RFK Jr., Zeldin appear in Utah to promote 'Make America Healthy Again' bills
Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin appeared in Utah on Monday to promote a series of bills they said align strongly with the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
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Yahoo
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- Yahoo
Key RFK Jr advisers stand to profit from a new federal health initiative
Federal health officials are seeking to launch a 'bold, edgy' public service campaign to warn Americans of the dangers of ultra-processed foods in social media, transit ads, billboards and even text messages. And they potentially stand to profit off the results. Ultra-processed foods are a fixation for the US health and human services (HHS) secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vaccine skeptic who believes the US industrialized food supply is a 'primary culprit' behind many chronic diseases. 'We need to fix our food supply. And that's the number one thing,' Kennedy said at his confirmation hearing. Bringing healthier foods to Americans has proved to be one of the most resonant issues of Kennedy's 'Make America healthy again' (Maha) campaign – and arguably the only one that Democrats and Republicans agree on in principle. Kennedy has spent most of his tenure as health secretary dismantling key components of US vaccine infrastructure, instituting mass firings and defunding chronic disease prevention programs, such as for tobacco use. The secretary has been less successful in reigning in food makers. Food advocates have described voluntary changes between the government and manufacturers 'disappointing'. Kennedy was criticized by congressional Republicans for targeting agricultural pesticides in the 'Maha' report before it was even released – showing the limits of Republicans appetite for regulation, then the report itself was riddled with errors, likely generated by AI. 'The campaign's creative content will turn heads, create viral moments on social media, and – above all else – inspire Americans to take back their health through eating real food,' said a document published by the federal government that described the campaign. The campaign is expected to cost between $10m to $20m, according to documents. Anyone seeking to apply for the award will have a quick turnaround – the deadline is 26 June. 'The purpose of this requirement is to alert Americans to the role of processed foods in fueling the diabetes epidemic and other chronic diseases, inspire people to take personal responsibility for their diets, and drive measurable improvements in diabetes prevention and national health outcomes,' it continued. The new public relations campaign also highlights the Trump administration's unconventional approach to hiring – including its reliance on special government employees. A key adviser to Kennedy, Calley Means, could directly benefit from one of the campaign's stated aims: popularizing 'technology like wearables as cool, modern tools for measuring diet impact and taking control of your own health'. Calley Means is a senior Kennedy adviser, and was hired as a special government employee to focus on food policy, according to Bloomberg. He founded a company that helps Americans get such wearable devices reimbursed tax-free through health savings accounts. Casey Means is Calley's sister. She also runs a healthcare start-up, although hers sells wearable devices such as continuous glucose monitors. She is Kennedy's nominee for US surgeon general, and a healthcare entrepreneur whose business sells continuous glucose monitors – one such wearable device. Calley Means's company also works with Casey's company. Due to Calley Means's status as a special employee, he has not been forced to divest from his private business interests – a situation that has already resulted in an ethics complaint. Consumer advocates, such as the non-profit group Public Citizen, had warned such hiring practices could cause conflicts of interest. HHS did not respond to a request for comment about Calley Means's private business interests, or his role in crafting the publicity campaign. Although the publicity campaign focuses on the ultra-processed foods connection to diabetes, at least one high profile nutritionist was queasy about its focus. 'The ultra-processed foods – some of those include breakfast cereals that are ultra-processed because they are fortified with vitamins,' said Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. 'Those are good if they're whole grain breakfast cereals and whole grain breads,' he said. Ultra-processed foods are generally recognized as sodas, salty snacks and frozen meals engineered to be shelf-stable, convenient and inexpensive. Such foods are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes – or insulin resistance. The mechanism by which such foods could increase risk of diabetes is unknown, a problem that extends in part from the 'heterogeneous category' of foods that the ultra-processed category encompasses. The publicity campaign proposal does not venture into defining the category, even as Kennedy has fixated on it 'poisoning the American people'. 'When you say processed foods you don't envision a Coke in your brain, and that's the biggest problem,' said Willett, who added that most public service campaigns are carefully crafted and tested for effectiveness.
Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
Texas Law Requiring Warnings on Some Foods Signed by Governor
Texas legislation that will require warning labels on food and beverages such as M&Ms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Fanta will become law after Governor Greg Abbott signed the initiative. Abbott signed Senate Bill 25 on Sunday night — a victory for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, which is looking to remove ingredients such as synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Best Time to Eat Blueberries for Maximum Antioxidant Absorption, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-GarciaBlueberries are rich in antioxidants that fight disease-causing free radicals. Eating blueberries regularly matters more than the specific time of day. Pair blueberries with fats or protein to boost antioxidant have long been celebrated as one of nature's most nutrient-rich fruits. These tiny yet mighty berries are particularly rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in protecting our cells from stress. But not just any kind of stress—oxidative stress. The kind that arises when our bodies are bombarded by too many destructive molecules called free radicals. Fortunately, antioxidants, like the ones in blueberries, help ward off and neutralize these harmful substances. In doing so, antioxidants help protect our bodies from chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. As promising as these benefits may be, does timing your berry intake matter when it comes to unlocking their full potential? Better yet, could what you pair them with affect how well your body absorbs their disease-fighting antioxidants? We spoke with two dietitians to answer these questions and provide additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your bowl of blueberries. Blueberries are bursting with several key compounds and nutrients that have powerful antioxidant properties. These include: Anthocyanins: These plant pigments give blueberries their deep blue-purple color and are the most abundant antioxidants in the fruit. They are linked to improved heart health, brain function, reduced inflammation and protection against oxidative stress. Quercetin: A plant compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting benefits. Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin found in small amounts in blueberries that helps to support immunity and combat cell-damaging free radicals. Resveratrol: While most commonly associated with red grapes, this natural compound is also present in blueberries. It's renowned for its antioxidant, heart-protective and anti-inflammatory benefits. Chlorogenic Acid: A potent polyphenol that helps to protect cells, lower inflammation and support healthy blood sugar levels. Bannan highlights that while each antioxidant has its own unique properties, they all work together to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and promote overall cellular health. While there is no scientifically-proven 'best' time of day to eat blueberries for maximum antioxidant absorption, Patricia Bannan, M.S., RDN, emphasizes that consuming them consistently—whether with breakfast, as a midday snack or even as an evening dessert—can help ensure that you're regularly benefiting from their protective nutrients. 'What's more important than timing is pairing them with other nutrient-dense foods to support absorption and making them a regular part of your routine,' she explains. Maggie Moon, M.S., RDN, adds that right after eating blueberries, anthocyanin levels typically rise for a few hours before returning to baseline. But that's not all. 'Their beneficial byproducts circulate for up to two days, which is why I recommend eating berries like blueberries at least a couple times a week for brain health and overall well-being,' says Moon. Therefore, both dietitians agree that eating blueberries regularly outweighs optimal timing when it comes to reaping the antioxidant benefits. If you want to get the most benefit out of blueberries, Bannan and Moon share a few additional tips to help you maximize their antioxidant potential: Pair them with healthy fats: Pairing blueberries with healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado or nut butter may help your body absorb and use their antioxidants more effectively. Eat them with protein-rich foods: Some research suggests that protein binds to anthocyanins, enhancing their absorption in the body. Opt for fresh or frozen blueberries: These options retain and preserve most of their antioxidant content. Blend them up: Blending them can also improve bioavailability by breaking down the fruit's cell walls. Minimize cooking time: Prolonged cooking can diminish antioxidant levels. But overall, incorporating them into any form, whether lightly cooked, fresh or frozen, is still important to reap the benefits. Take care of your digestive health: Digestive problems, such as low stomach acid or gut imbalances, can also affect how well antioxidants are absorbed and utilized, particularly vitamin C. For delicious ways to make blueberries a regular part of your diet, Moon and Bannan suggest: Enjoying them as a snack: Grab a cup of fresh blueberries to enjoy between meals. Eating them with other antioxidant-rich foods: Pair them with dates, prunes, arugula, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe or other berries for an extra antioxidant boost. Blending them into smoothies: Add frozen blueberries into your morning smoothie with a splash of plant milk or citrus juice. Using them as a topper: Blueberries are a delicious way to elevate your chia pudding or oatmeal. Whisking them into a vinaigrette: Mix together blueberry juice, balsamic vinegar, oil and a touch of honey for a tasty vinaigrette to pour over salads. Making fruit-infused water: Infuse a pitcher of cold water with blueberries and cucumbers for a refreshing drink. Elevating your drinks: Freeze blueberries and lemonade together in an ice cube tray for a fun and festive way to cool down your drinks. It turns out that timing doesn't matter as much as consistency when it comes to maximizing the antioxidant absorption from blueberries. Instead, experts agree that it's best to pair your blueberries with a meal or snack containing dietary fat, and opt for fresh or frozen blueberries when possible. Whether you like your berries blended into a smoothie, sprinkled on top of your oatmeal or on their own as a snack, eating them regularly is the best way to reap their antioxidant benefits. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
