Health

Understanding food labels like “sugar-free” and “no added sugar” can help you make healthier choices when shopping. While “sugar-free” products contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, they often rely on artificial sweeteners like aspartame or stevia. On the other hand, “no added sugar” products have no added sweeteners during processing but may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Although sugar-free products can be useful short-term, “no added sugar” options are typically a better long-term choice due to their natural sugars and additional nutrients. By understanding these labels, you can take a more informed approach to reducing your sugar intake and improving your overall health.

The FDA has issued a Class I recall for 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart in 20 states due to potential listeria contamination. The product, recalled by California-based Braga Fresh, was sold with a best-used-by date of December 10, 2024, and carries the highest risk level. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers who purchased the affected broccoli are urged to dispose of it immediately, even if it was frozen, as listeria can survive freezing. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, chills, nausea, and muscle aches, with vulnerable groups at higher risk.

In India, food adulteration has become a widespread issue, and even everyday items like coffee are not exempt. Many traders mix dirt, brick dust, or soil with coffee powder to increase its weight and profit, compromising its quality and posing significant health risks. Consuming adulterated coffee can lead to digestive issues, kidney damage, and respiratory problems. A simple 5-minute test can help identify fake coffee: by mixing a teaspoon of coffee powder in water, pure coffee will float while adulterated coffee with dirt will settle at the bottom. Always buy coffee from trusted sources to ensure its purity and protect your health.

The Trump administration has halted critical global health aid, affecting HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and neonatal care programs in USAID-supported countries. This decision, part of a 90-day review of foreign assistance, threatens the lives of 20 million people living with HIV who rely on U.S.-donated drugs. Health experts warn the move could lead to the spread of drug-resistant diseases and further destabilize regions in need. Additionally, over 60 senior USAID officials have been placed on leave as part of the reassessment of U.S. foreign aid programs. This disruption highlights the potential consequences of the U.S. scaling back its global humanitarian commitments.

In a rally in Las Vegas on Saturday, President Donald Trump hinted that the U.S. might reconsider its decision to leave the World Health Organization (WHO), following his criticism of the agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Maybe we would consider doing it again, I don’t know. Maybe we would. They would have to clean it up," Trump said, signaling his openness to rejoining the WHO if reforms were made. The U.S. is scheduled to officially exit the WHO by January 2026. Trump also expressed frustration over the financial imbalance, stating that the U.S. contributes more to the WHO than China despite its larger population. Additionally, Trump announced plans to ask Saudi Arabia to increase its U.S. investment to $1 trillion, up from the previously pledged $600 billion.