Insights & Discussion
Montmorency tart cherry juice can significantly improve blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol rates and respiratory exchange ratio in those with metabolic syndrome.
In a blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, the researchers recruited twelve participants suffering from metabolic syndrome. They were given either Montmorency tart cherry juice or a placebo for seven days. During this period, a variety of blood-based and functional cardio-metabolic biomarkers were analysed both before and after the supplementation period. In addition to this seven-day supplementation, the acute response of the participants to a single bolus of the treatment was measured on the seventh day, at intervals up until five hours post ingestion of the bolus.
The researchers found that certain key health markers showed a significant improvement in the group that had taken the Montmorency tart cherry juice. These markers included 24-hour blood pressure levels, fasting glucose levels, total cholesterol, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoproteins (the "good" cholesterol), as well as resting respiratory exchange ratio. These findings suggest that the Montmorency tart cherry juice has the potential to drastically improve cardio-metabolic health in those affected by metabolic syndrome.
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Consumption of apple cider vinegar significantly improves certain risk factors for cardiometabolic syndrome, notably fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and total cholesterol.
2023 Current Medicinal Chemistry The Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials Dadkhah Tehrani S, Keshani M, Rouhani MH, Moallem SA, Bagherniya M, Sahebkar A
Systematic Review Apple Cider Vinegar Blood Sugar Cholesterol
This study applied a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases. In this process, trials evaluating the effects of apple cider vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic syndrome risk factors were sought. In total, 25 clinical trials were included in the study, these trials encompassed 1320 adult participants.
The consumed apple cider vinegar led to a general improvement in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and total cholesterol. However, for body mass index, insulin resistance, serum insulin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, no significant results were observed. Conducting a subgroup analysis, the study identified a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetic patients. Further, it was observed that the apple cider vinegar significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels regardless of the duration of administration and also decreased triglycerides concentration when consumed for 12 weeks or more.
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.
Soy protein, bioactive peptides, and isoflavones are generally safe for consumption and may help reduce the risk of several significant health conditions.
2023 PharmaNutrition Soy protein, bioactive peptides, and isoflavones: A review of their safety and health benefits Tan ST, Tan SS, Tan CX
Review Article Cholesterol High Blood Pressure Isoflavone
Methodology: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. It began with a sophisticated multi-database search, featuring resources like Google Scholar, Scopus, and others. This search targeted articles published from 2017 to March 2023 and used specific keywords for accuracy. Forty-three articles were handpicked from this process after excluding reviews, conference reports, duplicates, inaccessible texts, and any non-English publications.
Discussion of Results: A thorough examination of the chosen articles resulted in the conclusion that soy proteins, soy bioactive peptides, and soy isoflavones are typically safe for human consumption. Furthermore, it was found that the consumption of these compounds may have beneficial effects, potentially lowering risk factors for ailments such as osteoporosis, various cancers, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and more.
Certain natural mineral waters, when combined with a low-calorie diet, effectively reduce cholesterol and glucose levels in mice with metabolic syndrome.
2022 Frontiers in Nutrition Natural Mineral Waters and Metabolic Syndrome: Insights From Obese Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice on Caloric Restriction Narciso L, Martinelli A, Torriani F, Frassanito P, Bernardini R, Chiarotti F, et al.
Animal Study Blood Sugar Cholesterol Mineral Water
The study involved 125 male and female C57BL/6 mice. Ten mice were kept as a healthy control group, fed a standard diet with tap water. The remaining 115 mice were fed a high-calorie diet (60% fat, 10% fructose in water) for four months to induce metabolic syndrome, followed by a two-month treatment phase with a low-calorie diet and various types of natural mineral water (NMW). The mice were divided into six treatment groups, each receiving a different NMW, and a control group receiving tap water. The study monitored body weight and blood biochemistry over six months.
After four months on a high-calorie diet, both male and female mice developed obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, with males showing greater increases. During the treatment phase, NMWs rich in sulphate, magnesium, bicarbonate, and minimally mineralized water, along with a low-calorie diet, significantly lowered total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and glucose levels. Sex differences were observed during both the induction and treatment phases. These findings indicate that specific NMWs, in conjunction with a low-calorie diet, may help manage blood lipid and glucose levels in metabolic syndrome, although further research is needed to confirm these results in humans.
Raspberry consumption can help to reduce blood glucose levels and stabilize the blood lipid profile due to its bioactive compounds.
2022 Journal of Medicinal Food Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), a Promising Alternative in the Treatment of Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemias Piña-Contreras N, Martínez-Moreno AG, Ramírez-Anaya JDP, Espinoza-Gallardo AC, Valdés EHM
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The researchers conducted a systematic review of original articles and enzyme inhibition studies involving animal models and human clinical studies, extracting data from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. The mechanisms of action investigated focused on how consumption of raspberry in different forms (like frozen, lyophilized, infusion of leaves, seed oil) and compounds extracted from it could inhibit enzymes and increase insulin production and sensitivity, thereby affecting blood glucose levels.
The findings revealed that raspberry consumption, regardless of its form, consistently aided in reducing blood glucose levels. The mechanisms involved included inhibition of specific enzymes and enhancement of insulin production and sensitivity. On the other hand, the effects on the lipid profile were varied. While a decrease in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels was recorded, the impact on triglyceride levels was less consistent and manifested mainly as stabilization rather than reduction. However, an increase in levels of beneficial high-density lipoproteins was reported, suggesting an overall beneficial effect on lipid profile.
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