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Category: cardiovascular health

Published on Leave a comment on A Daily Glass of Wine Is Associated With A Slower Rate of Aging

Several studies have recently been published that push back at the idea that all alcohol intake has negative health effects. Actual results are more nuanced. High alcohol intake is always harmful, but low to moderate intake appears to be protective for a number of health conditions. In fact, low to moderate intake appears to be better for health than totally abstaining from alcohol.

Similar to research reported in the last post, another recent study looking at alcohol consumption found that low to moderate alcohol consumption has beneficial health effects (is protective). Again, a J curve finding that low to moderate intake best delays biological aging (as measured by biomarker measurements), then alcohol never or rarely consumed, and finally that high intake was harmful - it canceled any alcohol protective effects. In other words, low to moderate alcohol consumption slows down aging.

The most beneficial effects were at 1 to 2 glasses of wine per day. These associations were predominantly in men, and these effects went hand in hand with eating a Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans, and olive oil. The researchers thought that compounds such as polyphenols in wine could play a role in why low to moderate alcohol consumption was beneficial.

From Medical Life Sciences News: Moderate wine intake tied to slower biological aging in men

A large Italian cohort study suggests that moderate wine intake, as defined within a traditional Mediterranean diet, may be associated with slightly slower biological aging in men, whereas total alcohol intake showed a different, less favorable pattern. ...continue reading "A Daily Glass of Wine Is Associated With A Slower Rate of Aging"

Published on Leave a comment on Some Wine With Dinner Can Have Health Benefits

It seems that in the last few years all alcohol intake has been demonized, with warnings that any alcohol can increase the risk of cancer. What is not typically mentioned are the studies finding health benefits from consuming low to moderate levels of alcohol. Especially wine consumed with a meal.

Studies for years have found a J curve in health effects - with low to moderate levels of alcohol consumed best for health, and no alcohol or rarely consumed a little worse,  and high levels of alcohol consumption having the most negative health effects. In other words, low to moderate alcohol consumption (e.g., 1 glass wine daily) can be protective for certain health conditions.

The following study found that consuming low to moderate levels of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, in older adults (mean age 68 years). Best was consuming between half a glass and one glass per day of wine - a 50% lower chance of cardiovascular events.

From Science Daily: New evidence on the relationship between moderate wine consumption and cardiovascular health

Light and moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications, according to a multicenter study. The study is based on the analysis of a biomarker of wine intake -- specifically, tartaric acid, present in grapes. It was carried out in 1,232 participants in the PREDIMED project, a major scientific epidemiological study in nutrition on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health. ...continue reading "Some Wine With Dinner Can Have Health Benefits"

Published on Leave a comment on Eating Wild Blueberries Has Health Benefits

Some foods appear to have especially powerful health benefits. Berries are very beneficial, especially blueberries. (Or at least they have been studied more than other berries.) A recent study found that frequent or daily consumption of  wild blueberries is especially beneficial for cardiometabolic health, including vascular health.

Blueberries contain lots of fiber, polyphenols (which have powerful effects on vascular health), antioxidants, flavonoids (anthocyanins), and micronutrients. Wild blueberries have more of all these compared to farmed blueberries. Blueberries are especially beneficial for vascular health because they reduce inflammation and vascular dysfunction.

Bottom line: Researchers suggest eating daily half a cup to one cup blueberries, especially wild blueberries, for health benefits, such as lowering inflammation. (Less is good also - better to eat some than none)

Medical Xpress: Studies suggest Maine wild blueberries support gut and heart health

Wild blueberries—the iconic Maine crop dotting hillsides, decorating sweatshirts and adding personality to local menus—is more than a cultural symbol. More than 20 years of preclinical and clinical studies suggest that regularly consuming wild blueberries supports gut and heart health and may reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease. ...continue reading "Eating Wild Blueberries Has Health Benefits"

Published on Leave a comment on Some Foods May Protect Us From the Harms of Too Much Sitting

We all know sitting too much is not good for our health. But for many of us, it's our reality - sit all day at work, and then come home and relax by sitting all evening. But there is some good news. A recent study found that eating foods rich in flavanols, such as cocoa,  may protect our blood vessels from the harms of too much sitting.

While the research occurred in young healthy men (with either high or low levels of fitness), all had detrimental effects in their vascular health (blood flow) after several hours of sitting. Drinking a flavanol rich cocoa drink at the beginning of a 2 hour sitting time prevented the decrease in blood flow ("sitting-induced vascular dysfunction") in both upper and lower limbs.

The researchers did point out though, that some exercise every hour, even 5 minutes of walking or climbing stairs, would have the same effect.

Flavanols are naturally occurring polyphenols found in various fruits (e.g., blueberries, apples, grapes), green and black tea, matcha, nuts, red wine, and cocoa beans. They have previously been linked to cardiovascular benefits, including support for the vascular system during psychological stress. Eating diverse flavanoid rich foods is best because there are so many types of flavanols.

From Science Daily: Cocoa and tea may protect your heart from the hidden damage of sitting

New findings from the University of Birmingham suggest that regularly eating foods rich in flavanols, including tea, berries, apples, and cocoa, may help protect men's blood vessels from the negative effects that occur during long periods of sitting. ...continue reading "Some Foods May Protect Us From the Harms of Too Much Sitting"

Published on Leave a comment on The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation

For years it has been known that increasing the amount of fiber (and drinking enough fluids) in a person's  diet helps to prevent constipation. A recent large multi-year study of 96,000 adults confirmed this: Mediterranean and plant-based diets prevented constipation, and Western and inflammatory diets (low fiber, high ultra-processed foods) raised constipation risk.

Vegetables, cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), and fruits were all associated with reduced risks for constipation. High vegetable and nut consumption was especially good for preventing constipation. Additionally, a low carbohydrate diet showed a slight increased risk for constipation. Eating a diet rich in cereal fibers (e.g., white bread, low fiber breakfast cereals) and ultra-processed foods was linked to constipation.

Besides reducing constipation, many studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, such as the Mediterranean diet, is protective for cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., heart disease, heart attack, strokes, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes), cancer, and even early death. This type of diet is high in fiber, has positive effects on the gut microbiome, and reduces chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily: What 96,000 adults taught scientists about preventing constipation

Chronic constipation becomes more common with age. Researchers from Mass General Brigham conducted a new study examining whether five widely followed diets could help prevent chronic constipation in middle- and older-age adults. The team monitored more than 96,000 participants for several years to see how long-term eating habits influenced the likelihood of developing this persistent gastrointestinal issue. Their analysis showed that people who routinely ate a Mediterranean or plant-based diet experienced a lower incidence of constipation. The findings appear in Gastroenterology. ...continue reading "The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation"

Published on Leave a comment on Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Human Health All Sorts Of Ways
Credit: Wikipedia

The list of health harms from ultra-processed foods just keep growing. Unfortunately, most Americans get the majority of their calories from ultra-processed foods. A recent series of studies found that ultra-processed foods harm every one of our major organs. They increase the risk of many chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity ) and early death.

How do you know a food is ultra-processed? Look at the ingredient list and if there is something that normally is not found in a person's kitchen, then it is ultra-processed. Examples of such ingredients are: emulsifiers, carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, soy lecithin, polysorbate, cellulose, colors, titanium dioxide, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dextrose, whey protein, nitrates, flavors (artificial and natural), colors, etc. (Yes, natural flavors are laboratory concoctions.)

Ultra-processed foods are food products manufactured with all sorts of ingredients (additives) that have been added to extend shelf-life or manipulate the taste, flavor, or appearance. Ultra-processed foods are "formulations of ingredients" that result from a series of industrial processes (thus "ultra-processed").

Bottom line: Read labels! Try to avoid foods with ingredients not normally found in your kitchen. Try to eat as many whole foods and minimally processed foods as possible.

Excerpts from The Guardian: Ultra-processed food linked to harm in every major human organ, study finds

Ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked to harm in every major organ system of the human body and poses a seismic threat to global health, according to the world’s largest review.UPF is also rapidly displacing fresh food in the diets of children and adults on every continent, and is associated with an increased risk of a dozen health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.

...continue reading "Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Human Health All Sorts Of Ways"

Published on Leave a comment on Daily Coffee May Reduce Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter Risk

Good news for coffee drinkers. A recent study found that drinking coffee daily significantly lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation. By up to 39% in those who already have atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter! In other words, coffee consumption is protective.

In the well done study, participants (who already had atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) assigned to the coffee group drank at least 1 cup of caffeinated coffee or an espresso shot daily for 6 months. And the other study group avoided all coffee and caffeinated drinks for 6 months. The results surprised the researchers because it went against medical knowledge, which said to avoid coffee in those with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

That's right - go ahead and enjoy your coffee! It's beneficial!

From Science Daily: Surprising heart study finds daily coffee may cut AFib risk by 39%

New research suggests that drinking coffee may actually help protect against atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat too quickly and irregularly, sometimes leading to stroke or heart failure. ...continue reading "Daily Coffee May Reduce Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter Risk"

Published on Leave a comment on Common Foods Linked to Improved Heart Function

The evidence keeps piling up that certain foods are associated with health, while other foods (e.g., soda, ultra processed foods) are associated with chronic diseases. A recent article reported the results of several studies finding certain foods linked to cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure.

But guess what? They are popular foods available to everyone - cocoa, green tea, black tea, apples, grapes, and berries.

There is strong evidence certain plant compounds (flavan-3-ols, also known as flavanols or catechins) in these foods have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. These compounds can lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function (functioning of the blood vessels). Two to three cups of tea daily! One to two servings of dark chocolate daily! Instead of chips for a snack, have an apple.

By the way, rather than focusing on eating just certain foods, it's better to improve your entire diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. All these foods are linked to good health and are considered part of a heart-healthy diet.

From Medscape: From Apples to Cocoa: Everyday Foods Linked to CV Benefits

The term “healthy diet” is often used but frequently remains vague. This is why scientific research into specific food components with preventive potential is gaining importance. Current studies suggest that certain plant compounds found in everyday foods such as apples, cocoa, and tea may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular (CV) health. ...continue reading "Common Foods Linked to Improved Heart Function"

Published on Leave a comment on A Walk In the Woods Is Good For Us

After the recent incredibly hot and steamy week, it is nice to read something positive about nature. A recent review of studies found that taking a walk in a forest is good for us in a number of ways: reduces stress, improves our mood, and good for our physical health (e.g., lowers blood pressure, benefits immune system). It shouldn't be a surprise that walking in nature is soothing.

A recent presentation at the American Psychiatry Association (APA) annual meeting discussed a review of 15 studies looking at the health benefits of walking in a forest. While the length of time varied in each study, it was generally 2 walks per week, 2 hours at a time. The health benefits were so clear that the researchers said such walks are therapeutic and could be viewed as forest therapy.

While most of us call it a walk in nature or a walk in the woods, the Japanese refer to it as shinrin yoku, which translates as forest bathing. They have long-recognized the health benefits of shinrin yoku, and doctors prescribe forest bathing to stressed people to "recharge and recover". Some doctors in the US also recommend prescribing walks in nature (nature prescribed) - Park Rx America

From Medscape: Growing Evidence for the Healing Power of ‘Forest Therapy’

Spending time in a forest — an experience known as Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” in Japan where the practice originated — can lift mood, reduce stress, and promote physical health, a new literature review suggested.

Most of the studies included in the review reported moderate to strong effect sizes, using validated measures such as the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and physiological indicators like blood pressure. ...continue reading "A Walk In the Woods Is Good For Us"

Published on Leave a comment on The Sugar Substitute Erythritol And the Brain’s Blood Vessels

Once again artificial sweeteners are in the news, and not in a good way. New research found that the sugar substitute erythritol, at a concentration typically found in an artificially sweetened beverage, has harmful effects on the small blood vessels of the brain.

Erythritol crosses the blood brain barrier and interacts with the brain's cerebrovasculature (the blood vessels in the brain, including the arteries, veins, and capillaries that supply blood and nutrients to the brain tissue). This study focused on the smallest blood vessels (microvascular) in the brain. And yes, found that the amount or erythritol in 1 diet beverage has adverse effects at a cellular level on these blood vessels.

This study was done in a lab setting (and not directly on humans), but research results match up with other studies on erythritol. Other studies already found that erythritol increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, as well as blood clot formation. This study's results give an explanation for why there is a increased risk of these brain vascular (blood vessel) events happening.

Erythritol is found in some beverages advertised as low or zero calorie (e.g., Monster Zero energy drinks, Blue Sky Zero Sugar soda, Red Bull Zero) and in some low calorie foods (e.g., Halo Top low-calorie ice cream). Read ingredient lists on labels!

From Medical Xpress: Major sugar substitute found to impair brain blood vessel cell function, posing potential stroke risk

Erythritol may impair cellular functions essential to maintaining brain blood vessel health, according to researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder. Findings suggest that erythritol increases oxidative stress, disrupts nitric oxide signaling, raises vasoconstrictive peptide production, and diminishes clot-dissolving capacity in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. ...continue reading "The Sugar Substitute Erythritol And the Brain’s Blood Vessels"