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Common sweetener in fizzy drinks and yoghurt ‘can kill off the deadliest cancer'

Common sweetener in fizzy drinks and yoghurt ‘can kill off the deadliest cancer'

The Irish Sun6 days ago
A COMMON sugar substitute in fizzy drinks, yoghurts and gum could be used to combat one of the deadliest kinds of cancer.
Researchers fermented the zero calorie sweetener and tested it against
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2
Stevia extract could be used to help fight pancreatic cancer, researchers suggested
Credit: Getty
2
They tested fermented extracts against pancreatic cancer cells in a lab dish
Credit: Getty
In the UK, about 10,800 people are diagnosed with
It's the fifth most common cause of
Previous research has suggested that stevia leaf extracts could have potential "anticancer effects".
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But isolating specific substances within the herb that could help protect against cancer and using them has remained challenging.
Researchers from Hiroshima University suggested fermenting stevia with bacteria can structurally change the extract and produce bioactive metabolites - compounds that can impact living organisms.
Study author Masanori Sugiyama, a professor in the Department of Probiotic
Science
for Preventive
Medicine
, said
The team tested their theory out against pancreatic cancer cells.
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Exclusive
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"Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumour of the digestive system with a poor prognosis," co-author Prof Narandalai Danshiitsoodol said.
"Globally, the incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer continue to rise, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10 per cent.
The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer - as patients share their stories
"The primary reason
"Furthermore, pancreatic cancer is highly invasive and prone to metastasis, showing significant resistance to existing treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and
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"Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new and effective anticancer compounds, particularly those derived from medicinal plants."
Researchers used lactic acid bacteria to ferment stevia extracts.
They isolated over 1200 strains from fruits, vegetables, flowers, and medicinal plants and evaluated their health
benefits
.
They finally landed on
Lactobacillus plantarum
SN13T strain (FSLE) derived from banana leaves "to enhance the antioxidant and anticancer activities of stevia leaf extract through fermentation".
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They tested fermented and non-fermented stevia extracts against pancreatic cancer cells in lab dishes.
Fermented stevia killed pancreatic cancer cells more efficiently than the non-fermented extract, the study published in the
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
PANCREATIC cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages.
As the cancer grows and you do begin to show signs, these may come and go and be unspecific, making it hard to diagnose, according to
Common symptoms include:
Indigestion - a painful, burning feeling in your chest with an unpleasant taste in your mouth
Diarrhoea and constipation - see a GP if you have runny poos for more than seven days, especially if you've lost weight as well
Steatorrhoea - pale, oily poo that's bulky, smells horrible and floats, making it hard to flush
Losing a lot of weight without meaning to
Jaundice - yellow skin and eyes, as well as dark pee, pale poo and itchy skin
This suggested that "the fermentation process enhances the bioactivity of the [stevia] extract", Prof Sugiyama said.
Researchers tested out different fermentation levels to see which was most effective against cancer cells.
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Lower concentrations didn't kill cancer cells immediately, but they slowed their growth.
Healthy kidney cells were mostly unaffected by the stevia extracts.
Researchers plan to study how fermented stevia affects cancer in mice
next
, to see how various dosages will work in living organisms.
'The present study has substantially enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of action of the
Lactobacillus plantarum
SN13T strain in the fermentation of herbal extracts, while also offering a valuable research perspective on the potential application of probiotics as natural anti-tumour agents,' Prof Danshiitsoodol said.
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Since the early 1990s, pancreatic cancer incidence rates have increased by 18 per cent in the UK.
The disease is often diagnosed at a late stage because it frequently lacks noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Surgery,
chemotherapy
and radiation can help extend patients' li
ves.
Read more on the Irish Sun
A blood test to pick up early signs of pancreatic cancer
is being trialled in patients with a recent diagnosis of type 2
diabetes
- a known risk factor for the disease.
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Meanwhile,
researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic have developed a new type of jab to fight
.
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I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out
I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out

The Irish Sun

time10 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out

A WOMAN who shed a whopping 6st in just nine months has shared the secret behind not pilling back all the pounds when eating out. Lucy Davies kickstarted her 3 he blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and her experience with Mounjaro on TikTok Credit: tiktok/@insightfullucy 3 She recently revealed her tip for not putting all the weight back on Credit: @insightfullucy 3 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. read more on dieting "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. The injections are licensed for patients with Most read in Fabulous One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. Lucy's results were no doubt impressive - and despite looking incredible, she still enjoys the foods she loves, and it's all thanks to one key tip. Towie star Saffron Lempriere reveals how she lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks - without fat jabs The stunner, who posts under the username @ But while many of may stuff our faces - which is also needed from time to time - Lucy has maintained her enviable figure with ensuring she doesn't go overboard. ''I just make sure I stick to a calorie deficit,'' she told her 34k followers in Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. A calorie deficit is often touted as the key to weight loss - it's when you consume fewer calories than you burn in a day. Calories are the energy you get from food, fuelling everything from breathing to exercise. When you're in a calorie deficit, your body draws on stored energy (primarily fat) to make up the difference, which can lead to weight loss over time. To reach a calorie deficit, you need to either eat fewer calories, increase physical activity or do a combination of both. For example, if your calories are 2,000 per day, reducing to 1,500 calories or boosting physical activity by 500 calories would create a deficit. However, it's worth emphasising that creating a calorie deficit isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like age, how active you are, health conditions and metabolic rate - the speed at which your body burns calories at rest - can all affect your personal calorie needs. Thanks to being mindful, Lucy's managed to lose weight - whilst still consuming a variety of foods, including sweet potato fries which typically tend to be more fatty. However, that doesn't mean Lucy eats like this all the time - there have also been plenty of occasions when the foodie has opted for healthier, more veggie-heavy options to keep the calories lower. ''You can still enjoy eating out on Mounjaro,'' Lucy wrote in the caption. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'

Can't get fat jabs on the NHS? The 6 ‘Nozempic' foods that mimic the effects of weight-loss injections
Can't get fat jabs on the NHS? The 6 ‘Nozempic' foods that mimic the effects of weight-loss injections

The Irish Sun

timea day ago

  • The Irish Sun

Can't get fat jabs on the NHS? The 6 ‘Nozempic' foods that mimic the effects of weight-loss injections

WEIGHT loss drugs can sound like a magical quick fix to overeating and constant hunger pangs. But not everyone is eligible for the drugs, and lots wouldn't opt for them even if they were. Lots of us are still looking to blast some belly fat though, so what if we said you could mimic the meds, with none of the unpleasant side effects? The good news is there are simple ways to mimic fat jabs. 7 With a few diet changes, you can mimic the effects of weight-loss injections without the nasty side effects Credit: Getty Yep, with just a few diet changes, you could swerve the First developed to treat They work by mimicking naturally occurring incretins - hormones, like GLP-1 - that tell your brain you're full up. 'They reduce your minute-to-minute hunger drive,' says Dr Curtis. 'They also slow stomach emptying, so make you fuller for longer and can stabilise blood sugars.' But certain foods can put the brakes on hunger like this too… THE 'NOZEMPIC' DIET 'EVERYBODY creates GLP-1 after they eat, along with a whole swathe of other hormones that tell us we're full and don't necessarily need to carry on eating,' says Emily Lenoir, a registered associate nutritionist and behaviour change coach at Voy. 'There are a few foods that might increase the feeling of fullness, and that often is in relation to a slight peak in GLP-1.' So, pop these in your basket when you next do a big shop… 1. MEAT FEAST 7 Protein takes longer digest and seems to increase GLP-1 levels which will help support that feeling of fullness for longer Credit: Getty CHICKEN, turkey, salmon, eggs… 'Protein takes a little bit longer to digest; it stays in our stomach for longer,' says Lenoir. 'There also seems to be a slight increase in GLP-1 after eating protein.' She adds: 'If a quarter of your meals is coming from protein, which is often what we recommend, then you're likely to have that meal stay in your stomach for a bit longer, and help support that feeling of fullness.' Research from 2020 found that egg whites are particularly handy for GLP-1 release, so get boiling. 2. THE F-WORD 7 Eating fibres in your meal will help slow digestion and make sure you feel fuller Credit: Getty 'That comes from a variety of fruits and vegetables,' says Lenoir. 'If you're getting a whole range of fibres - fermentable fibres (loved by good gut bacteria), and soluble fibres (which slow digestion) - in your meal, that will help slow digestion and make sure you're feeling fuller." Insoluble fibre includes wholegrains like brown rice and wholegrain cereals, as well as leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Soluble fibre, the best type for keeping you full, includes oats, lentils, beans, apples, pears and root vegetables. It turns into a gel-like substance in the gut. Like fat jabs - but by different mechanism - this slows the rate at which food exits, keeping you fuller for longer. Berries are incredibly fibre-rich, as are apples, broccoli, peas, beans and Brussels sprouts. Some studies have found you can reduce glucose spikes, often caused by carbs, by eating your veg first, but Lenoir says not to worry about that too much. 'If you're eating carbohydrates alongside lots of different foods, you're likely to manage that quite well anyway,' she says. And eating things separately isn't always realistic. 'If you're making Bolognese, you're not going to split that up into your veggies, beef and then pasta,' says Lenoir. 3. OATS SO SIMPLE 7 Overnight oats and homemade granola ticks all the boxes to help you feel fuller Credit: Getty GO big on homemade granola and porridge for breakfast to curb hunger pangs through the day - oats are a soluble A 2024 study in the Journal of Nutrition, led by University of Arizona, showed that beta-glucan, found in insoluble fibres like oats, barley and mushrooms, was the only type of fibre that helped mice lose weight by facilitating the release of GLP-1. Lenoir says: 'Oats are high in fibre and have some proteins. 'They tick all the boxes in that respect and definitely help people feel fuller. 'It's important to also pair your meals so you're having a bit of everything. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS? NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them. Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics. Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription. They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions. The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need. NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible. The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor. 'Oats are the majority carbohydrates, so you want to pair that with some yogurt, berries, nuts and seeds on top, to give you that full variety. 'That can help you feel satisfied for a prolonged period, and stop that big peak and trough that can come from a higher carb meal.' 4. GO NUTS 7 Having a handful of almonds or pistachios as a snack might increase your GLP-1 levels too Credit: Getty NUTS can divide a room - some people feel saintly snacking on them, but others are wary of eating too many for fear of getting fat. However, a review from 2016 revealed almonds, pistachios, and peanuts might actually increase GLP-1 levels thanks to being packed with protein, fibre and healthy fats. Lenoir says: 'They're shown to overall be quite beneficial if you're adding a handful here and there, but obviously, if you were eating a huge amount, that might have an impact on your energy levels across a day.' Too many could also impact your waistline, so keep portion sizes under control. 5. HOLY GUACAMOLE 7 Avocados have a good level of fibre in them - and can also slash insulin levels while increasing GLP-1 Credit: Getty MILLENNIALS might get a lot of grief for how many avocados they eat, but it looks like they're onto something. A 2019 study by the Center for Nutrition Research at the Illinois Institute of Technology found the guacamole staple can slash insulin levels and increase GLP-1 levels, alongside peptide YY - another appetite-regulating hormone - when eaten in place of carbs. Avocados also 'have a really good level of fibre' in them, which helps with satiety, says Lenoir. She adds: 'But similarly [to nuts], it's got fats in it, and fats are higher in energy per gram than other macronutrients. 'It's important to consider your whole diet, and probably eating just avocado isn't going to fit the bill.' 6. PICKLED 7 Fermented foods are often dubbed 'superfoods' but could also curb your appetite Credit: Getty KEFIR, sauerkraut, yogurt, pickles and kimchi are all 'Fermented foods help improve the number of good gut microbiome species in your gut, and also sometimes act like fermentable fibres, which give us short chain fatty acids,' explains Lenoir. 'There's some evidence to suggest that that can increase the level of GLP-1. 'If you have a better variety of gut microbiome then you're likely to be able to manage hunger slightly better.' CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION REMEMBER, what you're eating is only part of the story. 'There's two sides of hunger: You can feel physically hungry, but you can also feel unsatisfied because you simply aren't including foods you enjoy,' says Lenoir. This can actually lead to overeating, she warns: 'Psychologically, that can increase things like cravings.' So while not overly nourishing or hunger-busting, completely cutting out biscuits or chips could actually jeopardise your weight loss goals. 'I would never recommend people cut things out, it's always about finding that balance of how to stay satisfied for as long as possible, but also having foods you really enjoy,' says Lenoir. And whether you're on weight loss medication, or trying to shed pounds in the traditional way, also avoid eating too little. 'What we really want to maximise is your health gain as you're losing weight,' says Dr Curtis - that doesn't happen if your diet becomes too restricted. 'That's when we worry about undernutrition,' says Dr Curtis. 'I tell patients to make sure every calorie counts.'

Israel to allow foreign aid to parachute into Gaza but continues bombardment despite growing global pleas for ceasefire
Israel to allow foreign aid to parachute into Gaza but continues bombardment despite growing global pleas for ceasefire

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

Israel to allow foreign aid to parachute into Gaza but continues bombardment despite growing global pleas for ceasefire

ISRAEL will allow foreign aid to parachute into Gaza despite continuing its relentless onslaught. Horror scenes of mass starvation have sparked an Advertisement 7 A mother cradles her 18-month child in Gaza where fears of famine are growing Credit: Getty 7 Smoke billows over destroyed buildings after an Israeli airstrike Credit: AFP 7 Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen Credit: Reuters 7 A boy cries as he tries to receive food in the under siege territory Credit: Getty Aid groups warned this week Palestinians are on the brink of famine with one in five children suffering from malnutrition, with UN warning civilians are becoming "walking corpses". But Israel has denied responsibility, Aid drops into the territory will be managed by Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, an Israeli official said. Despite the concession, Advertisement Read more on Gaza here Explosions from fresh overnight strikes rocked the besieged coastal strip, with Israeli Defence Forces troops continuing to advance on Hamas lairs. The terrorists are still hiding out within civilian communities after the cornered Islamist group repeatedly rejected ceasefire terms. French president Macron held emergency talks over the crisis today with UK PM Sir Keir Starmer who called conditions in the 25-mile enclave 'unspeakable and indefensible'. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Starmer has already declared statehood is Palestinians' 'inalienable right' but has yet to officially declare recognition. Humanitarian workers have reported seeing children 'emaciated, weak and at high risk of dying' without urgent treatment, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UNRWA relief agency said. Parish priest Gabriel Romanelli is being treated after Israel hit Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza Starmer said: 'We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe. 'The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible. While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen.' Advertisement Gaza's health ministry - which is controlled by Hamas - said 82 of 113 hunger-related deaths recorded there so far are Palestinian children. But scores of desperate, innocent civilians have been killed queuing for food aid amid claims of IDF atrocities. US and Israeli negotiators in Qatar walked out of ceasefire talks on Thursday after Hamas submitted a list of 'impossible' demands. They reportedly included the release of more prisoners in exchange for hostages, including captured commandos involved in the October 7 attacks. Advertisement He added that the terror group's 'lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza' was the reason US negotiators had been recalled. 7 Smoke and flames rise from a residential building hit by an Israeli strike Credit: Reuters 7 Injured Palestinians are transported to hospitals Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to protest the ongoing attacks on Gaza Credit: Getty Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv's Habima Square on Thursday for a protest demanding Israel's strongman PM Benjamin Netanyahu end the Gaza war and return the hostages. Netanyahu has been accused of prolonging the bloodbath to save his political skin - and deflect blame for the security lapses which enabled Hamas to carry out the October 7 horror. The rally, which began with a moment of silence for fallen soldiers, was joined by parents of hostages, parents of soldiers, and reservists demanding and end to the war. Advertisement Retired military commander Major General Noam Tibon said at the rally: 'In the beginning, this was a just war after 22 months, this war no longer has a security purpose. 'The war has turned into a political war, and while the best of us are falling in Gaza.'

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