Hello. It’s Sunday, February 11. You’re about to discover a tasty food that could lower your risk of high blood pressure, the little-known health risks of AGEs (+ the top 6 foods to fight them), a critically important “neglected” body part, a decadent dark chocolate truffle recipe, and more…
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Stress Linked to Higher Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome – being diagnosed with 3 out of 5 risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and related health issues – involves many variables, but recent research indicates that stress may be a significant and often overlooked one. It was found to mainly contribute to metabolic syndrome by stimulating inflammation in the body.
“People think of stress as mental health, that it’s all psychological. It is not. There are real physical effects to having chronic stress,” said Jasmeet Hayes, senior study author. “It could be inflammation, it could be metabolic syndrome, or a number of things. This is another reminder of that.”
The researchers analyzed data from 648 participants with an average age of 52. Data included perceived stress, blood biomarkers of inflammation, and physical exam results. In the end, stress was linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome with inflammation believed to explain over 60% of the connection between the two.
“There are many variables that influence metabolic syndrome, some we can’t modify, but others that we can. Everybody experiences stress,” Hayes added. “And stress management is one modifiable factor that’s cost-effective as well as something people can do in their daily lives without having to get medical professionals involved.”
Dark Chocolate May Lower the Risk of High Blood Pressure, Blood Clots
Eating higher amounts of dark chocolate could lower the risk of essential hypertension – high blood pressure without a known cause – a recent study has found. Dark chocolate was also associated with a reduced risk of blood clots, but the evidence wasn’t strong enough to prove a causal relationship.
Essential hypertension is the most common type of high blood pressure worldwide and a big risk factor for heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. Previous studies have indicated that dark chocolate may benefit the cardiovascular system, which is why researchers wanted to explore its effects more.
The study utilized a technique known as Mendelian randomization and data from publicly available genome-wide association studies to look for links between dark chocolate intake and cardiovascular risk factors. Though dark chocolate appeared to positively affect blood pressure and blood clot risk, no link was found between it and the 10 other risk factors analyzed.
Dark chocolate is believed to be healthier than milk chocolate because of its high content of flavanols – a type of antioxidant – as well as essential minerals. To be considered dark, chocolate must contain at least 50% cocoa solids, though the “healthiest” versions contain 70% or more. (For DIY options, be sure to see ‘5 Delicious Ways to Use Cacao Beans’ below ↓)
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| Partner of the day |  |
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Little-Known Health Risks of AGEs + 6 Top Foods to Fight Them
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are compounds thought to contribute to a variety of age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, skin aging, and even cancer. They form inside the body and also come from outside sources like charred or blackened meat, fried foods, and sugary foods. On the flip side, the best foods to fight the damaging effects of AGEs include antioxidant-rich berries, spices, nuts, cruciferous veggies, citrus fruits, and green tea. (More)
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Anyone Else to Start Exercising
Making a commitment to exercise with someone else can help give you motivation to stick with your plan, but a recent study suggests that you shouldn't wait on anyone to start exercising. The study specifically focused on older adult couples and individuals, finding that those who tried to rearrange routines to exercise with their partner got less physical activity than those who exercised on their own. All that to say, if you can't find anyone else ready to exercise with you, don't wait to get started! (More)
Weight Loss May Lower Risk of Kidney Disease in Diabetics
Past research has shown that substantial weight loss involving diet and lifestyle changes can lead to the reversal of type 2 diabetes. Now, a new study has found that the benefits may go even further by significantly lowering the risk of chronic kidney disease as well as heart disease. Those who achieved significant weight loss lowered their risk of kidney disease by about 33%, although the study authors noted that the biggest challenge is keeping the weight off to maintain health. (More)
Migraines Linked to Higher Risk of Irritable Bowel Disease
More than a billion people around the world suffer from at least one migraine attack each year. Researchers have long suspected a link between migraines and gastrointestinal disorders, and a new study has now revealed that migraine may specifically be linked to a greater risk of irritable bowel disease (IBD). Though the exact reason for this connection remains unknown, migraine sufferers may benefit from enhanced attention to gut health and monitoring of digestive changes. (More)
How to Take Care of Fascia – The “Neglected” Body Part Vital to Health
Bone and muscle strength are both critical for staying healthy and maintaining mobility as you age, but there's another puzzle piece that often gets overlooked: fascia. Fascia is a rope-like tissue that provides support and protection to many areas of your body. Each muscle is wrapped in fascia, allowing it to move and contract freely, which means that any damage to fascia also harms your musculoskeletal system as a whole. To keep your fascia healthy, exercise regularly and use foam rollers and/or stretching to release tightness. (Also, see how to do a myofascial massage below ↓)(More)
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Fascia is a thin band of connective tissue that wraps around every structure in the body. Research has recently shown that fascia contains the second-highest number of nerves next to skin, and up to 30% of people with musculoskeletal pain likely have a fascial issue as well.
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| Partner of the day |  |
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> What happened to the musician who saw Medusa? He became a rockstar.
> What goes dot-dot-croak, dot-dash-croak? A Morse toad.
> Why did the tomato go to the ball with a prune? Because he couldn't find a date.
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“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”
―Robert Frost
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