More than one teaspoon of salt increases risk of heart diseases, stroke — WHO

Cardiovascular diseases remain the world’s leading cause of death—not only in the Philippines—the World Health Organization (WHO) said. According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases claim an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, with excessive salt intake identified as one of the key contributing factors. The WHO emphasized that reducing dietary salt is among the most immediate and cost-effective ways to lower the…

Starbucks sued over ‘sugar-free’ claims for protein beverages

Starbucks has been sued by consumers who said the coffee chain falsely advertised eight ​protein beverages as “sugar-free” because they contain lactose, a naturally occurring sugar ‌in milk. According to a proposed class action filed on Friday, reasonable consumers would not expect the beverages to contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20- or 24-ounce “venti” ​serving. Federal law prohibits Starbucks…

Drinking one diet soda a day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 38% — Australian study

Diet soda, often seen as a safer alternative to sugar-sweetened drinks, may not be as harmless as many consumers believe. A study led by Robel Hussen Kabthymer and a team of Australian scientists found that drinking one artificially sweetened beverage per day is linked to a 38% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research examined long-term beverage consumption patterns and…

Is intermittent fasting actually effective for weight loss?

Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that focuses on when you eat rather than what or how much you eat, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, which unites physicians and scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. Johns Hopkins Medicine neuroscientist Mark Mattson, who has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years, said the…

The Iran war is showing why the Philippines can’t afford to neglect its farmers

A war thousands of kilometers away is beginning to ripple through something as basic as the Filipino dining table. The conflict involving Iran has pushed oil prices higher, disrupted key shipping routes, and strained global supply chains—especially for fertilizer, a critical input for food production. Farmers are already feeling the pressure. Fertilizer prices have surged by as much as 30% to 40%,…

Malacañang under fire as fallout grows over removal of career DOH officials

With the perceived ouster of career health officials, Malacañang now stands accused of putting institutional stability and expert leadership at risk for political convenience. The uproar follows the exit of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and other veteran DOH officials in what appears to be a politically motivated shake-up. About 55 professional medical groups signed a joint statement expressing concerns of what…

SPECIAL REPORT: Laguna Lake on the verge of becoming the Philippines’ largest septic tank

The Laguna Lake is fast deteriorating into the country’s “biggest septic tank,” Biñan City Rep. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. warned on Saturday, August 2. In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday, Rep. Dimaguila urged the Marcos Jr. administration to take urgent and science-based action to rehabilitate the vital water body affecting millions across Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. “Magkakaroon na…

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