Between Saturdays
Digital health tools, parenting psychology, and overlooked nutrients—what caught my eye this week.
As a mom and a health researcher, I often stumble on studies, tools, or insights that make me pause mid-scroll—not just because they’re useful, but because they echo the questions I explore in my own work. This week, I round up a few of these standouts: resources that can help us make better choices at the grocery store, small parenting shifts with lasting emotional impact, and news from the world of wellness that’s especially relevant to families.
If you’re someone who wants to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed—especially around issues that impact your family’s physical and emotional wellbeing—I hope this short round-up gives you something valuable to take away.
What Stood Out…
A New Tool to See What You're Really Eating
Researchers at Mass General Brigham just launched the True Food Database, a publicly available tool that lets users check the degree of processing in thousands of packaged food items. The tool, based on the NOVA classification system, helps consumers distinguish between unprocessed, minimally processed, and ultra-processed products—the latter being increasingly linked to long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
It’s worth bookmarking, especially if you’re trying to reduce your family’s reliance on ultra-processed snacks and meals. The database also serves as a reminder that decoding food labels isn’t just about calorie counts—it’s about what you're actually putting into your body.
If this resonates, I wrote a quick short-dive into what ultra-processed foods are doing to our bodies and brains. It might change the way you shop.
→ Read: Ultra-Processed Foods Are Wrecking Our Health
Vitamin D Deficiency Is More Common Than You Think
A new report from the Endocrine Society reveals that over 35% of U.S. adults have insufficient levels of vitamin D, particularly among people with darker skin tones, older adults, and those who spend little time outdoors. This vitamin plays a crucial role in immune function, mood regulation, and bone health.
The takeaway? Check your vitamin D levels during your next physical—especially if you’ve been feeling fatigued or low for no clear reason. A supplement or a bit more sun exposure could make a big difference.
Why Kids Need to Hear These 9 Simple Phrases
A new piece from Parade highlights 9 emotionally grounding phrases that child psychologists say every child should hear regularly—from "I'm so proud of you" to "You're allowed to feel this way." These affirmations help foster security, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of self in growing kids.
Words matter. They shape how children think, feel, and relate to others—and they echo long into adulthood. This article is a beautiful reminder of the power we hold as parents and caregivers every time we speak to our kids.
If you found this powerful, and want to read more into the topic to know exactly how how the language we use with children impacts their inner voice and mental health take a look at my short-dive on the topic.
→ Read: The Power of Words in Parenting
Breast Milk May Hold Clues to Infant Brain Development
New findings from the University of Zurich suggest that certain fatty acids in breast milk could directly influence early brain development, especially in premature infants. The study highlights how the nutritional composition of breast milk varies over time, adapting to meet a baby’s changing needs.
While breastfeeding may not be feasible for everyone, these insights continue to shape how we think about infant nutrition, formula development, and long-term cognitive outcomes.
That's all for this week. If you enjoyed this format and want more health news, quick science explainers, or practical parenting tips, consider subscribing to Muslim Mom’s Corner. It’s made for moms who want to stay informed—without the noise.