[ health front ] N E W S T H A T ’ S G O O D F O R Y O U
fruit, veggies lower bp
Substances in fruits, vegetables, and plantbased foods such as tea and chocolate have positive effects on blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. A new study determined that bacteria in the digestive system helps enable those substances to do their work. Study participants who had the highest intake of flavonoid-rich foods, including berries, apples, and pears, had lower systolic blood pressure than those who consumed the least. They also had greater diversity in their gut microbiome. “Our gut microbiome plays a key role in metabolizing flavonoids to enhance their cardioprotective effects,” said lead researcher Aedín Cassidy, PhD. “These blood-pressurelowering effects are achievable with simple changes to the daily diet.” SOURCE “Gut bacteria and flavonoid-rich foods are linked and improve blood pressure levels,” American Heart Association, 8/23/21
get a leg up with greens
Eating plenty of vegetables is a good way to increase your leg strength, according to a new study. Researchers tracked nearly 4,000 adults for 12 years and found that those who ate more nitrate-rich foods had stronger legs and faster walking speed. Green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and arugula are high in nitrates, which are linked to vascular and muscle function. SOURCE “Green leafy vegetables offer a leg up on muscle strength,” Harvard Men’s Health Watch, 8/1/21
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