Tag Archives: Diet

Are current dietary recommendations for cardiovascular health facing challenges in light of emerging evidence regarding the impact of saturated fatty acids on the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein A (Lp(a))?

A recent perspective piece published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition delved into the current dietary recommendations aimed at reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids in order to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The article shed light on the impact of lower saturated fatty acid intake on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein A. While dietary modifications have garnered significant attention in cardiovascular disease prevention, the effectiveness of replacing saturated fatty acids with alternative options remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that while reducing saturated fatty acid intake lowers LDL-C levels, it leads to an increase in lipoprotein A levels, which is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein A has been identified as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease. Although genetic factors primarily regulate lipoprotein A levels, certain non-genetic factors, including dietary saturated fatty acid intake, contribute to its increase. Replacing saturated fatty acids with carbohydrates or monounsaturated fatty acids does lower LDL-C levels but also results in a concurrent increase in lipoprotein A levels. This finding calls for further research and better clinical practices to monitor the effects of dietary changes on lipoprotein A and LDL-C levels. Additionally, assessing cardiovascular disease risk accurately may require measuring LDL-C independently of lipoprotein A cholesterol content or including an evaluation of lipoprotein A cholesterol content. The study suggests that individualized dietary recommendations tailored to lipid profiles and considering additional cardiac health markers, such as lipoprotein A cholesterol content, may be necessary for effective disease prevention.

Dietary Recommendations For Cardiovascular Health Challenged By New …. https://primenewsprint.com/health/dietary-recommendations-for-cardiovascular-health-challenged-by-new-evidence-on-saturated-fatty-acids-effects-on-ldl-c-and-lpa-levels/

Do you know that contaminated raw oysters was connected to the norovirus?

Restaurants and shops are being warned not to serve or sell possibly contaminated raw oysters connected to a norovirus epidemic that has affected at least 91 people in more than a dozen states in the United States and 279 more in Canada.

Raw oysters linked to multi-state outbreak of norovirus illnesses.U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Raw oysters collected in British Columbia, Canada, were distributed in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, according to a report published Wednesday by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Raw oysters have been connected to a multi-state norovirus epidemic. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 91 norovirus cases have been recorded from those 13 states. The CDC stated that several of the ill persons admitted to eating raw oysters during interviews with state and local public health authorities. 29 Minnesota residents were sick after eating raw oysters at Travail Kitchen on March 20. Since then, the restaurant has discontinued selling Stellar Bay Gold oysters. Officials in Washington state stated Tuesday that 26 persons have reported norovirus-like symptoms after eating British Columbia oysters since March 7. The FDA notes that if these oysters were shipped to other states, they may have been transmitted to other states as well. Officials at the federal and state levels are attempting to eradicate them from the food supply. According to Canadian public health experts, 279 instances of norovirus and gastrointestinal disease have been connected to British Columbia oysters, as well as those from Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Between mid-January and late January, those affected fell ill, with no fatalities recorded. Oysters eaten raw may induce disease, particularly in persons with weakened immune systems. Norovirus-contaminated food may seem, smell, and taste normal. Norovirus infects and sickens humans 12 to 48 hours after infection, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach discomfort, fever, headache, and body pains. While the majority of individuals recover without treatment, norovirus infection may cause severe dehydration and even death in certain people—the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Norovirus is the most common cause of food-borne disease in the United States, accounting for over 2,500 outbreaks each year. Apart from ingesting contaminated food or drink, individuals may get the norovirus through coming into contact with other sick individuals, touching contaminated surfaces, or putting unwashed hands in their mouths. The stomach flu is sometimes referred to as the stomach norovirus, despite the fact that the sickness has nothing to do with the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus.

Did you know that getting protein from a wide variety of sources may lower the risk of high blood pressure?

According to a new study, getting protein from a broad range of sources may help individuals reduce their chance of developing high blood pressure.

Dinner table spread of dishes containing different types of protein: fish, shrimp, chicken and pork
CREDIT: GETTY / BRETT STEVENS

According to the results, eating a well-balanced and diverse diet may assist in maintaining good cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Hypertension is one of the most critical risk factors. A study found that those who consumed four or more protein sources each week had a 66 percent decreased chance of having high blood pressure. However, people who consumed the least quantity of total protein were likewise at a higher risk of developing cancer.

This is not the first time that protein intake has been related to an increased risk of hypertension. The American Heart Association suggests consuming one to two servings (about 5.5 ounces) of protein each day to maintain a healthy weight. Plant proteins, fish or shellfish, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and lean meats are all excellent choices for protein sources. There are a few basic actions you can take to help you increase the variety of proteins in your diet. Unfortunately, hypertension comes with a higher chance of acquiring various medical disorders like heart disease and stroke.

Incorporating new protein sources into your diet may help lower your chance of developing hypertension, but it is not the only approach to achieving this goal. Various other dietary and lifestyle adjustments have been demonstrated to effectively delay the onset of a hypertension diagnosis.

Did you know that High-protein diets may drive down testosterone levels in men, researchers say?

According to recent research, high-protein diets may decrease testosterone levels in males.

grandriver/Getty Images

The study, conducted by nutritionist Joe Whittaker and published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health, examined the testosterone levels of 309 males over eight weeks. Their testosterone levels had reduced by 37% after the trial. According to Whittaker, a nutritional therapy researcher at the University of Worcester in the United Kingdom, participants had symptoms consistent with low testosterone levels, including erectile dysfunction, exhaustion, sadness, and muscular weakness. According to Whittaker, the results indicate that consuming 35 percent of a man’s total calorie intake as protein—double the norm for males, according to certified dietitian Erin Coleman via SF Gate—can decrease testosterone levels. According to his studies, he thinks that consuming less than 35% protein might still result in reduced testosterone. Bonnie Taub-Dix, a registered dietitian, told Insider that while she agrees that too much protein can result in decreased testosterone in men, she believes this would not apply to most people and would only affect those who consume an excessive amount of protein in an attempt to build muscle. One disadvantage of the research is that it followed patients for eight weeks and did not account for other lifestyle variables that may affect testosterone levels. Taub-Dix said that guys who consume a high-protein diet to fuel their gains may make muscle growth more difficult since low testosterone levels might impede a man’s bulking process. Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for muscular building, according to Healthline. Chronic diseases may be exacerbated by low testosterone levels. Whittaker noted that while the study’s subjects experienced numerous short-term side effects of low testosterone levels, he cited research indicating that long-term low testosterone levels can result in risks and conditions such as infertility and an increased risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Healthy testosterone levels are often related to robust bone density, the capacity to grow muscle and strength, mood and cognitive function management, and sexual desire in males, according to Kevin Codorniz, MD, head of endocrinology at Loma Linda University Health.

Reference

High-protein diets may drive down testosterone levels in men, researchers say. https://www.insider.com/high-protein-diets-decrease-men-testosterone-levels-researchers-say-2022-3?fbclid=IwAR26cxQww7bQNVHd-qa4B44hdfyiwpt6WOO8Cf2nOUfMbEyjb3lhX2Vf4HM

Vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease

Vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, few large, higher-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to corroborate this. A recent RCT examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation in Finland. It found no association between vitamin D and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. There is evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with nearly all primary chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and mortality.

It looked at data from 2,495 people, including those with no cardiovascular disease or cancer history. To provide further evidence of the relationship between vitamin D, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, the researchers behind the present study conducted the Finnish Vitamin D Trial. Despite the large doses, the study failed to see any effect of the supplementation on lowering the incidence of [cardiovascular disease] and cancer. Those who might benefit from the vitamin D supplementation — i.e., those with low serum vitamin D levels — are a small minority in the trials. Prof. Karani: “High-dose vitamin D supplementation may modestly reduce the risk of cancer death, but not overall cancer incidence.” Dr. Virtanen states, So far, there is no evidence that [Vitamin D] supplementation could prevent [SARS-CoV-2] infection. Still, it is well-documented that those, especially with the severe form of COVID-19, have low serum vitamin D levels.

It is also possible that this is a consequence of the [SARS-CoV-2] infection rather than the cause because it is known that acute infection leads to lower serum vitamin D levels. In addition, many of the COVID-19 patients are overweight or obese or have a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes, which is associated with lower serum vitamin D levels, explained Dr. Virtanen. “It is challenging to obtain vitamin D from food intake alone unless that food is fortified with vitamin D. It would be essential to explore whether vitamin D supplementation can decrease the incidence of [cardiovascular disease] and cancers, as that would make a strong case for mandatory vitamin D fortification or promotion of fortified foods in the population.

Reference

Vitamin D supplements, heart health, and cancer risk. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-d-supplements-heart-health-and-cancer-risk?fbclid=IwAR0anIA4BSbVWh-5gq1EcPeh0-2HN8CGkxNh4ZlnIESqCqFndScGFYXPraE

Diet for Longevity and Good Health

The American Heart Association recommends a diet such as this for longevity and good health. The American Heart Association is certain that these days are the perfect conditions for cultivating a healthy diet and exercise routine. The research determined that getting enough food and exercise during your middle age is vital for long-life to maintain heart protection when you age approaches a golden years. Metabolic syndrome seems to be greatly reduced in individuals who followed these two eating habits in their forties. Additionally, Dr. Kris-Ether says to add plant-based ingredients including almond and sunflower seed butters It’s much easier to maintain a plant-based diet while you eat meals. When dining out, there could be less healthy food on display that is not covered with excess oil or sugar.

Reference

This One Diet Can Help You Live Longer, Says American Heart Association. https://www.eatthis.com/news-one-diet-help-you-live-longer/

Filter-less coffee contain higher amounts of cafestol and kahweol

These types of filter-less coffee contain higher amounts of cafestol and kahweol, which are found in oil droplets floating in the coffee and the sediment, Lisa Drayer, RD, told CNN. Drip coffee is already known to raise triglyceride and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels. Drink filtered (paper) coffee to reduce the levels. For the research document published in The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the researchers began to investigate whether any particular brewing method for coffee was associated with a higher risk of premature death, heart disease, and stroke.

People who drank between one and four cups every day had the lowest death rates overall, including abstainers.

The study analyzed claims that the moderate consumption of unfiltered coffee is beneficial.

The theories regarding the connection between coffee and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease abound among scientists.

According to a Harvard School of Public Health study, drinking coffee causes a lowered risk of depression in women.

If you want to be well informed of your favorite morning beverage, make sure you are fully informed of coffee.

Reference

The Most Dangerous Way to Drink Your Coffee, According to Science. https://www.eatthis.com/the-most-dangerous-way-to-drink-your-coffee-according-to-science/

Consuming red meat and heavily processed foods raises the risk of heart disease and stroke

Consuming red meat and heavily processed foods raises the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to a new report. The research followed almost 166,000 women and 44,000 men over a span of 24 to 30 years. Red meat, organic meat, processed meat, refined grains, sugary drinks are associated with increased inflammation. Leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, whole grains, berries, nuts, fatty fish, and olive oil may provide a safe inflammatory response, according to the report. “When selecting food in our diet, we should take care of their pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory capacity,” says the editorial. The analysis cannot determine cause and effect, says the Food Information Council official. These results are published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 
Reference
Choose anti-inflammatory foods to lower heart disease and stroke risk, study says.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/02/health/anti-inflammatory-foods-heart-disease-wellness/index.html

Processed foods raises the risk of heart disease and stroke

Consuming red meat and heavily processed foods raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nearly 166,000 women and 44,000 men followed the study for 24-30 years. Red meat, organ meat, processed meat, refined grains, drinks are associated with increased inflammation. Leafy greens, carrots, onions, whole grains, fruits, nuts, fatty fish, and olive oil, experts claim, will promote the safe inflammatory reaction. Mediterranean diet is one of the world’s healthiest diets, the International Food Knowledge Council stated.

The western diet is full of over-processed, fat-laden foods, sugar beverages, and red and processed meats. Chronic inflammation is related to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and many other conditions. Ninety percent of Americans don’t consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, he says. Many unhealthy, “ultra-processed” foods can also shorten your life, studies have shown. The good news is that anti-inflammatory elements like vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids can neutralize free radicals.

Reference
Choose anti-inflammatory foods to lower heart disease and stroke risk, study says. https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/02/health/anti-inflammatory-foods-heart-disease-wellness/index.html

Per citizen in the U.S. eats around 2.3 pounds of cranberries a year

Vaccinium macrocarpon is the official name of the cranberry. Per citizen in the U.S. eats around 2.3 pounds of cranberries a year. There are a variety of ways you can eat cranberries, like raw, dried, and fried in the sauce. New cranberries are higher in nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and main vitamins; they are much higher in calories and sugar. The fruit grows in the bogs of New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, among other states and portions of Canada. The English mossberry, a smaller variety of cranberry, will survive on vines in Europe for more than 100 years, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association.
Reference
Should You Eat Cranberries? The Benefits, Nutrition, and More. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/should-you-eat-cranberries-the-benefits-nutrition-and-more/ar-BB1b6mhR