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Synbiotic pomegranate juice daily consumption for 8 weeks enhances metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and blood pressure outcomes in females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
In this double-blind randomised study over 8 weeks, participants were given 300ml/day of either plain pomegranate juice, a synbiotic beverage, a synbiotic pomegranate juice, or a placebo beverage. Biochemical measures such as lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, as well as blood pressure were evaluated at the start and the end of the trial.
Participants who consumed pomegranate juice, the synbiotic beverage or the synbiotic pomegranate juice saw positive changes in their lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, inflammation indicators and blood pressure levels. Specifically, total cholesterol was lower for those who consumed the synbiotic beverage, while bad cholesterol (LDL-c) was reduced in the synbiotic and synbiotic pomegranate juice groups, and good cholesterol levels (HDL-c) were increased in the plain pomegranate juice and the synbiotic pomegranate juice groups. As for oxidative stress and inflammation, malondialdehyde was lower and total antioxidant capacity was increased in the pomegranate juice and synbiotic pomegranate juice groups. High sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased in the pomegranate juice group. Blood pressure was lower among those who consumed both the synbiotic pomegranate juice and plain pomegranate juice compared to those who had the placebo.
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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.
Pomegranate and its components could offer considerable potential as dietary supplements or supports in treatment for cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases.
2023 Antioxidants An Overview of the Health Benefits, Extraction Methods and Improving the Properties of Pomegranate Benedetti G, Zabini F, Tagliavento L, Meneguzzo F, Calderone V, Testai L
Review Article Cardiovascular Disease Pomegranate
The review examines a myriad of recent preclinical and clinical studies focusing on pomegranate. To harness the health benefits of pomegranate, different components were extracted and studied. These include juice from the fruit's edible arils, oil from the seeds, and bioactive products from the typically discarded peel. The research also considers advances in encapsulation and green extraction techniques to optimize the use of waste pomegranate products.
The studies suggest promising beneficial effects of pomegranate in diverse areas. Though challenges remain, such as limited oral bioavailability and uncertainty concerning the role of active metabolites, the collective findings offer crucial insight into the significant potential of pomegranate as a dietary supplement or co-therapy for a range of diseases, especially cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular ones.
Consumption of blueberry powder daily improves vascular function, cognitive abilities, and reduces blood pressure in healthy older individuals.
2023 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Wild blueberry (poly)phenols can improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals: a double-blind randomized controlled trial Wood E, Hein S, Mesnage R, Fernandes F, Abhayaratne N, Xu Y, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Blueberry Cardiovascular Disease Cognitive Function
This double-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial engaged 61 healthy older individuals aged between 65 to 80 years old. Participants were given either 26g of freeze-dried wild blueberry (WBB) powder, comprising 302 mg anthocyanins, or a similar placebo with zero mg anthocyanins. Measurements were made for endothelial function, cognitive function, arterial stiffness, blood pressure, cerebral blood flow, gut microbiome, and blood parameters, both at the start of the trial and again following 12 weeks of daily consumption. In addition, plasma and urinary polyphenol metabolites were analyzed through the use of microelution solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
In the WBB group, there was a notable increase in endothelial function and a decrease in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure, when compared to the placebo group. Enhanced immediate recall on the auditory verbal learning task was also observed, along with better accuracy on a task-switch task following administering of WBB. Notably, the total 24-hour urinary excretion of polyphenols also significantly increased in the WBB group comparative to the control group. In contrast, there were no discernible changes in cerebral blood flow or gut microbiota composition. These findings imply that WBB polyphenols could contribute to reducing future cardiovascular disease risk in older populations, and might enhance memory processes and executive functioning in older adults at risk of cognitive decline.
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 Coconut Water
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.
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