Health Note - Magnesium and Nuts

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health...

3 John 1:2

"Nuts are one of the most convenient healthy foods out there. While often celebrated as a reliable source of healthy fats, protein and fiber, many nuts also contain high levels of vitamins and minerals like

magnesium.

Magnesium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure, glucose levels, and nerve and muscle function. In fact, people with magnesium deficiency may develop muscle spasms, migraines, osteoporosis, and an irregular heartbeat.
To add more magnesium to your diet, consider the nuts below, which all contain high levels of the mineral.

There are a whopping 18.8 mg of magnesium in a single Brazil nut, meaning that an ounce (about 6 nuts) will net you nearly 113 mg of magnesium — more than a third of the daily recommendation. While Brazil nuts are a great source of magnesium, it’s important to not go overboard. They're extremely high in selenium, which can be toxic in large amounts.

Cashews contain 82.8 mg of magnesium per 1-ounce serving. Try adding them to a stir-fry or curry, or roasting them on their own as a snack. Beyond their high magnesium content, cashews are rich in amino acids and minerals that help the body regulate hormone levels, heart function, and nerve function.

With 76.5 mg of magnesium in a 1-ounce serving, eating a handful of almonds is one of the fastest ways to boost your magnesium intake. What’s more, research shows that almonds are also powerhouses for gut health, weight management, and reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Pine nuts have 71.2 mg of magnesium in a 1-ounce serving. You’ll find them most often in pesto and salads, which is great news because pairing pine nuts with leafy greens (which are also high in magnesium) is a great way to reach your daily magnesium goal.

Though they’re technically legumes, with 47.6 mg of magnesium per ounce, peanuts are one of the “nuts” with the highest concentration of magnesium. Consuming both tree nuts and peanuts on a daily basis comes with several benefits, as they are packed with nutrients like protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, thiamin and vitamin E.

In every 1-ounce serving of hazelnuts, there are 46.2 mg of magnesium. Consuming hazelnuts regularly has been linked to lower risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. There is even some evidence to suggest that hazelnuts can help reduce your likelihood of developing certain cancers.

With 44.8 mg of magnesium in every ounce, walnuts are rich in vital nutrients and antioxidants. They are great sources of omega 3s – fatty acids that support the brain, heart, immune system and more – as well as vitamin E, which protects the body from damage by free radicals that weaken cells over time.

Macadamia nuts clock in at 36.9 mg of magnesium per ounce. Aside from their high magnesium content, they’ve been shown to reduce high cholesterol, inflammation and oxidative stress, which can support overall health.

There are 34.3 mg of magnesium in every ounce of pistachios. It’s safe to say pistachios are having a moment right now, and for good reason. This nut found in viral sensations like Dubai chocolate packs several nutritional benefits, from high levels of anti-inflammatory properties to their relatively low fat content compared to other nuts.

Tied with pistachios, pecans also contain 34.3 mg per 1-ounce serving. They’re a remarkable source of healthy fats, and may help protect against heart disease, gallstones, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure." 

msn

Health Note - What Kind of Exercise for the Ageing?

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health,..

3 John 1:2

"For years, exercise advice has focused heavily on getting enough cardio. But a major new study suggests that what you do with your muscles may be just as important as what you do with your heart.
After tracking more than 147,000 adults for up to three decades, researchers found that a relatively modest amount of strength training, about 90 to 120 minutes per week, was associated with the

lowest risk of death. The benefits were even greater when resistance training was paired with regular aerobic exercise.
The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, add to growing evidence that maintaining muscle strength as we age may play a key role in long-term health and survival.
Adults naturally lose muscle mass and strength over time, a process known as sarcopenia. Loss of muscle has been linked to frailty, falls, disability, and a higher risk of chronic disease.
When researchers accounted for factors such as age, lifestyle, and health status, they found that people who performed 90 to 119 minutes of strength training per week had a 13% lower risk of death from any cause compared with those who did none.
Interestingly, the benefits appeared to level off beyond that range. More strength training did not translate into progressively lower mortality risk.
The same weekly amount was also associated with a 19% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 27% lower risk of death from neurological diseases." 

SciTechDaily

Health Note - Teens and Weed

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

"Adolescent cannabis use was linked to higher risks of later psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders.
A large new study published in JAMA Health Forum on Feb. 20, 2026, reports that teens who use cannabis may have a substantially greater chance of developing serious psychiatric conditions by young adulthood.

The longitudinal study followed 463,396 adolescents ages 13 to 17 through age 26 and found that cannabis use in the past year during adolescence was associated with significantly higher risks of newly diagnosed psychotic disorders, which doubled; bipolar disorders, which doubled; depressive disorders; and anxiety disorders.
On average, cannabis use was recorded 1.7 to 2.3 years before a psychiatric diagnosis appeared. Because the study followed adolescents over time, its design adds stronger evidence that cannabis exposure during the teen years may be a risk factor for later mental illness.
“As cannabis becomes more potent and aggressively marketed, this study indicates that adolescent cannabis use is associated with double the risk of incident psychotic and bipolar disorders, two of the most serious mental health conditions,” said Lynn Silver, M.D.
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug among adolescents in the United States. The Monitoring the Future study shows that use increases as students get older, rising from about 8% in 8th grade to 26% in 12th grade.
THC levels in California cannabis flower now exceed 20%, far above levels seen in earlier decades, while cannabis concentrates can contain more than 95% THC.
“Even after accounting for prior mental health conditions and other substance use, adolescents who reported cannabis use had a substantially higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders—particularly psychotic and bipolar disorders,” said Kelly Young-Wolff, Ph.D., lead author of the study." 

SciTechDaily

HEALTH NOTE - Meat & Colon Cancer

 Beloved, 

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health,.. 

3 John 1:2

"Processed meats—such as salami, bacon, and hot dogs—increase the risk of colorectal and other cancers. Nitrites, nitrates, and other

additives used to preserve cured meats are considered carcinogenic. It’s best to choose leaner, unprocessed meats, such as poultry or fish.
All pork, beef, goat, veal, and lamb are considered red meat. According to one scientific study, high consumption of red meat could cause alkylation, a DNA mutation that predisposes individuals to colorectal cancer." 

msn

Health Note - Cancer & Processed Meats

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health...

3 John 1:2 

"According to leading oncology dietitian Nichole Andrews, RDN, one of the most important dietary changes you can make is to cut back—or completely eliminate—processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, ham, and canned meats. 

This isn’t just a personal opinion; it’s based on decades of scientific evidence. .... classifies processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there is strong evidence they cause cancer in humans, especially colorectal cancer.

Even small, regular amounts, like a daily serving of bacon or a single hot dog, have been linked to a measurable rise in cancer risk. While the occasional indulgence isn’t likely to cause harm, experts say making processed meats a daily habit is a proven health risk that’s best avoided for optimal cancer prevention.

Andrews notes that awareness and moderation are key when it comes to the foods we often overlook. “Understanding what triggers cancer development allows people to make truly informed choices,” she explains. 

With processed meats, the risk stems not only from preservatives but also from cooking methods—grilling or frying at high temperatures further increases the formation of carcinogenic compounds. The takeaway: minimizing exposure to these substances gives your body a better chance to protect and repair itself." 

msn

HEALTH NOTE - Beware those Foxes

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health...

3 John 1:2

"A fox trotting across a field at noon is one thing. A fox that closes the distance to your front steps, stares you down, or circles your yard in broad daylight is a different story, and experts say that is when you need to treat the encounter as a genuine health and safety issue.

Rabies is the main reason to treat a fearless fox as more than a

curiosity, because the disease can turn a normally wary animal into one that walks straight toward people. Health officials describe how Animals that have rabies tend to show behavior atypical of their species, and They can act aggressively or appear strangely tame, which is why Signs like staggering, drooling, or unprovoked biting are taken so seriously.

Fox and Rabies explains that once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is effectively fatal and that Originally, rabies cycles in wildlife reservoirs like foxes and skunks before spilling over to pets and people.

It is commonly thought that a fox seen out in the daytime must be rabid, but Red Fox FAQs that pose the question “I have seen foxes in my neighborhood during the day. Should I be worried?” explain that the answer is usually no, because healthy foxes may hunt, nap, or move dens in daylight when they feel secure. Those same Red Fox FAQs stress that while daytime sightings are increasingly routine, it

is not common for a healthy fox to approach people closely or ignore obvious attempts to scare it away, which is where concern should begin.

Wildlife specialists also point to specific behaviors that cross the line from quirky to alarming. A Humane Wildlife Control Society note on foxes acting odd lists Unfavorable weather conditions and food shortages as reasons a hungry fox might wander at unusual hours, but it adds that When a fox approaches humans and does not show any fear, Unusual calmness, which is the opposite of the normal skittish response, should trigger suspicion of illness.

Practical Rule: a fox that keeps its distance and flees when noticed is likely behaving normally, while one that closes the gap, stares, or circles people in daylight fits the pattern described." 

msn

Health Note - Hospitals are Sounding Alarm about Cannabis use

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health...

3 John 1:2 

"Hospitals are seeing a striking rise in people with sudden bouts of intense vomiting linked to long-term cannabis use, a condition now formally classified as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.

Over the past ten years, emergency departments have treated a growing number of people seeking help for abdominal pain accompanied by severe or persistent vomiting. A shared characteristic among many of these patients is long-term cannabis use.

Clinicians only recently gained a standardized way to document this issue. Last month, a diagnostic code for “cannabis hyperemesis syndrome” became available, describing a gastrointestinal condition that begins within 24 hours of the most recent use and can continue for several days. People who develop the syndrome often face three or four bouts of symptoms each year.

On October 1, the World Health Organization added the new code, R11.16, to its International Classification of Diseases manual (ICD-10, currently). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also incorporated the update for U.S. health care providers.

Even with a proper diagnosis, patients are sometimes reluctant to accept that cannabis is causing their symptoms, said Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency medicine specialist with UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s.
“Some people say they’ve used cannabis without a problem for decades. Or they smoke pot because they think it treats their nausea,” he said. “It seems like there’s a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone. Even using in small amounts can make these people start throwing up.”

Standard anti-nausea medications often do not work well, he said,

leading physicians to try second- or third-line options such as Haldol, which is usually prescribed for psychotic episodes.
Several factors can slow a patient’s recovery. Because the syndrome appears intermittently, some cannabis users may believe a recent episode was unrelated and continue using cannabis without problems until they suddenly become very sick again. 

For those who accept the diagnosis and try to stop using cannabis to improve their symptoms, addiction can make that process challenging, Carlini said." 

SciTechDaily

Health Note - A knowledge of our human frame

"All should have an intelligent knowledge of the human frame that they may keep their bodies in the condition necessary to do the work of the Lord. 

--The physical life is to be carefully preserved and developed that through humanity the divine nature may be revealed in its fullness.

--The relation of the physical organism to the spiritual life is one of the most important branches of education. 

--It should receive careful attention in the home and in the school. 

--All need to become acquainted with their physical structure and the laws that control natural life. He who remains in willing ignorance of the laws of his physical being and who violates them through ignorance is sinning against God. All should place themselves in the best possible relation to life and health.

Our habits should be brought under the control of a mind

 that is itself under the control of God.

"Know ye not," says the apostle Paul, "that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:19, 20." 

E.G.W.

HEALTH NOTE - Cannabis and Anxiety

Beloved, 

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health,.. 

3 John 1:2

"As cannabis becomes stronger and more widely used across the globe, cases of dependence and cannabis-induced psychosis have been rising, with particularly sharp increases reported in North

America. Drawing on data from Cannabis & Me (the largest survey of its type), two new studies have pinpointed important risk factors linked to the most severe forms of paranoia in people who use cannabis.
The results revealed a clear pattern. Participants who first turned to cannabis as a way of coping with physical pain, anxiety, depression, or early psychotic symptoms scored significantly higher for paranoia.
“This research suggests that using cannabis as a means to self-medicate physical or mental discomfort can have a negative impact on the levels of paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Most of these subgroups had average scores of depression and anxiety, which were above the threshold for referral to counselling.” 

SciTechDaily

Health Note - Exercise to Fight Cancer

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health...

3 John 1:2

"In a new study, researchers have uncovered how exercise might help

the immune system fight cancer: by changing the gut microbiome in a way that boosts production of a compound called formate. 

This microbial byproduct, the study shows, plays a key role in helping immune cells slow tumor growth." 

Zema

Health Note - Wheatgrass

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest ....be in health...

3 John 1:2

"Scientists studying 228 varieties of modern Chinese wheat have discovered that flavonoids found in wheatgrass can neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and also increase the lifespan of fruit flies. The effect was dependent on both dosage and the sex of the flies.

To assess bioactivity, flavonoid extracts from wheatgrass (FEW) were fed to Drosophila melanogaster, resulting in dose-dependent and male-specific lifespan extension at 1 mM concentration. Transcriptomic analysis of JA-treated seedlings revealed significant upregulation of key genes in the phenylpropanoid-flavonoid pathway (PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS), validated by qRT-PCR, and JA treatment boosted both flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity by ~30%.

This integrated research highlights wheatgrass as a rich and underutilized source of health-promoting flavonoids and suggests practical strategies—such as cultivar selection and JA elicitation—to enhance its nutritional value.

This study paves the way for enhancing the nutritional value of wheatgrass-based products. With demonstrated lifespan-extending effects and superior antioxidant activity, FEW holds promise for use in functional foods targeting aging and oxidative stress-related diseases. However, gender-specific effects observed in fruit flies suggest the need for further dose optimization.

(a) Comparison of the antioxidant activity of wheat flavonoids with vitamin C using the DPPH method. 

(b) The contents of flavonoids in grains and wheatgrass on the accessions. Data represent the mean ± standard error. The student’s t-test determined the p-value (hereafter). 

(c) The phylogenetic relationships of bred history. Ovals represent breeding parents, rectangles represent bred cultivars, and related cultivars are linked by black lines. Ellipse color and variety size deepen and increase with breeding usage. 

(d) The distribution of the wheat accessions. The size of the circle indicates the number of cultivars. 

(e) The ancestral information of accessions. The yellow bar chart on the left indicates the number of genes associated with each trait. The black circle and line indicate the overlap groups and the corresponding bar chart shows intersecting gene numbers." SciTechDaily

Health Note - Rice and Heart Attacks

Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest ...be in health,..

3 John 1:2

"Sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries, known as coronary artery spasms, can cause chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other serious cardiovascular issues.

A research team from the Department of Chemical Pharmacology at Toho University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has discovered that ferulic acid, a natural compound found in rice, and certain vegetables, can help prevent these spasms through two separate mechanisms.
The study revealed two key actions of ferulic acid: 

*It blocks calcium from entering muscle cells through L-type

calcium channels, which are normally responsible for causing the arteries to contract.
*Even when calcium is not involved, it still prevents the arteries from tightening by inhibiting the activation of a specific protein called myosin light chain, which is essential for muscle contraction.
Surprisingly, ferulic acid was sometimes even more effective than diltiazem, a widely used medication for relaxing blood vessels." SciTechDaily

Health Note -Get You Some Phytosterol Today

 Beloved,

I wish above all things that thou mayest ...be in health,..

3 John 1:2

"Heart disease and type 2 diabetes are two of the leading causes of death and long-term health problems in the United States. Now, a new study highlights how eating more plant-based foods could make a real difference. Specifically, researchers have identified a compound in plants that may help lower your risk of both conditions.
The compound is called phytosterol. It is found naturally in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, and it has a structure similar to cholesterol.

According to the study, people who consumed more phytosterol had a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Those with higher intake also showed signs of better blood sugar control, less inflammation, and even changes in their gut bacteria that may support a healthier metabolism.
“Our clinical biomarker and metabolomic results suggest the involvement of insulin activity, inflammation and the metabolism of metabolites associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said Wang. “This suggests that phytosterol might reduce risk by alleviating insulin resistance and inflammation.” SciTechDaily

Health Note - Alcohol and Brain Damage

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health,.. 3 John 1:2

"Heavy alcohol use can cause lasting damage to brain circuits that control decision-making, as shown in a new study using rats.
Even after months of withdrawal, alcohol-exposed rats performed worse in complex tasks compared to sober rats, revealing persistent cognitive deficits. 

The brain region responsible for adapting behavior, the dorsomedial striatum, showed significant dysfunction, potentially explaining why many recovering alcoholics relapse. These findings open a new window into how alcohol reshapes the brain and why its effects can linger long after drinking stops.
The alcohol had damaged neural circuits causing alcohol-exposed rats to process information less effectively."

SciTechDaily

Health Note - Inactivity

Beloved,

 I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health,..

 3 John 1:2

"A new study reveals that specific changes in the brain caused by muscle disuse are linked to cognitive decline.
A recent study found that just 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to insulin resistance and early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s

disease. The research highlights how even brief periods of muscle disuse can negatively impact both physical and brain health.
Booth and Kerr found — for the first time — that just 10 days of physical inactivity leads to both insulin resistance and an increase in reactive oxygen species production in the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in memory and learning.
They also found that just 10 days of muscle disuse elevated markers for specific proteins in the brain that are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, an uncurable, irreversible, neurodegenerative disease that has become the fifth leading cause of death in older adults.
Booth said that decades of previous research have shown that people who show the greatest improvements in their health are those who switch from getting no exercise to getting periodic exercise — even more improvement than those who switch from periodic exercise to regular exercise — so the most important step is to simply start."
SciTechDaily

HEALTH NOTE - Link Between Weed and Schizophrenia

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health,.. 3 John 1:2

"Cannabis is one of the most widely used substances worldwide,

with an estimated 228 million users aged 15 to 64. Research shows that the risk of developing schizophrenia increases significantly with cannabis use, particularly when use begins at an early age. 

Around 10% of cannabis users are expected to develop cannabis use disorder at some point in their lives. 

Notably, nearly one-third of people with schizophrenia also meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder, and as many as 42% of individuals with schizophrenia are affected by it.
Schizophrenia is defined by the presence of different types of symptoms which include delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. Disorganized speech refers to a pattern of speaking that is incoherent, illogical, or difficult to follow." 

SciTechDaily

HEALTH NOTE - Sunsets

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest...be in health,.. 

3 John 1:2

1. Stress reduction: It can be a great stress reliever.
2. Improved sleep quality: Sunsets produce a red and orange light spectrum that can help regulate your circadian rhythm.
3. Boosted mood: Watching the sunset can lift your spirits.
4. Opportunity for reflection: Sunsets inspire reflection and gratitude.
5. Slowed down time: The experience can make time feel more meaningful.

Health Note - Light Exercise and Cancer

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health... 1 John 3:2

"Engaging in regular physical activity prior to a cancer diagnosis may reduce the risk of both disease progression and mortality, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Notably, even modest levels of physical activity appear to offer significant benefits, the study suggests.
The length of time between initial diagnosis and disease progression, death, or exit from the study ranged from 1 month to nearly 13 years.
Cancer didn’t progress in nearly two-thirds of the total sample (65.5%), but in just over a third (34.5%) it did. And while 81% survived, 19% died before the end of the study. The average time to death was 20 months and the average time to progression was 7 months.
The odds of disease progression were 16% lower for those who had engaged in low levels of physical activity in the preceding year than among those who hadn’t recorded any physical activity, while the odds for those who had engaged in moderate to high levels were 27% lower." SciTechDaily

Health Note- Mapping Brain Damage Due To Weed Usage

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health... 1 John 3:2

"Researchers analyzed over 1,000 young adults and found that both heavy lifetime use and recent cannabis consumption significantly reduced brain activity during working memory tasks. 

This impairment was linked to worse performance on tasks requiring focus, problem-solving, and instruction-following. Brain imaging revealed that key regions responsible for decision-making and attention were affected.

The researchers studied the neural response of participants during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session and gave them seven cognitive tasks to complete. The tasks tested working memory, reward, emotion, language, motor skills – such as tapping a finger to map brain control, relational assessment and theory of mind.

The researchers found that cannabis had a statistically significant

effect on brain function during working memory tasks, meaning the observed impact is very unlikely to be due to random chance. This effect was seen in both recent and lifetime cannabis users. The impact was less significant for the other tasks.

During working memory tasks, the researchers found heavy cannabis use appeared to reduce brain activity in certain areas of the brain (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and anterior insula). These regions of the brain are involved in important cognitive functions such as decision-making, memory, attention, and emotional processing." 

SciTechDaily

Health Note - Mediterranean diet & your Brain

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health... 1 John 3:2

"The bacteria in your mouth may play a surprising role in brain health, potentially influencing cognitive decline as you age. A new study suggests that a diet rich in nitrates—found in leafy greens and the Mediterranean diet—could support beneficial oral bacteria linked to better memory and lower dementia risk.

Approximately 15% of older adults experience mild cognitive

impairment (MCI), which is the greatest risk factor for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Previous research has established a link between periodontitis (gum disease) and worsening cognitive function. Scientists have identified two potential pathways connecting oral health to brain health:

Pathogenic oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain.
These harmful bacteria may outcompete nitrate-reducing bacteria, which play a crucial role in producing nitric oxide—a compound

essential for synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation in the brain.
High prevalence of bacteria in the genus Porphyromonas predicted mild cognitive impairment status, while Prevotella intermedia predicted APOE4-carrier status. According to the authors, diet can affect the oral microbiome, and a nitrate-rich diet (such as the Mediterranean and ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension’ diets), favors bacteria associated with good cognitive outcomes." SciTechDaily