Traditionally, improvements in heart health resulting from weight loss have been attributed solely to the weight reduction itself or associated factors like enhanced blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
However, a groundbreaking study conducted in Israel, presented at the European Congress on Obesity, suggests that the types of nutrients we consume also play a pivotal role in heart health.
Study Participants and Methodology
The study involved 72 individuals grappling with obesity and metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, and other health issues.
The participants had an average age of approximately 53 years, with over half being men.
This year-long study encompassed personalized diet and exercise regimens, with participants regularly consulting with a medical professional and a dietician.
Before commencing the program and again after a year, participants meticulously documented their dietary choices.
Additionally, the study assessed the flexibility of the participants’ blood vessels, a crucial indicator of heart health. Greater blood vessel flexibility corresponds to a reduced risk of heart-related ailments.
Key Findings: Nutrient-Heart Health Connection
Upon concluding the study, participants exhibited an average 9.4% reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI), coupled with marked enhancements in blood vessel flexibility. Specifically, the following improvements were noted:
- Flexible Microvascular Function (FMD): Increased by 47%, indicating improved blood vessel health.
- Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV): Improved by 13%, signifying enhanced arterial function.
- Intima-Media Thickness (IMT): Improved by 1%, indicating favorable changes in blood vessel structure.
Role of Key Nutrients
The study identified specific nutrients that played a significant role in these heart health improvements:
Zinc: Linked to enhancements in PWV, zinc-rich foods such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and meat were integral components of the participants’ diet plans. Zinc is known for its role in nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessel muscles.
Protein: An increase in protein intake was associated with improvements in IMT. The diet plan included sources of lean protein such as dairy products, fish, poultry, and eggs.
Niacin (Vitamin B3): Connected to improvements in FMD, niacin was sourced from meat and fish. Niacin is recognized for its ability to widen blood vessels, primarily in the upper part of the body.
The Mediterranean Diet Connection
Lead researcher Dr. Brurya Tal highlights that a Mediterranean diet, characterized by its richness in protein, vegetables, nuts, seeds, along with moderate fruit and grain consumption, can effectively enhance blood vessel flexibility and, consequently, heart health.
In essence, individuals looking to bolster their heart health should consider not only focusing on weight loss but also paying attention to these specific nutrients within their dietary choices.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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