Tag

Heart Health

All articles tagged with #heart health

The Mediterranean Diet in Practice: What the World's Top Nutrition Scientist Eats
health-and-wellness4 days ago

The Mediterranean Diet in Practice: What the World's Top Nutrition Scientist Eats

Walter Willett, the world's most-cited nutrition scientist, advocates for a Mediterranean-style diet rich in plants, whole grains, and healthy fats to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. At 81, Willett's research has fundamentally shifted American dietary guidelines away from low-fat approaches, emphasizing the quality of fats and carbohydrates instead. His work also contributed to the removal of trans fats from the food supply. The Washington Post profiled his daily eating habits, highlighting how his personal diet aligns with his decades of research on lifestyle choices that shape chronic illness risks.

Ultrahuman Ring Users Gain On-Demand Heart Rhythm Checks via FibriCheck Partnership
technology5 days ago

Ultrahuman Ring Users Gain On-Demand Heart Rhythm Checks via FibriCheck Partnership

Ultrahuman has launched 'Heart Scan,' a new feature for Ring Air and Ring Pro users that allows for on-demand heart rhythm checks. Developed in partnership with FibriCheck, the tool uses the ring's optical sensors to capture a 60-second pulse reading, which is analyzed by FibriCheck's algorithm to detect potential atrial fibrillation or other irregularities. The feature generates a clinical-grade PDF report containing raw pulse data, a tachogram, and a Lorenz plot, which users can share with healthcare professionals. While the existing AFib PowerPlug provides passive overnight screening, Heart Scan offers immediate spot checks during symptomatic moments. The service is free for eligible ring owners in 37 supported markets, including the UK, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific, requiring specific app versions for iOS and Android.

Dietitian Names Beans as Top Plant Protein for Lowering Cholesterol
health6 days ago

Dietitian Names Beans as Top Plant Protein for Lowering Cholesterol

Registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo identifies beans as the premier plant-based protein for lowering LDL cholesterol due to their high soluble fiber content. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract, facilitating its removal from the body. Navy beans lead with over 9 grams of fiber per serving, followed by black and red adzuki beans at approximately 8 grams. Lentils and nuts are also recommended for their fiber and unsaturated fat profiles, which support heart health when replacing saturated fats.

Daily Avocado Consumption: Nutritional Benefits and Portion Control Tips
health-and-nutrition17 days ago

Daily Avocado Consumption: Nutritional Benefits and Portion Control Tips

Registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo confirms that eating avocado daily is healthy for most people due to its high content of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins. However, because avocados are calorie-dense, a standard serving is only one-third of a fruit. To maximize benefits, pair avocado with protein sources and vary other healthy fat sources in your diet.

Moonlit sleep linked to heart changes, study finds
health29 days ago

Moonlit sleep linked to heart changes, study finds

A study of more than 11,000 adults without heart disease found that sleeping with light exposure above 3 lux—roughly moonlight under a closed door—was linked to changes in heart muscle structure and function seen on cardiac MRI three years later; researchers note limitations and call for more research; the study was published in the European Heart Journal.

Moonlight on the heart? Dim night light linked to heart changes, study suggests
health29 days ago

Moonlight on the heart? Dim night light linked to heart changes, study suggests

A large study of over 11,000 people without heart disease tracked nighttime light exposure for seven days and followed up with cardiac MRIs three years later, finding that exposure to light levels above 3 lux during sleep was associated with changes in heart muscle shape and function compared with those with no light exposure; 3 lux is roughly moonlight. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, notes limitations in testing duration and sensor methods and calls for further research.

Eggs as a Cardio Ally: A Doctor's High-Protein Breakfast Playbook
health1 month ago

Eggs as a Cardio Ally: A Doctor's High-Protein Breakfast Playbook

A cardiologist at South Heart Clinic describes eggs as an “amazing protein” and shares his personal breakfast approach: four to five eggs with onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and avocado, paired with vegetables and avoiding carb-heavy sides like bread or potatoes so he stays full on protein. He notes that dietary cholesterol from eggs is less of a heart-risk concern than previously thought, citing evolving guidance and the American Heart Association’s stance that eggs can fit into a heart-healthy pattern when eaten in moderation and alongside produce, whole grains and lean proteins. Eggs are nutrient-dense, providing high-quality protein and micronutrients (A, D, B12, iodine, selenium, choline, lutein/zeaxanthin) and even omega-3s in yolks; the overall message is to enjoy eggs as part of a balanced diet while prioritizing vegetables and whole foods.

Three minutes of all-out HIIT may outperform 90 minutes of moderate cardio for health
health1 month ago

Three minutes of all-out HIIT may outperform 90 minutes of moderate cardio for health

A Cell Reports Medicine study found that three minutes of all-out exercise (30-second bursts over 23 minutes) produced more blood-borne molecules linked to health benefits than 90 minutes of moderate cycling, suggesting brief, intense workouts may yield greater health gains. The research involved 19 young men, and researchers caution that more work is needed to confirm these effects across different populations.

A thousand extra steps, a healthier heart: new study finds big gains
health1 month ago

A thousand extra steps, a healthier heart: new study finds big gains

Adding 1,000 daily steps was linked to meaningful heart-health gains in a nearly decade-long study of 36,192 middle-aged or older British adults with hypertension: each 1,000-step increase cut risks for major heart problems by about 17%, heart attack by 9%, stroke by 25%, and heart failure by 22%, with benefits seen well below the traditional 10,000-step goal.

Daily handful of nuts linked to lower hypertension risk, study shows
health1 month ago

Daily handful of nuts linked to lower hypertension risk, study shows

An analysis of about 143,000 people found that eating roughly 30–35g of nuts daily is associated with a 26% lower risk of hypertension versus not eating nuts. While observational, the findings support plant-forward diets (like DASH and Mediterranean) that emphasize nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, due to nutrients such as potassium, fiber, polyphenols, and nitric oxide–related vascular effects. The review notes that salted vs unsalted nuts weren’t distinguished and most data came from Europe, the Americas, and East Asia; more diverse studies are needed. Practical takeaway: incorporate a handful of unsalted nuts into meals as part of a balanced plant-based diet.”,

Xylitol Under Scrutiny: Healthier Sweetener Alternatives for a Heart-Healthy Diet
health1 month ago

Xylitol Under Scrutiny: Healthier Sweetener Alternatives for a Heart-Healthy Diet

Observational data link higher blood levels of xylitol with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events over six years, though causation isn’t proven; researchers warn against relying on sugar substitutes and advise limiting added sugars while choosing natural options such as whole fruit, unsweetened applesauce, monk fruit, stevia, and dates as healthier alternatives for heart health.

Ditch the White Stuff: A Cardiologist's Rule for Heart Health
health-and-wellness1 month ago

Ditch the White Stuff: A Cardiologist's Rule for Heart Health

A cardiologist outlines his No. 1 healthy-eating rule: avoid white, high-starch foods (white bread, rice, pasta, flour, sugar) and focus on a diet of whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, proteins, dairy, and seafood, with water and unsweetened beverages. He emphasizes limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates to reduce heart-disease risk.

Garlic Gets Debated: From Ultimate Biohack to Real-World Health Tool
health1 month ago

Garlic Gets Debated: From Ultimate Biohack to Real-World Health Tool

A NY Post health feature follows biohackers who swear by raw garlic (often with honey) as a youthful, energy-boosting “ultimate biohack,” while experts note some benefits—such as modest blood-pressure reduction and immune support—are supported by limited evidence and many bold claims lack solid data; downsides include heartburn, gas and potential bleeding risk, so garlic should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle rather than a miracle fix.