Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods could be linked to depression, according to a new study published in the Journal JAMA. Ultra-processed foods are usually high in salt, sugar, hydrogenated fats and additives. This includes ice cream, sausages, crisps, biscuits and soda. The study looked at the eating habits and mental health of more than 31,000 female nurses as part of the Nurses’ Health Study II, a long-term research project on various aspects of women’s health. To better understand the links between depression and foods, researchers started the study before participants reported any symptoms of depression and then followed them over time. This allowed the team to make a connection between a person’s diet and their mental health. Results showed women who consumed over nine portions a day of ultra-processed foods had a 50 per cent higher risk of developing depression than those consuming four portions or less. Participants who consumed a high amount of foods and drinks that contained artificial sweeteners had a particularly negative outcome, the study found. "Participants with high UPF intake had greater BMI, higher smoking rates, and increased prevalence of comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia and were less likely to exercise regularly," the study said. “Experimental studies have shown that artificial sweeteners may trigger the transmission of particular signalling molecules in the brain that are important for mood,” the authors continued. Professor Andrew Chan, chief of the clinical and translational epidemiology unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and co-author of the research, said: “The strength of our study is that we were able to assess diet several years before the onset of depression,” according to The Guardian. “This minimises the likelihood that our findings are simply due to individuals with depression being more likely to choose ultra-processed foods.” In a 2022 study, researchers linked ultra-processed food and cognitive decline. CNN reported that the study found eating those foods may affect parts of the brain that control executive function — such as the ability to process information and make decisions. The research also found that men and women who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had a cognitive decline rate 28 per cent faster than those who did not eat those foods. They also had a 25 per cent faster decline rate of their executive functions than their peers who did not eat ultraprocessed foods. What are the symptoms of depression? According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the symptoms of depression include: Feeling very sad, hopeless or worried. Not enjoying things that used to bring joy. Being easily irritated or frustrated. Eating too much or too little — which may result in weight gain or weight loss. Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia). Having low energy or fatigue. Having a difficult time concentrating, making decisions or remembering things. Experiencing physical issues like headache, stomachache or sexual dysfunction. Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Read More Yoghurt could be the cure for bad garlic breath, study finds Study finds link between ultra-processed food and cognitive decline

Lynette Mackey stands in front of her family's former Victorian home in San Francisco's Fillmore district, a onetime vibrant neighborhood...

If there’s anything we can count on from Amazon, it’s a great deal on a viral product. No matter what the occasion, it’s pretty much guaranteed that the mega e-tailer will have it (and at an ultra-affordable price). This National Orgasm Day, our favorite sex toys are being marked down left and right, so it’s no wonder that Amazon is also jumping in on these moan-worthy deals. In honor of the climactic holiday, Amazon is taking 40% off its top-rated sex toys from AVA, none of which are more popular than its best-selling wand vibrator, the personal massager.

Church & Dwight, the parent company of Batiste, has agreed to settle a $2.5m class action lawsuit that claims its dry shampoo products contain a potentially harmful level of benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer in humans. Now, customers who purchased one or more Batiste dry shampoo products may be able to cash in on the million-dollar lawsuit. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs claimed that Batiste dry shampoo was contaminated with benzene, a known human carcinogen linked to leukaemia and other blood-related cancers. While the manufacturer has denied allegations of contamination and “denies that it did anything wrong”, it has agreed to pay out the $2.5m settlement “to avoid the costs and distractions associated with continuing this case”. The company’s settlement means that customers can qualify for a refund based on the type and number of Batiste products they purchased. Those who bought Batiste Bare or Clean or Batiste Light Bare dry shampoo products before 30 May 2023 - and can provide proof of purchase - can receive a full refund for the products they purchased through cash payment or a voucher. Meanwhile, people who cannot provide proof of purchase may receive $2 per product up to five products, for a maximum payment of $10. Customers who purchased Batiste products that were not Bare dry shampoos can still receive a $2 product voucher for each purchased product up to five items, for a maximum total of $10. Those who wish to take part in the class action claim must submit a valid claim form by 15 November 2023. The form asks customers to submit their name, address, and email, as well as information about the products purchased and payment options to receive the refund. The final approval hearing for the settlement is currently scheduled for 16 October 2023. The Batiste dry shampoo class action lawsuit comes nearly one year after Unilever - the manufacturer for brands like Dove, Suave, and TRESemmé - recalled 19 dry shampoo aerosol products for “potentially elevated levels” of benzene. After conducting an internal investigation, the company identified the propellant used in its aerosol cans as the source for the high levels of benzene. However, Unilever added that daily exposure to benzene in dry shampoo products “would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences”. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), benzene is a chemical that can occur naturally in the environment – such as in crude oil or gasoline – and can be used to manufacture plastics, lubricants, dyes and detergents. Indoor and outdoor air also contains low levels of benzene due to tobacco smoke, motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and or household paints. The major effect of long-term exposure to benzene is on the blood, which can lead to a decrease in red blood cells or anemia after a year or more of exposure to high benzene levels. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that benzene can also cause blood-related cancers, such as leukaemia. Last November, independent laboratory Valisure found that 70 per cent of samples across 34 brands of Unilever dry shampoo products contained “quantifiable” levels of benzene. “The detection of high levels of benzene in dry shampoos should be cause for significant concern since these products are likely used indoors, where benzene may linger and be inhaled for prolonged periods of time,” said David Light, chief executive officer of Valisure, in a statement. “These and other issues identified by Valisure, including the detection of benzene in body spray, hand sanitiser, and sunscreen products, strongly underscore the importance of independent testing and its need to be better integrated into an increasingly complex and vulnerable global supply chain.” The Independent has contacted Church & Dwight for comment. Read More High levels of cancer-causing chemical detected in dry shampoo, study finds Procter & Gamble recalls more than 30 dry shampoo and conditioner products Trader Joe’s recalls two types of cookies over concerns they may contain rocks How quitting smoking can boost your health and finances – as Government considers adding messages to cigarette packs Mother tried to cure son of disease by putting him in a hole as a child Is it ever safe to sunbathe?

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Trends come and go, but if you had to bet all your chips on one colour never going out of fashion, you can bank on black. And as designers ditch colour in their collections and crave the fluid, liquid lines of fashion’s darkest and most addictive shade, you can embrace mood-boosting monochrome and jet black without any fear of making a fashion faux pas – or bad buy. From a showy shoulder at Balmain – who would have thought that a PVC maxi dress could look even more sultry? …To sexy, slinky sequins at Michael Kors; tailored, long black coats (LBC) at Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria Beckham and Prada, black is more than a shot in the dark this season – and the devil is in the detail. To get the catwalk look, here’s what’s hot on the high street and will make a great first impression… Black blazer Call it the power blazer, Le Smoking, or straightforward tailored trouser suit, this is your wardrobe staple to look sharp. “The trouser suit is an icon of sophistication and confidence,” says Zoe de Abreu, co-founder of Ro&Zo. “A black blazer matched with trousers will be the perfect companion for all occasions, as it transcends perfectly from day to night.” For a dare-to-bare aesthetic, go topless underneath – apart from a sexy black bralette – and accessorise with a cosmic choker or pukka set of pearls. Ro&Zo Black Belted Blazer, £129; Black Pleat Detail Trousers, £109. Reiss Alia Slim Fit Single Breasted Satin Suit Blazer, £268; Alia Flared Satin Waistband Suit Trousers, £178. Showy shoulder “The off-shoulder trend takes on a new dimension this autumn, adding a feminine touch to seasonal wardrobes,” opines de Abreu. She says this trend is elegant and feminine, and can be worn in a range of textures, such as jersey, velvet and Merino wool. Moreover, baring a shoulder is very flattering – the neckline lengthens the neck, frames the face – and is a great transitional, versatile piece with a good measure of va-va-voom. Ro&Zo Black Jersey One Shoulder Top, £49; Ombre Sequin Skirt, £129. Reiss Adele Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit, £178. Luxe lace Ladylike lace has been reimagined with trims adorning jersey and velvet – and it’s made a beeline for the little black dress. Whether a flattering midi dress is crafted from a luxuriously soft jersey that contours your curves, “A delicate lace-tiered hem adds a dramatic finishing touch,” says Karen Peacock, chief creative officer and co-founder, Albaray. Or embellished on the neckline and hemline of velvet, sheer lace channels some vintage charm with the X-factor. In fact, if you’re feeling thrifty, be inspired by ribbon and trim shops and think about sewing a lace trim on an existing black dress for an instant update. Albaray Jersey & Lace Mix Dress, £89. LK Bennett Anouk Black Velvet And Lace Dress, £429. Sparkle Whether you go full-out sequins or dazzle in rhinestones, a sexy shimmer is where it’s at. “For autumn, sequins really capture the essence of festivity, allure and drama,” notes de Abreu. “Sequins are all about adding a touch of glamour to your look, and letting your outfit take the centre stage.” Moreover, “A flattering silhouette is created with a sequin halter top and matching flared trousers,” says Peacock. “Wear together to make a statement, or dress down and style with jeans or a simple T-shirt,” she adds. Next Flutter Sleeve Tie Waist Mini Dress, £60. Albaray Sequin Top, £69; Sequin Trousers, £99 – available mid-October. Long black coat A long black coat may not set your pulse racing, but the LBC took to the runway in its droves, with designers making it a key piece in their collections. And let’s face it, nothing looks more elegant or grown-up than wrapping yourself in wool. Just make sure it’s calf-length or longer. As Peacock puts it: “A sharply tailored black coat is a true investment piece, which is both functional and stylish.” “With the ability to style casually or formally, it will be a go-to during the colder months for years to come.” Next Belted Long Coat, Black, £62. John Lewis Hand Finished Robe Belt Wool Blend Coat Black, £159; other items from a selection Read More How to prep your home for when the clocks go back Menopause campaigner Mariella Frostrup: ‘I look forward to a future where women gradually stop feeling so ashamed’ More girls miss school and college due to their periods than colds, survey finds More girls miss school and college due to their periods than colds, survey finds How to look after your immune system as the weather changes How to protect your plants as the first frosts arrive

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 5, 2023--

YouTube is lowering its entry requirements for joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which unlocks

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Max Verstappen has received a five-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix as a result of exceeding his gearbox allocation. The Red Bull driver, who is cruising to his third-straight world title, currently has a 110-point lead in the standings at the halfway stage of the 2023 season. The Dutchman started 14th on the grid at Spa-Francorchamps last year and went on to win the race and will have a deficit from the start this Sunday given his penalty. The penalty will just apply to Sunday’s grand prix, as opposed to the sprint race on Saturday. Teams are limited to just four each of a prescribed number of gearbox components. It is not yet clear which component Verstappen has exceeded his allocation on. Qualifying for the grand prix takes place on Friday afternoon. Verstappen has won nine of the 11 races so far this season, with team-mate Sergio Perez winning the other two. This weekend’s race at Spa is the last meet before the summer break, with the season resuming at the end of August with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Read More F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying updates and times at Spa-Francorchamps What time is qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday? F1 2023 race schedule: When is the Belgian Grand Prix?

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