically cost between $500 and $600 per month.

The drug has been approved for adults with high cholesterol as well as people with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia.

Researchers are continuing to investigate whether the tablet can also reduce the risk of blood clots and other serious cardiovascular diseases.

New treatment could slow Alzheimer’s in many patients

For decades, Alzheimer’s research has focused largely on managing symptoms rather than changing the course of the disease. A new generation of therapies is beginning to shift that conversation, with researchers now looking beyond clinical trials to see how these medicines perform in everyday healthcare.

According to data presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026, alongside information from Eisai, Biogen and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), fresh evidence suggests that Leqembi may help some people with early Alzheimer’s maintain their abilities for longer outside the controlled setting of traditional studies, reports Medical News Today.

Why real-world data matters

Clinical trials are designed to answer whether a treatment works under carefully managed conditions. Real-world studies, however, examine how patients respond during routine medical care, offering a broader picture of long-term use and treatment decisions.

The latest findings come from the LEADER observational study, which followed 432 people with early Alzheimer’s disease.

Participants had received Leqembi for an average of 17 months, allowing researchers to assess outcomes during standard clinical practice rather than in a tightly controlled research environment.

Encouraging early findings

The analysis found that roughly three-quarters of participants remained at the same stage of Alzheimer’s during the observation period, while a smaller group was assessed as having improved to an earlier stage. Most patients also continued receiving the treatment, suggesting many were able to remain on therapy over time.

Researchers stress that these findings should be interpreted with caution. Because the study did not include an untreated comparison group and has not yet undergone peer review, it cannot establish that the observed outcomes were caused solely by the medication.

The bigger picture

Leqembi is designed to target amyloid protein deposits linked to Alzheimer’s disease. While it is not a cure, researchers hope treatments that slow the progression of the condition could help patients preserve independence for longer before symptoms become more severe.

The LEADER study adds another piece to the growing body of evidence surrounding disease-modifying therapies. Researchers plan to continue monitoring participants over the coming years to better understand the treatment’s long-term effectiveness and safety in everyday clinical practice.

Here’s the recommended number of ice creams to eat in a week

Many people enjoy an ice cream when summer arrives, but how much fits within the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s recommendation of no more than five handfuls of sweets and snacks per week?

Here are the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s examples of how much ice cream corresponds to the recommendation, as reported by DR and republished by Dagens.dk.

Five handfuls

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The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration recommends eating no more than five handfuls of snacks and sweets per week.

The size of your hand reflects your body’s energy needs, making the recommendation easy to adapt to each individual.

Ice cream counts as a sweet treat

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Ice cream is included in the five handfuls alongside candy, chips, soft drinks, and other sweet treats.

A five-year-old

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For a five-year-old girl, one handful is equivalent to a small ice pop weighing around 60 grams and containing approximately 80 calories.

Five ice pops per week

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If a five-year-old does not eat any other sweets or snacks, the recommendation corresponds to five small ice pops over the course of a week.

More ice cream means fewer other sweet treats

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The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration emphasizes that eating extra ice cream during the holidays should be balanced by consuming fewer other snacks, sweets, and sugary drinks.

A nine-year-old boy

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For a nine-year-old boy, one handful is equivalent to two small scoops of ice cream served in a cup.

Two small scoops

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The two small scoops of ice cream weigh around 130 grams and contain approximately 130 calories.

Ten small scoops in a week

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If the nine-year-old does not eat any other sweets, the recommendation corresponds to ten small scoops of ice cream spread across a week.

A 15-year-old girl

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For a 15-year-old girl, one handful is equivalent to a chocolate-coated ice cream bar weighing 65 grams and containing approximately 167 calories.

Five chocolate-coated ice cream bars

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The example of five ice cream bars per week only applies if no candy, soft drinks, or other sweet treats are consumed.

A 23-year-old man

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For a 23-year-old man, one handful is equivalent to a large chocolate-coated ice cream bar weighing 70 grams and containing 215 calories.

DR also notes that a Magnum weighs 80 grams.

A 50-year-old man

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For a 50-year-old man, one handful is equivalent to three scoops of ice cream weighing 95 grams in total, which, according to DR, contains 191 calories.

Eating habits

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The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration emphasizes that eating a little more ice cream during the holidays will not upset the overall balance of a healthy diet.

What matters most is maintaining healthy eating habits throughout the rest of the year.