Previous studies have linked flavanols, a group of naturally occurring compounds produced by plants, to cardiovascular benefits. However, it is less clear whether following standard dietary advice is enough to reach levels associated with these benefits (about 500 mg per day). To answer that question, researchers turned to data from two studies in the United States and the United Kingdom. The analysis included more than 30,000 adults. Participants reported what they ate, and urine samples were used to estimate flavanol intake. The researchers then compared people with different levels of fruit... cardiovascular diet heart disease polyphenol cocoa
Read morePeople with panic disorder often avoid physical exertion because its bodily effects resemble the onset of an attack. Scientists examined whether repeated, carefully monitored sprint bursts could harness those feared sensations therapeutically. Researchers in Brazil enrolled sedentary adults diagnosed with panic disorder, a condition marked by sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two 12-week programs: brief intermittent intense exercise, which combined walking with repeated ... anxiety depression exercise mental health
Read moreDr. Rhonda Patrick discusses supplement timing, exercise timing, supplements in older adults, folic acid vs. folate, and hydrogen-rich water. ... rhonda folate sulforaphane supplements urolithin a cocoa exercise antioxidant Ubiquinol
Watch nowFew behaviors support long-term health as powerfully as staying physically active, yet scientists still debate how much intensity is optimal—especially in later life. To explore this, researchers in Norway conducted a five-year randomized trial testing whether structured workouts could lower mortality in older adults, and whether high-intensity sessions offer extra benefit over moderate-paced ones. The trial enrolled 1,567 men and women aged 70 to 77. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three plans for five years: follow the Norwegian activity guidelines on their own as defined as 30... aging exercise
Read moreAdolescence is a critical window for brain development, and choices made during this time can shape long-term health. A twin study examined whether beginning regular cannabis use during the teenage years is connected to sleep problems in young adulthood. Researchers examined 1,882 twins with an average age of 23, and grouped them by cannabis use history: early regular users who started at 17 or younger, later regular users who started after 17, and never-regular users. Sleep outcomes included clinically defined insomnia and a more severe pattern combining insomnia with short weekday sleep (un... development drug sleep circadian rhythm
Read moreA combined pineapple and berry supplement improves vascular function. Cardiovascular disease is a major public health threat, with deaths from cardiovascular diseases expected to reach 23 million by 2030 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109712053715). A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is known to reduce heart disease risk, in part due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds provided by the diet that reduce oxidative stress and improve vascular function. Findings from a new report show that a supplement containing bromelain and anthocyanin antioxidants imp... polyphenol inflammation muscle blood pressure antioxidant cardiovascular supplements
Read moreSince the 1980’s, clinicians and researchers have been puzzled by the “French paradox”: the observation that residents of France have a surprisingly low incidence (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1768013/) of cardiovascular disease given their high rates of smoking, intakes of saturated fat, and hypercholesterolemia (https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/12110/prevalence_and_management_of_hypercholesterolemia.57.aspx) (i.e. abnormally high serum levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol). A recent study now offers evidence that the negative health imp... brain cholesterol inflammation alcohol
Read moreTreatment strategies for cardiovascular disease that reduce inflammation are an important area of research. The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) both reduce inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory compounds, although EPA may be more cardioprotective. In a recent report, investigators tested the effects of EPA and DHA supplementation on vascular inflammation, a mediator of atherosclerosis. In epidemiological research, higher fish consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and de... omega-3 cardiovascular
Read moreCOVID-19 Q&A Series Part 1: Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D. addresses subscriber questions in this multi-part series. ... covid-19 vitamin d vitamin c virus melatonin sauna autoimmunity
Watch nowDr. Matthew Walker discusses the role of sleep in immunity, creativity, and aging. ... sleep brain alzheimer's cancer obesity aging performance depression immune system stress circadian rhythm behavior dementia
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