These succulent little berries are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Blackberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese, which your body depends on to carry out some especially important functions. Experts recommend eating about two servings of fruit per day, and a serving of blackberries can certainly fit the bill. One cup usually comes out to about 15 or 16 individual berries, depending on their size.
Staying hydrated is essential, but how much water do you really need each day? While the general goal is around 100 ounces for men and 73 ounces for women, your actual needs depend on factors like activity, weather and metabolism. Water isn’t just about quenching thirst—it supports blood flow, glowing skin and even your teeth. Learn more in the Cleveland Clinic Diet App, located in the app store today!5d
Here’s a medical news story that combines a common habit (drinking coffee) with a common skin condition (rosacea) — and it even has a happy ending.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is probably something you’ve seen plenty of times and didn’t know what it was — or perhaps you have it yourself. It’s that pink or red discoloration on the cheeks some people have, especially fair-haired women. Sometimes there are small bumps that may look a bit like acne. If you look closely (after asking nicely for permission, of course), you’ll see tiny blood vessels just under the surface of the skin. In more severe cases it may involve the chin, forehead, nose, ears, and other skin surfaces. It may affect the eyes, eyelids, and cause thickening of the skin over the nose.
We don’t know what causes rosacea. However, there are theories that it may be, at least in part, a genetic condition, as it can run in families. Because the immune system seems to be involved in the inflammation of rosacea, and because other autoimmune conditions (such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis) may accompany rosacea, abnormal immune function may play a role. Medications (such as topical anti-inflammatory drugs) and antibiotics can reduce redness and inflammation but there is no cure. Many people seem to be able to reduce signs of rosacea by modifying their diet to avoid foods that trigger it.
Rosacea affects more than 14 million people in the US, including some celebrities, such as Bill Clinton and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. And while it’s not dangerous, it can have a significant cosmetic impact. Caffeine, sun exposure, spicy foods, and hormonal factors are thought to be able to trigger rosacea’s development or make it worse once present. Yet, a new study challenges the connection between caffeine and rosacea.
More coffee, less rosacea?
A recent study analyzed health data from surveys provided to nearly 83,000 women over more than a decade and found that:
Those drinking four or more cups of coffee per day were significantly less likely to report a diagnosis of rosacea than those who drank little or no coffee.
Those drinking less than four cups of coffee each day were also less likely to have rosacea, though the protective effect was smaller.
Consumption of decaffeinated coffee was not linked to a lower incidence of rosacea.
Caffeine intake from other foods or beverages (such as chocolate or tea) had no impact on the likelihood of developing rosacea.
Why is this important?
These results of this study are more than just interesting observations. If other research can confirm the findings, it could lead to a better understanding of why rosacea develops in some people and not in others. Because inflammation driven by the immune system is thought to play an important role in rosacea, insights into the development of this disease could extend to advances in other autoimmune disorders. Finally, many people with rosacea (or a family history of the disease) who like coffee may avoid it because of the widespread notion that coffee will make it worse. The findings of this study suggest that’s not true.
There are always caveats
As with all research of this type, there are limitations to consider. For example, this study
only included women, most of whom were white — we’ll need additional studies of men and other ethnic groups to know if the findings extend widely.
relied on health surveys and study participants’ memories regarding past diagnoses and diet; such survey data may not always be accurate.
found a link between higher coffee consumption with lower risk of rosacea, but it cannot determine whether coffee consumption actually caused a reduction in rosacea.
The bottom line
Coffee is one of the mostly widely consumed beverages on the planet, and it’s also among the most widely studied. While it can cause problems for some people (such as heartburn, tremor, or palpitations), it’s a source of pleasure and enjoyment for millions. In addition, coffee has been linked with a number of health benefits, ranging from reductions in type 2 diabetes and liver cancer to greater longevity. From this latest research, it appears that you can add the possible prevention of rosacea to the list.
About the Author
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School. … See Full Bio
Your Chartered Physiotherapist will help you return to sport or physical activity after injury. We are on your team to guide your rehab and support your safe return to the activity you love #ISCP#Physiotherapy#SportsInjury#Physio
Fuelled by a social media craze for the likes of ‘Dubai chocolate’, a chocolate bar filled with pistachio paste and shredded filo pastry, these colourful little nuts are having their moment. Nutrient-dense and packed with heart-healthy fats, are there other health benefits that set pistachios apart? Registered nutritionist Kerry Torrens investigates.
What are pistachio nuts?
A popular ingredient in desserts and puddings, pistachios or “green nuts” add a splash of colour to dishes. The edible seeds of the Pistacia vera tree are a source of healthy fats, protein, fibre and plant compounds that have a protective antioxidant effect.
Compared to most tree nuts pistachio have a balanced nutritional profile with less fat, more protein and fibre (both soluble and insoluble) and a high antioxidant value.
How Long To Breastfeed: What the Guidelines Say and What To Consider
Recommendations encourage breast milk exclusively for baby’s first six months and continuing to provide human milk until age 2 and beyond
How and what you feed your baby is probably one of the most basic — and yet deeply personal — decisions you’ll face when you become a parent.
You’ll hear things like “breast is best.” As in, breastfeeding (chestfeeding) is the absolute best way to nourish your baby.
And then you’ll hear the retort, “fed is best.” Meaning breast milk (human milk) and formula are both fine. As long as your baby is getting nutrients in their belly, all is well.
Then come the opinions on how long you should breastfeed. (You’re still breastfeeding? You gave up on nursing already? You fed your baby formula?)
It can feel like there’s no right way to do it. And there’s some truth to that.
Because what works for one family may not be feasible for another. But that’s OK.
Breast milk can provide certain benefits that formula can’t mimic. But breastfeeding, especially for long periods of time, might not work for everyone. Or you may have been given the impression that you’ve continued providing human milk long after others think you “should.”
No one should feel guilt, shame or otherwise crummy about how they feed their baby. Let’s face it, mom guilt is tough enough as it is.
So, we talked with board-certified breastfeeding medicine physician Heidi Szugye, DO, about breastfeeding recommendations.
How long to breastfeed
Science shows that if you can give your baby human milk (either your own or a donor’s), it has its benefits. And the longer, the better, experts recommend.
12 months to 24 months (and beyond): Mostly solid foods with some human milk, as mutually desired by parent and child.
Previous recommendations called for providing breast milk until age 1. But these newer guidelines (implemented in 2022) are based on the understanding that human milk has benefits that continue long after baby’s first birthday. And they help to remove stigmas associated with people who choose to extend breastfeeding into toddlerhood.
“These recommendations are a call to action for everyone, and that includes hospitals, pediatricians and all physicians that are taking care of families,” Dr. Szugye states. “We want to make sure our practices and policies are set up to support people who choose to breastfeed beyond the first year of their child’s life.”
Think of the guidelines as the best-case scenario. If it works for you, your family, your child, your body and your life to breastfeed for two years or longer, you’re doing a great thing. And there’s no reason to stop until you and your child are ready.
If it doesn’t work for you, that’s OK, too. Your worth as a parent and your love for your child can’t be measured in ounces of milk.
Benefits of extended breastfeeding
The recommendations are based on research showing that human milk has some big benefits. And those perks continue for as long as you continue to supply it.
“Breastfeeding offers tremendous benefits — from custom-made nutrition and increased immunity to protecting you against some forms of cancer. And those benefits don’t go away as your baby ages,” Dr. Szugye shares. “We have more and more data supporting that there are benefits to breastfeeding for more than one year when possible.”
Breastfeeding can offer both you and your baby some big benefits:
Benefits for lactating parents
Benefits for baby
Lower risk of developing conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Decreased risk for ear infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, SIDS, leukemia, diabetes, obesity, asthma and eczema.
“There are a lot of immunologic factors and components to human milk,” Dr. Szugye says. “One big advantage to human milk is that you pass antibodies to the baby. So, if you’re exposed to a respiratory illness or GI illness, those antibodies are passed on to the baby and then that makes them less likely to get sick. And if they do get sick, it’s less severe. It’s almost like a built-in immunity.”
Keeping up milk supply for the long haul
Some people can make enough milk to breastfeed for as long as they and their babies choose. But some don’t. At least not without taking some steps to keep it up.
If you suspect your supply is dwindling as your child gets older, there are ways to help promote more milk production if you want.
“Many people notice their supply drop and mistakenly assume it won’t return,” Dr. Szugye notes. “But if you want to continue to breastfeed, there are options that could help.”
If a supply boost is in order, you can try:
Nursing more often — Add sessions as long as your child will nurse. If you’re away from them during the day, try early evenings, mornings or weekends.
Pumping strategies — An extra session or several short “power pumping” sessions (think five to 10 minutes throughout the day) for several days in a row can trigger your body to make more milk.
Breast massage and compression — Easy-to-learn techniques can improve drainage when nursing or pumping.
Take care of yourself — Reduce stress, rest when possible, hydrate and eat a balanced diet with an extra 500 calories a day to support breastfeeding.
Not an ‘all-or-nothing’
If two or more years of breastfeeding seems daunting, remember that you have options.
For starters, giving your child human milk doesn’t always mean latching them to your breast and nursing. That’s just one way to do it. Pumping milk and putting it in a bottle, cup or spoon are also options.
And you may find that a donor bank could be a route to explore if you don’t lactate or if you have concerns about a low milk supply. Donor milk is pasteurized, screened for drugs, medications and infections, and tested for bacterial contamination before it’s stored and made available for purchase.
“Reach out to your pediatrician or women’s healthcare provider if you’re interested in obtaining donor milk. You may need a prescription from a healthcare provider,” Dr. Szugye suggests.
Remember, too, that any amount of human milk can be a benefit. If keeping up with your baby’s breastfeeding demands becomes too high a burden, there are alternatives.
Some parents may find that supplementing with formula (or other foods and milk after baby turns 1) can help give your child some human milk, while keeping up with their nutritional needs — and not burning yourself out in the process.
“It’s not an all-or-nothing thing,” Dr. Szugye reassures. “Any amount of human milk you can give is a benefit. If it doesn’t work for you to constantly supply human milk, that’s OK. We’re all just doing our best.”
If breastfeeding is going well for both you and your child, there’s no reason to give it up until you’re both ready to.
Feeding a baby is tough work, no matter how you do it. And chances are, you’re doing a fantastic job.