The US was only grappling with the ongoing Bird flu outbreak, on top of it, the nation is facing another health crisis of the deadly E.coli outbreak. It has reached grocery stores across different counties in the US. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15 people are in hospital and as many as 39 cases have been reported across 18 states so far.

CDC mentioned that the outbreak has been traced to Grimmway Farms and recalled "multiple sizes and brands" of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. Despite these products no longer being available at the local grocery stores, they are still in people's kitchens and can pose great threats to them. Thus, the outbreak is still considered active by the CDC.

The Grimmway Farms has already sold carrots to big supermarkets like Trader Joe's, President's Choice, Cal-Organic, Whole Foods' 365, Target's Good & Gather, Walmart's Marketside, and Wegmans. The full list of this can be found on the official website of CDC, published under the release titled Where People Got Sick: E.coli Outbreak, Organic Carrots, November 2024.

What Is E.Coli?

Escherichia coli, or E.coli is a bacterium that lives in the human intestine and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the US and the UK. In June 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that E.coli cases reported across the UK were part of a single outbreak. It also issued a list of recalled products to parents as the outbreak spread.

There are multiple species of E.coli, and some of them are also harmless. However, there are others that can result in mild symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and diarrhoea, while some can be even more serious and can lead to life-threatening symptoms.

Which US states are most affected?

It has spread across 18 states across the US, including California, New York, Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Colorado. The highest number of cases are reported from Washington, Minnesota, and New York, with California and Oregon the next on top.

The contaminated products are being identified by their best-if-used-by dates. For baby organic carrots, their best-if-used-by dates are approximately between (9/11/2024) September 11 and (11/12/2024) November 12, while for organic carrots, the dates are between (8/14/2024) August 14 and (10/23/2024) October 23.

What are the common symptoms of E.coli?

With E.coli not being a new toxin, being known for a long time in medicine, the symptoms have been studied and can be recognised easily. Rais Vohra, a professor of Clinical Emergency medicine at UCSF Medical and director of the California Poison Control System Fresno-Madera Division says that most people recover, although some may experience severe symptoms too.

The symptoms usually show up within the 3 to 4 days after infection, this may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

In some cases, especially with severe symptoms, a variety of E.coli may produce Shiga toxin (STEC), which can result in bloody diarrhoea and complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome. It leads to kidney failure and death. STEC gets into the gut lining and peels it off, this is why people may get bloody diarrhoea. The bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and can lead to blood poisoning or sepsis.

What do you do if you have E.coli symptoms?

Replenishing fluids and electrolytes which are lost due to excessive vomiting and diarrhoea is the most impactful way to recover from E.coli.

If you notice a 102 degrees Fahrenheit fever, or diarrhoea that lasts longer than 3 days and a bloody diarrhoea, it is a must that you see a doctor.

Preventive Measure

The CDC has issued guides on the "4 Steps To Food Safety".

The guidelines are based on prevention steps and strategies, they include:

• Practising cleanliness, and washing your hands and surfaces often. CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm or cold water, before, during, and after preparing food and before eating food. CDC also recommends washing hands after handling uncooked meat, chicken and other poultry, seafood, flour or eggs. Wash your utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing food and rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.

• Another important part of the guideline urges people to separate food to avoid any cross-contamination. Raw meat, chicken and other poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat food, thus they must be kept separately. They must be stored in containers or be wrapped so their juices do not leak onto other food. A separate chopboard must be used to slice the meat or poultry or any other farm product. CDC also has mentioned to not wash raw chicken, as washing them first could spread the germs to other food.

• Cooking at the right temperature is also the key, and CDC recommends people to use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature. CDC also shared an accurate reading list:

• Whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb, and pork, including fresh ham: 145°F (then allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating)
• Fish with fins: 145°F or cook until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork
• Ground meats, such as beef and pork: 160°F
• All poultry, including ground chicken and turkey: 165°F
• Leftovers and casseroles: 165°F

The full reading list for cooking food can be found on the FoodSafety.gov website.

• Lastly, the fourth guideline is to refrigerate the food properly and not leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours. CDC recommends to keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below.

It started with a simple TikTok video, four large carrots shaved into ribbons, mixed with garlic, sesame oil, lime juice, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and green onions. The resulting “crunchy and addictive” salad quickly racked up millions of views under the viral trend #EatYourRetinol. But is it just social media hype, or can what’s on your plate really show up on your face?

The trend encourages eating vitamin A-rich foods, like carrots, to support skin health from the inside out. “Skincare always starts within,” says Johanna Salazar, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Healing Nutrition, as noted by Martha Stewart. But experts urge a balanced view: while diet can support your skin, it’s not a magic replacement for topical care.

What’s in the Carrot Salad That’s Good for Your Skin?

The base of the salad, carrots, are packed with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, known for boosting skin cell turnover and promoting a radiant complexion. Pairing it with a fat, like sesame oil, helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamin. Lime juice adds vitamin C, key for collagen production, while garlic and green onion offer prebiotics that support gut health, which in turn impacts skin health.

Sesame seeds sprinkled on top bring in vitamin E and fiber, which contribute to skin hydration and a healthy glow.

“It’s a nice mix of ingredients that all play small but beneficial roles in skin support,” says Salazar.

Dermatologists Weigh In: Not a Cure-All

Lauren Kole, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, appreciates the effort to eat for skin health—but with a word of caution.

“Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can negatively affect the hair, skin, and nails,” she says. “But eating an excess doesn’t necessarily make your skin better.”

Kole points out that while beta-carotene from carrots is helpful, it's not strong enough to replace prescription retinol or other topical treatments for conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation. “Diet is not a substitute for proper skin care,” she emphasizes.

Beyond Carrots: Other Skin-Loving Foods

Experts agree that eating for your skin isn’t just about one salad. A variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats are essential. Salazar and Kole both recommend incorporating:

Dark-colored fruits like berries and red grapes, which are high in antioxidants that fight oxidative skin damage.

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and chard, which are rich in vitamin C and help with collagen production.

Vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and cauliflower, which support healthy pigmentation and skin repair.

Healthy fats including avocados, walnuts, flaxseeds, and omega-3-rich foods to reduce inflammation and maintain skin moisture.

According to Kole, diets like the Mediterranean diet—rich in plant-based foods and good fats, have shown potential skin benefits in clinical settings.

Don’t Ditch Your Skincare Just Yet

While the “Eat Your Retinol” movement has its heart in the right place, Salazar and Kole stress that no food trend should replace professional skincare or personalized advice.

Lizzy Davis, Ph.D., a dietitian and assistant professor at UAB, advises people to approach such trends with balance.

“Cooking carrots, for example, doesn’t reduce their skin-friendly fiber,” she notes. “It can actually make them easier to digest and still beneficial.”

Davis also warns against over-relying on TikTok or Instagram for skincare advice. “Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian,” she says. “Social media is convenient, but it can’t give you a plan tailored to your needs.”

We already know that ultraprocessed foods are linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. But now, a new study published in the medical journal Thorax suggests a concerning addition to that list, lung cancer.

According to researchers, people who consume the highest amounts of ultraprocessed foods may face a 41% higher risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer, compared to those who eat the least, even when accounting for smoking and other known risk factors.

What Are Ultraprocessed Foods?

Ultraprocessed foods are industrial formulations made largely or entirely from substances not typically used in home cooking.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, these include artificial colorings, preservatives, emulsifiers, and chemically altered fats, sugars, or salts.

Common examples? Think sodas, chips, packaged soups, processed meats like chicken nuggets and cold cuts, instant noodles, diet soft drinks, and even some ice creams.

These additives enhance taste, shelf-life, and appearance, but at what cost?

What Does The Study Reveal About Food Choices and Lung Cancer Risk

Researchers behind the Thorax study analyzed data from over 100,000 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Each person filled out a detailed dietary questionnaire, which researchers then compared with medical records to track lung cancer diagnoses over time.

On average, people reported eating nearly three servings of ultraprocessed food a day, most commonly lunch meats and soft drinks.

Despite adjusting for smoking habits, age, sex, and other lifestyle factors, the study found a clear association between higher ultraprocessed food intake and increased lung cancer risk, particularly among people who had never smoked.

“This strongly suggests that these foods may contribute to lung cancer risk in ways beyond just smoking,” said Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine and founder of the nonprofit True Health Initiative, as reported by CNN. Though not involved in the study, Katz called the findings “concerning and credible.”

Why Would Food Be Linked to Lung Cancer?

Experts believe multiple mechanisms could be behind the link.

“Industrial processing alters the food matrix,” the study authors explained, “which affects how nutrients are absorbed and may produce harmful contaminants.”

One such contaminant is acrolein. It is a toxic compound found not only in cigarette smoke, but also produced when cooking oils or fats are heated to high temperatures.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists acrolein as a substance that can inflame and damage lung tissue.

Packaging may also be a problem. Plastics and synthetic materials used in food storage can leach chemicals, some of which are known or suspected carcinogens.

Add to that the fact that ultraprocessed foods are often low in omega-3 fatty acids, said Dr. Tom Brenna, professor of nutrition and chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, as reported by CNN.

“Omega-3s spoil easily, so manufacturers tend to remove them to increase shelf life,” he explained. That’s unfortunate, because omega-3s help reduce inflammation, a key process in cancer development.

Smoking Isn’t the Only Risk Factor

Lung cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers globally, with 2.4 million new cases in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. While smoking remains the leading risk factor, experts now believe diet and environmental exposures also play a role.

Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, a professor at Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, as reported by CNN, noted that while the study adjusted for smoking, the adjustment may not have been thorough enough. “Smoking needs to be measured more precisely, by cigarettes per day or years of exposure,” she said. Still, she found the link stronger in non-smokers, which makes the data all the more compelling.

What You Can Do: Eat More Whole Foods

The takeaway? While more research is needed to understand the exact biological mechanisms at play, the connection between ultraprocessed foods and cancer risk can no longer be ignored.

According to Dr. Katz, the solution lies in going back to basics. “Health and diet quality improve when people eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods,” he said, including vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and other plant-based ingredients.

Dr. Zhang agrees. “Avoid foods with long ingredient lists full of unfamiliar chemicals,” she advised. “Focus on meals made from whole or minimally processed ingredients whenever possible.”

Fish oil is a star supplement loaded with omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. It offers a spectrum of vital benefits for women’s health. These extend beyond general well-being to support heart, brain and joint function, especially in areas of concern specific to women.

Fish oil, rich in omega-3s, addresses unique needs across all stages of a woman’s life. From adolescence through motherhood to menopause, fish oil supports cardiovascular, hormonal, mental and reproductive health.

A Boost for the Heart

Fish oil plays a major role in promoting heart health. According to Dr Mohit Bhatia, it helps lower triglyceride levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and improves blood flow, making it essential for proper cardiovascular function. He adds that it also slows the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Karan Khurana, a health expert at WishNew Wellness, concurs, saying that omega-3s in fish oil reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and decrease arterial inflammation. This is particularly vital for post-menopausal women, who face a greater risk of heart disease. Regular consumption of fish oil, he says, can even lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Hormones, Menstrual Cycles and PMS

Women facing bloating, mood swings or cramps may find some relief with fish oil. Dr Bhatia says that some evidence-based research suggests fish oil can help alleviate PMS and menstrual pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Khurana elaborates that omega-3s may regulate menstrual cycles and reduce cramps by lowering prostaglandin levels, which contribute to pain and inflammation. He adds that fish oil can ease common PMS symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness.

Pregnancy, Postpartum and a Baby’s Brain

The benefits of fish oil carry into pregnancy too. Dr Bhatia points out the importance of DHA during this stage, saying it is vital for healthy foetal brain and eye development. It may also reduce the risk of preterm birth and help alleviate postpartum depression.

Khurana backs this up, pointing out that fish oil supplementation not only supports cognitive function in babies but also helps mothers manage postpartum depression. It plays a role in maintaining the mother’s brain health during and after pregnancy.

Bones, Joints and the Menopause Years

Post-menopause, bone health becomes a serious concern for many women. Dr Bhatia says that the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil can contribute to bone health, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Khurana adds that omega-3s enhance calcium absorption and support bone density. Fish oil, he explains, helps reduce inflammation linked to joint pain, promoting stronger bones and better mobility for older women.

Better Moods and Sharper Minds

Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety and depression, and fish oil might just help. Dr Bhatia explains that these fatty acids play a role in elevating mood and supporting brain function, potentially mitigating cognitive decline.

Khurana agrees, saying omega-3s support cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia later in life. Fish oil, he says, may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, contributing to overall mental well-being.

Your Skin Will Thank You Too

Dr Bhatia does not touch on it, but Khurana dives into skin benefits. He says that fish oil improves hydration, reduces wrinkles, and protects against UV damage. Its anti-inflammatory effects can ease conditions like eczema, making skin look and feel healthier.

Final Thoughts Before You Pop That Capsule

Dr Bhatia emphasises that while fish oil is a powerful supplement, it should complement a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. He strongly recommends consulting a healthcare professional before starting, especially for those on medication or with existing conditions.

Khurana suggests aiming for 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily, either through fatty fish like salmon or through supplements. Fish oil, he concludes, is a holistic powerhouse that can help women thrive at every stage of life.