Good morning! 🌞 

If you’re going through menopause—or know someone who is—you might be curious about how diet can make a difference. A recent study explored whether plant-based eating, especially with soy, can help ease symptoms. Read on to see what researchers found. 😃 

Health Science

Soybean Secret

A new study from The Menopause Society shows that a low-fat vegan diet—regardless of how processed the food is—can significantly reduce hot flashes and support weight loss in women going through midlife. The research focused on the impact of plant-based eating during menopause and addressed concerns that the processing level of many plant-based foods might affect their health benefits. To investigate, 84 women were randomly assigned to follow either a low-fat vegan diet with soybeans or an omnivorous diet for 12 weeks, with detailed diet records analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research.

Previous research has linked plant-based diets, especially those including soy, to reduced menopause symptoms. However, ultra-processed foods are often criticized for contributing to weight gain due to high energy density, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and low nutritional value. “This is because ultraprocessed foods often have a higher energy density, meaning they are more calorie-rich for their size. Ultraprocessed foods are also often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, while being low in fiber and other essential nutrients,” the Menopause Society noted. To determine whether processing might undermine the benefits of the vegan diet, researchers conducted further analysis—and found it didn’t.

“After 12 weeks,” the Menopause Society reported, “severe hot flashes were reduced by 92% in the vegan group and did not change significantly in the control group.” The key factor wasn’t food processing but whether the food was animal- or plant-based. “What mattered most was whether the food consumed was animal- or plant-based, thus confirming the researchers’ hypothesis that animal- and plant-based foods would affect body weight differently even if they were equally processed.” Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, added: “This study highlights the potential positive effects of a plant-based diet rich in soy (regardless of the level of processing) in terms of both hot flash and weight management... women in midlife should consider leaning into a plant-based diet.” The study appears in the journal Menopause.

World News

A ‘One of a Kind’ British Treasure

A gold mourning ring dating back to the 18th century has officially been declared treasure after being discovered by metal detectorist Malcolm Weale in a Norfolk field last August. The ring, found just six inches beneath the soil, is believed to commemorate Sir Bassingbourne Gawdry, the 3rd Baronet of Harling, who died in 1723—the year engraved inside the band. “The sun was out and it was shining in beautiful bright pure gold,” Weale recalled. “It was exactly like the day it was dropped on the ground. I was shaking.” The find was recently confirmed as treasure by the Norfolk Coroner’s Court and is now at the British Museum for valuation.

Mourning rings like this one were worn to honor the deceased, especially during the Georgian Era, and often featured inscriptions, memorial messages, and black enamel to symbolize grief. They became increasingly popular after the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, and served as both a personal token of remembrance and a social marker. Weale, 53, who has spent 18 months detecting in the small paddock near Thetford where he unearthed the ring, described it as “one-of-a-kind.” He noted the rarity of such a find: “It is one of only two things I have found in my detecting career with a name on it. You don’t often find anything with a human connection. It is a unique ring.”

Weale, a professional detectorist from East Anglia, has been passionate about what lies beneath the surface since childhood. “Since I could walk I was always digging holes,” he said. “My grandad bought me a metal detector—and I dug up his garden like a bowling green. He was annoyed!” His past discoveries include the first and only known Viking penny minted for Guthrum, the first Viking king to convert to Christianity. Reflecting on his recent luck, Weale added, “2024 was a good year as the levels of moisture in the ground were high.”

Lifestyle

Grand Canyon’s Secret Village

Today, we’re spotlighting full-time travel creators Kara and Nate as they take us on one of their most epic adventures yet—deep into the Grand Canyon, far beyond the tourist trails, to a place most people don’t even know exists: the remote village of Supai, home of the Havasupai Tribe. This isn’t just another hike with a scenic view. It’s a 10-mile trek into a secret world of turquoise waterfalls, sacred land, and living history—and the only way in is on foot, by mule, or helicopter.

In their latest video (linked below), Kara and Nate share what it really takes to experience this bucket list destination—from battling the infamous online permit scramble to carrying their gear through the canyon’s dramatic terrain. But beyond the logistics, they show the deep respect this place deserves. Supai isn’t just beautiful—it’s home to a sovereign Indigenous community that has fiercely protected its land for generations.

Watch along as Kara and Nate explore one of the most exclusive—and awe-inspiring—corners of the U.S., and get a rare look at a place that few have seen, but no one ever forgets.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

I’m a network you hold, though you never see wires,
I bring you news, laughs, and long‑lost friends’ desires.
I’m more than a phone, more than a book in your hand—
What am I that links every corner of land?

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

— tickled pink! James Godfrey got this correct early! 🌞 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.