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Consuming walnuts daily can reduce cardiovascular risk factors in chronic kidney disease patients without altering significant physiological levels.
In this prospective, randomized, crossover, pilot clinical trial, 13 patients suffering from chronic kidney disease were selected as subjects. They were randomly divided into two groups, one of which was assigned a diet including 30 grams of walnuts each day while the other followed a control diet. After a duration of 30 days, a washout period of an additional 30 days was allowed, following which the groups were switched to the alternate diet. Key markers such as urinary and serum levels of phosphorous and potassium, multiple vascular risk factors, and urinary inositol phosphates were measured before initiating the trial and post the intervention period.
The study indicated that a dietary supplement of walnuts resulted in reduced blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and decreased albumin excretion. Interestingly, despite these changes, it had no impact on the physiological levels of phosphorous, potassium, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth factor 23. This indicates that daily consumption of walnuts, when incorporated in a sodium, protein, phosphate, and potassium controlled diet, has the potential to be an effective strategy in reducing cardiovascular risk among chronic kidney disease patients without perturbing key physiological levels.
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Natural calcium-rich mineral waters offer a bioavailable calcium source, beneficial for bone health, cardiovascular function, weight management, and overall well-being.
2023 Nutrients Exploring the Potential Benefits of Natural Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters for Health and Wellness: A Systematic Review Pop MS, Cheregi DC, Onose G, Munteanu C, Popescu C, Rotariu M, et al.
Systematic Review Bone Health Calcium Cardiovascular Disease
This systematic review analyzed peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and experimental studies from the past decade. It focused on the health benefits of calcium-rich mineral waters, especially for individuals with lactose intolerance or on plant-based diets. The review process assessed the contribution of these waters to daily calcium intake and their bioavailability compared to other calcium sources.
The review found that natural mineral waters high in calcium can significantly enhance calcium intake, with improved absorption rates. These waters show promise in promoting bone health and cardiovascular function, including potential reductions in blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. Some evidence suggests benefits in weight management. However, the review highlighted the need for further research on interactions with other dietary components, effects on specific health conditions, and long-term consumption impacts. Despite these gaps, calcium-rich mineral waters are recognized as a valuable dietary calcium source for a diverse population.
Sardines, being an affordable source of Omega-3 and other cardioprotective nutrients, can potentially reduce the need for Omega-3 supplementation and manage cardiometabolic diseases.
2023 Frontiers in Nutrition Eating more sardines instead of fish oil supplementation: Beyond omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a matrix of nutrients with cardiovascular benefits Santos HO, May TL, Bueno AA
Review Article Cardiovascular Disease Cholesterol High Blood Pressure
The abstract primarily acknowledges the importance of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with respect to managing diseases related to heart health and metabolism, for instance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, and fatty liver disease. However, these fatty acids are not the sole beneficial component of sardines. Minerals including but not limited to calcium, potassium, and magnesium as well as substances like taurine and arginine found in sardines have a significant role in controlling mild inflammation and oxidative stress which are usually present in cardiovascular diseases and hemodynamic dysfunction.
The results discussed in the abstract suggest a positive correlation between consumption of sardines and potential cardiometabolic benefits. By considering the dose-response relationship effects, a pragmatic approach towards consumption of nutrients was suggested. The intake of sardines was seen not only as a means of Omega-3 supplementation but also as a comprehensive approach to enhancing cardiovascular health. The abstract concludes with an emphasis on the many beneficial nutrients found in sardines besides Omega-3, underlining the need to shift the focus from synthetic supplementation to natural dietary improvement.
Coconut water possesses unique compound profiles that imbue it with a broad spectrum of medical properties, incorporating aspects of nutrition, pharmacology, and disease prevention.
2022 Reference Series in Phytochemistry Health Benefits of Coconut Water Rethinam P, Krishnakumar V
Review Article Alzheimer's Disease Cardiovascular Disease High Blood Pressure
The study utilized comprehensive analysis to assess the chemical profile of coconut water, identifying a range of components including phytohormones, enzymes, antioxidant compounds, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. These components are known to contribute to the water's biological activity and pharmacological effects, thereby enabling a raft of medicinal properties inherent to coconut water. The water was found to feature anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, rejuvenating, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and diuretic properties.
An examination of the therapeutic effects of coconut water revealed a significant impact on gastric dysfunction, dysentery, and child malnutrition alongside notable capabilities to manage hypertension. The water was found to promote exercise performance, reduce swelling, dissolve kidney stones, improve kidney function, improve digestion, relieve constipation, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower high blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. Consumption of tender coconut water was specifically found to reduce the risk of heart disease, help prevent Alzheimer’s disease pathologies and prevent osteoporosis in experimental animals. The unique nutritional profile of coconut water was also found to provide it with the capacity to balance body chemistry and fight cancer.
Pomegranate extract consumption improves antioxidant levels, reduces oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure and body fat, and increases lean body mass.
2022 Antioxidants Antioxidant Properties and Beneficial Cardiovascular Effects of a Natural Extract of Pomegranate in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Preliminary Single-Blind Controlled Study Al-Dujaili EAS, Casey C, Stockton A
Randomised Controlled Trial Cardiovascular Disease High Blood Pressure Pomegranate
In the study, 24 healthy participants were divided into two groups: one consumed a natural standardized pomegranate extract, while the other, a placebo, in a randomized, single-blind placebo-controlled trial. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and post 14 and 28 days of the experiment, with variables including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, pulse wave speed, body composition, as well as the levels of salivary and urinary cortisol, cortisone, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation.
The results indicated significant increases in urinary total phenolics excretion and antioxidant capacity after 14 and 28 days of pomegranate extract intake. By day 28, notable decreases were noted in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, body fat and fat mass, and an increase in lean body mass. In terms of glucocorticoid levels, there was a marked decrease in saliva cortisol at day 28 in the morning for the pomegranate extract group, along with a decrease in the cortisol/cortisone ratio following 28 days of pomegranate extract intake at morning, noon, and evening. Reductions were also seen in urine free cortisol levels by day 14. These observations were unique to the pomegranate extract group, with no significant changes noted in the placebo group.
Tiger nut and walnut supplementation in diets can improve testosterone levels and help control vasoconstriction, potentially benefiting hypertensive individuals.
2021 Nutrients Cyperus esculentus L. and Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg. Supplemented Diet Improved Testosterone Levels, Modulated Ectonucleotidases and Adenosine Deaminase Activities in Platelets from L-NAME-Stressed Rats Olabiyi AA, Morsch VM, Oboh G, Schetinger MRC
Experimental Study High Blood Pressure Testosterone Tiger Nut
Rats were used in the experiment, placed into seven distinct groups with various diet and medicinal intake combinations including basal diet controls, supplemented processed and raw tiger nut (TN) and walnut (WN) diets, and more. Before hypertension was induced with L-NAME, the rats were given their regular diet for two weeks. After this period, they began receiving L-NAME for ten subsequent days. The scientists then measured the impacts on the rats' platelet androgen levels, ectonucleotidases, and adenosine deaminase (ADA).
The L-NAME treatment resulted in a considerable decline in testosterone levels in the rats. However, the groups that were fed diets supplemented with TN and WN exhibited improved testosterone levels compared to the control group, yet their luteinizing hormone levels remained unchanged.
The L-NAME-treated group also saw an increase in ATP hydrolysis and ADA activity, alongside a reduction in ADP and AMP hydrolysis. These effects were substantially reversed in the groups that were fed supplemented TN and WN diets. This suggests that TN and WN could enhance testosterone levels and modulate the purinergic system in platelets, which might be a potential mechanism through which they contribute to the control of vasoconstriction.
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