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Forget the protein bar: These snacks provide both protein and fibre

Snacks that combine protein and fibre can help keep hunger at bay between meals.

According to Real Simple, several dietitians recommend a range of simple alternatives to protein bars that are both filling and easy to take on the go.

Chia berry jam with Greek yoghurt

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A homemade jam made from thawed mixed berries, lemon juice and chia seeds can be used as a topping for Greek yoghurt.

Adding flaxseeds, nut butter and banana provides even more protein and fibre. The combination contains approximately 13 grams of fibre and 16 grams of protein.

Turkey wraps with extra sides

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A wrap made with sliced turkey can serve as a more satisfying snack.

Hummus and red bell pepper on the side add extra nutrients and provide a crunchy texture.

Cottage cheese with berries and flaxseeds

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Half a cup of cottage cheese topped with berries and flaxseeds provides around 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fibre.

This option combines natural sweetness with a high nutrient content.

Roasted chickpeas

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Roasted chickpeas are highlighted as a crunchy and travel-friendly choice. They are easy to bring along and are described as a snack that people quickly find themselves reaching for again.

Dates with nut butter

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Pitted dates filled with nut butter can be served with a sprinkle of sea salt and briefly chilled in the freezer.

Three dates combined with two tablespoons of peanut butter provide approximately 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fibre.

Homemade energy balls

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Energy balls made from oats, nut butter and chopped dried fruit are well suited as a quick snack.

Each ball contains roughly 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of fibre.

Frozen yoghurt bites

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Greek yoghurt topped with berries, chia seeds and nuts can be frozen and served as a refreshing cold snack.

A typical serving of Greek yoghurt contains around 16 grams of protein, while the fibre content depends on the toppings used.

Lentils as a dip or salad

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Pre-cooked lentils can be mixed with feta cheese and tomatoes and used as a dip with wholegrain crackers. Edamame beans and cucumber can also be added to create a salad.

A 100-gram serving of cooked lentils contains 9 grams of protein and nearly 8 grams of fibre.

Protein-packed hummus

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Hummus can be made higher in protein by blending chickpeas, reduced-fat cottage cheese, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley and salt.

Served with carrots, it provides around 6 grams of fibre and 7 grams of protein.

Roasted edamame beans

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Roasted edamame beans are mentioned as an easy snack that is high in both protein and fibre.

A 100-gram serving contains approximately 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre.

Cottage cheese with cucumber and tomato

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For those who prefer savoury snacks, cottage cheese can be topped with cucumber and tomatoes.

The combination is highlighted as a simple protein-focused alternative.

Roasted broad beans

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Roasted broad beans are recommended as another excellent snack option.

Legumes are generally praised for their content of protein, fibre and antioxidants.

Source: Real Simple.

This much exercise can reduce the risk of inherited heart disease

Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that weakens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure or other serious cardiac problems, according to HealthDay.

People with a family history of the disease often face a higher risk of developing it themselves.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 15,000 individuals. Among them, 831 had a genetic predisposition to developing cardiomyopathy. The study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

150 minutes of exercise

Instead of asking participants about their exercise habits, researchers used data from activity trackers.

This provided a more accurate picture of how much physical activity participants actually engaged in.

Health authorities in the United States recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity.

Moderate exercise may include brisk walking or cycling, while more intense activities can include running or swimming.

Heart-related problems

People with a genetic risk who exercised less than the recommended amount had the highest incidence of heart-related problems.

However, researchers found that individuals with the same genetic risk who met the recommended exercise levels had nearly the same risk of heart problems as people without a genetic risk who did not exercise.

The study therefore suggests that regular physical activity may reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart failure in people with an inherited predisposition to cardiomyopathy.

Sources: HealthDay and American Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Experts say millions are choosing the wrong drink for energy

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are often marketed as products that can increase energy and improve performance through ingredients such as caffeine, sugar, and taurine, according to DR.

A risk to dental health

Dental experts warn that frequent consumption of energy drinks can increase the risk of acid erosion, a condition that gradually wears away tooth enamel.

Acid erosion can lead to tooth sensitivity and long-term damage that may be difficult and costly to repair. Experts also caution against sipping energy drinks over extended periods, as prolonged exposure to acidic beverages can further increase the risk of dental problems.

What works best?

Nutrition experts say that caffeine is the primary ingredient responsible for the stimulating effects of energy drinks. By contrast, there is limited evidence that sugar and taurine significantly contribute to increased alertness.

According to nutrition researchers, a typical serving of black filter coffee can contain substantially more caffeine than an equivalent amount of energy drink, often resulting in a stronger energy boost.

For that reason, both nutrition and dental experts point to coffee as a preferable alternative. In addition to providing more caffeine, coffee is generally less harmful to teeth, provided it is consumed without added sugar.

Source: DR.

How almond butter can affect your body if you eat it every day

Almond butter has become a popular addition to many meals and snacks.

According to dietitians cited by Real Simple, it can provide several important nutrients, but daily consumption also requires some attention.

Important nutrients

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Almond butter provides healthy fats, dietary fiber, plant-based protein, vitamin E, and magnesium, all of which can support overall health, according to a study published in Advances in Nutrition.

Heart health

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The monounsaturated fats found in almond butter have been linked to improvements in cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol.

Plant sterols

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Almonds contain plant sterols, which may help reduce the body’s absorption of some dietary cholesterol, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant

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The vitamin E content contributes antioxidant properties that are an important part of almond butter’s nutritional profile.

Blood sugar is affected gradually

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Almond butter is digested slowly and does not typically cause major spikes in blood sugar levels on its own.

May help reduce blood sugar spikes

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When eaten alongside carbohydrate-rich foods, the fat and fiber in almond butter can help slow the absorption of glucose.

May increase feelings of fullness

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Almonds may help promote satiety, which can contribute to lower overall calorie intake when consumed in appropriate portion sizes.

Two tablespoons

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A 32-gram serving contains approximately 206 calories, 6.7 grams of protein, 6.8 grams of carbohydrates, and 17 grams of fat.

Minerals and vitamins

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The same serving also provides calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, as well as smaller amounts of zinc and folate.

May reduce energy crashes during the day

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According to dietitians, some people experience more stable energy levels and less afternoon fatigue after consuming almond butter regularly.

May reduce snacking

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The combination of fat, fiber, and protein may help keep hunger under control between meals.

Excessive amounts may cause digestive discomfort

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A high intake can lead to bloating, gas, nausea, or stomach discomfort, particularly when fiber intake increases significantly.

It is easy to consume more calories than planned

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Almond butter is calorie-dense, and large portions can make it easy to exceed daily energy needs.

Long-term intake may improve blood markers

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After a longer period of daily consumption, some individuals may experience improvements in LDL cholesterol and overall lipid profiles.

May affect other cardiometabolic markers

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Regular consumption has also been associated with potential improvements in factors such as blood pressure and post-meal blood sugar levels.

May displace other nutrients in the diet

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Its strong satiety effect may lead some people to eat less of other foods, potentially reducing dietary variety and nutrient intake.

Balance and portion size are essential

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Dietitians emphasize that almond butter can be part of a daily diet, but the amount consumed should be adjusted according to individual energy needs and the rest of the diet.

Sources: Real Simple, Advances in Nutrition, and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

New treatment reduced or eliminated tumors in several cancer patients

The study, which is set to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, involved 102 patients with head and neck cancer.

All participants had either recurrent or metastatic disease, and neither chemotherapy nor immunotherapy was working for them anymore.

The patients received a new treatment called amivantamab. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection, making it simpler than many other cancer treatments, which often require intravenous infusions in a hospital.

Multiple ways of attacking cancer

According to the researchers, the treatment works in three different ways. It blocks signals that help cancer cells grow, inhibits mechanisms that can make cancer resistant to treatment, and helps the body’s own immune system fight the disease.

The treatment is currently being investigated in around 60 clinical trials. The primary focus is on lung cancer, but other types of cancer are also being studied, according to The Guardian.

Results draw attention

The trial focused on a type of head and neck cancer that is typically difficult to treat. As a result, the findings have attracted significant attention among researchers.

In 43 of the 102 patients, tumors shrank or disappeared. Of these, 28 patients experienced substantial tumor reduction.

In 15 patients, doctors could no longer detect any signs of tumors following treatment.

According to The Guardian, researchers have described the results as unusually strong for a group of patients with very limited treatment options.

Sources: The Guardian and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

New analysis: Each cigarette may cost more life than previously estimated

Smoking is well known to increase the risk of a range of serious diseases. According to the NHS, as cited by LADbible, these include cancers of the mouth, throat, and lungs, as well as chronic lung diseases and frequent respiratory infections.

Researchers from University College London have now re-examined data from earlier studies to gain a more accurate understanding of the consequences of smoking. Their findings have been published in the journal Addiction.

Significant consequences

The study is based in part on data from the British Doctors Study and the Million Women Study. Researchers found that people who continue smoking throughout their lives lose an average of around 10 years of life for men and 11 years for women.

The researchers also believe the findings remain relevant today, even though smokers tend to consume fewer cigarettes on average than in the past.

How many minutes does it cost you?

Previous research published in the BMJ and cited by LADbible suggested that each cigarette reduced life expectancy by an average of around 11 minutes.

The new analysis points to a significantly higher figure.

Researchers estimate that each cigarette reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes on average. This corresponds to around 17 minutes for men and 22 minutes for women.

Sources: LADbible and Addiction.

Doctors reveal cause of Trump’s visible hand marks

For decades, the health of American presidents has been closely scrutinized by both voters and political observers. Even minor physical changes can become the subject of intense discussion when they involve the person occupying the White House.

That pattern has once again played out following the release of Donald Trump’s latest medical report. While the overall findings painted a positive picture of the president’s health, one recurring detail quickly became the focus of public attention, reports Unilad.

A detail people couldn’t ignore

Photographs from public appearances over the past year repeatedly showed visible bruising on Trump’s hands, prompting widespread speculation online and among political commentators.

The marks became a frequent topic of discussion, with some observers questioning whether they could be linked to an underlying health issue or medical treatment.

As fresh images continued to emerge, interest in the bruising only grew.

Doctors offer an explanation

According to the medical report released by the White House, Trump’s physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, believes the bruising is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking while taking aspirin as part of cardiovascular prevention.

Medical experts have long noted that aspirin can make bruises appear more easily because it affects the blood’s clotting process. The report states that the findings are consistent with that explanation.

Doctors also reported that no suspicious skin abnormalities or concerning growths were identified during the examination.

Why the story matters

The report attracted additional attention because Trump has undergone several medical evaluations over the past year. However, according to Jacob Appel of the Icahn School of Medicine, that is not necessarily unusual for someone of the president’s age.

Appel told McClatchy News that multiple checkups for a 79-year-old serving as president would not be considered unreasonable and do not automatically indicate a specific medical concern.

How do you sleep at night? It could affect your cancer risk

Cancer among people under the age of 50 has become more common worldwide, according to The Guardian.

Figures cited by The Guardian show that the number of cases increased from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019.

At the same time, the number of deaths among younger cancer patients rose by 27 percent. Researchers are therefore working to identify the causes behind this trend.

Examining sleep

At the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas presented findings from two studies, according to The Guardian. The studies were based on health data from more than 18 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 50.

The studies found that people with poor sleep habits were more likely to be diagnosed with cancers such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and cancers of the uterus and ovaries.

According to The Guardian, other experts consider the findings interesting but emphasize that more research is needed to better understand the connection.

A possible explanation

Researchers cannot yet say whether sleep problems directly cause cancer. The studies only show that there is an association.

Experts point out that poor sleep may affect the body’s immune system while also making it more difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This can lead to less physical activity, weight gain, and other well-known risk factors.

Sources: The Guardian and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Study links common food additives to higher blood pressure

A new study published in the European Heart Journal involving more than 100,000 participants suggests that several commonly used food preservatives may be linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, the researchers emphasize that the findings do not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, according to Medical News Today.

Investigation of preservatives

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Researchers analyzed data from more than 112,000 individuals to examine the relationship between food preservatives, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

A possible connection

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The study concluded that several commonly used preservatives were associated with a higher prevalence of high blood pressure.

More research needed

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Because the study was observational, it cannot determine whether the preservatives directly cause these health conditions.

The researchers therefore call for further investigation.

Authorities urged to reassess safety evaluations

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The research team believes that authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should reconsider the safety assessments of these additives.

Preservatives are widespread in food products

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Approximately one-third of all foods purchased in the United States in 2019 contained at least one preservative.

Previous studies found other risks

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The same researchers have previously identified links between preservative consumption and a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes as well as certain forms of cancer.

Citric acid

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Citric acid was the most commonly consumed preservative in the study and was consumed by 91.3 percent of participants.

High intake of citric acid

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Individuals with a higher intake of citric acid had a 25 percent higher prevalence of high blood pressure.

Nitrites and nitrates

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Sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate were primarily found in processed meat products within the participants’ diets.

Sorbates

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A higher intake of sorbates, including potassium sorbate, was associated with a 39 percent higher prevalence of high blood pressure.

Sorbates help inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria in food products.

Ascorbic acid

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Among the individual preservatives examined, ascorbic acid was the only substance that continued to show a statistical association with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Diet quality did not explain the findings

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The researchers found no evidence that the observed associations were solely the result of generally poorer dietary habits among people with a high intake of preservatives.

Fewer ultra-processed foods

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According to Medical News Today, nutrition scientist Federica Amati recommends reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods to limit the amount of preservatives in the diet.

Fiber-rich foods highlighted

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Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices were highlighted as foods that naturally contain fewer additives while also providing dietary fiber.

Processed meat and soft drinks

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According to Federica Amati, it may be beneficial to replace processed meat products and soft drinks with less processed alternatives such as white meat, water, or unsweetened tea.

Sources: Medical News Today and European Heart Journal.

Doctor warns against sleeping position: It may damage nerves over time

According to HuffPost, as cited by LADBible, recurring symptoms such as tingling in the hands, numbness, or shoulder pain may be signs that the body is being subjected to strain during the night.

Some people also experience pain that radiates down the arm or have difficulty maintaining a firm grip on objects.

These symptoms may seem like minor everyday annoyances, but experts recommend paying attention if they occur repeatedly.

Risk of repeated strain

Sleep specialist Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor at Sleepopolis, explains, according to HuffPost, that prolonged pressure on nerves can cause problems over time.

In many cases, symptoms disappear once the pressure is relieved. However, if the strain continues over an extended period, it may develop into more persistent nerve-related conditions.

Experts therefore recommend using additional pillows or other supports that can help maintain a more neutral arm position during sleep.

The worst sleeping position

The issue is associated with the T-Rex position, in which the arms are bent and held close to the body.

According to Raj Dasgupta, this position can place pressure on nerves in the wrists and elbows.

At the same time, blood flow may be restricted, which can lead to numbness, stiffness, and pain if the position is repeated night after night.

Sources: LADBible, HuffPost, and Sleepopolis.