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Potential benefits of Green Tea

by Vaishali Sharma
written by Vaishali Sharma

Green tea is frequently served as a cup of healthful elements that assist you in a variety of ways. For years, people have reaped numerous benefits from green tea. According to studies, drinking green tea on a regular basis improves skin health, may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and aids in the weight loss process.

According to a research by the International Institute of Sustainable Development, tea is the world’s second most popular beverage. Green tea is the least processed type of tea and is manufactured from unoxidized leaves. Green tea has long been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to treat wounds, help digestion, promote heart health, and regulate body temperature.

Many individuals enjoy combining green tea and honey. It is one of the most popular combos that allows you to experience the improved taste as well as the health advantages. The following are some of the potential health benefits of drinking green tea with honey.

Improves dental health: It is surprising to know that a sweet beverage can also benefit your tooth but according to many health websites, green tea with honey helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay. However, more research is required to define the amount of green tea that is good for health.

Manage diabetes: People with diabetes are suggested to consume sugar-free beverages, green tea mixed with honey comes as a healthy alternative. Some research shows it helps improve and control conditions. According to the research done by Pubmed, honey is much better for people with higher blood sugar levels than other types of sugar.

Reduce cold and flu: Warm tea and honey are known to be the best remedy for curing sore throat. Although when green tea and honey is consumed together they can help reduce the symptoms of cold and flu.  It is yet not clear how much amount of green tea is required to control such symptoms.

Fight bad breath: Apart from green tea with honey and lemon being a superfood, it also helps fight bad bacteria and viruses in the mouth. Honey works as an antimicrobial that prevents the growth of bacteria. Polyphenols present in green tea helps keep the mouth fresh and odour free.

Healthy skin: Regular consumption of honey and green tea helps to eliminate toxins from the body. It provides enough vitamins and minerals to the body and rejuvenates skin with antioxidants present in honey and green tea.

Nutritional value of green tea

Green tea, when combined with water, is a beverage that provides no calories but is filled with nutrients, such as polyphenols and minerals linked to many health benefits.

Green tea is available in both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties. While everyone reacts differently to caffeine, evidence suggests that moderate caffeine consumption may provide certain benefits, such as improved focus, and may lessen your risk of chronic diseases.

Green tea and matcha, a type of tea brewed from the same leaves, are high in antioxidants and other substances that have been found to lower the risk of some malignancies, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological diseases.

Drinking green tea may also reduce stress, which offers mental health benefits. This effect may be related to green tea’s L-theanine content.

Initial research on L-theanine, a compound found in green tea and other plant foods, suggests that it may reduce anxiety and stress, and it’s being investigated for other potential mental health benefits.

In addition to combating stress, lower-caffeine green tea has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can support better overall health.

Read Also  : NUTRITIONIST SHARES BEST 5 FOODS FOR WINTERS

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Dietetics NewsNutrition News

All you need to know about your vitamins intake

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

On my desk is a nearly mummified bottle of Centrum Women Multigummies. When my mother’s shrill voice blasts through my phone’s speaker, I remember to take the recommended two gummies. She believes that everyone should take at least a multivitamin.

I rarely consider my vitamin levels, and I suspect that many others do as well. So, when do our bodies require us to take vitamins? While research suggests that supplements are not strictly necessary for the average person, they can be beneficial for those who require them.

What exactly are vitamins? Why are they significant?
Our bodies require vitamins for proper development and functioning. The majority of the vitamins on which our bodies rely are obtained from our diet. That means that if the average American eats a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, they won’t need to take vitamin supplements.

But this isn’t always the case. Vitamin and mineral supplements are sometimes required. Certain vitamins can be deficient due to dietary restrictions or natural deficiencies. Iron, vitamin D, B12, and calcium are among the most commonly deficient vitamins and minerals.

Unless you take an at-home test or have a blood analysis done by your doctor, you won’t know if you’re deficient in vitamins, making it difficult to know when to begin taking a supplement.
Common signs of vitamin and mineral deficiency
The term “vitamin deficiency” is a broad one. In many cases, you may be deficient in only one vitamin. The 13 essential vitamins are listed below, along with the most common deficiency symptoms for each.

Common signs of vitamin and mineral deficiency

The term “vitamin deficiency” is a broad one. In many cases, you may be deficient in only one vitamin. The 13 essential vitamins are listed below, along with the most common deficiency symptoms for each.

Vitamin A: Gastrointestinal diseases such as Celiac disease and liver cirrhosis can impair the body’s ability to absorb vitamin A as it should. The most common signs of vitamin A deficiency are frequent infections, skin irritation, night blindness, and hazy vision.

Vitamin C: Deficiency of vitamin C is uncommon in developed countries. It does, however, affect 7.1 percent of US adults. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production in our bodies; a lack of it has been linked to damaged skin and slow wound healing. One of the most common warning signs of this deficiency is easy bruising.

Vitamin D: Our bodies produce vitamin D from sunlight. It is essential for our immune health and has been linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection. A lack of vitamin D can lead to frequent illness, decreased bone metabolism, and muscle pain.

Vitamin E: As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects your cells from damage. While it is uncommon in healthy people, a lack of vitamin E contributes to nerve and muscle damage, which can result in vision impairments or loss of feeling in your arms or legs.

B Vitamins: Thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin (B7), folate and folic acid, and vitamin B12 are the eight B vitamins. Vitamin B deficiencies are more common in older people and pregnant women. Anemia, fatigue, and weakness are examples of symptoms.

Vitamin requirements vary by age group:
The vitamins our bodies require to grow and function change over time. Our bodies become less effective at absorbing or producing certain vitamins as we age. Nutritional requirements by age group are listed below.

Infants and children

Because baby formula is vitamin-fortified, there is no need for additional supplements if they consume more than 500 millilitres of formula per day. Breastfed babies do require an additional source of vitamin D. The Americans and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that breastfed babies get 400 international units, or IU, of vitamin D every day. Vitamin D is not only necessary for bone development, but it also protects against rickets.

Childhood is a time of rapid physical development as well as rapid cognitive development. For children aged 6 months to 5 years, the US government recommends daily supplements containing vitamins A, C, and D.

Teenagers and adolescent
Adolescents and teens have higher nutritional needs due to increased growth and metabolism. For children aged 9 to 18, the daily recommendation is at least 1,300 mg of calcium, 1.8 to 2.4 micrograms of B vitamins, and 11 IU of vitamin E. A healthy diet can meet the needs of the average adolescent.

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine provides guidelines for healthy children and adults. Keep in mind that these figures are based on averages. If you suspect that your adolescent is deficient in vitamins, consult with a doctor.

Adults
According to the National Institutes of Health, the average adult requires around 1,000 milligrammes of calcium per day to maintain bone density throughout adulthood. During the fall and winter months, when you can’t get enough vitamin D from the sun, a supplement may be necessary. It’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from food.

When compared to other groups, women and those who are breastfeeding are the most likely to have nutrient deficiencies. Women’s nutritional needs change during pregnancy, requiring more macronutrients and micronutrients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women take 400 micrograms of folic acid per day to help prevent potential congenital disabilities.

Breastfeeding mothers must produce enough nutrients to meet the nutritional needs of their children. As a result, the recommended vitamin A intake nearly doubles to around 1,300 milligrammes per day when breastfeeding.

Elders

Parts of the elderly population are vulnerable to vitamin deficiencies due to concerns about chewing difficulties or medical issues. Furthermore, as we age, our bodies absorb less vitamin B12 from the foods we eat. B12 deficiency affects up to 43% of the elderly. People over the age of 50 should take a vitamin B12 supplement or eat fortified foods. There are also concentrated B12 shots available.

Another nutrient that our gut absorbs less of as we age is calcium, which can lead to weak bones or frequent fractures. Adults over the age of 70 should consume 1,200 mg of calcium per day, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Vitamin deficiencies in the elderly can compound one another. A lack of calcium in the body is linked to vitamin D deficiency, which is more common in older adults because our bodies are less effective at producing it. To absorb calcium, our bodies require vitamin D.

 

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DermatologyDietetics News

Lets adds some magic to hair health!

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

Hair loss is no longer a novel issue. Many people feel helpless when their hair begins to fall out unexpectedly. Your hair is a direct reflection of who you are. As a result, excessive hair loss can be concerning and detrimental to one’s self-esteem. A lack of certain nutrients or vitamins in the body, for example, could be the cause of hair loss. But, whatever the cause, the most important thing is to figure out how to solve the problem. A video on the Instagram account “Nutrition by Lovneet” outlines the five essential vitamins required to prevent hair loss.

1) A vitamin

Vitamin A moisturises the scalp and promotes hair health. It also aids in the production of sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin glands. Spinach, carrot, tomato, sweet potato, mango, and papaya are all good sources of vitamin A.

2) Biotin (vitamin B2)

Although you may not hear much about it, Biotin (B7), also known as Vitamin B, is one of the most important nutrients for maintaining hair health. It is thought that when you don’t get enough biotin, your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. That is why less oxygen passes through your scalp. This deprives your scalp of nourishment, resulting in hair loss. Egg yolk, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, milk, cheese, and yoghurt are all good sources of biotin.

3) C vitamin

Free radicals can harm the body in a variety of ways. They may cause your hair to deteriorate. Vitamin C is important in this case. It is a strong antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also aids the body’s absorption of iron, a mineral required for hair growth. Vitamin C is found in strawberries, peppers, guavas, and citrus fruits.

4) D Vitamin

A lack of Vitamin D may result in alopecia, a technical term for hair loss. Vitamin D receptors aid in the formation of new hair follicles, resulting in the growth of hair strands. Sunlight, egg yolk, and mushrooms are excellent sources of vitamin D.

5) E Vitamin

Vitamin E benefits are similar to those of Vitamin C. Vitamin E is high in antioxidants and aids in the reduction of oxidative stress and hair loss. Vitamin E is abundant in sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, and avocados.

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Dietetics News

Vitamin D: really ‘cure-all’ or magic pill?

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

Vitamin D is, indeed, a necessary nutrient. But how much vitamin D does each of us require in a day? According to the Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board’s old 1997 recommendations, 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day is safe for adults and 1,000 IU per day is safe for infants up to 12 months of age.

Sources of Vitamin D:
The majority of this can be obtained from foods such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks, and in some countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where foods such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals are fortified.

Following a healthy diet, exposure and doing some of your walking and working in sunlight/sunlight is beneficial to the body’s synthesis of calcium and phosphates, which are required to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.

Toxic effects of vitamin D:

However, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Too much vitamin D can result in an abnormally high blood calcium level, which can cause nausea, constipation, confusion, an irregular heart rhythm, and even kidney stones.

Unless you overdose on cod liver oil, food sources cannot cause vitamin D toxicity, and supplements account for nearly all vitamin D overdoses. What kind of harm can Vitamin D toxicity cause? It causes a calcium buildup in your blood (hypercalcemia). The patient experiences nausea and vomiting, as well as weakness and frequent urination. If not treated in a timely manner, this excess Vitamin D in the blood can lead to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.

Vitamin D is almost considered a ‘Magic Pill’:
But take a look around you. Because vitamin D is being marketed as a cure-all for most ailments and a preventive measure for a variety of health problems, most people believe that taking vitamin D supplements is beneficial to their health; that it will help prevent cancer and dementia, as well as infections and heart disease.

According to Dr. Robert H Shmerling, a former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School, many of the supposed benefits of vitamin D supplements remain unproven.

Dr. Shmerling warns that, while none of these vitamin D claims have been proven, millions of people take it on a regular basis, believing it will help prevent a variety of illnesses, including certain autoimmune conditions.

Is that correct? Is Vitamin D our antidote to autoimmune diseases?

Dr. Shmerling cites a new randomised, controlled study published in the BMJ that investigates this question in depth. Although the cause of the majority of known autoimmune diseases is unknown, the leading theory is that the body’s immune system is misregulated. Normally, the immune system defends the body against invaders such as infections and aids in the repair of damaged tissues. When an autoimmune disorder develops, the immune system attacks the host. Immune cells, for example, attack joints, lungs, and other parts of the body in rheumatoid arthritis.

Yes, vitamin D “talks” to the immune system:

studies have shown that vitamin D can interact with immune cells, affect genes that regulate inflammation, and alter immune response. So it makes sense to look into whether taking vitamin D supplements can help treat or prevent autoimmune disease.
The BMJ study drew on data from a large trial that was published several years ago.

Over 25,000 elderly people were randomly assigned to one of two tests:

Every day, take 2,000 IU of vitamin D or an identical placebo dose (inactive pill). (This is more than the recommended daily allowance for adults, but less than the upper limit of 4,000 IU.)Alternatively, a daily dose of 1,000 mg omega-3 oil or an identical placebo.
New autoimmune disease diagnoses among study participants were tallied after an average of five years.

What did the new study discover?

According to Dr. Shmerling, the findings were overly interpreted. Yes, researchers discovered that adults who took vitamin D supplements were less likely to develop autoimmune disease. However, Dr. Shmerling believes that some publications went too far with their conclusions and headlines. He highlights a few headlines that read:

  • Vitamin D supplements do, in fact, lower the risk of autoimmune disease (New Scientist)
  • According to a new study, taking vitamin D on a daily basis can help prevent this disease (Eat This, Not That!)
  • According to one study, taking vitamin D and omega-3 fish oil supplements on a daily basis reduces your risk of developing arthritis by 22%. (Daily Mail)

Dr. Shmerling believes that, while all of the headlines make it sound like a miraculous cure, a closer examination of the study reveals a different storey.

When examined closely, the study appears to have flaws and shortcomings:

  • Vitamin D supplementation did not reliably prevent any single autoimmune disease.
  • Researchers saw a benefit only when the numbers of all the autoimmune diseases were combined.
  • When only the last three years of the study were examined, the benefit of vitamin D became clearer. This implies that it takes time to reap the benefits of a daily supplement.
  • This randomised controlled trial is one of the best to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of developing autoimmune disease.
  • Nonetheless, the study relied on self-reported cases, which were later confirmed by a review of medical records. As a result, it’s possible that some cases of autoimmune disease went unnoticed.

According to Dr. Shmerling, the majority of common autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, begin in early adulthood. If the study had included younger participants, the results might have been different.

Do we all need to take vitamin D supplements?

According to Dr. Shmerling, based on the findings of this study, “No, I’d say. For starters, these findings must be validated by other independent researchers. Moreover, despite exaggerated headlines, the actual risk reduction was only 2.5 cases out of 1,000. To prevent a single case of autoimmune disease, hundreds of people would need to take vitamin D daily for years. Vitamin D can interact with other medications, and taking too much of it can be harmful.”

Bottom Line:

Is vitamin D a safe, all-natural wonder drug capable of preventing or treating a wide range of diseases? According to Dr. Shmerling, it is best to keep an open mind. Supplemental vitamin D may be especially beneficial for people with a family history of certain autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, we recommend that you eat the right foods, stay active, and get a safe and significant amount of sun on your skin, and that you consult your doctor before following any well-meaning health-related advice given by anyone else, whether here or elsewhere.

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Dietetics NewsNutrition News

De-cluttering your metabolism

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

Decluttering your diet is a method of cleaning out your diet and meal plans. It’s all about eating healthy. Eating “clean” entails attempting to consume food as nature provides it. It is the concept of removing all extra ingredients and food items from the diet in order to keep it as healthy and clean as possible.

Eliminating all fictitious and unwanted ingredients from the diet is a very simple way of decluttering the diet. When done correctly, this actually works quite well in benefiting the body and making it stronger and leaner.

The following are some suggestions for cleaning up your diet and decluttering it in order to reap the most health benefits:

  • Begin your day with essential health superfoods such as chia seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and flax seeds. You may choose one such food per day. Begin your day with a glass of lukewarm water, followed by your choice of healthy superfoods from the list above. Remember to keep it clean and avoid combining too many other ingredients with these foods. Keep it clean to reap the most health benefits.
  • Protein-rich foods should be included in your diet. A human must consume the same amount of protein in grammes as he does in kilogrammes. Consider healthy proteins such as legumes, pulses, lentils, paneer, tofu, lean meats, and seafood. Remember to thoroughly cook these proteins.
  • Include plenty of fibre. A high fibre diet will help to support your high protein diet. A person must be prepared to support their meal plans in a well-balanced manner. Fiber-rich foods such as leafy greens, vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and whole legumes are essential for meeting your body’s needs.
  • For a healthy, clean diet, healthy cooking oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil should be used. Essential fatty acid-rich foods must be included in the diet. To increase your healthy fat content, include fresh avocados, coconuts, flax seeds, and other foods in your diet.
  • Drink plenty of plain, room-temperature water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
  • Incorporate homemade or natural probiotic foods into your diet, such as curd, yoghurt, fermented beans, fermented vegetables, kombucha, kanji, and so on.

Keep in mind that decluttering your meal plans is all about eating clean. And clean eating is all about eating in the way that nature intended.

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DermatologyDietetics NewsUncategorized

Superfood and Hair Health

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

Holistic hair health needs nutrients both within and outside the hair. Hair gives us confidence, and because a good hair day can always set the tone for the day, fitness professionals prescribe these superfoods to not only achieve strong and healthy hair, but also boost hair development.

While most of us adhere to the age-old prescription of oiling our hair to assist in boosting hair growth, it is crucial to realise that a high protein diet and increasing the consumption of vitamins such as biotin, folate, sulphur, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12 help to minimise hair fall. Because our luscious mane gives us confidence and a good hair day can always set our mood for the day, we enlisted the help of a few fitness experts to sort out our hair troubles and propose some superfoods to not only obtain strong and healthy hair but also encourage hair development.

Dr Akshay Batra, Managing Director at Dr Batra’s Healthcare, told HT Lifestyle, “I would recommend consuming iron-rich foods to improve iron storage and ferritin levels.” Green leafy vegetables, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, oatmeal, cereals, wheat germ, beans, tofu, nuts, pumpkin and squash seeds, liver, and mollusks are just a few examples. Those who can eat eggs should do so as often as possible because eggs are high in protein and biotin, two nutrients that promote hair growth.

Clelia Cecilia Angelon, Founder and CEO of Surya Brasil, suggested that fruits and vegetables rich in anti-oxidant properties must be consumed for the nourishment of hair and scalp from within. There is also a need to drink as much water as possible and avoid overexposure to the sun. “

Aarti Gill, Co-Founder of OZiva, advised, “Your diet should contain generous amounts of green leafy vegetables like spinach, which are a rich source of iron and folate required for strong hair.” Other foods, such as berries, beans, and sweet potatoes, contain essential nutrients that can help improve hair health.

“You can consider adding superfoods and green supplements to your daily dose of hair vitamins and minerals,” she adds. Biotin, or Vitamin B7, is another important component to include in your daily diet because it reduces hair fall and promotes stronger hair. Make the switch to clean, plant-based hair care products that will nourish your scalp and hair. “

Aside from these, reducing stress, avoiding heat styling or using too many hair products, and taking dermatologist-prescribed medications all help to reduce hair damage.

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Dietetics News

Regular intake of cranberries can boost heart health: Study​​

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

According to a new clinical experiment headed by King’s College, consuming cranberries on a daily basis for one month can enhance cardiovascular function in healthy males. The study’s findings were published in the journal “Food & Function.” For one month, 45 healthy males ingested whole cranberry powder equivalent to 110g of fresh cranberries per day (9 g powder) or a placebo. Those that consumed cranberries showed significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which indicates improved heart and blood vessel function. FMD is a sensitive biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk that assesses how blood vessels expand in response to increased blood flow.

Dr Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and senior author of the study, said “The increases in polyphenols and metabolites in the bloodstream and the related improvements in flow-mediated dilation after cranberry consumption highlight the important role cranberries may play in cardiovascular disease prevention.”

“The fact that these gains in cardiovascular health were found with a quantity of cranberries that may be fairly ingested on a daily basis makes cranberries an essential fruit in the prevention of cardiovascular disease for the general public,” he noted.

Low fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the top modifiable risk factors associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease worldwide. According to growing studies, berries’ polyphenols continue to be linked to heart health advantages. Cranberries are high in proanthocyanidins, which have unique qualities when compared to the polyphenols present in other fruits. This study looked at the effects of whole cranberry freeze-dried powder, which is comparable to 100g of fresh cranberries, on cardiovascular health. The findings showed that eating cranberries as part of a balanced diet can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing blood vessel function.

An early pilot study with five healthy young men was carried out to establish the biological activity of the whole cranberry freeze-dried powder. The pilot concluded that eating cranberries raised FMD and verified dosage. The primary trial used a gold-standard study design, with 45 healthy males taking two packets of whole cranberry freeze-dried powder equivalent to 100g of fresh cranberries or a placebo every day for one month.

The study discovered substantial improvements in FMD two hours after the initial consumption and after one month of daily ingestion, demonstrating both immediate and long-term effects. Furthermore, metabolites were discovered and predicted to have the favourable effects reported in FMD. These findings suggest that cranberries may play a significant role in promoting cardiovascular health and blood vessel function.

Dr. Christian Heiss, co-author of the study and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey, stated, “Our findings give convincing evidence that cranberries can have a major impact on vascular health even in people who have a low risk of cardiovascular disease.” This research also suggests that certain metabolites found in the blood after cranberry eating are linked to the favourable benefits. “

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Cardiology NewsDietetics News

Drinking coffee on daily basis may be beneficial to heart? Know how

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

According to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 71st Annual Scientific Session, drinking coffee – particularly two to three cups per day – is not only related with a decreased risk of heart disease and harmful cardiac rhythms, but also with living longer. These patterns were observed in both patients with and without cardiovascular disease. The studies, which are the largest to look at coffee’s possible impact in heart disease and mortality, give confidence that coffee isn’t linked to new or worsening heart disease and may instead be heart protective, according to the researchers.

“Because coffee can increase heart rate, some individuals are concerned that consuming it can induce or aggravate certain cardiac problems.” This is where widespread medical recommendations to abstain from coffee use may originate from.

“However, our findings suggest that daily coffee consumption should not be discouraged, but rather included as part of a healthy diet for people with and without heart disease,” said Peter M. Kistler, MD, senior author of the study and professor and head of arrhythmia research at the Alfred Hospital and Baker Heart Institute in Melbourne, Australia. “We discovered that coffee consumption had either a neutral impact (meaning it caused no damage) or was related with advantages to heart health.”

Kistler and his colleagues analysed data from the UK BioBank, a large-scale prospective database containing health information from over 500,000 people who were followed for at least ten years.

Researchers examined the relationship between varying levels of coffee consumption, ranging from one cup to more than six cups per day, and heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke; and total and heart-related deaths in people with and without cardiovascular disease. Patients were divided into five groups based on how much coffee they reported consuming each day: 0, 1, 1, 2-3, 4-5, and >5 cups/day. Questionnaires completed upon registration in the registry were used to measure coffee consumption. Overall, they found no effect or, in many cases, significant decreases in cardiovascular risk after adjusting for factors such as exercise, alcohol, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which may have a role in heart health and lifespan.

The first study looked at data from 382,535 people without known heart disease to investigate if coffee consumption played a role in the development of heart disease or stroke during a 10-year period. The average age of the participants was 57, and half were female. In general, drinking two to three cups of coffee per day was related with the most benefit, resulting in a 10% to 15% decreased risk of getting coronary heart disease, heart failure, a cardiac rhythm disorder, or dying for any cause. People who consumed one cup of coffee per day had the lowest risk of stroke or heart-related mortality. Researchers discovered a U-shaped link between coffee consumption and new cardiac rhythm abnormalities. The greatest advantage was shown in persons who drank two to three cups of coffee per day, with less benefit seen in those who drank more or less.

The second research enrolled 34,279 people who had some sort of cardiovascular illness at the start. Coffee consumption of two to three cups per day was connected with a decreased risk of death when compared to no coffee. Importantly, any quantity of coffee consumed was not related with an increased risk of heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter, which Kistler noted is frequently what physicians are concerned about. Drinking coffee was connected with a decreased risk of mortality among the 24,111 participants included in the study who had an arrhythmia at the start. People with AFib who consumed one cup of coffee each day, for example, were approximately 20% less likely to die than non-coffee drinkers.

“Clinicians often have some trepidation about persons with known cardiovascular disease or arrhythmias continuing to consume coffee,” Kistler said. “They frequently err on the side of caution and urge them to quit drinking it completely owing to fears that it may induce dangerous cardiac rhythms.” “However, our research suggests that regular coffee consumption is safe and may be part of a balanced diet for those with heart disease.”

Although two to three cups of coffee per day appeared to be the most beneficial overall, Kistler advised people not to increase their coffee consumption, especially if it causes them anxiety or discomfort.

“There are a variety of methods through which coffee may lower mortality and have these beneficial benefits on cardiovascular disease,” he explained. “Coffee aficionados can feel certain that they can continue to enjoy their favourite beverage even if they have heart disease. Coffee is the most often used cognitive booster; it wakes you up, makes you psychologically sharper, and is an essential part of many people’s everyday life.”

So, how may coffee beans help the heart? People frequently associate coffee with caffeine, yet coffee beans contain over 100 physiologically active chemicals. According to Kistler, these compounds can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, enhance insulin sensitivity, accelerate metabolism, limit fat absorption in the gut, and block receptors known to be implicated in irregular cardiac rhythms.

In a third trial, researchers examined to see whether there were any changes in the link between coffee and cardiovascular disease based on whether the coffee was instant, ground, caffeinated, or decaffeinated.

They discovered that two to three cups of coffee per day were related with the lowest risk of arrhythmias, artery blockages in the heart, stroke, or heart failure, regardless of whether they drank ground or instant coffee. Death rates were lower across the board for all coffee kinds. With the exception of heart failure, decaf coffee had no beneficial effects on incidence arrhythmia but did lower cardiovascular illness. According to Kistler, the data indicate that caffeinated coffee is preferable across the board and that there are no cardiovascular benefits to selecting decaf coffee over caffeinated coffee.
These studies have some significant drawbacks.

Researchers were unable to account for any creamers, milk, or sugar drank, nor were they able to control for dietary components that may have a role in cardiovascular disease. Because the majority of the participants were white, more research is needed to discover whether these findings apply to other groups. Finally, coffee consumption was based on self-report via a questionnaire administered at the start of the trial. This should be taken into account when evaluating the study’s findings, while Kistler added that research indicates that people’s food patterns do not alter greatly in maturity or over time. According to Kistler, the findings need be verified in randomised studies.

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Dietetics News

Micro- and nanoplastics in food pose health danger

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

On average, five grammes of plastic particles enter the human gastrointestinal tract per person every week. This is approximately the weight of a credit card. Numerous research are being conducted to determine if ingested micro- and nanoplastics constitute a health concern, but the answer is yet uncertain. A MedUni Vienna research team has recently summarised the existing level of scientific knowledge. The review paper was just published in the journal Exposure & Health.

The digestive system, where micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) may be detected in tissue, is the focus of medical study on the subject. Experiments show that consumed MNPs that travel through the gastrointestinal system alter the makeup of the gut microbiota. The research team, led by Elisabeth Gruber (Department of General Surgery, MedUni Vienna) and Lukas Kenner (Department of Pathology, MedUni Vienna, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, Department of Laboratory Animal Pathology of VetMedUni), found that such changes are linked to the development of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic liver disease.

Aside from the impact on the gut microbiota, researchers also discovered unique molecular processes that enable MNP absorption into gut tissue. Using particular studies, it was demonstrated that MNPs in the gastrointestinal system might be taken up into tissue and trigger pathways implicated in local inflammatory and immunological responses under certain physicochemical circumstances. Nanoplastics, in particular, are linked to metabolic processes that play a critical role in carcinogenesis.

Plastic particles in drinking water

Nanoplastics are classified as being less than 0.001 millimetres in size, but microplastics, which range from 0.001 to 5 millimetres in size, are still visible to the naked eye to some extent. MNPs enter the food chain through a variety of sources, including packaging debris. Plastic particles enter the body not just through food, such as marine life or sea salt, but also by drinking. According to one research, somebody who drinks the recommended 1.5 to two litres of water each day from plastic bottles consumes around 90,000 plastic particles per year. Those who drink tap water, on the other hand, can lower the quantity swallowed to 40,000 plastic particles, depending on where they live. Researchers also found that xenohormones leached from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles contaminated mineral water. Xenohormones are known to have oestrogenic action, which can cause cancer in the body.

According to Lukas Kenner, the possible negative health impacts of plastic particles might be more severe for persons who have a chronic illness load. “A healthy stomach is more likely to protect against health risks. However, local alterations in the gastrointestinal system, such as those seen in chronic illness or simply negative stress, may predispose people to the detrimental effects of MNPs.”

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Dietetics NewsMental health

Stress, Heart-health and Exercise

by Pragati Singh
written by Pragati Singh

According to a research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 71st Annual Scientific Session, regular physical exercise nearly quadrupled the cardiovascular benefit in those with depression or anxiety compared to people without these illnesses.

The findings add to the growing body of evidence that exercise promotes cardiovascular health by activating regions of the brain that counteract stress. Overall, persons who got the required amount of physical activity each week were 17 percent less likely to have a significant adverse cardiovascular event than those who didn’t. These advantages were much bigger in individuals who had anxiety or depression, with a 22% risk decrease compared to a 10% risk reduction in those who did not have either illness.

“The influence of physical exercise on the brain’s stress response may be especially significant in patients with stress-related mental problems,” said Hadil Zureigat, MD, the study’s principal author and postdoctoral clinical research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital. “This is not to say that exercise is just beneficial to individuals suffering from depression or anxiety, but we discovered that these patients appear to gain more from physical activity in terms of cardiovascular health.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both sadness and anxiety have increased, while heart disease remains the top cause of mortality in the United States. According to the researchers, the study findings highlight the importance of exercise in preserving heart health and lowering stress.

The researchers examined the health records of over 50,000 individuals in the Massachusetts General Brigham Biobank database for the study. A little more than 4,000 of the patients had experienced a significant adverse cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, chest discomfort caused by a blocked artery, or receiving a treatment to unblock a blocked artery in the heart.

Researchers first compared the rates of major coronary events among patients who reported in a questionnaire that they exercised at least 500 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes per week, which corresponded to the ACC and American Heart Association primary prevention guideline recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.

They next looked at how this pattern manifested itself in individuals with depression or anxiety vs those who did not have sadness or anxiety. This second study discovered that individuals with depression benefited from exercising more than twice as much as persons who did not have depression in terms of lower cardiovascular risk. Exercise provided a comparable effect to people suffering from anxiety.

The study builds on prior research by the same team that utilised brain imaging to discover how exercise improves cardiovascular health by assisting in the regulation of the brain’s stress response. Individuals suffering from depression or anxiety have increased stress-related brain activity as well as a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

“When one thinks of physical exercise lowering cardiovascular risk, one normally does not think of the brain,” Zureigat added. “Our findings highlight the significance of the stress-related brain pathways via which physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk.”

Despite the fact that the study utilised 500 MET-minutes as a threshold for the analysis, researchers emphasised that prior research has shown that people can lower their risk of heart disease even if they do not meet the recommended level of physical exercise. Even a little bit of physical activity on a daily basis can make a difference in terms of cardiovascular risk.

“Any quantity of exercise is beneficial, especially for people suffering from sadness or anxiety,” Zureigat added. “Physical exercise will not only make people feel better, but it will also significantly lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. It might be difficult to make the switch, but once done, physical exercise helps patients suffering from these frequent chronic stress-related mental illnesses to kill two birds with one stone.”

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