6 Tips to Help You Enjoy a Vacation Without Feeling Guilty

A recent study conducted by Harvard University and Mass General Brigham found that people who consumed more butter had a 15% higher risk of early death compared to those who used it in moderation. On the flip side, people who preferred plant oils had a 16% lower risk of mortality.

The results shed light on the ongoing question of whether butter or plant-based oils are the better choice for your health. Sadly for butter lovers, the findings suggest that replacing even two teaspoons of butter with the same amount of plant oil could lower the risk of early death by approximately 17%.

For the study, the research team examined dietary data from three major studies: the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. They tracked over 220,000 Americans' butter consumption, including for both cooking and spreading, as well as their intake of various plant oils, like olive, soybean, canola, corn, and safflower oils.

Over the course of 33 years, the researchers gathered this information via food surveys every four years. Then, they used the data to calculate averages and gain a clearer picture of eating habits.

A total of 50,932 deaths occurred throughout the study, with 12,241 from cancer and 11,240 from heart disease. The team adjusted for variables such as age, physical activity, weight, alcohol consumption, and smoking, which revealed a distinct trend.

Higher butter intake was associated with increased death rates; meanwhile, higher consumption of plant oils was tied to lower death rates. However, not all plant oils had the same effect, as corn and safflower oils showed no significant benefits.

Still, increasing plant oil intake by roughly two tablespoons a day was linked to an 11% reduction in cancer death risk and a 6% decrease in the risk of dying from heart disease.

"Replacing three small pats of butter (approximately 15 grams) with one tablespoon of plant-based oil (approximately 15 grams) in the daily diet could contribute to lowering the risk of premature mortality," the team wrote.

Now, this doesn't mean you need to cut out butter entirely. In fact, the study actually found that butter used for baking or frying wasn't strongly linked to mortality risk. This may be because it's used in smaller quantities or less often.

Butter being spread directly on foods, like bread, showed the strongest connection. So, the researchers suggest making small switches, like swapping out butter for olive oil or canola oil, to maintain taste and enhance your health.

"Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits," concluded Dr. Daniel Wang of Harvard's Department of Nutrition.

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

1. Agnes

This classic girl's name has Greek roots and means "pure" or "holy." Its popularity can be traced back to Saint Agnes of Rome, and over the centuries, Agnes has been embraced across various cultures. That's why it has different forms in varying languages, such as Agnese in Italian and Inés in Spanish.

Aside from its historical significance, Agnes has a simple elegance to it that continues to resonate with parents around the globe.

2. Clara

With Latin origins, Clara is a feminine name that means "bright" or "famous" and can be a perfect fit for a baby girl with a future full of promise.

This pick stands out from other similar and more common names, like Claire and Clarissa. Plus, it has some ties to classic Hollywood, most notably because actress Clara Bow was a silent film star and "it girl" during the 1920s.

3. Edith

With British roots, Edith is a name that embodies resilience and grace. It means "prosperous in strife" and suggests your little one will stand strong and have a solid character when faced with adversity.

Historically, Edith is best known as the daughter of Edgar the Peaceful. She was a woman who balanced nobility, intellect, and deep faith while remaining unbothered by external judgment. That's why this name can encourage your baby girl to follow her heart and hold her own values above all else.

4. Frances

If you'd like to go the gender-neutral route, Frances is a great choice that has roots in both Latin and German. It carries meanings such as "of the Franks," "free man," and "truthful" or "sincere."

Frances originally emerged during the 17th century in Britain and is often considered the feminine version of Francis. It's since gained popularity across Europe and can even serve as a nickname for the longer Italian version, Francesca.

5. Harriet

German in origin, Harriet translates to "home ruler" and connotes leadership and authority. Its popularity in the United States has been largely influenced by Harriet Tubman, the iconic abolitionist whose courage helped lead countless enslaved people to freedom.

This name symbolizes strength, resilience, and the power to create change. Its powerful legacy is undeniable and can inspire your baby girl to make an impact on the world around her.

6. Louise

Louise might sound like a soft or elegant name, but it has strong and powerful roots that are perfect for a bold little girl.

This name is derived from the masculine Louis and means "renowned warrior." It's a fitting choice for parents who want to combine both grace and strength. Not to mention, it's tied to Irish Author Louise O'Neill, who is known for her powerful feminist novels.

7. Mabel

Next up is Mabel, an adorable name with Latin origins that means "lovable." Derived from Amabilis and Amabel, this moniker has been beloved across cultures. It also has roots in the Middle Ages and graced Dutch royalty, like Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau.

But even if your little girl won't be part of a regal family, Mabel has a warm, welcoming spirit that will brighten up your home.

8. Winifred

Finally, Winifred is Welsh and Old English in origin, meaning "friend of peace" and "blessed reconciliation." The name is linked to a martyred Welsh princess and has a ton of vintage charm.

The best part? Winifred offers two cute nickname options: Winnie and Freddie. This makes it versatile (and fun) for different settings, whether formal or casual.