Entries Tagged 'Heart Disease' ↓

PhysOrg has very interesting article on the potential health benefits of Fasting. The practice of fasting, that is abstaining from two or more meals in a row, is common to many different religious and mystic groups. But until recently was not considered to have any health benefits.

Now research is showing that fasting once a month may lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular ailments.

Kind of makes you wonder what other religious practices may have unknown health benefits.

Via PhysOrg: People who skip meals: are they better off?

Researchers at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany have found that cocoa products can reduce blood pressure almost as much as the commonly prescribed drugs for that purpose. It seems that cocoa contains chemicals know as polyphenols. Polyphenols are known to help prevent cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. Polyphenols are present in many vegetables and in tea, but it seems that a particular type that is present in cocoa is more active than other types.
Chocolate itself, due to the high sugar and fat content is still bad for you, but the cocoa in it might help you with your blood pressure. So the next time you feel guilty about eating chocolate, you can claim it’s for your heart.

Via Scientific American: Cocoa, not tea, calms blood pressure, study says

Someone sent me the following in an email. I thought it was pretty funny, so I posted it here.

HERE’S THE FINAL WORD ON NUTRITION AND HEALTH. IT’S A RELIEF TO KNOW THE
TRUTH AFTER ALL THOSE CONFLICTING MEDICAL STUDIES!!!

The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the
British or Americans.

The French eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the
British or Americans.

The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than
the British or Americans.

The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart
attacks than the British or Americans.

CONCLUSION: EAT AND DRINK WHAT YOU LIKE. SPEAKING ENGLISH IS APPARENTLY
WHAT KILLS YOU!!!

The graphic above comes from the American Heart Association website. Follow the link for their recommendations on heart disease prevention.