Bittersweet

Sugar substitute linked to heart attacks. June 7, 2024 On the seven-month anniversary of Oct. 7, I’m reflecting on [the powerful Nova Music Festival Exhibition]( which honors the innocent people killed at the festival that day. Plus, a Columbia student sounds off on [what living through the chaos of the campus protests was really like](. But first, we’ve got a look at the newest study that found a link between a sugar substitute and heart attacks — and [the best and worst sweeteners]( for your health. Let’s begin…   In the News [white chiclet gum on pale yellow background]( Getty Images Bittersweet By now, you’re probably aware that many of the sugar substitutes found in sodas and low-calorie snacks aren’t great for your health — and a new study has raised some [serious concerns about one of these sweeteners](. Here’s what to know about xylitol: The study: Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have linked the compound to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. Why is it unsafe? They suspect that xylitol activates platelets, the cells in our blood that control clotting. Blood clots are the most common cause of heart attack and stroke. Where is xylitol found? The sugar alcohol tastes like sugar but has 40% fewer calories and is commonly used in sugar-free gums, candy, toothpaste, and in products labeled “keto-friendly.” Here’s more on their findings, and insight from a dietitian about the [best and worst sugar alternatives out there](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Fnutrition%2Fbest-and-worst-sugar-substitutes%2F   More Stories [Close up of President Joe Biden greeting American World War II veteran Bill Toombs]( President Joe Biden greets American World War II veteran Bill Toombs. (Getty Images) Today, President Biden will travel to Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, where American soldiers scaled cliffs during the D-Day invasion, and Ronald Reagan championed unity in the face of tyranny in 1984. Biden will hope to invoke the symbolism of the place for a speech in defense of democracy. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is due to address a joint session of Congress in July, having been invited to share his government’s vision for "defending democracy, combatting terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.” Far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has agreed to liquidate his assets to pay the Sandy Hook families, who he owes more than $1.5 billion in damages for lying about the 2012 massacre. The move means Jones would relinquish control of InfoWars. A Los Angeles YouTuber with 924,000 followers is facing an explosives charge after he allegedly directed a video in which fireworks were fired from a helicopter at a speeding Lamborghini. Suk Min Choi, 24, known online as Alex Choi, hasn't entered a plea. Netflix said this morning that it will fight the $170 million lawsuit brought by Fiona Harvey, the Scottish woman who claims she was defamed by the show Baby Reindeer. Harvey's suing for “mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of business.”   In Focus [Piles of shoes from victims of the Nova Music Festival attack under a sign reading Lost & Found]( KCM The horrific events of Oct. 7 took place seven months ago today. [I recently visited an exhibit]( that portrays the horror of the Nova Music Festival with actual items retrieved from the site. It’s an incredibly sad and moving experience. As we watch the war continue and see the controversy over its execution debated, it’s important to remember the young lives that were cut tragically short that day. [READ MORE](   Required Reading [Gates in front of Columbia's Butler Library with caution tape tied around the gate]( Getty Images First-person: Now that the tumultuous academic year has come to an end, a Columbia student reflects on [what everyone got wrong about life during the campus protests](. Short list: Donald Trump has requested documents from eight potential running mates to vet them. Here's [who could be his VP](. Tell your story: Ever wished you had the time — and the writing skills — to pen a memoir? Chronicling your personal history is now easier than we ever thought possible, thanks to the power of AI and our partners at Autobiographer. [Here's how this magical app works](. (Spoiler alert: You won't have to actually write a thing.)   Warm Weather Wonders [Model wearing a flowy black dress; Model in a ribbed tan sweater tank and white pants; model in a white open button-down and jeans with a black belt]( Getty Images / KCM Dressing for the heat and looking fashion-forward is no simple task, but Jenni Kayne designs with that in mind.* KCM associate editor Caro Burke recently [took these pieces for a test drive]( to see how they weather the rising temperatures — here are a few that got a definitive thumbs-up: - [Seersucker Summer Dress](: “This is my walk-to-get-ice-cream dress. It’s also my stroll-along-the-beach dress, and my afternoon-family-barbecue dress. All you need are flip-flops and a pair of sunglasses, and you’re good to go.” - [Sweater Tank](: “Warm yet breezy, this top is just right for dinner on your favorite restaurant patio. I paired it with the buttery soft [Relaxed Trousers]( for drinks with a friend, and the look was effortlessly chic, if I do say so myself.” - [Boyfriend Shirt](: “My favorite aspect of this shirt is the perfectly structured fabric: starchy enough to keep its shape, but soft enough to be a daily staple. Tuck it into a skirt, button it all the way up, and layer the collar with necklaces for the ultimate dinner party outfit.” [CHECK THEM OUT]( *Denotes paid placement.   Savings in Sight Never get caught without your next pair of contact lenses when you use [the simple subscription service from Hubble](. The benefits are plain to see — including that right now, you can take 40% off your first purchase. [A pack of contact lenses]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing We all have a hard time remembering things from time to time, but for some, it’s more than just the usual forgetfulness. If you’re 65 years or younger and have sought medical assistance for memory loss, we want to hear from you. Drop us a line [right here](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Memory loss).   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2024 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.