Study: Manuka Honey Shows Promise for Dry Eyes, Sinus Issues, and Oral Health

 New research indicates that manuka honey, a variety produced by bees that pollinate the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand, may offer benefits beyond its established use in wound care. According to a report published in The Epoch Times, scientists are finding that manuka honey can help alleviate dry eyes, calm sinus inflammation, and improve oral health.

The honey's unique properties stem from its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Unlike regular honey, which relies on hydrogen peroxide for antimicrobial action, manuka honey uses a stable non-peroxide mechanism, according to registered dietitian Tina Alexander, as quoted in The Epoch Times.

What Makes Manuka Honey Different

Manuka honey is derived almost exclusively from the nectar of the manuka bush, which flowers for only a few weeks each year in remote parts of New Zealand, according to the report. This rarity, combined with the thixotropic properties that make it solid at room temperature and liquid when stirred, contributes to its higher cost, which can range from $20 to $200 per jar depending on purity and antibacterial activity.

The grading system for manuka honey is administered by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. Products are rated from UMF 5+ to UMF 25+, indicating the concentration of MGO and the strength of antibacterial activity. Tina Alexander told The Epoch Times that regular raw honey fights bacteria using hydrogen peroxide, which degrades quickly when exposed to heat, light, or body fluids, while manuka honey's non-peroxide antimicrobial activity remains stable under difficult conditions.

Honey has been used medicinally since ancient times. A Sumerian tablet dating from around 2100 BC describes honey as a salve for wounds, and the Ebers Papyrus from 1550 BC mentions a honey-based dressing, according to Jenny Linford's book "The Seven Culinary Wonders of the World." ^[1] Manuka honey, in particular, has been described as a "scientifically backed superfood with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties" in recent reporting. ^[2]

Potential Benefits for Dry Eyes

A study published in Frontiers in Ophthalmology found that manuka honey-based eye drops outperformed artificial tears in relieving dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery, according to The Epoch Times. The prospective controlled study examined 53 eyes from 53 patients; 25 received manuka honey eye drops, and 28 received drops containing sodium hyaluronate. The manuka honey group reported less dryness, irritation, and redness one month after the operation.

The authors described their results as "hypothesis-generating," meaning the findings require confirmation in larger, longer trials. Dr. Natasha Herz, a board-certified ophthalmologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, expressed concerns about the study's lack of a control group and uncertainty about participants' use of other eye drops. She noted that manuka honey-based drops are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for ophthalmic use, as honey is not a permitted active ingredient in over-the-counter eye medications.

A separate article on honey's health-supporting properties notes that unprocessed raw honey can lower fasting blood glucose and cholesterol when used as a substitute for sugar, and that honey has been studied for dry eye disease. ^[3] However, the article does not specifically address manuka honey eye drops.

Benefits for Nasal Passages and Sinuses

Manuka honey's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may also benefit nasal and sinus health. Laboratory research has shown that manuka honey can inhibit antibiotic-resistant bacteria and flu viruses, according to The Epoch Times. A 2014 study found that when manuka honey was combined with the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), the amount of drug required to achieve the same effect dropped to nearly 1/1000th of the normal dose.

A study of 19 people with primary atrophic rhinitis tested a 10 percent manuka honey nasal spray on one side of the nose and saline on the other for eight weeks. The side treated with manuka honey showed greater improvements, including decreased inflammation of the nasal lining and increased beneficial bacteria in the nasal microbiome. Several commercial manuka honey nasal sprays are available, typically combining purified medical-grade honey with saline.

According to an article on the health benefits of manuka honey, its antibacterial action stems from high levels of polyphenols and MGO, which disrupt bacterial cell walls and inhibit growth. ^[4] The article notes that manuka honey does not promote bacterial resistance the way conventional antibiotics can, as it acts through multiple mechanisms simultaneously.

Benefits for Oral Health

Multiple studies have found that manuka honey inhibits harmful oral bacteria, reduces plaque buildup, and eases gingivitis, according to The Epoch Times. A 2025 randomized controlled trial of 42 older adults with dry mouth (xerostomia) found that oral rinses containing manuka honey boosted salivary flow more effectively than rinses with regular honey or saline.

A small pilot study found that volunteers who chewed a manuka honey "leather" for 10 minutes three times daily after meals saw significant reductions in plaque and bleeding gums compared with those who used sugarless gum over 21 days. Manuka honey has also been shown to reduce plaque more effectively than xylitol chewing gum and perform comparably to chlorhexidine mouthwash.

The use of honey for oral health is not new. The book "The Healing Powers of Honey" by Cal Orey describes honey combined with natural ingredients to enhance circulation and soothe skin, but also notes honey's historical use for various ailments. ^[5] Additionally, an article on NaturalNews.com states that honey is a "healing wonder of nature" and that manuka honey healed pressure wounds in sick children better than standard care. ^[6]

Dosage and Precautions

A standard serving of manuka honey is one to two teaspoons, according to registered dietitian Tina Alexander, as quoted in The Epoch Times. "Consuming significantly more than this will cause a meaningful spike in blood glucose and insulin, contributing excess calories without additional therapeutic benefit," she said.

Manuka honey should not be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of botulism. People with diabetes should use it cautiously due to its high sugar content. Possible gastrointestinal effects include bloating and a mild laxative effect, particularly at higher doses. Alexander emphasized that honey remains an added sugar and should be used as a targeted functional tool rather than a daily wellness supplement, according to the report.

Conclusion

Researchers and clinicians cited in The Epoch Times regard manuka honey as a targeted functional tool with potential benefits for eye, sinus, and oral health, but they note that larger trials are needed to confirm the findings. Experts advise consulting a physician before using manuka honey for chronic conditions and verifying authenticity through UMF grading. As Tina Alexander stated, honey remains an added sugar and is best used as a targeted remedy rather than a daily supplement.

What happens to your blood pressure when you drink beet juice?

 If you're over 65 and struggling with high blood pressure, a simple glass of beetroot juice twice daily could make a meaningful difference. But if you're younger, don't expect the same results. That's the takeaway from a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter, which found that nitrate-rich beetroot juice lowered systolic blood pressure by approximately 4 mmHg in older adults with elevated readings. The same benefits did not appear in participants aged 18 to 30.

The study, published in Nutrition Research, recruited two groups: 39 people ages 18-30 and 36 people aged 65-79. All participants had blood pressure at or below 140/90, considered the threshold for high blood pressure and no active oral disease.

For three two-week periods, participants drank about 2.5 ounces of either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or a placebo juice twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Between each juice period, they rinsed with mouthwash twice daily for two weeks.

The oral microbiome connection

What makes this study particularly intriguing is what researchers discovered about the role of the mouth. Beetroot juice contains naturally occurring nitrates that are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator, enhancing circulation and reducing blood pressure.

But the conversion process doesn't happen in isolation, it depends heavily on the bacteria living in your mouth. "Individuals with elevated blood pressure showed greater reductions," study author Anni Vanhatalo, PhD, a professor of human physiology at the University of Exeter Medical School, told Health.

Results from oral microbiome testing revealed a direct link between blood pressure decreases and the suppression of certain inflammatory oral bacteria. One key group that appeared to be suppressed, Prevotella species, may interfere with the production of nitric oxide. Some bacteria disrupt nitrate conversion by producing ammonia, reducing nitric oxide production and undermining blood pressure benefits.

In other words, beetroot juice reshapes the oral microbiome, suppressing harmful bacteria while boosting beneficial bacteria that improve nitrate-to-nitrite conversion for blood vessel relaxation.

A separate study published in Nutrition Research found that daily consumption of beetroot juice concentrate significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in overweight individuals over age 50. After just three weeks of supplementation, participants experienced a reduction of 1.3 mmHg compared to those who consumed blackcurrant juice.

However, the study included an important caveat: these benefits diminish if consumption is discontinued. A one-week follow-up phase post-supplementation showed that blood pressure levels began to return toward baseline once participants stopped drinking the juice.

The effects were also most noticeable when blood pressure was measured at home rather than during 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, suggesting that beetroot juice may be particularly effective for managing daily blood pressure fluctuations.

Should you try beetroot juice?

Experts emphasize that beetroot juice is not a cure-all, but it can be a valuable addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle. "The polyphenols found in beetroot help nitric oxide from being oxidized, leaving more for the body to use," Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished, told Health.

Beetroot juice is packed with nitrates, folate, vitamin C, potassium and plant compounds that may decrease inflammation and regulate blood pressure. However, it's not for everyone. Some people may experience stomach discomfort if they drink too much and Routhenstein warned that people prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones may also want to limit their intake.

"I think beetroot juice is a viable way to lower blood pressure, but it should not replace core lifestyle strategies," Veronica Rouse, RD, owner of The Heart Dietitian, told Health. Experts recommend combining beetroot juice with the DASH diet, limiting sodium, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and managing sleep and stress for optimal blood pressure control. 

Raisins: Nutritional Content and Cardiovascular Effects

 Raisins, made by drying grapes under the sun or in ovens, have been a food staple for centuries.

According to an article on NaturalNews.com, historical records show that raisins were discovered as early as ancient times ^[1]. Selene Yeager, in "The Doctors Book of Food Remedies," noted that backpackers and hikers appreciate them for their high-energy content and low fat, describing them as "just as useful as ever" ^[2].

Research suggests that dried fruits like raisins may play a role in cardiovascular health. A report from the National Institute of Medicine (NAM) cited by NaturalNews.com indicates that potassium deficiency may be a critical factor in high blood pressure and heart disease, and that the average American consumes only half of the recommended daily amount of potassium, which is 4,700 milligrams per day ^[3].

Another study cited by NaturalNews.com found that replacing regular salt with a potassium-fortified alternative was associated with a 40% lower risk of dying from heart disease or stroke among elderly Taiwanese men ^[4]. These findings support the potential cardiovascular benefits of potassium-rich foods such as raisins.

Nutritional Composition of Raisins

Raisins are a concentrated source of nutrients and energy. The article "Boost your health with raisins" on NaturalNews.com describes them as "nature's tiny nuggets of nutrition" ^[1]. An article on NaturalNews.com on dried fruit states that recent studies have shown dried fruit to be "a treasure trove of nutrients" ^[5].

In terms of specific compounds, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry by Louise E. Bennett examined the total polyphenolics and antioxidant properties of selected dried fruits, including sultanas (a type of raisin). The research provided supportive evidence for the storage stability of phenolics in emulsion-dried sultanas, indicating that these antioxidant compounds remain present after processing ^[6]. Antioxidants like polyphenols are associated with reduced oxidative stress, which is a factor in cardiovascular disease.

Evidence for Cardiovascular Benefits

The potential cardiovascular benefits of raisins are linked to their nutrient profile, particularly potassium and polyphenols. The NAM report, as described in the NaturalNews.com article, emphasizes that potassium deficiency may be a critical factor in high blood pressure and heart disease ^[3]. Raisins provide a natural source of this mineral.

Furthermore, a meta-analysis referenced in the book by an author described as a professional speaker on the digital transformation of humanitarian efforts noted that liberal consumption of fruits and vegetables is linked to a lowered risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular diseases ^[7]. The book further states, "Comprehensive meta-analyses have found that the liberal consumption of vegetables, berries and fruits is linked to a lowered risk of death, particularly in relation to cardiovascular diseases" ^[7]. While raisins are specifically a dried fruit, they fall under the broader category of fruit consumption that is associated with these benefits.

Recommended Serving Size

Dietary guidelines for fruit consumption generally recommend several servings per day. The book by an author described as a professional speaker on the digital transformation of humanitarian efforts states that it is generally recommended to eat 5 to 9 portions (around 400 grams) of fruits, vegetables, and berries daily ^[7]. Dried fruit, including raisins, can contribute to this total.

An article on NaturalNews.com about snacking on dried fruit notes that it "allows you to enjoy favorite fruits even when they are out of season" and that "eating natural snacks like dried fruit aligns with a healthy diet" ^[5]. While specific serving sizes for raisins were not detailed in the provided sources, the general recommendation for dried fruit is to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole fruits.

Potential Considerations

While raisins offer nutritional benefits, they are a concentrated source of natural sugars. Yeager's book "The Doctors Book of Food Remedies" notes that raisins provide "high-energy content," which is beneficial for hikers but also implies a higher calorie density compared to fresh fruit ^[2]. Individuals who monitor their caloric intake or blood sugar levels should consider portion sizes.

Additionally, the book "200 surefire ways to eat well feel better" by Judith C. Rodriguez discusses how cooking and processing can affect nutrition, noting that vitamin C can be lost when vegetables are cooked in water and B vitamins are lost when manufacturers refine grains ^[8]. While this does not directly address dried fruit, it highlights that processing methods can alter nutrient content. Raisins, being sun-dried or oven-dried, retain many of the grape's original nutrients but also concentrate the sugars.

Conclusion

Available evidence from multiple sources indicates that raisins are a nutrient-dense food that can contribute to a heart-healthy diet. Their potassium content as highlighted by reports may help address common deficiencies associated with high blood pressure ^[3]. Research on dried fruit antioxidants, such as the study on sultanas by Bennett, supports the presence of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for health ^[6].

While raisins offer energy, fiber and antioxidants, officials advise consuming them in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. The link between fruit consumption and reduced cardiovascular disease risk, as noted in comprehensive meta-analyses ^[7], underscores the value of including raisins in a varied diet.

The chemical invasion: How hidden toxins in your food may be fueling the metabolic crisis

 Everything people eat – fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins – passed through a food system that, somewhere along the way, involved pesticides, fertilizers and trace metals. Most of the time, they don't think much about that. But a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that maybe we should.

Researchers found that some of the chemicals traveling through the food supply leave detectable traces in the blood, and those traces appear to track closely with a condition called metabolic syndrome (MetS) – a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, excess belly fat and high blood sugar that raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This revelation comes as no surprise to those who have long warned that the toxic chemical assault on our food supply is not accidental, but rather a calculated component of the globalist depopulation agenda.

Metabolic syndrome now affects roughly 34.7% of adults in the U.S. and 33.9% in China. While diet and lifestyle are known contributors, how food-related chemical exposures factor into MetS has remained largely unclear – until now.

The surprising duo tied to metabolic syndrome

Researchers recruited adults from a health screening program in China, dividing them into two groups of 450 participants each. One group was used to identify patterns, the second group was used to double-check that those patterns held up. Each group included people with MetS, people in the early stages of MetS and healthy controls. The team analyzed blood samples from all participants, looking for small molecules that showed up differently depending on metabolic health status.

In a smaller sub-group of 252 participants, they also tested urine samples for food-related metals – things like chromium and mercury – to see whether environmental exposures might connect to what they were finding in the blood. Among the many blood markers the researchers measured, two stood out.

The first was LPC, a type of fat molecule that plays a role in how the body manages lipids and inflammation. The second was procymidone, a fungicide commonly used in agriculture, which showed up as a detectable residue in participants' blood.

Both markers were successfully validated in the smaller sub-group of 252 participants, adding confidence that these findings weren't a fluke. The researchers also used machine learning to see whether looking at several blood markers together could identify people with metabolic syndrome.

They found that LPC and procymidone may act as links between food-related chemical exposures and metabolic syndrome risk. LPC appeared to connect chromium exposure to MetS risk, and procymidone appeared to connect mercury exposure to MetS risk. Diet is considered a major source of both chromium and mercury for most people, though the study doesn't identify specific foods.

What this means for your health, and what you can do

This research adds to a growing body of evidence that metabolic health is shaped by more than just calories and exercise. The chemicals that travel through our food supply may interact with our biology in ways that are only now becoming measurable.

That doesn't mean overhauling your life based on one study. But it does reinforce some habits that are already well-supported by the evidence:

• Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods: The more steps between a food and your plate, the more opportunities for chemical exposure. A diet built around vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and quality proteins naturally reduces that load and supports your metabolism at the same time.
• Wash your produce: It won't eliminate pesticide residues entirely, but washing fruits and vegetables under running water does reduce surface residues in a meaningful way.
• Vary your protein sources: Rotating your sources helps distribute exposure risk rather than concentrating it.

Support your metabolism with the basics: Regular movement, adequate fiber, quality sleep and stress management all support the metabolic pathways this research is examining.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the chemical invasion is a deliberate assault on human health, orchestrated by globalist corporations and captured regulatory agencies to sicken and depopulate the masses through processed foods, pesticides and additives. These hidden toxins are fueling the metabolic crisis by causing inflammation, mitochondrial damage and endocrine disruption, all while the corrupt medical system profits from the resulting disease.

The solution is not more government regulation – it's taking control of your own food supply. Grow your own food, support local organic farmers, and learn the skills of homesteading and permaculture. The globalists want you dependent on their poisoned food system, and the only way to break free is to build your own.

Dietitian Lists 9 Savory Snacks That Combine Taste and Nutrition

 Snacking is often associated with chips, pretzels, and other processed items, but dietitians say that savory snacks can be both satisfying and nutrient-dense. According to a report on NaturalNews.com, dietitian Molly Knudsen has recommended that snacks should contain at least 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber to promote satiety between meals. [1]

The key nutrients for fullness, according to the dietitian, include protein, fiber and healthy fats. Many common snacks on the market fall short of these targets, leading to quick hunger returns. Knudsen’s guidelines offer a framework for selecting or preparing snacks that support sustained energy and overall nutrition.

High-Protein and High-Fiber Options

Roasted chickpeas provide approximately 6 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per ounce, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data cited in the report. Edamame, or steamed soybeans, offers 18.5 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per cup, making it a particularly filling choice. Both snacks can be seasoned with spices such as garlic powder or cumin and roasted or microwaved for a quick preparation. [1]

Pumpkin seeds are another option that fits the protein and fiber criteria. According to a separate report on NaturalNews.com, pumpkin seeds provide sustained vitality and are rich in nutrients, though specific protein and fiber values vary by serving size. [2] These seeds can be added to other snacks or eaten alone.

Dairy and Seafood Snacks for Sustained Energy

Cottage cheese is a high-protein dairy option that dietitians recommend for savory bowls. Cottage cheese is rich in high-quality protein, especially slow-digesting casein, and is low in carbs.

It also contains essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, B12, selenium and probiotics. [3] A cup of cottage cheese provides about 25 grams of protein, which can be paired with chopped vegetables and herbs for a savory snack.

Tuna salad served with whole-grain crackers adds omega-3 fats and fiber. The dietitian notes that both cottage cheese and tuna salad require minimal preparation and can be customized with herbs and spices.

The combination of protein from tuna and fiber from crackers aligns with Knudsen’s satiety recommendations. Using whole-food ingredients, as advised by dietitian Basima Williams in an interview with the Health Ranger Mike Adams, helps avoid processed additives. [4]

Whole-Grain and Vegetable-Based Crunchy Snacks

Popcorn is a whole grain that can be made more nutritious by adding pumpkin seeds, which boost protein and healthy fats. Homemade sweet potato chips provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin A when baked with simple ingredients like olive oil and salt. According to Taylor Riggs in the book "Real Food Real Simple," potatoes can be tossed with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and baked until tender, a method applicable to sweet potato chips. [5]

Broccoli cheddar quinoa bites combine quinoa's protein and fiber with broccoli’s nutrients. Quinoa is a complete protein, and broccoli adds vitamin C and fiber.

These bites can be baked in a muffin tin for a portable snack. The dietitian recommends whole-food preparations over highly processed alternatives, as highlighted in studies showing that processed foods can negatively affect brain function. [6]

Dips, Plates and General Tips

Hummus (made from chickpeas) and tahini (made from sesame seeds) offer fiber, plant protein and antioxidants when served with raw vegetables. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes such combinations, has been recognized by dietitians as a healthful eating pattern, according to a NaturalNews.com report. [7] A Mediterranean snack plate might include olives, hummus, sliced vegetables and feta cheese, providing a balanced mix of macronutrients.

The dietitian recommends that each snack include a source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats while prioritizing simple, whole ingredients. Toby Amidor, author of "The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook," suggests using seasonal produce and easy-to-prepare components to make snack preparation convenient. [8] Following these tips can help consumers navigate packaged snack options by reading ingredient lists and choosing items with recognizable ingredients.

Conclusion: Making Healthier Snack Choices

According to Knudsen, whole-food snacks can satisfy cravings while providing essential nutrients. The nine savory options outlined – roasted chickpeas, edamame, cottage cheese, tuna salad with crackers, popcorn with pumpkin seeds, sweet potato chips, broccoli cheddar quinoa bites, hummus with vegetables, and Mediterranean snack plates – demonstrate that taste and nutrition can coexist. [1]

Readers are encouraged to experiment with these recipes and to apply the dietitian's tips when selecting packaged snacks, such as checking for at least 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving. By focusing on simple, whole ingredients, individuals can improve their snacking habits and overall dietary quality.

These everyday US grocery items still contain ingredients banned in other countries

 Nutritionist Danielle Smiley asked her client to read the ingredients on a box of cheese crackers she ate almost every day. The client got to BHA and stopped.

“She had no idea what it was,” said Smiley, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Maryland. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic preservative the National Toxicology Program lists as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on animal studies. “She was eating multiple foods every day engineered for shelf stability,” Smiley said. “Consumers often assume that if something is sold in the U.S., it has already been thoroughly vetted for long-term health impact. In reality, regulation can move slower than evolving science.”

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The cracker box story isn’t unusual. BHA still turns up in American cereals, chips, snack mixes and instant mashed potatoes. It’s one of many additives other countries decided years ago weren’t worth the risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3 last year, the first synthetic food dye removed from the U.S. market in decades, though manufacturers have until 2027 to comply. The list of additives still permitted in American food but restricted abroad is longer: titanium dioxide in candy and salad dressings, potassium bromate in commercial bread, synthetic dyes in nearly every aisle. 

American food companies often sell two versions of the same product: one for the U.S., one for everywhere else. Jagdish Khubchandani, a public health professor at New Mexico State University, points to one reason. “When countries, including the USA, send items allowed in their respective countries to the EU, they comply with EU regulations,” Khubchandani said. “It’s almost like you can risk your own societies, but for business, you comply with the needs of other societies. The USA consumer is left to fend for themselves.”

Titanium dioxide is the first ingredient Khubchandani would pull from the shelves in the U.S. It’s a white pigment used in candies, frostings, gum and salad dressings. The EU banned it in 2022 after regulators concluded they could not rule out DNA damage. American manufacturers can still use it freely.

Nicole Avena, a neuroscientist at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine and author of “Sugarless,” came to the same conclusion. “It first hit my radar during a study that analyzed children’s snack foods and found it in products parents assumed were clean, which made the gap between perception and reality impossible to ignore,” Avena said.

Khubchandani questions why an ingredient with no nutritional purpose remains on shelves at all. “What could be its use in food?” Khubchandani said. “Can we not survive without it?”

The reason the U.S. allows it comes down to how American and European regulators decide what’s safe. “The EU uses a precautionary approach. If there’s credible evidence of risk, they restrict or ban the ingredient. On the other hand, the U.S. requires much stronger proof of harm before acting,” Avena said. “For shoppers, the takeaway is simple. Allowed doesn’t always mean ideal, so reading ingredient lists matters more in the U.S. than many people realize.”

Check the label on a loaf of commercial sandwich bread or a pack of hamburger buns for potassium bromate. It is banned across the European Union, Canada, the U.K., Brazil and dozens of other countries. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a possible carcinogen. But it’s still permitted here and commonly used.

Kezia Joy, a registered dietitian, raises it with almost every client who eats packaged bread. “I flag these ingredients since there isn’t any nutritional aspect to them,” Joy said. “If an ingredient is simply used as a texture agent or to improve shelf life, that’s a simple option for limiting usage without affecting your nutritional intake.” 

Bread isn’t the only product hiding additives most shoppers don’t expect. Coffee creamer surprises even Avena’s colleagues. “People think they’re choosing a simple dairy product, but many are essentially emulsifier-stabilized desserts in disguise,” she said. “The shocker is how often a vanilla or original creamer contains multiple gums, artificial sweeteners and colorants that never appear on the front label.”

Synthetic dyes appear across the supermarket. Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Blue 1 turn up in cereals, sodas, sweets and frozen desserts. The EU requires warning labels on products containing them, citing research linking them to behavioral changes in children.

For nutritionist Sarah Otto, co-founder of Goodness Lover, the issue isn’t any single item but what children eat across an entire day. “The real concern is cumulative daily exposure, especially for children,” Otto said. “I buy products colored with real food: beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, fruit concentrates. Available at any supermarket. Identical taste.

Sodium benzoate is another preservative shoppers rarely think about. Phillip Sain spent years reading the back of hot sauce bottles before launching his own line, Insain Hot Sauce. Sodium benzoate was on nearly every major label. The preservative is restricted in several countries because of what happens when it meets vitamin C in the bottle.

“When it combines with ascorbic acid, which is common in hot sauces and fruit-based products, it can form benzene, a known carcinogen,” Sain said. “The only reason it’s still in mass-market products is cost. It’s cheap and effective at extending shelf life, and the FDA hasn’t moved to restrict it despite the science.”

Years ago, Smiley stopped asking clients to overhaul their pantries. The swap that sticks, she says, is finding a cleaner version of the two or three products you eat most often. That version is usually on the same shelf.

Here’s what to look for instead of:

BHA: Instead, choose snacks preserved with vitamin E (look for “tocopherols” on the label) or rosemary extract. BHA-free alternatives are in the same aisles at similar prices.

Titanium dioxide: Instead, check the ingredient list on candy, gum and salad dressings. Most natural-brand and premium versions of the same products leave it out.

Potassium bromate: Instead, look for breads, buns and pizza dough labeled “no bromate” or “unbromated flour.” Most artisanal, organic, and European-style brands skip it entirely.

Synthetic dyes: Instead, look for products colored with beet juice, turmeric, paprika or fruit concentrate.

Sodium benzoate: Instead, look for hot sauces, dressings and sodas that are refrigerated, or brands that list vinegar or citric acid as the preservative instead.

Smiley’s client didn’t overhaul her diet. She swapped one box of crackers for another that used vitamin E instead of BHA. Same price, same shelf. “That became her framework,” Smiley said. “Look at the foods you eat most often and adjust there first.”

Popular supplement ingredient linked to shorter lifespans in men

 A nutrient often promoted for boosting focus and brain performance may carry an unexpected downside for men’s long‑term health, according to a new study. 

Published in the journal Aging‑US on June 15, 2026, the research suggests that higher levels of the amino acid tyrosine in the blood could be linked to a shorter lifespan in men. 

Understanding this link starts with the role amino acids play in the body, particularly compounds like tyrosine.   

Why Tyrosine Matters 

Tyrosine is one of the amino acids the body relies on to operate. Amino acids act as the building blocks of proteins and support essential processes such as tissue repair and enzyme production. 

Alongside phenylalanine, tyrosine also plays a role in regulating metabolism and brain activity. It is naturally found in foods including meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, and is also sold in supplements aimed at improving concentration, energy and cognitive performance. 

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Its link to brain function comes from its role in producing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These chemicals shape mood, attention, motivation and the body’s response to stress. 

What the Study Looked At 

Researchers analyzed health and genetic data from more than 270,000 participants in the U.K. Biobank to examine whether these amino acids influence lifespan. 

The team, led by Jie V. Zhao, Yitang Sun, Junmeng Zhang and Kaixiong Ye from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, used two approaches.  

They assessed observed links between amino acid levels and mortality, and applied Mendelian randomization, a genetic method used to test whether those links may reflect a causal relationship. 

What They Found 

Both phenylalanine and tyrosine initially appeared to be associated with a higher risk of death, however, after further analysis, only tyrosine remained consistently linked to lifespan. 

Men with higher levels of tyrosine in their blood were found to have a shorter life expectancy—genetic estimates suggested this could amount to nearly a year. 

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No significant association was found in women. Researchers also noted that men tend to have higher tyrosine levels than women, which may contribute to differences in average lifespan between the sexes. 

Phenylalanine showed no association with lifespan once tyrosine was taken into account. 

What Could Explain the Link 

The study does not identify a single cause but points to several possible biological pathways. 

One involves insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells respond less effectively to insulin. This is linked to age‑related diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. 

Tyrosine’s role in neurotransmitter production may also influence how the body responds to stress over time—disruption in these systems could affect long‑term health. 

Hormone‑related differences between men and women may offer another explanation for why the effect was only seen in male participants. 

What It Means for Supplements 

Tyrosine is widely used in products marketed to support focus and alertness, particularly during periods of stress. 

The study did not test supplements directly or assess whether taking them affects lifespan, it focused only on naturally occurring levels of tyrosine in the blood. 

As a result, the findings do not show that tyrosine supplements are harmful. However, they suggest that elevated levels of this amino acid may be worth closer attention when considering long‑term health. 

Researchers also noted that reducing overall protein intake could lower tyrosine levels, though whether this would improve healthy aging remains unclear. 

What Happens Next 

The findings add to growing interest in how nutrients linked to brain function may also play a role in aging. 

Further studies will be needed to confirm the results in other populations and to better understand the biological mechanisms involved. Researchers also aim to explore whether diet or lifestyle changes can safely influence tyrosine levels.