Latest news with #healthTrends
New York Times
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
Rare Appendix Cancers Are Increasing Among Millennials and Gen X
A new study shows that appendix cancer is becoming more common among younger generations, mirroring a pattern that has been occurring with other cancers since the 1990s. Cancer incidence rates among members of Generation X were two to three times higher than among people born in the 1940s, according to the study, which was published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Rates among older millennials, born in the 1980s, were more than four times higher. Even with those increases, appendix cancer still remains extremely rare. Doctors diagnose an estimated 3,000 new cases in the United States each year, compared with more than 150,000 cases of colon and rectal cancers. The findings come at a time of growing concern about the earlier onset of certain cancers, including colorectal, breast and kidney cancers. The new research describes what's known as a 'birth cohort' effect, or a disease becoming more common among successive generations. Such an effect lends credence to the idea that people born after a certain time have had similar exposures to something that is increasing their cancer risk more so than among people born decades before, said Dr. Andrea Cercek, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who was not involved in the study. And the fact that researchers have seen similar generational effects in colorectal and gastric cancers suggests there may be some shared risk factors between those cancers and appendix cancer, said Dr. Andrew T. Chan, a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who researches the epidemiology of colon cancer and also was not involved in the study. Diet is one such possibility, he said. Our consumption of ultraprocessed foods has increased over time, and these foods — particularly processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages — have been associated with increased risk for colon cancer. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Arabian Business
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai startup positions yerba maté as matcha rival in wellness beverage boom
A Dubai-based media executive has launched a startup targeting yerba maté as the region's next premium wellness beverage, aiming to replicate the global success of matcha tea amid an unprecedented boom in health-conscious consumer spending. Raji Tarabay, a senior manager at Publicis Media Group, founded his company, Yerba, in early 2025 after identifying an untapped opportunity in Dubai's competitive wellness market for the traditional South American drink, which has strong cultural connections to Lebanese and Druze communities. 'We're looking at a market that doesn't have any actionable ground or drive to it,' Tarabay told Arabian Business. 'There's a giant gap in the market with actual yerba maté products that have any branding behind them.' The timing aligns with explosive growth in the global wellness economy, which reached a record $6.3 trillion in 2023, accounting for 6.03 per cent of global GDP according to the Global Wellness Institute. The sector is projected to approach $9.0 trillion by 2028, with food, fitness and mental wellness among the fastest-growing categories. Yerba maté, a caffeinated herbal tea made by steeping dried leaves of the yerba maté plant in hot water, has long been popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. Traditionally consumed from a hollowed gourd through a metal straw called a bombilla, it contains caffeine comparable to coffee but without the jitteriness some experience, due to the presence of theobromine – also found in chocolate. The beverage has remained largely confined to South American expat communities and certain Middle Eastern demographics, primarily Lebanese and Syrian consumers whose cultural connection to maté came via immigrants who settled in South America before returning to the Levant. What began as a side hustle for Tarabay and his business partner Bassel Malaeb has quickly evolved into a structured operation with seven employees. The founders are currently running the business as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model but plan to expand distribution channels soon. 'We're running the business like a corporation, even though it's a startup,' Tarabay explained. 'It's just incredible to see right now. Yerba can scale to operate with 1,000 sales or 20,000 sales, and it would operate the same exact way.' Market positioning and health benefits The company's business strategy hinges on positioning yerba maté as a premium wellness product with significant health benefits, rather than simply a cultural curiosity. 'People are out there injecting themselves with all of these drugs to suppress their appetite and lose weight,' Tarabay said, referencing the popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy. 'Something that they don't know about is that yerba maté contains aspects of GLP-1. It also has thermogenic properties, anti-inflammatory properties and reduces bloating.' This wellness-focused positioning mirrors the successful marketing strategy that propelled matcha from a traditional Japanese tea ceremony component to a global wellness phenomenon. Dubai has embraced such trends enthusiastically, with the city now hosting 'matcha raves' – alcohol-free, daytime parties where attendees sip matcha-based beverages while socialising. Yerba's strategy aligns with other successful functional beverages like kombucha, which has seen explosive growth globally over the past few years. The fermented tea beverage market was valued at $1.67 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $7.05 billion by 2027, driven by consumer interest in gut health and probiotic benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these wellness trends, with 41.6 per cent of individuals in the Middle East and North Africa reporting increased consumption of fruits and vegetables during the pandemic, while 48.8 per cent reduced fast-food intake, indicating a shift towards healthier eating habits. Wellness tourism, another booming sector growing at 16.6 per cent annually, was valued at $651 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027. This reflects a growing consumer desire to integrate health-focused experiences into every aspect of their lives, including travel and social activities. Unexpected market penetration Market research and early sales data have revealed surprising consumer demographics, according to Tarabay. 'We didn't expect a certain audience to be very attentive to our product and brand, which was the local community,' he said. 'We see that the local communities are coming back time and time again.' Perhaps more significant for the business model, Yerba has achieved its early growth without formal marketing campaigns. 'Key influencers are trying out yerba by themselves, through their customer journeys,' he added, indicating that planned influencer marketing initiatives could accelerate growth further. Expansion strategy The company has ambitious plans for scaling operations across multiple dimensions. 'We are heading regional. That is the goal,' Tarabay confirmed. 'In terms of expansion, we're actually going to be growing our product lines very soon. We're doubling down on awareness and access for Yerba, it's going to be more accessible in different aggregators and different marketplaces.' While specific platforms remain undisclosed until partnerships are finalised, this multi-channel approach suggests a shift from pure direct-to-consumer to a more diversified distribution strategy. The company draws inspiration from global market developments, with Tarabay noting that in January 2024, popular neuroscientist and Huberman Lab podcast host Dr. Andrew Huberman partnered with Canadian investment firm Tiny to acquire a majority stake in Mateína, a Canadian yerba maté beverage company. This high-profile partnership coincided with Mateína's U.S. market debut and included the development of a sugar-free, non-smoked yerba maté beverage, potentially signalling growing mainstream interest in the product category. Yerba's market positioning balances authenticity with accessibility, recognising both the South American origins and Middle Eastern adoption of maté. 'Our branding is about honouring tradition, but with a modern twist,' Tarabay explained. 'We do believe that it is a great South American product.' This carefully calibrated approach aims to appeal to wellness-focused consumers seeking authenticity while making the product accessible to those unfamiliar with maté culture. Operational challenges However, building a new product category presents significant challenges, particularly in consumer education and securing reliable supply chains for premium yerba maté. 'Even when we were looking around and trying to find the suppliers, it was quite difficult to even find anyone that does this certain product,' Tarabay revealed, highlighting supply chain development as a critical business function. As Dubai's wellness market continues to mature, with consumers increasingly seeking functional beverages that deliver both health benefits and social cachet, Tarabay believes Yerba appears well-positioned to capitalise on emerging trends in a sector that shows no signs of slowing down. 'We genuinely hope that we're going to be achieving the numbers that we are seeing right now when it comes to matcha and kombucha parties,' said Tarabay, with the quiet confidence of an entrepreneur who has identified a genuine market opportunity. 'It does have a great addition to your health, to your lifestyle, and to the community as a whole.'
Arab News
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration
What's the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia RIYADH: Once a niche ceremonial tea in Japan, matcha is now gaining mainstream popularity in Saudi Arabia, thanks to a growing interest in wellness trends, evolving taste preferences, and the rise of mindful living. The data backs the trend. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, Saudi Arabia's green tea market, which includes matcha, was valued at $140.14 million and is projected to grow to $229.24 million by 2033. Imports of packaged green tea nearly doubled in value between 2020 and 2023, suggesting a growing appetite for premium, health-focused drinks. That growing demand is reflected on cafe menus and social media feeds across the Kingdom. Matcha lattes, once limited to specialty coffee shops, are now a fixture at trendy cafes and home kitchens alike. Whether it's served iced in sleek glass cups or whisked at home with oat milk, matcha is more than a drink. It's a mood, a personal statement, and for many, a healthier way to start the day. In Dammam, 19-year-old Sara Anas remembers her first taste of matcha back in 2019. 'My dad likes trying new things,' she said. 'It didn't taste that great at first, but when matcha became popular in 2021, I got excited to try it again from local cafes.' Now, she drinks it almost daily. 'It might sound strange, but I don't feel like it's heavy on my body like coffee. It makes me feel more relaxed and gives me energy in a better way.' Anas is part of a growing demographic. In Riyadh, 26-year-old Amal Al-Mutairi starts every morning with matcha. 'I prefer it iced with vanilla milk to make the flavor smoother and lighter,' she said. For her, the appeal began with reading about its benefits. 'It gives me calm energy without the jitters or crash I usually feel after drinking coffee. It also helps me focus for longer periods.' That calm, focused energy — often described as a 'cleaner' caffeine experience — has made matcha especially popular among students and professionals. For Anas, it's a campus essential. 'It's a must before classes! It gives me the energy to continue my day at uni,' she said. But matcha is more than functional. It's become a lifestyle, embraced for both its wellness claims and its visual charm. Globally, matcha's rise is part of a broader wellness boom. Japan's matcha production rose 185 percent from 2010 to 2023, and demand is now so high that suppliers are warning of shortages. Japan's top growers have begun limiting exports to meet domestic needs. Matcha's health appeal is not just hype. Rich in antioxidants — especially a compound called EGCG — studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and aid cognitive function. A recent Saudi study also found that over half of the participants believed matcha could help with weight management and blood sugar balance. Still, experts note that moderation matters. Excessive matcha consumption may interfere with iron absorption and isn't recommended for everyone. The ritual of preparing matcha, especially for those who make it themselves, has become part of a broader shift toward slow, intentional living — something many young Saudis are leaning into. That ritual is deeply personal for 27-year-old Leen Al-Zamil, who turned matcha from curiosity into a daily indulgence. 'I was curious at first and honestly, I hated it so much, but I think (that's) because it was hot,' she said. 'I liked it cold with vanilla syrup and oat milk. I definitely can't drink it alone.' Now, she can't go a day without it. 'Sometimes twice or more,' she said. 'I like its color … I enjoy every step of making it, and it just tastes so good. It brightens my mood.' Al-Zamil is not the only one who sees matcha as more than just a drink. For 28-year-old Mona Abdullah, matcha represents healing. 'As someone who suffers from IBS, coffee tends to affect me for a while, whereas matcha provides steady energy without causing any discomfort,' she said. 'I've stopped drinking coffee for the past three months. I now believe that matcha is a better source of caffeine compared to black coffee.' Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition. Many people with IBS find that coffee, with its acidity and high caffeine content, can trigger discomfort, making gentler alternatives like matcha a preferred choice. Abdullah drinks it twice a day, iced, and without any added flavors. 'Health,' she says, is what made her switch. Still, matcha's appeal goes beyond health — it's also about aesthetics and culture. 'I think it's a mix of everything,' said Al-Mutairi. 'The health benefits, the taste, and yes, the aesthetic.' Anas echoed that idea, noting that people's motivations vary. 'For me, it's for its health benefits and for the taste. You don't usually get a healthy drink with a good taste,' she said. 'But I think there are a lot of people who drink it just for the aesthetic. You see them adding hundreds of syrups just to say they drink matcha.' That blend of wellness and image — serious health meets playful branding — has fueled matcha's surge on social media. With its bright green hue, minimalist packaging, and frequent cameos in cafe selfies, matcha has become the drink of the 'soft life' movement, one that prioritizes peace, balance, and pleasure. 'It's definitely the vibe and the taste,' said Al-Zamil. In a country where coffee culture runs deep, matcha is not replacing tradition; it's offering something new: a blend of taste, lifestyle, and personal meaning, one bright green cup at a time.
Arab News
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Call for Saudis to join national AI training
What's the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia RIYADH: Once a niche ceremonial tea in Japan, matcha is now gaining mainstream popularity in Saudi Arabia, thanks to a growing interest in wellness trends, evolving taste preferences, and the rise of mindful living. The data backs the trend. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, Saudi Arabia's green tea market, which includes matcha, was valued at $140.14 million and is projected to grow to $229.24 million by 2033. Imports of packaged green tea nearly doubled in value between 2020 and 2023, suggesting a growing appetite for premium, health-focused drinks. That growing demand is reflected on cafe menus and social media feeds across the Kingdom. Matcha lattes, once limited to specialty coffee shops, are now a fixture at trendy cafes and home kitchens alike. Whether it's served iced in sleek glass cups or whisked at home with oat milk, matcha is more than a drink. It's a mood, a personal statement, and for many, a healthier way to start the day. In Dammam, 19-year-old Sara Anas remembers her first taste of matcha back in 2019. 'My dad likes trying new things,' she said. 'It didn't taste that great at first, but when matcha became popular in 2021, I got excited to try it again from local cafes.' Now, she drinks it almost daily. 'It might sound strange, but I don't feel like it's heavy on my body like coffee. It makes me feel more relaxed and gives me energy in a better way.' Anas is part of a growing demographic. In Riyadh, 26-year-old Amal Al-Mutairi starts every morning with matcha. 'I prefer it iced with vanilla milk to make the flavor smoother and lighter,' she said. For her, the appeal began with reading about its benefits. 'It gives me calm energy without the jitters or crash I usually feel after drinking coffee. It also helps me focus for longer periods.' That calm, focused energy — often described as a 'cleaner' caffeine experience — has made matcha especially popular among students and professionals. For Anas, it's a campus essential. 'It's a must before classes! It gives me the energy to continue my day at uni,' she said. But matcha is more than functional. It's become a lifestyle, embraced for both its wellness claims and its visual charm. Globally, matcha's rise is part of a broader wellness boom. Japan's matcha production rose 185 percent from 2010 to 2023, and demand is now so high that suppliers are warning of shortages. Japan's top growers have begun limiting exports to meet domestic needs. Matcha's health appeal is not just hype. Rich in antioxidants — especially a compound called EGCG — studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and aid cognitive function. A recent Saudi study also found that over half of the participants believed matcha could help with weight management and blood sugar balance. Still, experts note that moderation matters. Excessive matcha consumption may interfere with iron absorption and isn't recommended for everyone. The ritual of preparing matcha, especially for those who make it themselves, has become part of a broader shift toward slow, intentional living — something many young Saudis are leaning into. That ritual is deeply personal for 27-year-old Leen Al-Zamil, who turned matcha from curiosity into a daily indulgence. 'I was curious at first and honestly, I hated it so much, but I think (that's) because it was hot,' she said. 'I liked it cold with vanilla syrup and oat milk. I definitely can't drink it alone.' Now, she can't go a day without it. 'Sometimes twice or more,' she said. 'I like its color … I enjoy every step of making it, and it just tastes so good. It brightens my mood.' Al-Zamil is not the only one who sees matcha as more than just a drink. For 28-year-old Mona Abdullah, matcha represents healing. 'As someone who suffers from IBS, coffee tends to affect me for a while, whereas matcha provides steady energy without causing any discomfort,' she said. 'I've stopped drinking coffee for the past three months. I now believe that matcha is a better source of caffeine compared to black coffee.' Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition. Many people with IBS find that coffee, with its acidity and high caffeine content, can trigger discomfort, making gentler alternatives like matcha a preferred choice. Abdullah drinks it twice a day, iced, and without any added flavors. 'Health,' she says, is what made her switch. Still, matcha's appeal goes beyond health — it's also about aesthetics and culture. 'I think it's a mix of everything,' said Al-Mutairi. 'The health benefits, the taste, and yes, the aesthetic.' Anas echoed that idea, noting that people's motivations vary. 'For me, it's for its health benefits and for the taste. You don't usually get a healthy drink with a good taste,' she said. 'But I think there are a lot of people who drink it just for the aesthetic. You see them adding hundreds of syrups just to say they drink matcha.' That blend of wellness and image — serious health meets playful branding — has fueled matcha's surge on social media. With its bright green hue, minimalist packaging, and frequent cameos in cafe selfies, matcha has become the drink of the 'soft life' movement, one that prioritizes peace, balance, and pleasure. 'It's definitely the vibe and the taste,' said Al-Zamil. In a country where coffee culture runs deep, matcha is not replacing tradition; it's offering something new: a blend of taste, lifestyle, and personal meaning, one bright green cup at a time.
Arab News
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Red Sea International Film Festival opens for 2025 submissions
What's the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia RIYADH: Once a niche ceremonial tea in Japan, matcha is now gaining mainstream popularity in Saudi Arabia, thanks to a growing interest in wellness trends, evolving taste preferences, and the rise of mindful living. The data backs the trend. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, Saudi Arabia's green tea market, which includes matcha, was valued at $140.14 million and is projected to grow to $229.24 million by 2033. Imports of packaged green tea nearly doubled in value between 2020 and 2023, suggesting a growing appetite for premium, health-focused drinks. That growing demand is reflected on cafe menus and social media feeds across the Kingdom. Matcha lattes, once limited to specialty coffee shops, are now a fixture at trendy cafes and home kitchens alike. Whether it's served iced in sleek glass cups or whisked at home with oat milk, matcha is more than a drink. It's a mood, a personal statement, and for many, a healthier way to start the day. In Dammam, 19-year-old Sara Anas remembers her first taste of matcha back in 2019. 'My dad likes trying new things,' she said. 'It didn't taste that great at first, but when matcha became popular in 2021, I got excited to try it again from local cafes.' Now, she drinks it almost daily. 'It might sound strange, but I don't feel like it's heavy on my body like coffee. It makes me feel more relaxed and gives me energy in a better way.' Anas is part of a growing demographic. In Riyadh, 26-year-old Amal Al-Mutairi starts every morning with matcha. 'I prefer it iced with vanilla milk to make the flavor smoother and lighter,' she said. For her, the appeal began with reading about its benefits. 'It gives me calm energy without the jitters or crash I usually feel after drinking coffee. It also helps me focus for longer periods.' That calm, focused energy — often described as a 'cleaner' caffeine experience — has made matcha especially popular among students and professionals. For Anas, it's a campus essential. 'It's a must before classes! It gives me the energy to continue my day at uni,' she said. But matcha is more than functional. It's become a lifestyle, embraced for both its wellness claims and its visual charm. Globally, matcha's rise is part of a broader wellness boom. Japan's matcha production rose 185 percent from 2010 to 2023, and demand is now so high that suppliers are warning of shortages. Japan's top growers have begun limiting exports to meet domestic needs. Matcha's health appeal is not just hype. Rich in antioxidants — especially a compound called EGCG — studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and aid cognitive function. A recent Saudi study also found that over half of the participants believed matcha could help with weight management and blood sugar balance. Still, experts note that moderation matters. Excessive matcha consumption may interfere with iron absorption and isn't recommended for everyone. The ritual of preparing matcha, especially for those who make it themselves, has become part of a broader shift toward slow, intentional living — something many young Saudis are leaning into. That ritual is deeply personal for 27-year-old Leen Al-Zamil, who turned matcha from curiosity into a daily indulgence. 'I was curious at first and honestly, I hated it so much, but I think (that's) because it was hot,' she said. 'I liked it cold with vanilla syrup and oat milk. I definitely can't drink it alone.' Now, she can't go a day without it. 'Sometimes twice or more,' she said. 'I like its color … I enjoy every step of making it, and it just tastes so good. It brightens my mood.' Al-Zamil is not the only one who sees matcha as more than just a drink. For 28-year-old Mona Abdullah, matcha represents healing. 'As someone who suffers from IBS, coffee tends to affect me for a while, whereas matcha provides steady energy without causing any discomfort,' she said. 'I've stopped drinking coffee for the past three months. I now believe that matcha is a better source of caffeine compared to black coffee.' Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition. Many people with IBS find that coffee, with its acidity and high caffeine content, can trigger discomfort, making gentler alternatives like matcha a preferred choice. Abdullah drinks it twice a day, iced, and without any added flavors. 'Health,' she says, is what made her switch. Still, matcha's appeal goes beyond health — it's also about aesthetics and culture. 'I think it's a mix of everything,' said Al-Mutairi. 'The health benefits, the taste, and yes, the aesthetic.' Anas echoed that idea, noting that people's motivations vary. 'For me, it's for its health benefits and for the taste. You don't usually get a healthy drink with a good taste,' she said. 'But I think there are a lot of people who drink it just for the aesthetic. You see them adding hundreds of syrups just to say they drink matcha.' That blend of wellness and image — serious health meets playful branding — has fueled matcha's surge on social media. With its bright green hue, minimalist packaging, and frequent cameos in cafe selfies, matcha has become the drink of the 'soft life' movement, one that prioritizes peace, balance, and pleasure. 'It's definitely the vibe and the taste,' said Al-Zamil. In a country where coffee culture runs deep, matcha is not replacing tradition; it's offering something new: a blend of taste, lifestyle, and personal meaning, one bright green cup at a time.
