Ultra-Processed Foods May Harm Male Reproductive Health

 

A new study reported that ultra-processed foods may be linked to a decline in male reproductive health, including sperm quality. When the study participants were on an ultra-processed diet, it was found that sperm quality trended toward impairment.

 

Those on the ultra-processed diet also saw decreases in their testosterone levels and follicle-stimulating hormones, which are crucial for sperm production.

 

Researchers noted that the subjects on the ultra-processed diet experienced an increase in the phthalate cxMINP, a substance found in plastic packaging used for ultra-processed foods and can disrupt hormonal systems in the body. 

 

The researchers said some of the endocrine-disrupting substances may come from the plastic packaging used for ultra-processed foods.

 

They also noted that the introduction of ultra-processed foods in the 1970s seems to fall in line with a 60% decline worldwide in sperm count.

 

Kristin Kirkpatrick, president of KAK Consulting and a dietitian at Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine, said, “The study found that endocrine disrupters and other components altered hormone levels in men, even if the men were healthy. This means, even if you’re healthy based on other parameters, yet consume a diet higher in ultra-processed foods, you still are at risk for increases in chronic conditions.”

 

Philip Werthman, a urologist and director of the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles, added that a man’s general health can also affect their reproductive system. For example, a person who has gained weight, developed type 2 diabetes, or experienced a rise in cholesterol levels may see a decline in reproductive health measures such as sperm quality.

 

“The reproductive system is a function of your overall health,” Werthman explained. “The reproductive system is quite sensitive.”

 

Experts said there are lifestyle habits that can help improve and maintain male reproductive health.

 

“In general, good diet (whole grains, fruits, vegetables), exercise, and maintaining a good body weight will help overall and reproductive health,” said Michael Eisenberg, a professor of urology at Stanford University.

 

Werthman said a healthy diet is “a big component” of that equation, but noted that men, especially those in the process of trying to have children, should exercise regularly as well as avoid alcohol and tobacco.

 

Kirkpatrick agreed.

 

“Eating a diet high in nutrient density, such as the Mediterranean diet, as well as regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, maintaining a healthy weight, and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, may all play a role in better reproductive health,” she said.

 

“Consuming ultra-processed foods means that other foods, which are found to help in the prevention of heart disease (like fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber) are not being consumed,” Kirkpatrick said.

 

Werthman noted that heat sources such as saunas and hot tubs can also temporarily impact sperm quality and quantity.

 

“All these things affect the reproductive system,” he said. “The body is an integrated system.”

 

In fact, past studies already revealed that ultra-processed foods are a major contributing factor to obesity as well as increasing a person’s for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. In one study, it was found that the risk of stroke and cognitive decline, were linked to 124,000 preventable deaths in the United States during a two-year period. These include higher cholesterol levels and increased body weight. The amount of fat mass in their bodies also increased.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US reported that ultra-processed foods account for an average of 55% of total calories consumed by people in the United States.

 

The CDC said ultra-processed foods tend to be “hyperpalatable, energy-dense, low in dietary fiber, and contain little or no whole foods, while having high amounts of salt, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats.”

 

Excess sugar and sodium consumption has been found in multiple studies to pose a significant risk to heart health.

 

“This study provides evidence that consumption of ultra-processed food is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake,” the study authors wrote.

Are you suffering from "Smartphone Dementia"?

 

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. However, excessive smartphone use can lead to decreased memory and concentration, resulting in symptoms similar to dementia. This is when an excess of online time causes your brain to forget more relevant information and is known as "smartphone dementia" or “digital dementia”.

Excessive smartphone use can lead to information overload in the brain, making it difficult to effectively organize and store memories. As a result, important memories can become "drowned" in a cluttered mental space.

In other words, your frontal lobe becomes a mess of trivial information, making it hard to access the important things in life. As a result, the smartphone dementia sufferer experiences symptoms similar to an actual dementia sufferer, with the exception that a person with smartphone dementia still retains the cognitive ability to be aware of it. The other main differences are that smartphone dementia can affect people of all ages and can be reversible with the right treatment. 

The Kanamachi Station Neurology Clinic in Tokyo in June this year opened the first "Smartphone Dementia Outpatient Service" in Japan. This service specifically targets patients who experience significant declines in memory and concentration due to prolonged smartphone usage. This is the first clinic to offer a smartphone dementia program to help people use their devices in ways that do not diminish their quality of life. 

Dr. Katsuyuki Uchino, the director of the clinic, noted that the outpatient service sees about 10 patients daily, primarily aged between 30 and 40.

Most come in with concerns about memory loss, forgetting appointments or work tasks, having trouble recalling people’s names quickly, having to take photos of things to remember them, always feeling sleep deprived, lacking motivation, and poor organizational skills for everyday tasks and difficulties writing kanji characters (akin to forgetting how to spell in English).

Uchino stated, "Endlessly scrolling through a smartphone has the greatest impact on the brain. Even spending just one hour on your phone before bed can make some individuals feel anxious about their declining memory."

He recommends actively limiting aimless smartphone use to no more than one hour per day and avoiding bringing phones into the bedroom, suggesting the use of an alarm clock instead. 

Uchino also pointed out that over-reliance on smartphones not only affects memory but can also lead to autonomic nervous system disorders and depression, ultimately progressing to true dementia.

“When you mindlessly scroll through your smartphone, your brain becomes overloaded with information. Time spent zoning out is important for organizing memory, but with no time for that, the brain becomes cluttered with random information, making it difficult to retrieve memories. It’s like your brain turns into a messy house, leading to things like forgetting names or appointments.” 

Treatment depends on a patient’s current smartphone usage habits and mental condition, based on an interview and dementia tests if necessary. It can vary from simple lifestyle alterations to medication as needed.

Whether you require the help of medical professionals or not, the key lesson to stave off smartphone dementia is to take enough time away from your phone or other devices to savor the finer things in life. If the smartphone is never put down, memories can never be properly "reset".

Then, how about if people use computers and smartphones for work all day? 

“If the information is gathered with a clear purpose and intention, it can be processed by the user. So there’s no need to worry when using devices for work.”

Top Superfoods of 2025

 

Goodhousekeeping.com revealed the top superfoods of 2025 based on the views of nutritionists and health experts:

Leafy greens

Leafy greens such as dandelion greens, escarole, collards and chicory are excellent leafy picks that deliver fiber and a variety of essential vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

In particular, watercress is a powerhouse green that is loaded with vitamins C, A and K — making it a superfood for boosting immunity and promoting strong bones and healthy skin.

Eat the rainbow

“You truly should ‘eat the rainbow’ by filling your plate with lots of colorful fruits and veggies,” says Joy Bauer, author of Joy Bauer’s Superfood!

 “It looks so darn pretty, and it also provides a slew of health rewards thanks to ensuring you get a diverse mixture of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.”

Red produce, like watermelon and tomatoes, contain the antioxidant lycopene; blue and purple picks like eggplant and blueberries are rich in anthocyanins; and orange fruits and veggies like carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin are loaded with beta carotene, says Bauer — who particularly loves packages of mixed colored peppers and multi-hued cherry tomatoes for being tasty, appealing and convenient all at once.

“Pinkglow pineapple is native to Costa Rica and high in lycopene, which is responsible for its color. And finger limes, aka citrus caviar, are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants; they add fun flavor and aesthetics to any dish,” Jaclyn London, a nutrition consultant, adds.

Fonio

Whole grains tend to have more fiber and protein than refined ones like white rice. They help provide satiety and supply a greater array of vitamins and minerals.

Fonio, an ancient grain, is native to West Africa and provides fiber, an essential for digestion and blood sugar balancing, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. It is light, versatile and can be cooked up quickly.

Other great ancient grains to explore: sorghum (chewy texture, mild flavor and perfect base for a grain bowl), farro (nutty and hearty) and amaranth, a gluten-free option that is ideal as a creamy porridge or in baked treats.

Lentils

Plant-based protein has benefits to cardiovascular health and chronic disease risk, contributing fiber and various vitamins and minerals.

For example, black (or beluga) lentils are rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant for taming inflammation and lowering the risk for certain chronic conditions such as heart disease. They stay firm when cooked, making them perfect for meal prep and cold or warm salads.

Red and yellow lentils are quick-cooking and wonderful in soups, sauces and curries, while brown and green lentils are pantry staples for hearty stews, chili or plant-based bakes.

Mixed mushrooms

Eating more mushrooms is associated with a lower risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer, according to a review of studies.

Mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, including a particularly powerful one called ergothioneine, which has been studied for its potential to help protect against disease. Shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster mushrooms tend to have more ergothioneine than white button, crimini and portabella mushrooms.

Shiitake mushrooms in particular are a nutritional powerhouse packed with B vitamins, selenium and copper. They also contain beta glucans and lentinans, two plant compounds that help support the immune system and fight inflammation. Shiitakes also add a rich umami flavor to dishes, making them a perfect substitute for meat in plant-based recipes.

Trout

Trout is a fellow fatty fish that provides those all-important omega-3 fatty acids, which support cognitive function and the immune system, help dial back inflammation and are associated with a reduced risk for chronic diseases, London says.

“Eating 12 ounces of seafood a week — both fish and other options like shrimp, squid and mussels — is one way to increase your intake of omega-3s from whole, real food sources,” London adds.

If you cannot or do not eat seafood, nuts and seeds are another great way to get omega-3s (walnuts contain the highest level amongst nuts).

Canned sardines

Sardines are packed with heart-healthy omega-3s; skeleton-supporting vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus and 23 grams of protein per serving to help keep you satisfied and energize, London says.

Canned sardines are also convenient and tend to be inexpensive, coming packed in oil, a flavored sauce, or water, and they have a long shelf life.

“Sardines have a rich, umami flavor with a tender, meaty texture,” says Bauer.

“You can find them boneless and skinless, but these won’t offer as many health perks.” The bones and skin are edible and contain important nutrients.

Labneh

Probiotics are key for maintaining good gut health, which supports just about every bodily function.

Sources of probiotic foods include labneh, yogurt and kefir.

Labneh is a Middle Eastern staple nutrient-packed alternative to traditional yogurt, and it has slightly more protein and fat. The straining process reduces labneh's lactose content, which can make it easier to digest than yogurt or kefir. And it has a thick, creamy texture that lends itself to both savory and sweet

Meanwhile, kefir tends to offer a wider variety and number of probiotics than yogurt, while Greek yogurt has double the protein of regular yogurt.

Peanuts

“Peanuts offer plant-based protein and fiber. In fact, they contain more protein per serving than any other nut,” says Bauer.

“That papery peanut skin that’s revealed beneath the shell is a rich source of fiber and antioxidants such as resveratrol — some in as high levels as you’ll find in green tea and grape skins!” Bauer adds.

Peanuts also provide vitamin E and magnesium, as well as heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

The fiber in peanuts helps foster beneficial bacteria in the gut, and “peanuts can help support a healthy weight thanks to the protein and fiber that helps keep you full for longer; they have also been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and these are all factors in heart disease risk,” London says.

Freeze-dried fruit

Eating more fruits and vegetables is a powerful way to help prevent chronic disease.

“The freeze-drying process uses lower temperatures than traditional drying methods, which helps the fruit retain a higher percentage of vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols,” explains Londont.

Besides being a flavor- and vitamin-packed snack, freeze-dried fruit is also a sneaky way to cut back on added sugar in baked goods and breakfast recipes.

Garnish

Garnishes can provide your meal with a sneaky boost of nutrition,

Whenever possible, try to incorporate an aromatic garnish into your meals. For instance: “Chives are rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting. Green onions provide vitamin C and fiber. Sprouts are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like iron,” says Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian and founder of Flourish Heights.

Moreover, pea shoots are sweetly nutritious, while microgreens are super young, tender leafy greens that most vegetables, grains and herbs produce — they are shown to have higher concentrations of phytochemicals and other antioxidants like beta-carotene than leaves harvested from mature plants.

Mushroom of Life - Agaricus blazei Murrill

 

Agaricus blazei Murrill,  popularly known as 'Cogumelo do Sol' in Brazil, or 'Himematsutake' in Japan, also called ‘The Sun Mushroom of Aztecs’, is a mushroom native to Brazil, and widely cultivated in Japan for its medicinal uses. It is now considered as one of the most important edible and culinary-medicinal biotechnological species.

Agaricus blazei Murill has been utilized in alternative drug to anticipate cardiac disease, diabetes, arthritis, increased cholesterol, hepatitis and cancers.

Agaricus contains, among other substances, over 18 different amino acids, 10 different minerals, 16 different vitamins, 46 enzymes, ergosterol, linoleic acid and polysaccharides: 1-3/1-6 beta-glucans.

Immune system

Studies have found that immune boosting properties of Agaricus blazei come from the various beneficial polysaccharides in the form of highly structured beta-glucans they contain. These compounds are known for their amazing ability to modulate the body’s immune response and provide protection against disease. The polysaccharides found in this mushroom regulate the production of antibodies and work as "biological response modifiers".

Data from in vitro and animal studies indicate that Agaricus activates white blood cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes and natural killer cells in the innate immune system, which is an important evolutionary first-line defence system. It detects danger patterns and reacts, destroying the hostile elements (for example viruses or bacteria).

Agaricus is an immune modulator and educator, which means it works intelligently.  If the immune system is over-stimulated (as can happen with auto-immune disorders) the immune system attacks everything in sight including the body’s own tissues. In this case, Agaricus will down regulate the immune system and retrain it so that the response to invaders becomes more selective and efficient.

On the other hand, if the immune system is compromised, Agaricus will stimulate and up regulate it to deal with genuine threats appropriately.

The Agaricus blazei Murrill species has proven antitumor activity for some types of cancer. This is because besides contributing to decreasing blood sugar in-vivo, the β-glucan it contains also acts against cancer. Thus the use of this natural product can improve health and increase the patients' immunity.

Digestive system

Agaricus stimulates the digestive system, containing the digestive enzymes amylase, trypsin, maltase and protease. These enzymes assist the body in breaking down protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Various studies have shown this mushroom to be effective against many digestive disorders including gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcers, viral enteritis, chronic stomatitis, pyorrhea, constipation and loss of appetite.

Liver Health

Agaricus has shown the abilities to improve the functioning of the liver, even in people who suffer liver damage from hepatitis B. This disease has long been considered as among the most difficult to treat and can produce extensive liver damage.

One recent year-long study found that extracts of the mushroom can return liver function to normal. Also, extracts have been shown to be able to help protect the liver from further damage, specifically against the damaging effects of oxidative stress on the tissues of the liver.

However, other research suggests that Agaricus may be linked to liver damage, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or when taken in conjunction with certain medications. Therefore, while it may offer some benefits for liver health, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and consult with a healthcare professional before using, especially if you have any liver issues.

Diabetes

Agaricus contains polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which are hypothesized to interact with cell receptors involved in insulin signaling. By modulating these signaling pathways, it may help cells respond better to insulin, thereby reducing blood glucose levels.

Studies suggest that this mushroom may help lower blood sugar, improve glucose metabolism, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Thus it helps in regulating blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes.

Longevity

One study examining 90 to 100 year old indigenous inhabitants in the village of Piedade in Brazil (they were regularly consuming Agaricus Blazei) showed that their biological age was much lower than their real one. Researchers found that their body cells’ division rate was much lower than normal, which slows down aging processes.

Precautions

Agaricus blazei is considered a relatively safe non-toxic mushroom species that can be consumed for culinary purposes or as a dietary supplement and used in therapeutic amounts for an extended period of time.

However, avoid consumption if you have allergies to mushrooms, which may cause digestive upset. It is important to seek the advice of your health care provider if you have serious medical conditions, are undergoing chemotherapy treatment or taking prescribed medications.

Exercise can improve colon cancer survival

 

An exercise programme for colon cancer patients can cut the risk of dying by a third.

The researchers said it was "not a large amount" of exercise and any type of workout from swimming to salsa classes counted.

In this trial, the three-year exercise programme started soon after chemotherapy. The aim was to get the survey participants doing at least double the amount of exercise set out in the guidelines for the general population.

That could be three-to-four sessions of brisk walking a week, lasting 45-60 minutes, Prof Vicky Coyle from Queen's University Belfast said. 

Exercising besides can reduce fatigue, lift people's mood and boost their physical strength, it was found that 80% of respondents exercising remained cancer-free, meaning a 28% reduction in the risk of the cancer coming back, or a new one forming, after five years.

While eight years after the initial cancer treatment, 10% of respondents on the exercise programme died, compared with 17% in the group given only health advice, marking a 37% lower risk of death.

Exactly why exercise has this beneficial effect is unknown, but ideas include the impact on growth hormones, inflammation levels in the body and how the immune system functions - which patrols the body for cancer.

Dr Joe Henson, from the University of Leicester, said the results were "exciting".

He added: "We know that physical activity regulates several key biological processes that could explain these results, and further research will help us uncover why exercise is having such a positive impact."

In fact, scientists are already investigating whether similar exercise regimes could improve survival for people with other diseases, such as breast cancer.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia

 

Dementia is a general term describing a decline in cognitive abilities that affect a person's ability to think, remember and perform everyday tasks.

Alzheimer's is a specific type of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. It is a disease in the brain that causes cognitive decline, eventually leading to dementia. It is characterized by the build-up of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.

Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may also have difficulty in concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks

Often, they find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

Confusion with time or place

They can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

They could experience vision changes. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving. 

Problems in speaking or writing

They may have trouble following or joining a conversation, may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves.

As a result of experiencing changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.

Also, they may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

They may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

Decreased or poor judgment

May experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

Changes in mood and personality

May experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.

Overall, if you notice one or more signs in yourself or another person, get checked. Early detection matters.

Your Face Wrinkles appear at the Age of 44

 

44 is the average age that people begin to notice the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Before the age of 44, the most common skin issues are spots and breakouts, dry skin and blackheads. Once we reach 44, wrinkles, fine lines and signs of ageing becoming the primary skin concerns.

According to the customer survey of over 300 women and men, the average age we start to notice fine lines, wrinkles and signs of ageing is 44. Our body ages most rapidly between 44 and 60

“We’re not just changing gradually over time. There are some really dramatic changes,” said Prof Michael Snyder, a geneticist and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study.

“It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s – and that’s true no matter what class of molecules you look at.”

Researchers assessed the changes of 135,000 different molecules (RNA, proteins and metabolites) and microbes (the bacteria, viruses and fungi living in the guts and on the skin of the participants).

The abundance of most molecules and microbes did not shift in a gradual, chronological fashion. The transformations tended to occur when people were in their mid-40s and early 60s in both women and men.

“This suggests that while menopause or perimenopause may contribute to the changes observed in women in their mid-40s, there are likely other, more significant factors influencing these changes in both men and women,” said Dr Xiaotao Shen, a former postdoctoral scholar at Stanford medical school and first author of the study.

The first wave of changes included molecules linked to cardiovascular disease and the ability to metabolise caffeine, alcohol and lipids. The second wave of changes included molecules involved in immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism and kidney function. Molecules linked to skin and muscle ageing changed at both time points.

The pattern fits with previous evidence that the risk of many age-related diseases does not increase incrementally, with Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease risk showing a steep uptick after 60. It is also possible that some of the changes could be linked to lifestyle or behavioural factors. For instance, the change in alcohol metabolism could result from an uptick in consumption in people’s mid-40s, which can be a stressful period of life.

The findings could help target interventions, such as increasing exercise during periods of more rapid muscle loss, the authors said. 

“I’m a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy,” Snyder said.