With the options of tasty junk foods available to us on a whim, it can be difficult to bring yourself to eat healthy. After all isn't it tempting - Why spend your time and money buying expensive healthy vegetables when you can afford junk for cheaper prices and you do not even have to cook! But these habits come at a cost and increase your risk of heart diseases, obesity illnesses and others!

According to the Nutrients MDPI Journal cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide. It is often linked to other health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Obesity, in particular, is a significant risk factor for CVD, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to prevent and manage these chronic diseases.

What Roles Do Green Beans Play In Disease Prevention?

Dietary habits play a really important role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Plant-based diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, have been extensively studied and all the studies have shown that these vegetables have numerous health benefits. Among these plant-based foods, beans and legumes stand out as nutritional powerhouses. Here are some health benefits of green beans according to Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-green-beans

Fiber

Fiber is essential for digestive health. It helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of spikes and crashes. By slowing down digestion, fiber can also help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight management.

Protein

Beans are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. This makes them an excellent protein option for vegetarians and vegans. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Vitamins and Minerals

Beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, folate, and magnesium. Iron is crucial for red blood cell production, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, folate is important for cell growth and development, and magnesium supports muscle and nerve function.

Antioxidants

Beans contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. These antioxidants can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

Weight Management

The high fiber content of beans can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake. Fiber also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and cravings.

Improved Gut Health

Beans promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health and immune function. The fiber in beans acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome can help improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Reduced Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of beans can help combat chronic inflammation, a major contributor to many diseases. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.

Yarrow tea, brewed from the medicinal herb Achillea millefolium, has a storied history that dates back thousands of years. Named after the Greek warrior Achilles, who is said to have used it to treat wounds on the battlefield, yarrow has gained a reputation for its potential therapeutic properties. With over 140 species characterised by clustered flowers and aromatic, hairy leaves, yarrow is more than just a decorative plant—it may hold promise for various health concerns.

Promoting Wound Healing

Since ancient Greece, yarrow has been used in poultices and ointments to accelerate wound healing. A 2019 study found that yarrow leaf extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially aiding in wound recovery. Additionally, a small 2017 study indicated that an ointment combining yarrow and St. John’s wort helped heal episiotomy sites, surgical cuts made during childbirth. Despite these promising findings, more extensive human studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of yarrow in wound treatment.

Supporting Digestive Health

Yarrow has also been traditionally used to address digestive issues such as ulcers, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aerial parts of the plant are believed to contain bitter digestive compounds that support bile flow and function as a diuretic. Research has also suggested that yarrow’s alkaloids may possess gastroprotective and antioxidant properties, potentially improving overall digestive health. However, comprehensive clinical trials in humans are necessary to establish these effects definitively.

Alleviating Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

Yarrow tea may also have mood-enhancing effects. A 2016 literature review highlighted the potential of yarrow-derived alkaloids as natural antidepressants. The researchers suggested that these compounds could serve as a basis for antidepressant drug development. However, most studies included in the review focused on animal models, making it essential for future research to explore the impact of yarrow tea on mental health in human populations.

Boosting Brain Health

Preliminary studies have also examined the impact of yarrow on brain health. A 2017 study suggested that yarrow extracts might help manage certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. Similarly, a 2018 review pointed to the alkaloids in yarrow as potential agents in reducing inflammation associated with brain and spinal cord conditions. While these findings are intriguing, they are primarily based on preclinical studies, underscoring the need for rigorous human research.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is associated with various health conditions, ranging from skin infections to liver diseases. Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory properties have been explored in multiple studies. A 2023 study conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic suggested that yarrow’s anti-inflammatory compounds might also help mitigate virus-induced inflammation. Nonetheless, further research is required to confirm these potential benefits.

Addressing Insulin Resistance

Emerging evidence also suggests that yarrow may influence insulin sensitivity. A 2020 study observed that mice fed with yarrow extract for three months showed improved insulin responses. However, given the limited scope of the study and its focus on animal models, the implications for human health remain speculative.

Yarrow tea, a traditional herbal remedy, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, ranging from wound healing and digestive support to brain health and inflammation reduction. While early studies indicate promising effects, the majority of the research has been conducted on animals or in small-scale trials. As such, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating yarrow tea or its extracts into one’s diet, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medication.

Juicy, refreshing, and packed with goodness, watermelon is more than just a summer treat—it's a health booster in disguise. With every bite, you're getting a dose of vitamins A and C, along with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known to support heart health and reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, its high water content keeps you hydrated, while the natural sugars provide a quick energy lift. Plus, the amino acid citrulline helps soothe tired muscles and the Vitamin C in this juicy fruit helps keep your skin glowing and youthful. While all these health benefits make it look like a superfruit, what do you do if you are a diabetic? Should you consume it or not?

As of now, there isn't any specific research directly connecting watermelon consumption and diabetes management. However, understanding the amount of sugar it contains can help people calculate the amount of watermelon they should consume or if they might consume it at all.

How Much Sugar Does Watermelon Contain?

Watermelon contains natural sugar that may affect your blood sugar levels. The amount of sugar depends on how much watermelon you eat. One cup, or 152 grams (g), of diced watermelon contains 9.42g of natural sugar and 11.5g of carbohydrates. One wedge (about one-sixth of a watermelon, or 286 g) contains 17.7 g of natural sugar and 21.6 g of carbohydrates. A small serving of watermelon may be a nutritious addition to a balanced eating plan if you have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating fresh, frozen, or canned fruit without added sugars instead of products that contain added sugars. But there’s some evidence to suggest that eating watermelon may help reduce your risk for certain diabetes-related complications.

Watermelon Even Benefits Diabetics In Certain Ways

Watermelon contains a moderate amount of lycopene, the pigment responsible for its vibrant color and a potent antioxidant. Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, which is particularly relevant for adults with diabetes, who are twice as likely to develop heart disease or stroke. Research suggests that lycopene offers multiple health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antiplatelet effects. It also supports blood vessel function by enhancing nitric oxide availability and blood flow, regulates cholesterol levels, and helps control blood pressure.

Top 5 Health Benefits Of Watermelon

1. Hydration Boost: With over 90% water content, watermelon is an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather. It helps maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration.

2. Heart Health: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Its potassium content also helps regulate heart function.

3. Muscle Recovery: The amino acid citrulline in watermelon aids in reducing muscle soreness and improving post-exercise recovery, making it a great snack for athletes.

4. Skin and Hair Health: Packed with vitamins A and C, watermelon promotes collagen production, keeping skin firm and youthful while also supporting healthy hair growth.

5. Antioxidant Powerhouse: Watermelon contains powerful antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases.

Kids don't have to be fed burgers or sweet cereals to overeat—simply watching or listening to junk food commercials for just five minutes is enough to trigger a increased calorie intake, a new study found being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Málaga, Spain.

Scientists found that kids from 7 to 15 years exposed to five minutes of advertisements for junk food consumed an additional average of 130 calories a day when compared to the days they watched non-food commercials. That's about equivalent to two slices of bread more a day—a relatively minor increment that can really add up in the long run.

Conducted by Professor Emma Boyland, a food marketing and child health expert at the University of Liverpool, the research found that all these advertisements, whether they featured a specific product or merely the packaging of companies such as McDonald's or Cadbury, produced the same outcome: the kids consumed more food, even when it had nothing to do with the advertisement they viewed.

The study used 240 Merseyside schoolchildren in the UK. Children were presented with either food or non-food advertisements on two separate occasions for five minutes. These consisted of recognizable brand imagery in the form of TV video, social media posts, podcast clips, and billboard-style images.

Following exposure, children were given snacks such as grapes or chocolate buttons. They were later provided with a variety of lunch alternatives consisting of sweet, savory, and healthy food. Children on average who saw junk food advertisements ate 58 additional calories worth of snacks and 73 more calories for lunch compared to the children who watched non-food-related commercials.

This effect in total 130 extra calories per day happened regardless of whether the ad used an ad form or actual food products. Oddly, even brand-only commercials (those featuring logos or jingles without a picture of the food) contributed to overeating.

Professor Boyland highlighted the insidious but potent power of branding. "This is the first study to demonstrate that brand-only food advertising influences what children eat," she said. "The foods that were served following the adverts didn't correspond to those depicted in the adverts, nor did they contain any logos. Yet children were prompted to eat more."

This draws attention to an underlying psychological impact: familiarity with a brand. Kids tend to be introduced to fast food and snack branding from a very young age and are able to identify and develop liking for such items even before the age of formal schooling. These brand symbols—whether it's a golden arch or a memorable tune—release emotional responses such as comfort, enjoyment, or reward, encouraging more food consumption.

The findings raise serious concerns about existing and upcoming regulations designed to protect children from unhealthy food marketing. The UK government has announced a ban on junk food TV ads before 9 p.m. and paid online ads starting in October, hoping to reduce childhood obesity by cutting 7.2 billion calories a year from children’s diets.

Yet brand-only advertising is still a legal gray area and may be used to break the ban. Professor Boyland said the Advertising Standards Authority had so far failed to define the last set of rules, but branding advertisements that do not specifically promote a product may still be unregulated despite having quantifiable impacts on children's purchasing.

This study indicates that we should be examining advertising trends, which are moving toward establishing brand loyalty and positive emotional relationships instead of just highlighting a product," Boyland said.

What are the Health Risks of Kids Eating Junk Food?

Even small daily increases in calorie intake can add up to substantial weight gain over the long term. Pediatric obesity is linked with a variety of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental illness, and it tends to follow into adult life.

The fusion of forceful advertising to children, sophisticated brand images, and minimal regulatory control provides a setting where kids can be constantly encouraged towards unhealthy eating habits, unbeknownst to their parents.

What Parents Can Do to Cut Out Junk Food from Kids Diet

Although policies take time to change, following are practical steps families can take to safeguard kids' health now:

1. Identify Ultra-Processed Foods

Learn to recognize foods that are highly processed and loaded with additives. Fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, and meats are less processed, whereas products with long lists of ingredients (typically with chemical-sounding names) are likely ultra-processed.

2. Beware of Hidden Sugars and Salts

Ingredients such as dextrose, corn syrup, or brown rice syrup are nothing more than disguised sugars. Watch out for packaged breads, granola bars, or yogurts that look healthy but are full of sugar.

3. Read Nutrition Labels Closely

Read labels carefully and notice serving sizes, added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat content. One snack pack can have several servings, and tiny variations make a big difference.

4. Fill Plates with Whole Foods

Prioritize whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Frozen or canned versions with no added salt or sugar are fine, affordable choices. Set these as the default choices during meals.

5. Restrict Screen Time

Attempt to restrict independent screen time during which children may be exposed to screen ads. Where possible, watch media with them and discuss the commercials they watch to foster media literacy.

This research is a wake-up call for policymakers, parents, and public health officials alike. It highlights how brief exposure to junk food marketing can trigger a chain reaction in a child's diet—without them even knowing it.

With brand-only marketing becoming increasingly prevalent and increasingly entrenched in children's online environments, the need for strong regulation, active parenting, and mindful eating habits is more pressing than ever.