Jamie Ducharme

1 month ago | health.com | Jamie Ducharme |Jani Actman |Nick Blackmer

Jena Ardell / Getty ImagesThe FDA announced plans to phase out synthetic food dyes and replace them with plant-based alternatives. Natural dyes, such as gardenia blue, may be safer, but they won’t make junk food any healthier, and they pose their own risks. If natural dyes become standard, consumers may see duller colors and slightly higher prices for processed foods.

2 months ago | health.com | Jamie Ducharme |Jani Actman |Nick Blackmer

BSIP / Contributor / Getty ImagesA new study found that childhood exposure to the bacterial toxin colibactin may be contributing to a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer cases. Colibactin is produced by bacteria commonly found in the digestive system. Future studies will explore why more children may be exposed to colibactin now than they were previously. No one expects a young adult to get cancer. But in recent years, that sad scenario has been happening more and more frequently.

2 months ago | health.com | Jamie Ducharme |Jani Hall |Nick Blackmer

Solskin / Getty ImagesComputed tomography, or CT scans, could cause 5% of U.S. cancers each year, a new study found. The X-rays expose people to ionizing radiation, which can cause DNA damage. Before getting a CT scan, experts recommend talking to your doctor about the benefits and risks of the imaging. Computed tomography (CT) scans are a pivotal part of U.S. medical care.

2 months ago | health.com | Jamie Ducharme

A new drug slashed levels of “stealthy cholesterol”—a hidden heart risk affecting 1 in 5 people—by up to 95% in early trials. Unlike regular cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) is driven by genetics, doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, and often goes undetected. Though not yet available, lepodisiran could become a breakthrough treatment for a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

2 months ago | health.com | Jamie Ducharme |Amber Brenza |Nick Blackmer

juanma hache / Getty ImagesWorkplace coffee machines may brew coffee with more cholesterol-raising compounds than drip machines. These compounds, called diterpenes, are highest in unfiltered coffee and lowest in filtered brews. Coffee is still healthy overall, but filtered options may be better for your heart. Whether it's first thing in the morning or at 3 p.m., a cup of coffee can perk you up—but it could also affect your heart health.