Hello, thanks for being here. This note is to share that over the next few months, I'll be undergoing a significant life change that will impact my writing schedule. Expect fewer posts, but rest assured, we will return to its regular rhythm soon. Enjoy the space.
1/ Healthy: GLP-1 Bio-Tech
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), once a scientific footnote, has become a celebrity in the sciences, propelling Novo Nordisk to European market-cap supremacy and driving the success of drugs like Ozempic. GLP-1 is a gut-derived hormone that holds a unique biological key to taming cravings, regulating blood sugar, and potentially revolutionizing health and healthcare systems.
GLP-1 acts as a metabolic conductor in the body: “limiting appetite by signaling to our bodies that we feel full and prompting our stomachs to empty more slowly.”*. Its impact on behavior, particularly cravings, offers hope for managing obesity and metabolic disorders, potentially reducing global healthcare burdens by billions, and extending life and vitality for millions.
While the story of this hormone is reaching us via the pharmaceutical industry, there is more to know. Research shows that a healthy and vibrant microbiome can also boost the production and signaling of GLP-1. This intimate connection suggests a natural counterpoint to synthetic interventions: nurturing the gut ecosystem to unlock GLP-1's potential.
Two ways to leverage this bio-tech with our diet and supplementation:
Probiotics, the live microorganisms acting as gut gardeners, can cultivate for beneficial bacteria to flourish. From fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt to prebiotic-rich fiber, these dietary choices can empower our guts to yield the same metabolic benefits as pharmaceutical GLP-1-RAs.
Herbal based supplements also help our bodies to build a microbiome that boosts GLP-1 naturally. Berberine, tea, curcumin, cinnamon, wheat, soybean, resveratrol, and gardenia are all cited in this study as influencing GLP-1.
The future of health should lie not just in targeting hormones, but in nurturing the fertile ground from which they bloom. GLP-1's rise to prominence reminds us that groundbreaking solutions can sometimes be found within ourselves, waiting to be unlocked through simple dietary adjustments and a deeper understanding of our gut's complex ecosystem.
2/ Wealthy: Bitcoin Spot ETFs
Bitcoin, the ubiquitous and volatile digital currency, has long been the playground of risk-loving traders and early tech adopters. But that's shifting. The recent approval of 11 Bitcoin Spot ETFs marks a pivotal moment, opening the door for billions of dollars from institutional investors to flow into Bitcoin for the first time.
An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is a familiar investment vehicle that is traded on stock exchanges. Spot ETFs track the underlying asset directly, in this case, the price of Bitcoin. ETFs are regulated by government agencies and represent an enormous part of the global economy—$5.4T in the US, $1T in Europe,and $0.9T in Asia. This means investors can now buy and sell shares of the ETF within existing brokerage accounts, offering a secure and regulated way to gain exposure to Bitcoin without dealing directly with digital wallets or exchanges.
Regulation varies around the world but the adoption in the US signifies a growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. Institutional investors, historically cautious towards the cryptocurrency's volatility, can now incorporate it into their long-term portfolio strategies, bolstering Bitcoin's stability and potentially paving the way for further price appreciation. This influx of institutional money could be the catalyst for widespread adoption, marking a new era for both Bitcoin and the future of diversified investing.
3/ Wise: Better Feedback with 19 Words from Adam Grant
Adam Grant, renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, advises power with words. Specifically, 19 words when giving feedback.
"I'm giving you these comments because I have very high expectations
and I know that you can reach them."
This carefully crafted phrase is useful because of a subtle shift. Replacing criticism with belief, it transforms feedback from a grade school scolding a supportive discussion.
Grant's research reveals the profound impact of these words. Studies show they spark greater openness to feedback, boost motivation, and lead to enhanced performance. The mere act of acknowledging high expectations, coupled with unwavering confidence in the recipient's potential, ignites a fire within. It's a gentle, yet potent reminder that feedback isn't about belittling, but about building brilliance. So, whether guiding colleagues, nurturing children, or simply offering constructive criticism, remember Adam Grant's 19 words – a powerful tool for sparking growth and igniting the potential that lies within each of us.
Stay healthy, wealthy, and wise.
With warmth,
Fernando R.F.
(Note: This blog is not written by a medical or financial professional. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your individual needs. It is important to do your own research and determine the best course of action together with an expert.)
Go Deeper:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/glucagon-like-peptide-1-agonist
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-52103-x
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/spot-bitcoin-etf-round-up-fees-tickers-crypto-trading-approval-2024-1