Dark Chocolate may have Positive Effects on Hypertension, Study Says

 

If you love dark chocolate, you may be happy to hear that it has some potential health benefits, especially for your blood pressure and heart. In this blog post, we will explore what the new research says about dark chocolate and hypertension and other health conditions.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects about one in four adults in the United States. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other serious health problems. Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms until it causes damage to the organs.

Dark chocolate, on the other hand, is a delicious treat that contains cocoa solids, which are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm the DNA and other structures.

But how does dark chocolate affect blood pressure? According to a recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports, eating dark chocolate may reduce the risk of essential hypertension, which is high blood pressure that has no known cause. The researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization, which uses genetic variations to infer causal relationships between exposures and outcomes. They analyzed data from 21,000 people and found that those who had a higher intake of dark chocolate had a lower risk of developing essential hypertension and blood clots in the veins.

The study authors suggest that dark chocolate may lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and improving blood flow. They also point out that dark chocolate may have other benefits for cardiovascular health, such as lowering cholesterol levels, increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

However, not all chocolate is created equal. To get the most benefits from dark chocolate, you should choose a product that contains at least 50 to 70 percent cocoa solids. This means that it has less sugar and other additives that can negate the positive effects of flavonoids. You should also consume dark chocolate in moderation, as it is still high in calories and fat. A small square of dark chocolate a day may be enough to enjoy its health benefits.

Dark chocolate is not a magic bullet for hypertension or other health conditions. It should be part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. You should also consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medication if you have high blood pressure or any other medical condition.

Dark chocolate is a tasty way to indulge your sweet tooth while also taking care of your heart. The next time you crave some chocolate, reach for a dark one and savor its flavor and health benefits.

ConsumerLabs recommended Giardelli Cholate

New Study Shows Berries Have Positive Cardiometabolic Effects

 

# How Berries Can Boost Your Heart Health: A New Study

Berries are delicious and nutritious, but did you know they can also help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke? A new study by Li Zhang and colleagues from the Pennsylvania State University and the Hershey Medical Center has investigated the epidemiology of berry consumption and its association with diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors in US adults.

The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large-scale survey that collects information on the health and nutrition status of the US population. They included data from 2003 to 2018, covering 24,808 participants aged 20 years or older.

They found that only 14.7% of US adults consumed berries on any given day, and the average intake was 35.7 g per day. Women, older adults, non-Hispanic whites, college graduates, and those with higher incomes were more likely to consume berries than their counterparts.

The study also revealed that berry consumers had higher diet quality scores than non-consumers, indicating that they ate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products, and less added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. Berry consumers also had lower levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation markers than non-consumers, after adjusting for potential confounders.

The authors concluded that berry consumption was associated with better diet quality and lower cardiometabolic risk factors in US adults. They suggested that increasing berry intake could be a simple and effective strategy to improve cardiovascular health and prevent chronic diseases.

So next time you're looking for a snack or a dessert, why not grab some berries? They're not only tasty, but also good for your heart!

Recent Summaries of Clinical Research Studies on #MECFS from January 2024

 

Single-cell transcriptomics of the immune system in ME/CFS at baseline and following symptom provocation - PubMed (nih.gov)

ME/CFS is a complex disease with poorly understood immune dysregulation. Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to examine immune cells in patients and control cohorts. They found classical monocyte dysregulation in patients, suggesting inappropriate differentiation and migration. The study also identified patterns of improper platelet activation in patients, indicating immunological defects at baseline.

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview - PubMed (nih.gov) 

Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) is a complex neuroimmune disorder characterized by disabling fatigue, joint pain, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, autonomic dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. There are no definitive clinical criteria or FDA-approved therapies for PVFS. Mitochondria, crucial for tissue energy production, have been linked to low-grade systemic inflammation in conditions like ME/CFS, FM, and long COVID. This article reviews mitochondrial dysfunction in PVFS and evaluates coenzyme Q10 supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy.

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Immunological Patient Stratification in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov) 

ME/CFS is a complex disease with symptoms like fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and neurocognitive dysfunction. A study aimed to understand the relationship between immunological characteristics and intestinal barrier function in ME/CFS patients. Results showed reduced complement protein C4a levels in immunodeficient patients, suggesting innate immune dysregulation, and mucosal barrier leakage in those without immunodeficiency. This highlights the need for precise patient stratification and research to define effective treatment strategies.

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Central 5-HTergic hyperactivity induces myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)-like pathophysiology - PubMed (nih.gov)

The study suggests that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) hyperactivation is linked to the pathogenic causes of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Experimentally, high-dose serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment led to severe fatigue and ME/CFS-associated symptoms in mice. The findings support the role of 5-HTergic hyperactivity in ME/CFS pathophysiology, providing valuable insights for understanding its biology and therapeutic approaches.

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Exploring the joint potential of inflammation, immunity, and receptor-based biomarkers for evaluating ME/CFS progression - PubMed (nih.gov)

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition with no identified diagnostic biomarkers. A study investigates the potential of inflammatome, immunome, and receptor-based biomarkers for evaluating ME/CFS progression. A dataset of 188 individuals was used, with a focus on severe cases. Results showed a stronger association between inflammatome and immunome markers in the severe group. Principal component factoring separated components associated with inflammatome, immunome, and receptor biomarkers. Random forest modeling showed excellent accuracy for splitting healthy/with condition groups and healthy/severity groups. The association between inflammatome and immunome markers is a candidate for controlled clinical study of ME/CFS progression markers, potentially aiding in treatment individualization.

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The potential role of ocular and otolaryngological mucus proteins in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov)

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness with symptoms like fatigue, rhinitis, dry eyes, and sore throat. Mucin proteins, responsible for mucosal membrane formation, may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms due to inability to form adequate layers, particularly in the ocular and otolaryngological pathways, leading to chronic inflammation and exacerbation.

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Heterogenous circulating miRNA changes in ME/CFS converge on a unified cluster of target genes: A computational analysis - PubMed (nih.gov)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Cronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem disease with unknown mechanisms. Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) are a promising candidate for endocrine mediators. A computational study reveals that aberrant miRNAs in ME/CFS target the same specific set of genes, which are functionally related. This leads to impairments in exercise hyperemia, angiogenic adaptations to hypoxia, antioxidant defenses, TGF-β signaling, and a shift towards mitochondrial fission. Transcription factors and epigenetic modulators are implicated, with uncertain downstream effects. The study suggests a central role for circulating microRNAs in ME/CFS etiology.

High Intake of Red Meat May Not Be Good for Bones

 If you are concerned about your bone health, you may want to reconsider your intake of red meat. Several studies have suggested that eating high amounts of red meat may contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Here are some of the reasons why red meat may be bad for your bones:

- Red meat is high in saturated fat and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may cause inflammation and weaken the bones.

- Red meat contains heme iron, which may generate oxidative stress and damage the bone tissue.

- Red meat is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, which may increase the excretion of calcium from the body and reduce its availability for bone formation.

To protect your bones, you may want to limit your consumption of red meat to no more than two or three servings per week, and choose lean cuts or grass-fed options. You can also replace some of your red meat portions with other sources of protein, such as dairy, nuts, beans, fish, or poultry. These foods may provide other nutrients that support bone health, such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids.

This blog post is based on the latest scientific research on red meat and bone health. For more information, you can check out the following sources:

: [7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Osteoporosis - Healthgrades](https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/osteoporosis/7-foods-to-avoid-when-you-have-osteoporosis)

: [8 Foods to Avoid With Osteoporosis - Verywell Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-avoid-with-osteoporosis-6833249)

: [The Worst Food You Should Cut Out If You're Losing Bone Density](https://www.shefinds.com/collections/worst-food-bone-density-red-meat/)

The "French Paradox" Idea in Relation to the French Diet is Wrong. Here is Why!

 The French Paradox is the idea that the French people have a low risk of cardiovascular disease despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol. However, this idea is based on flawed assumptions and incomplete data. The French Paradox is wrong for several reasons:

- The French diet is not as high in saturated fat and cholesterol as it is often portrayed. The French consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and dairy products than Americans, and less red meat, processed foods, and sugar.

- The French have other lifestyle factors that protect them from cardiovascular disease, such as moderate alcohol consumption, physical activity, low stress levels, and social support.

- The French have a lower incidence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome than Americans, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

- The French have a different definition and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease than Americans, which may underestimate the true prevalence and mortality of the condition in France.

- The French Paradox is based on outdated data from the 1980s and 1990s, which do not reflect the current trends and changes in the French diet and health status.

Therefore, the French Paradox is not a valid concept to justify a high-fat diet or to dismiss the role of nutrition in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups, along with other healthy lifestyle habits, is the best way to promote cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

Muscle Abnormalities are Apparent After Post-Exertional Malaise in Long Covid, Study Shows

 A new study published in Nature Communication by Brent Appelman and colleagues reveals that muscle abnormalities worsen after post-exertional malaise (PEM) in long-Covid patients. PEM is a condition that causes severe fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment after physical or mental exertion. Long-Covid is a term used to describe the persistent symptoms that some people experience after recovering from Covid-19 infection.

The researchers used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the levels of phosphocreatine (PCr), a molecule that stores energy in muscles, in 20 long-Covid patients and 10 healthy controls. They found that long-Covid patients had lower PCr levels than controls at baseline, indicating reduced muscle energy. They also performed a submaximal exercise test on a stationary bike and measured PCr levels again 24 hours later. They found that long-Covid patients had a further decrease in PCr levels after exercise, while controls had no change or a slight increase. This suggests that long-Covid patients have impaired muscle recovery and increased muscle damage after exertion.

The study also assessed the symptoms of PEM using a questionnaire. They found that long-Covid patients reported significantly higher scores of fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction after exercise than before, while controls reported no change or a slight improvement. The researchers also found a correlation between the change in PCr levels and the change in PEM symptoms, indicating that muscle abnormalities may contribute to the severity of PEM.

The study is the first to demonstrate objective evidence of muscle dysfunction in long-Covid patients using MRS. It also provides a potential biomarker for PEM that could be used to diagnose and monitor long-Covid patients. The researchers suggest that future studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying muscle abnormalities in long-Covid and explore potential treatments to improve muscle function and reduce PEM symptoms.