8 common food preservatives linked to higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease

Common food preservatives may contribute to higher risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, according to a large French study.

Researchers analyzed data from 112,395 adults averaging 42 years of age, assessing their detailed dietary intake with an average follow-up of nearly eight years.

Among the participants, 5,544 developed hypertension during the follow-up period, and 2,450 experienced cardiovascular disease events.

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Higher consumption of total non-antioxidant preservatives was associated with a 29% greater risk of hypertension and a 16% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Higher consumption of total antioxidant preservatives was linked to a 22% spike in hypertension risk.

Out of the 17 preservative additives consumed by at least 10% of participants, eight in particular were associated with higher rates of hypertension, including the following.

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Only one of the preservatives – ascorbic acid, which is the food additive form of vitamin C – was significantly associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk.

The finding does not mean that dietary vitamin C itself causes cardiovascular disease, the researchers noted. The study examined ascorbic acid in the form used as a food additive in processed foods, not vitamin C from fruits, vegetables or supplements.

The findings were published in the European Heart Journal.

"This is a very important study that puts together what we already know – that preservatives of all kinds raise blood pressure and contribute directly to heart disease and stroke over eight years," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

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"Whereas potassium itself can lower blood pressure, the additive potassium sorbate has previously been found to be associated with hypertension in a large study in the European Heart Journal," the doctor, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Potassium metabisulphite was also found to raise pressure in the same study."

The same was found for sodium nitrite in the new study, Siegel noted, with 73% of participants consuming it regularly – "mostly in processed foods like hot dogs, ham, bacon and deli meats."

"This has been found in previous research for many years," he added.

Siegel also discussed the 22% increased risk linked to ascorbic acid. "I am dubious about this association, as it has not generally been found before, but perhaps the risk is when it is used as a chemical preservative."

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"For all the sodium additives, this is expected, but surprising with extracts of rosemary and citric acid – the key to both of these ingredients is when they are used as preservatives (chemicals)," he added.

As this was an observational study, it could not prove that the additives caused the health conditions.

Also, the participants who volunteered for the study were generally healthier, more educated and more often female than the general French population, the researchers noted.

There was also the chance that hypertension was underdiagnosed in some participants.

While the researchers estimated people's dietary intake as accurately as possible, there was a chance that some consumption was inaccurately reported.

The authors emphasized that these findings need to be confirmed in further research of other populations.

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If the results are replicated in future research, some food preservatives may face additional safety reviews focused on their effects on the cardiovascular system, the researchers suggested.

"The take-home is to use natural ingredients as much as possible, and especially beware of sodium chemical preservatives when it comes to risk of heart disease and stroke from associated hypertension," Siegel concluded.

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This one question may reveal whether your body is getting the rest it needs, study finds

Feeling older than your actual age could be a sign that you're not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research.

A study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation and published in the journal Sleep found that adults who felt older than their chronological age were more likely to report insomnia symptoms, irregular sleep patterns and daytime fatigue.

The study involved more than 3,100 adults, who were asked a simple question: "How old do you feel?"

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Researchers then compared participants' answers with measures of sleep quality, sleep consistency and daytime functioning.

People who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their chronological age.

Researchers also found that people who felt older than their age were more likely to report poorer physical health.

Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings align with what he frequently sees in his practice.

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"I've worked with many people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They're exhausted, mentally foggy, less patient, less motivated and generally not functioning at their best," Alpert said. "Poor sleep is often a major part of the picture."

Inadequate sleep can make everyday responsibilities feel more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress and maintain their usual energy levels, Alpert said.

Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a feeling of premature aging.

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"Many people assume feeling older is just an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the issue is simply that they're chronically sleep-deprived," Alpert said.

For that reason, he suggested looking at sleep habits before assuming fatigue and low energy are simply consequences of getting older.

For now, Alpert said the findings offer a reminder that fatigue should not automatically be blamed on getting older.

While the findings were notable, there are several limitations to consider.

The study relied on self-reported survey responses, meaning participants provided information about both their perceived age and sleep habits. The observational design also means the research cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.

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Dad jokes may be good for your brain in one surprising way, experts say

"My neighbor tiled my roof for free. He said it was on the house."

While that dad joke might elicit a heavy sigh from family members, experts say a silly pun can alter internal body chemistry and lower stress, potentially providing real health benefits.

Dad jokes are uniquely distinguished by their structure, content and comedic devices, according to a study published on PsyArXiv, an open-access preprint repository for psychology research.

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In analyzing thousands of examples, psychologists Paul J. Silvia (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) and Meriel I. Burnett (University of Massachusetts Amherst) found that dad humor is firmly rooted in puns and wordplay.

While more advanced comedy requires context, a joke about a neighbor's roof may only require someone to understand the dual meaning of a single phrase.

This predictable structure makes dad jokes broadly accessible, creating opportunities for shared humor across generations, the researchers said.

Laughter alters internal chemistry by decreasing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, while simultaneously increasing happiness chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

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A 2023 review in PLOS One found that a single laughter session could slash cortisol levels by more than 36%. This drop in stress lights up regions like the prefrontal cortex, helping the brain to process complex ideas.

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Studies have linked pun comprehension to verbal ability, creative thinking and the ability to make connections between different meanings.

"When we see children laugh, we witness the brilliance of the brain in action: learning, connecting and growing," Jacqueline Harding, PhD, an early childhood expert at Middlesex University in London, told Fox News Digital.

In her book, "The Brain That Loves to Laugh," Harding states that joy is a complex biological phenomenon that helps children navigate stress and build more resilient, receptive minds.

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"Hope and humor, it seems, are not just the seasoning of life, but foundational to a recipe for healthy development."

The physical benefit extends directly to the family unit. Sharing a good laugh can boost oxytocin, a hormone known to deepen emotional bonds between parents and children. It also promotes what psychologists call co-regulation, experts say.

This process allows individuals to manage their own stress by drawing on a shared biological store of positive, safe experiences.

"Spontaneous, joyful play is an antidote to stress, as it increases levels of endorphins released by the brain," Harding said.

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"Creative, happy play does its most brilliant work at a molecular level, especially at a time when the human brain is at its most receptive."

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Popular weight-loss drugs linked to unexpected male fertility benefit

Taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss may improve male fertility, according to experts.

Research presented this week at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, explored how obesity is strongly linked to fertility problems in men.

Excess weight can contribute to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis — the hormone system that regulates testosterone production — and functional hypogonadism, a condition in which testosterone levels are abnormally low because of disrupted hormone signaling. These changes can also impair semen quality.

WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD IMPACT SEXUAL HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

The researchers evaluated how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs impact reproductive hormones and metabolic outcomes, analyzing data of men between the ages of 18 and 65 who were taking one of the medications, according to a press release.

The systematic review of five randomized controlled trials focused on measuring testosterone, brain hormones involved in testosterone and sperm production, and a protein that carries sex hormones in the blood. Semen quality, weight and BMI, cholesterol and blood sugar were also measured.

The results suggested that GLP-1 medications do not suppress male hormones. Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic health, especially during weight loss.

In one four-week study, dulaglutide showed no significant changes in reproductive hormones or sexual function.

In a separate 16-week trial, liraglutide improved hormones in obese men with functional hypogonadism, meaning low testosterone was likely related to obesity. The review found that liraglutide was better for health outcomes than hormone replacement therapy.

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Another liraglutide study reported improved sperm concentration and count.

A 24-week trial of semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy, saw improvement in sperm shape and bad cholesterol, while preserving total testosterone.

As only five trials were included, the small evidence base suggests more research is necessary to prove further association.

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In an abstract of the research, the authors summed up that GLP-1s "do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss."

"However, evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for larger RCTs explicitly powered to assess male reproductive outcomes," they wrote.

Dr. Anthony Puopolo, men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels," he said.

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While more research is necessary, Pupolo, who was not involved in the study, shared his optimism about how GLP-1s can play a role in improving male fertility.

"If this finding continues to gain evidence, GLP-1s might be a better option for low T than testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in obese men – as GLP-1 medications preserve fertility, whereas TRT tends to be harmful to male reproductive/sperm function," he added.

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Measles-infected traveler may have exposed passengers at LAX and nearby hotel, health officials warn

A traveler infected with measles may have exposed passengers at Los Angeles International Airport and guests at a nearby hotel after arriving in Los Angeles County earlier this month, health officials said Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it is investigating a confirmed measles case involving a traveler who arrived aboard Cathay Pacific Flight CX 884 on June 11. The traveler was infectious while passing through Los Angeles County, potentially exposing others at LAX and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.

The case marks the sixth measles infection reported in Los Angeles County this year. Health officials said the risk of exposure could increase as summer travel ramps up and Los Angeles welcomes international visitors for FIFA World Cup events being held in the region.

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According to health officials, anyone who was at the Tom Bradley International Terminal between 10 a.m. and noon on June 11 may have been exposed. Officials also identified a potential exposure at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, located at 5711 W. Century Blvd., between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. that same day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with local health departments to notify passengers who were seated near the infected traveler on the international flight.

People who were at either location during the listed times could develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after exposure, officials said. The last day to monitor for symptoms is July 2.

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"As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected," Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. "The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community."

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional comment but did not receive a response.

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Poison centers link growing Benadryl abuse among teens to dangerous social media trends

America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.

A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a "concerning rise" in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.

Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.

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From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.

But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.

The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.

According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.

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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.

Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.

To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.

"Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning," the notice suggested. "Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications."

Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the "health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority."

"The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately," a Kenvue spokesperson said. "Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products."

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"We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading," they added. "We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine."

Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report "deeply concerning."

"OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products," she told Fox News Digital. "When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness."

"Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information."

Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.

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"Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions," the spokesperson added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.

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