Skipping breakfast hardens the arteries

According to latest research, skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, or the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to a build-up of plaque. Eating a healthy breakfast makes heart healthy, improves healthier weight and cholesterol while skipping breakfast can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

 Researchers examined male and female volunteers who were free from cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease. A computerized questionnaire was used to estimate the usual diet of the participants, and breakfast patterns were based on the percentage of total daily energy intake consumed at breakfast.

Some participants consumed less than five percent of their total energy intake in the morning- skipped breakfast and only had coffee, juice or other non-alcoholic beverages); some consumed more than 20 percent of their total energy intake in the morning (breakfast consumers); and those consuming between five and 20 percent (low-energy breakfast consumers).

Atherosclerosis was observed more frequently among participants who skipped breakfast and was also higher in participants who consumed low-energy breakfasts compared to breakfast consumers.

Cardiometabolic risk markers were more prevalent in those who skipped breakfast and low-energy breakfast consumers compared to breakfast consumers. Participants who skipped breakfast had the greatest waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipids and fasting glucose levels.

Participants who skipped breakfast were more likely to have an overall unhealthy lifestyle, including poor overall diet, frequent alcohol consumption and smoking. They may be hypertensive and obese. Breakfast skippers are generally attempting to lose weight, they often eat more unhealthy foods. Skipping breakfast can cause hormonal imbalances and alter circadian rhythms.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Cholesterol crystal are signs of impending heart attack

According to the latest research by cardiologist, cholesterol crystals are responsible for obstructing the coronary arteries of patients who had suffered a heart attack.

These crystals are released from plaque that can build up in the heart and is often made up of fat, calcium and other substances. When this material hardens over time in the arteries, it's known as atherosclerosis.

When cholesterol goes from a liquid to a solid, or crystal state, it expands in volume. This expansion inside the wall of the artery can tear it and block blood flow resulting into a heart attack or stroke.

Researchers discovered clusters of large crystals in the arteries of patients suffering from heart attack, this crystals are released into the heart and it damaged the heart by blocking blood flow.

Cholesterol crystals activated the production of inflammation molecules, known as Interleukin-1 beta, which inflame coronary arteries. The use of statin drugs can lower cholesterol. Canakinumab drug can also block the Interleukin-1 beta inflammation molecule and reduce the chances of a cardiac event.

 Controlling cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, engaging in exercise and taking statin medications as recommended could prevent crystals from forming and reduce the risk of heart attack.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Grape seed can reduce tooth loss

A natural compound found in grapes has been found to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Grape seed extract,
a byproduct of the wine making industry has been linked to reduction in tooth extractions.

The extract has been found to toughen dentin, the tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth which lies beneath the hard external enamel.

Tooth decay occur when acid is produced from plaque, which builds up on teeth. When we consume food high in sugar the bacteria in plaque turn the sugar into energy they need to produce acid.

If the plaque is allowed to build up, the acid can begin to break down the surface of tooth, causing cavities. The cavity begins to eat away at the second level of tooth material that lies beneath the enamel: the dentin.

Damage collagen can repair itself with a combination of plant-based oligomeric proanthocyanidins – flavonoids found in most foods and vegetables and extracts from grape seeds.