Tag

Heart Health

All articles tagged with #heart health

3-3-30 Walk: A 30-Minute HIIT-Inspired Health Boost
health1 day ago

3-3-30 Walk: A 30-Minute HIIT-Inspired Health Boost

Good Housekeeping promotes daily 30-minute brisk walks and a 3-3-30 interval method (three minutes fast, three minutes moderate, repeated for 30 minutes) as an HIIT-like boost to cardiovascular and mental health, citing Shinshu University research that the alternating pattern produced the greatest improvements and dementia/osteoarthritis protection. The magazine also launches a 5 Million Steps Challenge to accumulate a collective total of 5 million steps, recommends adding weights for extra intensity, and highlights the Fit (Enough) Club for ongoing motivation.

Magnesium hype debunked: foods first, supplements only if needed
nutrition-diet1 day ago

Magnesium hype debunked: foods first, supplements only if needed

Magnesium is an essential mineral best obtained from a magnesium‑rich diet (legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains, oily fish). Research links higher intake with lower risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and bone loss, though much of the evidence is observational. Supplements can help when intake or blood levels are low, but a food‑first approach is safest; typical supplement doses range from 100–350 mg daily, with caution urged for kidney disease. Adults generally need about 310–320 mg/day (women) or 400–420 mg/day (men).

A Simple Bedtime Rule: Stop Eating 3 Hours Before Sleep to Support Heart Health
health3 days ago

A Simple Bedtime Rule: Stop Eating 3 Hours Before Sleep to Support Heart Health

A small study of 39 adults with overweight/obesity found that stopping eating at least three hours before bed (a 13–16 hour overnight fast) improved nocturnal blood pressure dipping and reduced resting heart rate, and also improved glucose control, compared with a shorter habitual fast of 11–13 hours. The benefits occurred without cutting calories and are thought to arise from better alignment with circadian rhythms, though results may not generalize to everyone; gradual habit changes and attention to daytime meals can help implement this approach.

Seven Days of Oatmeal: A Dietitian’s Breakfast Experiment
health5 days ago

Seven Days of Oatmeal: A Dietitian’s Breakfast Experiment

A dietitian eats oatmeal every morning for a week, fortifying bowls with nut butter and berries to boost satiety. She notes sustained energy, regular digestion, and only mild boredom by day five, ultimately affirming oatmeal’s health benefits—especially beta-glucan’s role in lowering LDL cholesterol, supporting heart and gut health, and aiding blood-sugar management—while acknowledging gluten concerns for sensitive individuals and the value of varying breakfasts to keep meals enjoyable.

Nighttime heat may strain aging hearts, study finds
health8 days ago

Nighttime heat may strain aging hearts, study finds

A study of 47 older adults in Queensland, Australia found that bedroom temperatures above about 75°F during sleep increased the heart's stress and reduced recovery, with the odds of a clinically relevant drop in heart recovery rising to 40% between 75–79°F, doubling between 79–82°F, and nearly tripling above 82°F. Keeping overnight bedroom temperatures near 24°C (75.2°F) may lower stress responses in those 65 and older, though the observational design means causation cannot be established and the findings may not apply to other populations. The research used wearable devices over a southern summer and was published in BMC Medicine.

Ray J Headlines Valentine's Day Show Amid Health Concerns After Disturbing On-Stage Footage
entertainment8 days ago

Ray J Headlines Valentine's Day Show Amid Health Concerns After Disturbing On-Stage Footage

During a Valentine’s Day concert in Shreveport, Ray J performed despite a recent health scare, with videos circulating that appeared to show blood from his eyes and a medical patch on his chest. Fans debated whether the blood was real or staged as he pressed on, while public updates indicate his heart health remains fragile after a hospital stay for pneumonia and severe heart pains, with doctors noting his heart could be operating at a fraction of normal capacity and the possibility of ongoing treatment or devices.

Bananas and Blood Pressure: A Modest Heart-Healthy Boost
health8 days ago

Bananas and Blood Pressure: A Modest Heart-Healthy Boost

Bananas can help lower blood pressure because they’re rich in potassium, which helps the kidneys remove excess sodium, reduce fluid retention, and relax blood vessel walls. The BP drop after eating one banana is modest, and benefits don’t compound with more fruit—one banana a day is typically enough and increasing intake could raise potassium to unsafe levels for people on certain medications or with kidney disease. Regular banana consumption also supports heart health through fiber and magnesium, but medications and broader lifestyle changes remain important for blood pressure management.

Two Decades of Pecan Research Highlight Heart-Healthy Benefits
health11 days ago

Two Decades of Pecan Research Highlight Heart-Healthy Benefits

A review of over 20 years of studies links pecan consumption in a balanced diet to improvements in heart-health markers—lower total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol—and better overall diet quality, likely due to pecans’ polyphenols and unsaturated fats. Evidence on blood sugar regulation and weight is mixed; researchers note promising avenues in gut and brain health and how growing conditions may affect bioactive compounds. The study, funded by the American Pecan Promotion Board, states findings were independent of sponsor.

Oatmeal: The Breakfast That Dietitians Say Could Help You Live Longer
health16 days ago

Oatmeal: The Breakfast That Dietitians Say Could Help You Live Longer

Dietitians say oats-based oatmeal is a nutritious foundation for healthy aging. A half-cup of dry oats provides fiber, iron, and magnesium, with beta-glucan fiber supporting heart health and helping stabilize blood sugar—factors linked to reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and frailty. Oats are versatile: add fresh fruit for natural sweetness, pair with yogurt or milk for protein, and top with seeds or nuts for extra fiber and fullness; even baked or savory variations work. While many variables affect lifespan, starting the day with plain, unsweetened oats and smart toppings can support weight management, glucose control, and overall longevity.

Eat Your Way to Lower Blood Pressure: Foods Experts Recommend
health16 days ago

Eat Your Way to Lower Blood Pressure: Foods Experts Recommend

Cardiologists and dietitians say adopting a DASH-style, high-fruit/vegetable, high-fiber eating plan can help reduce blood pressure within about three months. Key foods to focus on include low-fat yogurt, berries, leafy greens, garlic, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, fatty fish like salmon, avocado, quinoa, broccoli, and unsalted pumpkin seeds, while limiting salt, alcohol, saturated fats, and processed foods. Combine these dietary choices with regular exercise, weight management, and, if prescribed, medications to manage hypertension.

Night Owls Linked to Higher Heart Risk, Largely Driven by Lifestyle
health17 days ago

Night Owls Linked to Higher Heart Risk, Largely Driven by Lifestyle

A UK Biobank study of over 322,000 adults followed for ~14 years finds definite evening chronotypes (night owls) have worse cardiovascular health and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke than intermediate sleepers, with about three-quarters of the excess risk explained by lifestyle factors such as smoking, sleep quality, physical activity, and diet; biology and genetics linked to circadian rhythms may also play a role, and the study notes potential sex differences. For night owls, improving sleep, quitting smoking, exercising, and healthier eating could help reduce risk, though more research is needed.

Night Owls Face Higher Heart Risk, But Health Habits Can Keep You Safe
health19 days ago

Night Owls Face Higher Heart Risk, But Health Habits Can Keep You Safe

A UK Biobank study of about 323,000 adults found night owls have a 16% higher risk of heart attack or stroke than early birds; most of this link is tied to modifiable lifestyle factors and circadian misalignment, suggesting that aligning sleep, meals, and activity with a later schedule and following Life’s Essential 8 can mitigate risk without forcing an early bedtime.