Watermelon
Lowers Blood Pressure
Watermelon, one of everyone’s favorite summer time treats, may serve a greater purpose than just being a tasty treat. According to a new study published in The American Journal of Hypertension, watermelon may have the ability to lower blood pressure in overweight and obese individuals according to Florida State Researchers. A team headed by associate professor of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences Arturo Figueroa conducted a twelve week study that tracked the effects of the amino acids l-citrulline and l-arginine, two components of watermelon extract, on the blood pressure and cardiac function of thirteen participants; each of which were considered obese and had high blood pressure. Researchers split the men into two groups. Group one received 4g l-citrulline and 2g l-arginine per day, while group two received a placebo. The subjects were evaluated after six weeks and the results showed the group that had received the supplementation showed improvements to blood pressure and cardiac stresses.
http://news.fsu.edu/More-FSU-News/Chowing-down-on-watermelon-could-lower-blood-pressure
Low Sodium Intake May Be Harmful to Health
The rise in obesity and hypertension have led to elevated conc
erns about the role that sodium, an essential mineral, plays in maintaining our health. New research conducted by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark seems to refute the claim that low overall sodium intake is required for optimal health. The meta-analysis surveyed data from 25 combined studies that 274,638 participants. Researchers found that the intakes of 2,645-4,945 mg of sodium per day actually promotes more positive health and an overall reduced risk of death than the current CDC recommendation of less than 2,300 mg daily. This study confirms the findings of a report published in 2013 by the Institute of Medicine that noted current CDC recommendations did not promote optimum health, however, the report failed to suggest any specific range of optimal sodium intake.
http://post.jagran.com/recommended-low-salt-intake-harmful-for-health-study-1396597004
Cocoa Hel
ps Slow Weight Gain and Improve Blood Glucose
Chocolate lovers rejoice, there’s more great news about one of the world’s favorite super foods. A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Study has found that specific flavonoids in cocoa can help to improve blood sugar regulation and even slow weight gain. A team of researchers decided to isolate the specific flavonoids in cocoa to determine which of these potent antioxidants imparted the greatest impact on weight loss. A flavonoid unique to cocoa known as oligomeric procyanidins (OPC’s) displayed the unique properties that appeared to limit weight gain even when subjects were fed high-fat diets (no caloric value given). In addition to limiting weight gain, OPC’s also showed the ability to improve glucose tolerance as well. This study adds to a pile of mounting evidence that shows the beneficial effects that unadulterated cocoa can have on our health.
http://dathealth.com/scientists-say-antioxidant-cocoa-stops-weight-gain-lowers-blood-sugar/
EPA/DHA Reduce Blood Pressure
The omega-3 fatty acids
EPA and DHA, such as those found in fish oil, have been known to impart tremendous health benefits that effect a wide array bodily functions. A new study pubslihed in the American Journalof Hypertension has discovered that supplementation with EPA/DHA has the ability to reduce blood pressure in those that have already been diagnosed as hypertensive. The meta-analysis examined studies of hypertensive patients who were not currently taking medication to regulate blood pressure and examined the results that fish oil supplementation had on blood pressure when compared to a placebo. Scientists determined that EPA/DHA supplementation alone was enough to significantly reduce blood pressure. One researcher noted that in some cases it appears EPA/DHA have a greater ability to impact blood pressure than traditional dietary, exercise, and prescription modification protocols.
Aerobic Exercise I
mproves Memory in Elderly Women
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s appears to have increased sharply over the past few decades. Leading neurologists in the field, such as New York Times bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter, suggests that there is an undeniable link between chronically high blood sugars and development of diseases that affect cognitive function such as Alzheimer’s. A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that elderly women who engage in regular aerobic exercise show increased brain activity and decreased risk for mild cognitive impairment, which is risk factor for dementia. Researchers studied MRI brain gains of women between the ages of 70-80 that began a six month aerobic exercise program to determine the effects of exercise on an aging brain. At the conclusion of the study it was revealed that women who had completed the full six month program showed larger brain growth in areas that effect speech and memory. The team recommended engaging in regular aerobic exercise as we age to help stave off the effects of physical and cognitive decline.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/275216.php
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