How muscles respond to exercise largely depends on intensity, and researchers are testing whether targeted nutrients can influence that process. A new study examined whether an olive leaf extract rich in the polyphenol oleuropein could alter muscle responses to moderate cycling or sprint interval exercise. The crossover trial included 22 healthy, physically active young men who were not following a structured training program. Participants were assigned to either moderate-intensity continuous exercise (1 hour of cycling at 50% maximal aerobic power) or sprint interval exercise (six 30-second ... exercise mitochondria muscle polyphenol supplements
Read moreAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves difficulties with social interaction and communication, but evidence on whether and how supplements might support treatment remains limited. Researchers in Taiwan tested whether a mixture of dietary nutrients could improve brain function and behavior in mouse models of autism. The team studied male mice that carried a mutation in one of three autism-associated genes (Tbr1, Nf1, or Cttnbp2) along with littermates without the corresponding mutation. Some mice received a nutrient blend from the juvenile stage until they reached adulthood and completed the ... autism supplements
Read more[toc] Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, is found in over 200 species of mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms," with a long history of use in indigenous cultures for religious, healing, and divinatory purposes, particularly in regions like Mexico and South America. Chemically, psilocybin is rapidly metabolized into psilocin, which acts as a serotonin 2A receptor agonist, producing profound alterations in consciousness. In clinical settings, psilocybin is administered as a synthesized compound under tightly controlled conditions, involving extensive participant pre... serotonin psychedelic depression anxiety mental health aging
Read moreEating walnuts prevents premature death and extends life expectancy. Walnuts are a nutrient-dense food, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals. Evidence suggests that consuming walnuts as part of a healthy diet improves cognitive function (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661817311751) and cardiovascular health (https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/144/4/547S/4571627?login=true) and reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancer (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01635581.2014.956246). Findings from a 2021 study s... nutrition mortality
Read more[toc position='left'] Carotenoids are orange/yellow pigments in various foods, such as carrots, pumpkins, avocados, and salmon. While carotenoids are a highly diverse group of organic pigments, with over 1,100 known carotenoids [ref doi='10.1093/database/bax004'], this overview will focus on lutein and zeaxanthin, which are of particular interest due to their notable roles in eye and brain health. Carotenoids are one of the most common classes of bioactive compounds found in plants, along with alkaloids (e.g., berberine), organosulfur compounds (e.g., sulforaphane), and polyphenols (e.g., anth... carotenoids cholesterol eyes antioxidant
Read moreParkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 10 million people worldwide. The neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease are the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain and the aggregation of alpha synuclein, a type of protein. People who have Parkinson's disease experience both motor symptoms (such as tremors and a shuffling gait) and non-motor symptoms (such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating or remembering). Findings from a new study suggest that people with Parkinson's disease have defects ... parkinson's
Read moreThe color of fat tissue – white, brown, or beige – dictates the role the tissue plays in the body. Whereas white fat is involved in lipid storage and the release of free fatty acids for energy, brown fat is involved primarily in thermogenesis – the production of heat. Beige fat, which is typically co-located with white fat, can exhibit either storage or thermogenic properties, depending on environmental conditions. It also exerts anti-inflammatory properties via induction of interleukin 4, an anti-inflammatory molecule. White fat can convert to beige fat, a process known as "beiging." Findings... brain dementia cold stress visceral fat
Read moreAging induces a number of disease-related changes to the cardiovascular system, including dysfunction of the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. Eating fruits and vegetables, which are rich in a variety of beneficial bioactive compounds, may slow cardiovascular aging. Investigators tested the effects of anthocyanin compounds from blueberries on flow-mediated dilation. Flow-mediated dilation refers to the capacity of an artery to expand in response to increased blood flow. It is a widely accepted measure of vascular endothelial function, and poor flow-mediated dilation is a recognized fe... diet heart disease cardiovascular
Read moreObesity and metabolic disease are associated with reduced fertility and alterations in several markers of reproductive health, including plasma concentrations of sex hormone-binding globulin. Low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin are common in those with obesity and are predictive of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk, although it is unclear how glucose and insulin regulation affect sex hormone-binding globulin levels. A group of investigators recently performed a series of experiments with the aim of identifying mechanisms of sugar metabolism and sex hormone-binding globulin... testosterone estrogen sugar
Read more[toc position='left'] Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor molecule for the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, a coenzyme that participates in the production of cellular energy and DNA repair. NAD+ can also be synthesized from other precursors including nicotinamide (NAM, also called niacinamide), nicotinic acid (NA), and nicotinamide riboside (NR), which are often collectively referred to as niacin (vitamin B3) or niacin equivalents.[ref doi='10.12688/f1000research.12120.1'] These precursors are not equally allocated throughout the body; rather, they exhib... aging obesity neurodegeneration exercise cancer dna damage mitochondria nad+ cardiovascular
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