Heart Health

E-Cigarettes Risks Include Stroke, Heart Attack and Cancer

E-cigarettes first rose in popularity as a means of kicking the tobacco habit, and they were originally thought to offer a healthier way to feed the addiction to nicotine. In just a few years, smoking e-cigarettes, or vaping as it’s more commonly known, has grown to become a fad of its own. While adults do use these products, vaping has become especially popular among teens, raising concerns with parents who doubt these products are as harmless as they seem. Now, new studies are finding that e-cigarettes risks include stroke, heart attack and cancer. These findings are urging many to kick the vaping habit.

How is Vaping Different Than Smoking Cigarettes?

Vaping may seem to be a harmless way to obtain nicotine because there is no tobacco involved in the use of an e-cigarette. Instead, the electronic device heats a liquid product which is treated to possess distinct scents and flavors. There are a few different types of electronic devices on the market now, which include e-cigarettes and vaping pens. While the devices differ in appearance, they essentially operate in the same way. A battery inside the device heats up the e-liquid, also known as e-juice, until it becomes a vapor that the user can inhale.

It was previously believed that e-juice was nothing more than flavored water vapor, but studies of the devices have found this isn’t the case. The heating process actually creates an aerosol mist that the user inhales. While an e-liquid doesn’t contain tobacco, it does contain nicotine and other additives. Various chemicals and metals, including propylene glycol, are added to the liquid. In some cases, vegetable glycerin takes the place of the propylene glycol. Much like cigarette smoke, this aerosol mist and the chemical compounds it contains is inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled.

New Research Uncovers the True Extent of E-Cigarettes Risks

In 2016, Dr. Paul Ndunda led a cross-sectional study of 400,000 subjects to determine the long-term effects of vaping. The study examined the health risks people who smoke e-cigarettes face in comparison to the health risks for those who do not smoke. They found that vaping does increase the risks of several health conditions. Specifically, the researchers found that vaping increases the risk of stroke by 71 percent. There’s also 59 percent greater risk of suffering a heart attack, or of developing angina. In general, people who use e-cigarettes and vaping pens have a 40 percent higher chance of developing heart disease.

The heart wasn’t the only organ negatively impacted by vaping. The researchers found that vaping also increased the likelihood of developing popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). It does this by creating inflammation in the airways of the lungs, which leads to scarring in these tiny airways. As a result, the individual is likely to experience shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. This condition can sometimes be mistaken with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), because the symptoms are very similar.

The culprit in e-cigarette mist is a chemical called diacetyl. It has long been known that diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans. The chemical was formerly used in popcorn factories to give popcorn its buttery flavor, but upon discovering the health hazards this compound caused, its use was discontinued. Unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t hold e-liquid manufacturers to the same standards as food manufacturers, so it’s more difficult to determine exactly what chemicals are in the e-liquids.

A recent 2019 study examining e-cigarettes risks also found that vaping increases the risk of cancer. In fact, since e-liquids contain many of the same carcinogens as tobacco cigarettes, they may be almost as likely to cause cancer. When examining the genetic changes that occur to cause smoking-related cancer, the researchers found that those same alterations are caused by vaping. What’s more, the study found that the cancer-causing changes that are produced by vaping are more likely to occur in teens, because their bodies aren’t as fully developed.

How You Can Maintain a Healthy Heart

Quit Smoking and Vaping

The single most important thing you can do for your heart health and cardiovascular system and to avoid e-cigarettes risks is to quit vaping and smoking. Both activities deliver harmful toxins into your blood supply, while also exposing you to the harmful effects of nicotine.

Get More Exercise

This is especially important if you have significant belly fat, since more fat accumulation in this area has been linked to hypertension and abnormal levels of blood lipids. At a minimum, you should be getting 30 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity exercise each day.

Take a Dietary Supplement

Even if you think otherwise, you’re probably not getting all of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Taking a high-quality supplement that provides the natural ingredients necessary to keep your heart healthy and strong can help maintain cardiovascular health.

Eat a Balanced, Plant-Based Diet

While you can still eat a portion of lean red meat with each meal, the bulk of your meals should be made up of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes. Additionally, switch to whole grains for better overall health.

Avoid Processed Foods

Pre-packaged food should be avoided as much as possible. These processed foods often contain high levels of refined sugar and trans fats, which will affect blood flow and cause weight gain.

Take Up a Hobby

Whether you enjoy building plastic models, knitting or doing crossword puzzles, it’s important to find hobbies that relax you. As you engage in stress-relieving activities, you’ll reduce the levels of stress hormones in your blood and this will help alleviate inflammation. Lowering inflammation means the heart won’t have to work as hard to efficiently pump blood throughout your body.

9 Surprising Things That Affect Heart Health

Jun 28 by Ewcopywriting

When it comes to optimizing overall health, taking care of your cardiovascular system should be one of your most pressing concerns. However, even if you have already adopted a healthier way of living, you may not be aware of some little-known things that affect heart health. For good or for ill, these lifestyle habits can have a bigger impact on your heart health than you may realize.

9 Surprising Things That Affect Heart Health

1. Coffee Consumption

The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant, which is why it helps you feel more alert and productive. Since it stimulates the various body functions, it has been found to boost brain function and cardiovascular function, indicating that moderate amounts of coffee can be beneficial. However, drinking six or more cups of coffee per day can actually harm you by increasing blood pressure. As a result, too much caffeine consumption may raise the risks of cardiovascular disease.

2. Workplace Environment

Recent research has found that high-stress jobs, such as those that are mentally demanding, can contribute to a heartbeat disorder known as atrial fibrillation. This condition increases the likelihood of experiencing a stroke, because it interrupts the steady supply of oxygen to the brain. Additionally, stressful work environments have been linked to higher instances of hypertension and high cholesterol in workers. In a recent observational study, researchers found that 24 percent of workers in high-noise environments suffered from hypertension, while 28 percent had developed high cholesterol. This research indicates that people involved in the manufacturing, construction and technical trades may be more likely to suffer from heart disease.

3. Watching Television

We have long been told that watching too much television is harmful to overall health, but how much is too much? According to a recent study, watching 21 hours of TV per week may be enough to damage your heart health, boosting the of developing hypertension by 68 percent. Compared to those who watch less than seven hours of television per week, people who watch 21 hours or more also have a 50 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Eating Breakfast

A high energy-breakfast can have a positive impact on heart health, especially when compared to a low-energy breakfast. In a new study, researchers compared those who typically consumed high-energy breakfast with those who consumed a low-energy breakfast or no breakfast at all. A high-energy breakfast tended to be one that accounted for more than 20 percent of daily calories, and consisted of foods like cheese and dairy products, honey, cereal and breads. Low-energy breakfasts included foods like coffee, fruit, olives and honey, and provided less than 20 percent of daily calorie intake. The research found that those in the high-energy group had healthier arteries than those in the other groups. To gain these benefits, the research team suggests attempting to obtain at least 20 percent of your daily calorie intake from your breakfast.

5. Eating Blueberries

Metabolic syndrome is a growing problem, affecting millions of people annually. It’s an umbrella term that describes people who suffer from obesity, high blood pressure and heightened levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and blood glucose. Recent research revealed that eating just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly improve your metabolic profile. Since metabolic syndrome often leads to cardiovascular disease, a serving of blueberries may reduce risks to your heart health.

6. Financial Worries

While you don’t need research to tell you that financial concerns can cause you to experience stress, this particular kind of stress may also be contributing to poor heart health. A recent study found that financial concerns made subjects 13 times more likely to suffer from a heart attack. By way of comparison, work-related stress increased that risk by just 5.6 times. The research also found that the depression caused by financial stress also raised the risks of developing heart disease.

7. Listening to Music

While there are many lifestyle-related dangers to heart health, listening to music may be able to counteract some of that harm. In particular, listening to soothing or uplifting music helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress and regulate the heart beat. Music therapy is used commonly these days because it also helps improve blood flow throughout the body. Research has discovered that rock music and classical music are especially effective in keeping arterial walls flexible.

8. Taking a Bath

In a recent study, researchers evaluated the heart health benefits of taking a hot bath, or one consisting of water that is 41°C (105.8°F). The subjects, 873 seniors, were asked to remain in the bath for 12.4 minutes. The researchers found that taking up to five or six hot baths per week had a profoundly positive effect on heart health. The effects on risks of atherosclerosis and cardiac loading were among the chief benefits noted in the study.

9. Having the Flu

Recent findings suggest that people who are already at risk for developing heart disease face greater risks of suffering a heart attack within the first weeks of contracting the flu. The risk of suffering an acute myocardial infarction is further complicated when NSAIDs and other cold remedies are taken. Decongestants, for example, constrict the blood vessels, creating even more strain on the cardiovascular system. For this reason, at-risk people are urged to get the seasonal flu shot and to take precautionary steps to prevent contracting influenza.

While benefiting from some of these research results may require making significant lifestyle changes, it may be time to consider them. Heart disease is a major health concern in the United States and it kills more than 610,000 people annually. Doing what you can to alleviate stress on your heart and to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system will help you to live a higher-quality of life for a longer period of time.

Vitamins and Aging: Can Taking Vitamins Reduce Disease Risk?

Jun 19 by Ewcopywriting

Recent research has found that increasing vitamin intake may reduce the risk of chronic disease as we age. Whether by consuming a more diverse diet or by taking a high-quality dietary supplement, ingesting sufficient amounts of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the chances of developing myocardial infarction, stroke and other medical disorders. Similarly, getting enough of other important vitamins has been shown to encourage better metabolic health and mobility in seniors.

Vitamins and Aging: Vitamins Help Stave Off Illness as We Age

Numerous studies have presented strong evidence that getting proper levels of certain crucial vitamins can help lower the risk of major chronic disease that comes with age. This research suggests that many health problems could be avoided by simply increasing the amount of vitamins we ingest on a daily basis.

For years, it has been known that sufficient levels of vitamin D, along with calcium, are necessary to maintain strong bones and protect against fractures. At the same time, proper amounts of beta-carotene are necessary to assist zinc and vitamin E in slowing the rate at which macular degeneration (age-related vision loss) progresses. Additionally, vitamin E has been shown to assist lycopene, an antioxidant phyto-nutrient, in lowering the risk of prostate cancer.

These are just a few examples of ways that sufficient vitamin intake can benefit overall health in seniors. Further studies may reveal more important ways that consuming proper amounts of vitamins can benefit health and wellness as we age.

Certain Vitamins Help Post-Menopausal Women Manage Metabolic Health

Previous research has found that estrogen and vitamin D work well together in promoting better bone health, but a new study has found that this duo may benefit women in other ways. In particular, vitamin D and estrogen may help lower the chances of developing metabolic syndrome in post-menopausal women.

Metabolic syndrome is a growing concern that affects both genders, but may be especially destructive to post-menopausal women. Metabolic syndrome involves a variety of health concerns, including obesity, hypertension and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. When left untreated, metabolic syndrome can increase the risks of developing other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The study, which took place in southern China, involved studying the effects that vitamins had on 616 post-menopausal women, ranging in ages from 49 to 86. As the study began, none of the participants had been taking estrogen or vitamin D supplements. At the start of the study, each women underwent examinations to determine the levels of vitamin D and estrogen in their blood. They were also assessed for their risks of developing metabolic syndrome.

The researchers found that there was a strong link between estrogen levels and vitamin D. Where there was a deficiency of vitamin D, there were also lower levels of estrogen. Conversely, women with higher estrogen levels also had higher levels of vitamin D in their blood.

The study also found a correlation between higher levels of vitamin D and more positive test results. The women with high vitamin D levels had better lipid counts, better regulated blood pressure and lower blood sugar counts. Alternatively, a lower estrogen count was linked to poorer results in determining the risks for metabolic syndrome. Women with lower levels of estrogen also exhibited higher blood pressure and heightened levels of triglycerides. They also suffered from high cholesterol.

The research team concluded that the risk of metabolic syndrome was raised in women with lower estrogen levels. This was especially true for women who also exhibited lower levels of vitamin D. Since the estrogen levels and vitamin D deficiencies are linked, raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial. Women may be able to reduce their risks of developing metabolic syndrome by ensuring that they get enough vitamin D in their diet or by taking a high-quality multivitamin.

Can Supplements Help Improve Mobility Among Seniors?

As people age, one of the biggest problems they face is decreased mobility, defined as the ability to move around independently. It has been determined that 30 percent of seniors do experience mobility problems. Mobility is often inhibited by long-term health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease and arthritis. At the same time, with age, muscles, bones and tissue deteriorate, inhibiting mobility. Now, recent research into the link between vitamins and aging may have found a solution: A new study suggests an increased intake of vitamin K, commonly found in leafy green vegetables, may help boost mobility in seniors.

Previously, research has found that a vitamin K deficiency can affect the development of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and other conditions that affect mobility. The latest study, which was led by M. Kyla Shea, sought to look for a more direct link between vitamin K and senior mobility. In conducting the study, the research team examined the records for 635 men and 688 women from data assembled as a part of the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Approximately 40 percent of the subjects were black and the subjects varied in age from 70 to 79.

It was found that a low level of phylloquinone, which was one of two biomarkers used to measure vitamin K levels, increased the risk of inhibited mobility. The researchers determined that low phylloquinone levels increased the risks of developing limited mobility by 1.5 times. Developing a mobility disability was determined to be twice as likely for seniors with low phylloquinone levels when compared to those with sufficient levels of the compound. The study’s authors noted that there was no noticeable difference in results between men and women.

While the research does identify a link between vitamin K deficiency and mobility issues, more research is needed. If a clearer connection can be made between vitamin K and mobility, these findings may help millions of seniors maintain a better quality of life. Vitamin K can be found in broccoli, spinach, kale, dairy products and certain multivitamin/multi-mineral formulas.

Can Anthocyanins in Blueberries Protect Heart Health and More?

Jun 15 by Ewcopywriting

We already know that blueberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients that provide a vast array of health benefits. According to a new study, certain compounds found in blueberries protect heart health and and may even help prolong life.

New Study Finds Blueberries Protect Heart Health

A joint project, which brought together researchers from the U.K.’s University of East Anglia and Harvard University, looked at how eating blueberries affected the development of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The research was intended to identify how blueberry consumption affected metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a situation in which an individual suffers from high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar. Heightened triglyceride and cholesterol levels are also common in people suffering from metabolic syndrome. When these conditions are present for an extended period of time, the individual develops increased risks for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

In the past, it was discovered that people who frequently eat blueberries exhibited a lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Professor Aedin Cassidy, who led the most recent study, suspected that this was due to the presence of a compound called anthocyanin in blueberries. Anthocyanins are flavonoids that are water-soluble and can affect the pigmentation of the plants in which they are found. Anthocyanins have also been found to reduce the risks of premature death from all causes.

Can Blueberries Help At-Risk People?

The latest study was conducted to find out if people who were already at risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes could benefit from regular blueberry consumption. The researchers recruited 115 volunteers. All of the study participants were between the ages of 50 and 75, were determined to be obese and had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

Since the six-month study was designed to determine if blueberries protect heart health, it was important that the participants consume a sufficient amount of blueberries. For the purposes of the study, a blueberry powder was used to simulate fresh blueberries. The first group was given the equivalent of one cup of fresh blueberries. A second group was given the equivalent of half a cup of fresh blueberries and a third group was given a placebo freeze-dried powder made to resemble the blueberry powder given to the first two groups.

Prior to starting the study, each participant was tested for vascular function, insulin resistance and lipid status. The participants were tested at the end of the six months, as well. Those participants consuming one cup of blueberries per day were found to have improved vascular function. Additionally, arterial stiffness was improved. Overall, it was determined that this group experienced a twelve- to fifteen-percent drop in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Since the group consuming half a cup of blueberries per day exhibited no changes in cardiovascular health, it was concluded that the higher level of consumption was needed. The lead researchers on the project concluded that those struggling with obesity needed a higher quantity of blueberries to provide the health benefits. Blueberry consumption did not affect other aspects of vascular function, including blood pressure levels or insulin resistance.

What Role Do Anthocyanins Play?

The researchers believe blueberries are particularly beneficial to heart health due to the high amount of anthocyanins in the fruit. When we consume blueberries, the body transforms the anthocyanins into a host of chemical compounds, which are beneficial to the bacteria in the gut microbiome. Once delivered to this part of the large intestine, scientists believe the compounds help promote healthier metabolism. In laboratory experiments, it was found that one compound produced through this process, syringic acid, benefited the body’s vascular endothelial cells.

In a separate experiment, rats were given proportionate doses of anthocyanin. One of the compounds produced was vanillic acid, which was found to lower blood pressure. This may indicate that blueberries can be effective in helping patients treat hypertension, though more research is needed.

While blueberries do possess high levels of anthocyanin, they’re not the only foods that contain these highly beneficial substances. Other foods containing anthocyanin include:

blackcurrant
raspberries (red or black)
blackberries
red cabbage
plums
red radish
black carrot
purple potato

The research into the health benefits of blueberries is especially promising, because the current methods for treating metabolic syndrome are complicated. Primarily, treatment requires making lifestyle changes so the individual can prevent the condition from worsening. This means adopting a largely plant-based diet with an emphasis on monounsaturated fat, while also adding more physical activity on a daily basis.

Treatment becomes more complicated in terms of addressing the individual conditions that define metabolic syndrome. For instance, an individual may need to be treated separately for their hypertension, glucose levels and cholesterol levels. This may require administering several medications and monitoring the effects to determine whether or not the condition of the individual is improving.

If further research shows that anthocyanins are as beneficial as researchers believe, some of these medications may be eliminated. Eating a cup or more of blueberries, or taking a supplement that provides anthocyanidins, may provide a natural option for metabolic syndrome while reducing the risks of developing many other medical conditions. Even though we still don’t know the full benefits that eating blueberries provides, it already seems as though this fruit should be an essential part of any healthy diet.

Joint Supplement Glucosamine Lowers Cardiovascular Risk

May 31 by Ewcopywriting

Glucosamine is a natural supplement used to help support bone and cartilage health, and more specifically in cases of minor joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and other joint concerns. Early laboratory tests found that glucosamine helps reduce minor joint pain by addressing the inflammation that surrounds the joints, allowing the cartilage to naturally regenerate on its own. While intended to alleviate joint pain, the findings in a new study suggest glucosamine lowers cardiovascular risk as well.

What is Glucosamine and How Does it Help Joint Pain?

Glucosamine is a substance that’s found in the cartilage surrounding the joints in the hands and knees. It can be derived from natural sources, as it is found in the shells of shellfish, or it can be created synthetically in a laboratory. While there are two types of glucosamine, hydrochloride and sulfate, glucosamine sulfate is most commonly used in dietary supplements. Even though glucosamine can be found in shellfish, eating this type of seafood won’t give you the boost of glucosamine you may expect, as it is only present in their shells. In fact, the compound hasn’t been found in any edible foods, which means natural supplements are the best way to obtain the compound.

In studies on the effectiveness of glucosamine in treating joint pain, subjects were given an average of 500 milligrams up to three times daily. Results from these studies indicated that the supplement may cause indigestion when taken on an empty stomach. For this reason, it’s best to take glucosamine sulfate with your meals. In addition to an upset stomach, glucosamine may also cause heartburn, headaches, and drowsiness, however since glucosamine sulfate is a natural compound, it’s rare for the supplement to cause these side effects. Side effects most often occur when the individual takes more than the recommended dosage, or takes the normal dosage more frequently than necessary. Glucosamine should be avoided if you have a shellfish allergy.

While glucosamine sulfate has been found effective in helping to alleviate minor joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, it has failed to relieve pain caused by other conditions. Some patients found it ineffective in treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), asthma, allergies and various sports injuries. Scientific research has not yet explored the potential for treating these other conditions, so it cannot be recommended for other types of treatments.

New Study Finds Glucosamine Lowers Cardiovascular Risk

According to a Tulane University study, adults who take a glucosamine supplement may be helping their cardiovascular health along the way. The researchers found that taking glucosamine helps lower the risks of developing various types of heart disease and may even help reduce the risks of a stroke.

The study, led by Professor Lu Qi, examined the health records of 466,039 subjects, which included information about vitamin and supplement intake, by accessing the records of the U.K. Biobank Study. The researchers noted that at the outset, no one in the study had cardiovascular disease. One-fifth of the participants reported taking a glucosamine supplement at the start of the study.

The Tulane researchers examined the health records for their subjects at the beginning of the study and at a seven-year follow-up. The follow-up portion of the study also examined the death records for any subjects who had passed away within that time frame. In examining the records, they looked at any incidences of cardiovascular issues, which may have resulted in coronary heart disease or stroke. They also looked for any indications that death resulted from cardiovascular disease.

In comparing the records, the researchers concluded that people who took glucosamine had a 15 percent lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, they found that their risk of developing a stroke, coronary heart disease or of dying from a cardiovascular-related event was reduced by up to 22 percent. The research team accounted for other factors that might have affected the results of their analysis. They said age, gender, body weight, diet, lifestyle and the use of other medications did not play a factor in determining the results. Although the study was only observational, the research team concluded that glucosamine appeared to lower cardiovascular risk. They added that future research is needed to verify their findings.

Professor Lu Qi did note that cigarette smoking seemed to play a role in the results. Smokers who were currently taking glucosamine supplements exhibited a 37 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. That risk was only reduced by 18 percent in former smokers and 12 percent in people who had never smoked. The purpose for this curiosity may lie in the effect that glucosamine has on inflammation. While cigarette smoking increases inflammation, the glucosamine supplement counteracts that effect. The supplement does this by inhibiting the production of C-reactive protein, which is linked to the higher inflammation present in smokers.

Glucosamine for Joint Pain and More

While regular use of glucosamine can help alleviate minor pain caused by osteoporosis and may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, Professor Lu Qi’s team advises caution. More direct research is needed to confirm these findings before the cardiovascular benefits of the supplement can be recommended. In the meantime, glucosamine can still be used to support joint and cartilage health, and to help soothe minor joint pain. Taking a high-quality supplement that contains glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints and cartilage can help improve the quality of life for people suffering from osteoarthritis or minor joint pain. For those individuals, improved cardiovascular health may be an unexpected and welcome benefit.

New Research Reveals How Resveratrol Lowers Blood Pressure

May 29 by Ewcopywriting

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in a variety of healthy foods, such as blueberries, peanuts and red grapes, that has been proven to offer a variety of health benefits. Since red grapes contain a high concentration of the compound, it is also found in red wine. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound, meaning it contains polyphenols, plant constituents with strong antioxidant properties. Resveratrol has long been known to provide cardiovascular benefits, including helping to maintain healthy blood pressure, but the means through which it does so has eluded researchers. Now, a new study sheds light on how resveratrol lowers blood pressure.

New Study Reveals How Resveratrol Lowers Blood Pressure

Much previous research has suggested that resveratrol is beneficial to heart health. A new study led by Joseph Burgoyne, Ph.D. and conducted at King’s College London sought to identify its precise effect on blood pressure. In this study, the research team selected a group of mice with high blood pressure and added resveratrol to their diets. Using telemetry probes, which were implanted in the mice, the team was able to monitor the mice for a 15-day period.

The team divided the mice into two groups. One group was fed a diet containing resveratrol, while the second group was fed a resveratrol-free diet. After 15 days, the researchers found that the mice on the resveratrol diet exhibited a drop of approximately 20 milliliters of mercury in their blood pressure. Additionally, it was observed that a protein called PKG1a was oxidized by the resveratrol, causing blood vessels to relax. In short, the study discovered that oxidizing proteins in the blood while the mice were experiencing oxidative stress caused blood pressure levels to drop.

While resveratrol is believed to be an antioxidant, the researchers concluded that, paradoxically, it actually acts as an oxidant in the way that it helps lower blood pressure. Furthermore, the team speculated that all antioxidants may work via a similar process. To confirm that their findings may be applicable to humans, Burgoyne’s team injected smooth human muscle cells with resveratrol. They observed that the resveratrol initiated the same oxidation process in the human cells.

While these findings are promising, the researchers caution against trying to reap these benefits at home. In order to experience a positive effect on blood pressure, an individual would have to consume massive amounts of resveratrol-rich foods. In terms of red wine, for example, this would mean consuming more than 1,000 bottles daily.

Dr. Burgoyne is hopeful that the research will lead to new blood pressure medications. If a more efficient delivery method can be devised, resveratrol may one day hold the key to regulating high blood pressure. The research may ultimately lead to more effective drugs that can benefit the over 100 million suffers of high blood pressure.

Resveratrol May Help Fight Aging, Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease and More

A person’s brain and central nervous system communicate via neurons that transmit messages across a bridge known as a synapse. As people age, these connections, commonly called neuromuscular junctions, degrade, which is why we move more slowly as we get older. This degenerative process also causes other age-related symptoms. Suspicions that resveratrol may affect this type of degeneration prompted a new study.

The study, which was conducted at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, sought to understand how resveratrol affected aging. Researchers administered resveratrol-rich diets to two-year-old mice to see how the compound would affect the senior rodents. After one year of administering resveratrol to the mice, they found that the neuromuscular junctions were just as protected as they would have been through a regimen of healthy eating and regular exercise. The research team cautioned that humans would have to ingest massive amounts of resveratrol-rich foods to enjoy a similar benefit.

The antioxidant properties of resveratrol may also be effective in protecting against certain types of cancer, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro study. In particular, the study team examined the compound’s effects on protein p53. Under normal circumstances, p53 is supposed to be a cancer-fighting protein, but the protein can mutate and act in opposition to its original purpose: Instead of protecting healthy cells and fighting off cancerous tumors, p53 may actually cause tumors to develop.

The researchers studied how resveratrol affected the mutated versions of p53 by injecting breast cancer cells into the mice. When resveratrol was administered, the research team discovered that the compound fought the growth of mutated p53 cells in the mice. This observation remained true in relation to combating the injected breast cancers cells as well as in treating tumor cells found naturally in the mice. This research may lead to a treatment for cancer in cases where it is caused by the growth of mutated p53 proteins, as is often the case with certain types of breast cancer.

An earlier study which prompted the latest research on how resveratrol lowers blood pressure found that the compound may reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular disease. This research found that resveratrol may protect blood vessels by lowering the presence of LDL cholesterol in the body. The antioxidant properties of the compound may also help prevent blood clots from forming, while helping to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Resveratrol: Wonder-Supplement of the Future?

Admittedly, this early research is promising, but more studies are needed to fully understand how resveratrol affects cardiovascular health. If it can be confirmed that resveratrol reduces the inflammation and impeded blood flow that are often responsible for cardiovascular events, this may open the door to new treatments.

While there’s promise that resveratrol may help improve a number of health conditions, researchers are still a long way from developing medications based on the compound. In addition, even though it is found in natural foods, it would be nearly impossible to consume enough each day to experience a lasting effect on health. Until further research commences, the best possible way to enjoy the health benefits that resveratrol provides is through a high-quality, concentrated supplement.