Hazelnut intake linked to improved micronutrient levels
New research from Oregon State University, as reported in Science Daily, has found a significant link between consumption of hazelnuts and improved levels of two key micronutrients. During the study, in which 32 people aged 55 and above ate 57g hazelnuts daily for 16 weeks, the researchers found increased blood concentrations of magnesium and elevated urinary levels of vitamin E.
It is one of the first studies of its kind specifically looking at the effects of hazelnuts on older subjects and has found that the nut can help increase levels of micronutrients that older adults in particular are frequently deficient in.
Strong association between excess belly fat and a higher risk of heart disease
According to results of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EUROASPIRE V survey, as reported by EurekaAlert!, close to two thirds of people who are at risk of heart disease or stroke have excess belly fat.
While the study doesn’t suggest that you have to have excess belly fat in order to be at risk of these conditions, nor does it suggest that anyone with heart disease or at risk of a stroke is likely to have excess belly fat, it does link those with unhealthy lifestyle habits with higher risks.
Excess belly fat, even in those who are not otherwise obese or overweight, marks abnormal fat distribution and is linked to poor heart health.
Exploring the link between a Mediterranean diet lower cardiovascular risk
Further to our recent nutrition news covering the effects of a Mediterranean diet, a
separate study, covered by EurekaAlert! in this article, has looked at the link
between a diet rich in plants and olive oil and lower cardiovascular risk.
The study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that there was a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease in people who followed a Mediterranean diet compared to those whose diets had higher levels of meats and sweets.
Researchers looked at data from 25,000 female health professionals who participated in the study with a follow up after 12 years and found the primary outcomes incidences of cardiovascular disease.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.
