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These preservatives may increase the risk of heart disease

Researchers examined the dietary habits of more than 112,000 adults in France over a period of up to eight years.

The findings were published in the journal European Heart Journal.

The study focused on preservatives commonly used in processed foods to prevent bacteria and mold, according to HealthDay.

Increased risk

According to the researchers, people with a high intake of certain preservatives had a greater risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

In particular, so-called non-antioxidant preservatives were linked to an almost 30 percent higher risk of hypertension.

The researchers also found an increased risk of conditions including blood clots and angina.

As a result, the researchers believe food safety authorities should take a closer look at whether some preservatives may be more harmful than previously assumed.

Preservatives of concern

The study specifically points to substances such as sodium nitrite, potassium sorbate, and citric acid. These are widely used in ready-made products and processed foods.

One of the most notable findings concerns ascorbic acid, also known as E300, which researchers said was associated with an increased risk of heart problems.

At the same time, the researchers emphasized that the study supports recommendations to eat fewer ultra-processed foods and instead choose fresher, simpler foods.

Sources: HealthDay and European Heart Journal.

Around one in five gained full control of sleep apnea in trial

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing briefly stops during sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, this happens when muscles in the throat block the airways.

The most common treatment is a CPAP machine, which delivers air through a mask during the night.

However, many patients find the machine uncomfortable or disruptive.

According to researchers, this means that many people do not receive the treatment they need, HealthDay reports.

New trial

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine tested a new pill called AD109.

The medication is designed to help keep the airways open during sleep.

The trial included 637 people with sleep apnea. Some participants received the pill, while others were given a placebo with no active medication.

Researchers examined several factors, including participants’ breathing and oxygen levels during the night.

Promising results

The study found that people taking AD109 experienced around 44 percent fewer breathing interruptions during sleep. In the placebo group, the improvement was just under 18 percent.

Nearly 18 percent of participants achieved full control over their sleep apnea during the trial.

However, researchers also recorded side effects including dry mouth, nausea, and sleep problems.

Around one in five participants stopped the treatment because of side effects.

The drug has not yet been approved, but the company Apnimed has submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Sources: HealthDay, Mayo Clinic, and American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Why you should never put eggs with shells in the microwave

According to Healthline, eggs are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Boiled and poached eggs are often recommended because they can be prepared without butter or oil.

Many people also use the microwave for quick cooking, but this is where the problem arises if the egg still has its shell on, writes Health Digest.

Can explode

The Incredible Egg warns against heating eggs with shells in the microwave. When the egg is heated quickly, steam builds up inside the shell. The pressure can cause the egg to explode.

This may lead to hot splatters and minor burns. The same thing can happen with a whole egg yolk if the steam cannot escape.

Better solutions

According to Oregon State University, scrambled eggs and omelets are safer to cook in the microwave. When the egg is beaten, it heats more evenly.

It is also possible to poach eggs in the microwave by using hot water and a short cooking time. Several microwave-safe kitchen tools can also make the process easier.

Experts therefore point out that eggs with shells should not be cooked in the microwave. The method provides no additional health benefits and can also be dangerous.

Sources: Health Digest, Healthline, The Incredible Egg, and Oregon State University.

Vanessa Trump reveals breast cancer diagnosis – here are the symptoms

Vanessa Trump has shared that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment, according to The Sun.

The disease is the most common form of cancer among women, and early detection can be crucial for survival.

Vanessa Trump speaks about the illness

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Vanessa Trump, who was previously married to Donald Trump Jr., has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

She stated that she is working closely with her medical team on a treatment plan.

She has undergone a procedure

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In her post, Vanessa Trump also shared that she underwent a procedure this week as part of her treatment.

One in seven women will be affected

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According to The Sun, one in seven women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

A lump is not the only symptom

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Many people associate breast cancer with a lump in the breast, but the disease can also present itself in several other ways.

Swelling can be a warning sign

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Swelling or a lump in the breast, chest area, or armpit can be a symptom of breast cancer.

Changes in the skin should be taken seriously

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Skin changes such as dimpling, uneven texture, or other visible changes may be signs of the disease.

Changes in breast color may be important

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The breast may become red or appear inflamed, which is also mentioned as a possible symptom of breast cancer.

The nipple may change

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If the nipple turns inward or changes shape, it may be a warning sign.

Nipple discharge is a symptom

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Unusual fluid from the nipple, including bloody or watery discharge, is listed as a symptom that should be checked by a doctor.

Persistent pain should be examined

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Pain in the breast or armpit is not usually a sign of breast cancer on its own, but persistent pain should be examined further.

Regular checks can save lives

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The Sun emphasizes that women have a better chance of detecting the disease early if they regularly check their breasts for changes.

Mammograms are recommended from age 50

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Women are encouraged to attend mammogram screenings from the age of 50, as screening can detect cancer at an early stage.

Self-examination at home

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The Sun describes a self-examination process in which women are advised to look for skin changes in front of a mirror and examine their breasts using small circular motions.

Sources: The Sun.

Why your berries mold quickly – and how to prevent it

Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are especially popular during the summer, but they often stay fresh for only a few days. According to the media outlet Heute, moisture and heat are the main reasons why.

When berries are stored incorrectly, they can quickly soften or start to grow mold. This is particularly common during hot weather.

Many people also make the mistake of washing berries too early, which can cause them to spoil faster.

One simple trick

The solution requires only a container and some paper towels.

According to Heute, you should place paper towels at the bottom of the container and then put the berries on top. Any damaged or damp berries should be removed along the way.

You can continue layering paper towels and berries until the container is full. The lid should rest loosely on top rather than being sealed tightly.

Can last longer

The paper towels help absorb moisture that would otherwise cause the berries to become moldy or crushed.

Heute also recommends washing the berries only right before eating them. This helps preserve their natural protective layer for longer.

Using this method, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Blueberries may, in some cases, remain fresh for up to two weeks.

Sources: Heute.

Scientists see major potential in new anti-aging treatment

Growing older often means slower healing, thinner skin, and a body that no longer recovers the way it once did. Researchers have spent years searching for ways to slow those changes and help aging skin function more like younger tissue again.

Now, a new study from Boston University, published in the journal Aging, suggests scientists may have found a promising breakthrough.

Younger behavior

Researchers tested a compound called ABT-263, a treatment designed to remove damaged aging cells that build up in the body over time.

These worn-out cells, sometimes called “zombie cells,” stop functioning properly but continue affecting nearby tissue. Scientists believe they play a major role in skin aging and slower recovery.

In the study, older mice received the treatment directly on their skin for five days. Researchers then observed major changes linked to healthier and younger skin activity.

Surprising results

The treated skin showed fewer signs of cellular aging and activated genes connected to collagen production, tissue repair, and blood vessel growth.

Scientists were especially surprised by how strongly the skin responded. Wounds healed significantly faster in treated mice compared to untreated ones, suggesting the skin behaved more like younger tissue.

By day 24, around 80 percent of treated mice had fully healed wounds, compared with 56 percent in the untreated group.

Still early research

Researchers stress that the findings are still in an early stage because the study was only conducted in mice.

However, the results have already attracted attention in the growing field of anti-aging medicine, where scientists are increasingly studying ways to remove aging cells without affecting the rest of the body.

According to the researchers, topical treatments like ABT-263 could eventually become useful not only for wound healing, but also for improving how aging skin repairs and maintains itself over time.

Doctor explains: Coffee may reduce the effect of your vitamins

British physician Amir Khan told the Mirror that the body absorbs vitamins differently throughout the day.

He explains that fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K should be taken with food.

The same applies to omega-3 supplements, as the body absorbs them better when consumed together with fat from a meal.

According to the NHS, adults should get 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day.

Best taken in the evening

Some supplements are better suited for the evening.

Amir Khan points to magnesium, which can have a relaxing effect and is therefore often taken before bedtime.

The NHS recommends 300 milligrams of magnesium per day for men and 270 milligrams for women between the ages of 19 and 64.

Creatine is also mentioned as a supplement, but the timing is considered less important.

Avoid coffee and tea

Amir Khan also discusses iron, which he believes should be taken on an empty stomach early in the morning.

At the same time, he warns against taking iron together with coffee or tea. According to the doctor, this can make it harder for the body to absorb iron.

Patient.info also states that vitamin C can help the body absorb iron more effectively. Therefore, a glass of orange juice may be beneficial when taking iron supplements.

Sources: Daily Mirror, NHS and Patient.info.

How walnuts can affect your body if you eat them every day

Research suggests that walnuts may benefit the heart, brain, digestion, and blood sugar levels when eaten regularly as part of a balanced diet, reports VnExpress.

Walnuts may help improve memory

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Studies suggest that the healthy fats and antioxidants found in walnuts can support brain function and help maintain memory over time.

They may contribute to better sleep

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Walnuts contain compounds such as melatonin, which has been linked to improved sleep quality and recovery.

Gut bacteria may benefit from walnuts

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Research indicates that walnuts can act as a prebiotic, helping nourish beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Digestion may become more balanced

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A healthier gut environment may also support digestion and overall digestive comfort.

They can add more nutrients to your diet

Seeds Walnut” by Markus Spiske/ CC0 1.0

Walnuts provide nutrients such as fiber, magnesium, potassium, and omega 3 fatty acids that many people do not get enough of.

Walnuts are rich in healthy fats

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A serving of walnuts contains mostly unsaturated fats, which are often associated with several health benefits.

They may support heart health

Heart Candy” by Macro Mama/ CC0 1.0

The American Heart Association has recognized walnuts as a heart healthy food because of their nutritional profile.

Cholesterol levels may improve

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Regular walnut consumption has been linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol.

The risk of cardiovascular disease may decrease

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A 2023 review found that even small daily amounts of walnuts could help lower the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Stress levels may become lower

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One study found that people who ate walnuts regularly over several weeks experienced lower stress and better mental well being.

Blood sugar may stay more stable

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The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and protein in walnuts may help prevent major blood sugar fluctuations.

They may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes

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Higher nut consumption, including walnuts, has been associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Two people suspected of ebola after returning from Uganda

Two people from northern Italy are being tested for possible Ebola after developing a high fever, vomiting, and stomach problems shortly after returning from Uganda. The Sun and several Italian media outlets reported the case.

The two individuals had been working as aid workers in Uganda for around three months. They are now being treated at a specialist hospital in Milan, where doctors are carrying out tests.

Italian authorities have activated additional emergency measures while waiting for the test results.

Disease spreading

At the same time, growing concern surrounds the situation in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the number of infections is rising rapidly and that health authorities are struggling to keep up.

According to WHO, nearly 1,000 suspected cases have been recorded since mid-May. Several hundred people have died during the outbreak.

Areas near the borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo are being monitored particularly closely.

No confirmation yet

Italian authorities stress that Ebola has not yet been confirmed in the two patients.

Doctors are also investigating whether the symptoms could be caused by severe malaria.

However, WHO has already declared the outbreak in Central Africa an international health emergency. There is currently no approved vaccine for the virus variant involved in the outbreak.

The results from the hospital in Milan are expected to determine whether the two patients are linked to the growing Ebola outbreak in Africa.

Sources: The Sun and WHO.

Most people remove it as a weed – but dead nettle is both edible and a medicinal herb

Dead nettle resembles the stinging nettle, but it does not sting.

According to Kräuterkeller, the plant has no stinging hairs and can be identified by its white, purple, or yellow flowers.

The plant often grows near fences, paths, and fields with nutrient-rich soil. It typically reaches a height of 20 to 50 centimeters and can be found in many natural areas from spring to autumn.

There are several types of dead nettle. The yellow dead nettle is rarer than the white and purple varieties, but it can grow across large areas in forests and meadows.

Used in cooking

According to Kräuterkeller, the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots can all be used in cooking. The young leaves can be added to salads, soups, and hot dishes.

The flowers are often used as decoration for food and may have a mild, sweet flavor. The seeds can be dried and used as a spice.

Experts recommend avoiding picking the plant near roads or places with many animals. The plants should also be washed thoroughly before use.

More than just a weed

Dead nettle has also been used in folk medicine for many years.

According to Kräuterkeller, the plant is believed to have calming properties and may help relieve irritation in the respiratory and digestive systems.

The plant is especially known as a traditional medicinal herb for women and has previously been used for menstrual and menopausal discomfort.

This is why some herbal experts believe dead nettle is far more valuable than many people think, even though it is often removed as a weed.

Sources: Kräuterkeller.