Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are dietary products usually containing multiple treated industrial ingredients, including substances extracted from foods (oils, fats, sugar, starch) and additives like artificial flavors, colors, or emulsifiers. They are designed to be greatly palatable, convenient, and shelf-stable, and are rapidly replacing fresh foods. Examples include sugary beverages, packaged snacks, ready-to-eat products, packaged breads and cereals, reconstituted meats, and so on. UPFs, including beverages, have now become the leading food consumption patterns around the world. Consumption of UPFs increases the risks for overweight/obesity, heart disease, metabolic disease, diabetes, and cancers.

The next time you head to the grocery store, take a closer look at how many prepackaged foods end up in your cart. Many of these items contain more sugar than you might expect— even those labeled as having natural sugars. Manufacturers frequently add sugar to extend shelf life and to help prevent bacteria or mold from developing. Sugar also plays a role in improving "mouthfeel," giving low-fat products a richer, more satisfying texture, according to Manoj Sharma, a professor and public health physician.

A recent article published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology has concluded that sleep-aligned extended overnight fasting improves nighttime and daytime cardiometabolic function. The results support that if at least 3 hours before sleep nothing is eaten, then heart health, blood pressure, and the way food is processed, including glucose regulation, are improved.

Manoj Sharma, a tenured professor of social and behavioral health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told The Epoch Times that a constantly busy schedule keeps the brain in a state of high alert, resulting in rapid beta waves visible on an electroencephalogram (EEG). This chronic overactivation depletes energy, leading to stress, burnout, mental fatigue, poor sleep, decreased work efficiency, and emotional neglect.

Manoj Sharma, a professor of social and behavioral health and internal medicine, answers queries on understanding and coping with early-stage glaucoma.

Manvinder, a 62-year-old college professor from Minnesota, went for a routine eye examination. His ophthalmologist told him that he had high intraocular pressure in his left eye and would need laser treatment. As a diabetic, he was worried about this diagnosis and approached us for advice.

Cannabis and cannabinoids are advocated for a multitude of medical conditions. Many individuals regularly consume delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component of cannabis. The use of cannabis for mental illness is a controversial topic where public opinion and scientific evidence often collide.

Various teas are popular these days, and the health benefits of each have been studied. There is a lot of mystification about the benefits of each. So, here is a summary of these health benefits.