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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.

Your sex may determine which vegetables benefit your heart the most

Official dietary guidelines apply to everyone, but a new Australian study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases indicates that certain vegetables may be especially beneficial depending on a person’s sex, HealthDay reports.

Researchers examined the dietary habits of more than 600 young adults and compared them with early signs of cardiovascular disease.

Different hormones may play a role

The researchers believe the difference may be explained by the fact that men and women absorb and utilize nutrients and plant compounds differently.

According to HealthDay, compounds found in legumes may influence testosterone, while compounds in cruciferous vegetables may affect hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

However, the researchers emphasize that further studies are needed before this link can be confirmed.

These vegetables may be best for you based on your sex

The study also found that eating one daily serving of these vegetables was associated with fewer early risk factors for cardiovascular disease, even among people in their early twenties.

Men who ate more legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, showed fewer signs of high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and increased waist circumference.

Women, on the other hand, benefited most from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, which were associated with fewer early signs of cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes.

Does rinsing ground beef make it healthier? Here’s the answer

Many people want to reduce their fat intake and therefore use various methods in the kitchen.

One of them is rinsing cooked ground beef with hot water.

The most important choice

Nutrition experts interviewed by Good Housekeeping say that the most important step is choosing lean ground beef.

They also point out that portion size and a diet rich in vegetables and whole grains have a much greater impact on overall health than rinsing the meat.

They also recommend draining the fat from the pan after cooking.

For lean ground beef, this is often sufficient, and rinsing may also make the meat less juicy.

Fat can be removed

According to Good Housekeeping, research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shows that rinsing can remove some of the fat from cooked ground beef.

The effect is greatest if the meat is first drained and the remaining fat is blotted away.

At the same time, experts say that rinsing removes only a small amount of the fat, while the beef retains most of its nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Should you rinse the meat?

The most important advice is that raw ground beef should never be rinsed.

According to Good Housekeeping, doing so can spread bacteria to the sink and kitchen surfaces. Instead, the meat should be cooked thoroughly.

The overall conclusion is that rinsing cooked ground beef can slightly reduce its fat content.

However, according to the nutrition experts cited by Good Housekeeping, choosing lean ground beef and maintaining a healthy diet are far more important for overall health.

Supplements and medications you should never combine

Many dietary supplements can interact with prescription medications, either reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of serious side effects.

For that reason, it is always recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting a new dietary supplement, according to Verywell Health.

Vitamin B6 and levodopa

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Vitamin B6 can reduce the effectiveness of levodopa, which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

However, people taking certain forms of levodopa may also develop a vitamin B6 deficiency. Therefore, supplements should only be taken after consulting a doctor.

Vitamin K and warfarin

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Vitamin K can make blood-thinning medications such as warfarin less effective.

This applies both to vitamin K supplements and to significantly increasing the consumption of foods that are high in vitamin K.

Iron or calcium and thyroid medication

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Iron and calcium can make it more difficult for the body to absorb thyroid medication such as levothyroxine.

These products should therefore be taken at least four hours apart.

Vitamin C and antacids

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Vitamin C can increase the absorption of aluminum from certain antacids used to treat heartburn and acid reflux.

To reduce the risk, the two should be taken at least two hours apart.

Vitamin E and blood thinners

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Vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.

For this reason, the supplement should only be used after consulting a healthcare professional.

St. John’s wort and various medications

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St. John’s wort can interact with a wide range of medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners.

The combination can make these medications less effective or lead to harmful effects.

Goldenseal and blood thinners

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Goldenseal can interact with medications used to prevent blood clots.

It may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, which is why this combination is often discouraged.

Ginkgo biloba and blood thinners

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Like goldenseal, ginkgo biloba can increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin.

Licorice root and diuretics

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Licorice root supplements can worsen the side effects of diuretics and medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Among other effects, this may lead to potassium imbalances or changes in blood pressure.

The right timing can reduce problems

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The timing of medications and dietary supplements can make a significant difference.

As a general rule, it is recommended to leave at least two hours between taking dietary supplements and medications, although some medications require even longer intervals.

Talk to your doctor

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Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on which combinations should be avoided and how dietary supplements can be used as safely as possible.

It is recommended to inform your doctor about any new products you are considering taking.

Your pharmacist can help

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Pharmacists have access to databases that can identify potential interactions between medications and dietary supplements.

They can also provide advice on dosage, timing, and possible alternatives.

Common contact lens mistake left woman facing vision loss

Many people wear contact lenses every day without giving much thought to the small habits that come with them. Washing your face or stepping into the shower while wearing lenses may seem harmless, but eye specialists have long warned that exposing contact lenses to tap water can, in rare cases, lead to serious infections.

According to guidance from the NHS and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contact lenses should always be removed before they come into contact with water, reports LADbible.

That advice has gained renewed attention following a case reported by Kennedy News & Media, in which a British woman suffered a rare eye infection that dramatically changed her life.

From irritation to emergency

Emma Marsden, 47, was cleaning horse stables when she slipped and fell face-first into a wheelbarrow filled with mud. After washing the dirt from her face, she kept her contact lenses in for several more hours before removing them later that evening.

Several days passed before she noticed intense pain, redness and extreme sensitivity to light in her right eye. Doctors initially believed she was suffering from a corneal ulcer, but further examinations revealed a far more serious condition.

She was diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare infection caused by a microscopic parasite that attacks the cornea. Doctors also identified fusarium keratitis, a fungal infection that was believed to be linked to the mud involved in the accident.

A long road to recovery

According to her medical team, the fungal infection likely originated from the dirt, while the parasite was believed to have entered her eye after tap water came into contact with her contact lenses during her face wash.

The infection progressed so aggressively that surgeons temporarily stitched her eyelids closed to help protect the damaged eye.

Emma now faces an extended recovery and is expected to require a corneal transplant in the future. She continues to undergo regular hospital treatment while living with significant vision loss in her right eye.

Health experts recommend that contact lens wearers:

  • Remove lenses before showering, swimming or washing their face.
  • Never clean lenses or lens cases with tap water.
  • Follow the recommended cleaning and replacement schedule.

Experts repeat the warning

Although acanthamoeba keratitis is considered rare, eye specialists say the consequences can be severe and, in some cases, permanent. Medical professionals continue to stress that proper contact lens hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent these infections.

Emma’s experience serves as a reminder that even routine daily habits can carry unexpected risks when contact lenses are exposed to water.