High Flavanol Diet Associated With Lower Blood Pressure

AHA Publisher — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 08:00:45 +0000

University of Reading via News-Medical Net – People who consume a diet including flavanol-rich foods and drinks, including tea, apples and berries, could lead to lower blood pressure, according to the first study using objective measures of thousands of UK residents’ diet. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, studied the diet of more than 25,000 people in Norfolk, UK and compared what they ate with their blood pressure. In contrast to most other studies investigating links between nutrition and health, the researchers did not rely on study participants reporting their diet, but instead measured flavanol intake objectively using nutritional biomarkers – indicators of dietary intake, metabolism or nutritional status that are present in our blood. The difference in blood pressure between those with the lowest 10% of flavanol intake and those with the highest 10% of intake was between 2 and 4 mmHg. This is comparable to meaningful changes in blood pressure observed in those following a Mediterranean diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Notably, the effect was more pronounced in participants with hypertension. Professor Gunter Kuhnle, a nutritionist at the University of Reading who led the study said: “Previous studies of large populations have always relied on self-reported data to draw conclusions, but this is the first epidemiological study of this scale to objectively investigate the association between a specific bioactive compound and health. We are delighted to see that in our study, there was also a meaningful and significant association between flavanol consumption and lower blood pressure. “What this study gives us is an objective finding about the association between flavanols – found in tea and some fruits – and blood pressure. This research confirms the results from previous dietary intervention studies and shows that the same results can be achieved with a habitual diet rich in flavanols. In the British diet, the main sources are tea, cocoa, apples and berries. “The methodology of the study is of equal importance. This is one of the largest ever studies to use nutritional biomarkers to investigate bioactive compounds. Using nutritional biomarkers to estimate intake of bioactive food compounds has long been seen as the gold standard for research, as it allows intake to be measured objectively. The development, validation and application of the biomarker was only possible because of the long-term commitment of all collaborators. In contrast to self-reported dietary data, nutritional biomarkers can address the huge variability in food composition. We can therefore confidently attribute the associations we observed to flavanol intake.” An international team from the University of Reading, Cambridge University, the University of California Davis, and Mars, Incorporated studied 25,618 participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) Norfolk study and found that the biggest difference was observed in participants with the highest blood pressure. This suggests if the general public increased its flavanol intake, there could be an overall reduction in cardiovascular disease incidence. This study adds key insights to a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of dietary flavanols in health and nutrition. But, perhaps even more exciting was the opportunity to apply objective biomarkers of flavanol intake at a large scale. This enabled the team to avoid the significant limitations that come with past approaches which rely on estimating intake based on self-reported food consumption data and the shortcomings of current food composition databases.” Hagen Schroeter, Chief Science Officer, Mars Edge The study was supported with an unrestricted grant from Mars, Incorporated, and two co-authors are employees of Mars. The study worked with the EPIC Norfolk population cohort, which acknowledges funding from the Medical Research Council and Cancer Research UK. To read the original article click here.

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Valid Black Licorice Risks: What You Need to Know

AHA Publisher — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 07:00:12 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Did you know there’s a compound found in black licorice that can have a potent effect on your electrolyte levels? This compound actually has therapeutic applications when used correctly, but too much of it can have a dire effect. It can cause severe electrolyte imbalances even leading to death in extreme cases. In fact, black licorice risks are valid, especially if you eat a lot of the candy or consume black licorice extract in supplements or other foods. Health experts are now calling for better public knowledge of black licorice risks. Sadly, a death was recently reported from the ingestion of too much black licorice candy. How could this happen? Since most people know very little about the glycyrrhizic acid found in black licorice and its risks, it’s important to get the word out. Especially if you’re a black licorice lover, here’s what you need to know about this compound, it’s content in commercial black licorice and supplements, and its effect on health. How Is Death from Black Licorice Possible? Black licorice contains a potent compound called glycyrrhizic acid. This acid is often touted for its therapeutic benefits including potentially supporting liver health, reduced inflammatory effects, reduced oxidative stress, and more. However, the dark side of glycyrrhizic acid is its effect on electrolyte balance. It’s this imbalance that makes over-consumption of black licorice risky. Electrolytes are extremely important to heart function, and the body works very hard to maintain balance. When glycyrrhizic acid accumulates in the body from black licorice extract, sodium rises and potassium drops in the blood plasma. This can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and rarely, death. The recent report of a death from black licorice states the Massachusettes man ate about 1.5 bags of black licorice every day for a few weeks. This amount was enough to dramatically alter his electrolytes and cause his heart to stop. Unfortunately, many people don’t know about black licorice risks, whether from candy, supplements, or additives. Glycyrrhizic Acid in Food and Supplements Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed licorice root to be generally recognized as safe for use in foods (1). The FDA allows up to 3.1% glycyrrhizic acid within the food’s content, but this amount is not always regulated or disclosed. In a statement, the FDA has now warned that eating 2 ounces of black licorice per day for 2 or more weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia in those over 40 years of age. Glycyrrhizic acid is extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra, the root of the licorice plant (2). Interestingly, it has been developed in Japan and China as a drug to support liver health. In addition, it is used in many foods and supplements as a sweetener. It can be found in jelly beans, licorice teas, supplements, and even Belgian beers. In supplemental form, glycyrrhizic acid may be found as a powder, softgel, tincture, etc. While there’s no standardized dose for glycyrrhizic acid or black licorice extract, the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Scientific Committee of Food (SCF) both recommend limiting glycyrrhizic acid intake to no more than 100 mg per day (3). Some candies, supplements, foods, and drinks may contain more than this limit. Valid Black Licorice Risks Black licorice risks can come from both chronic consumption of the extract, or very large doses over a shorter period of time. Once elevated in the body, glycyrrhizic acid can cause an abnormal and significant increase in cortisol, which can lead to altered sodium and potassium levels (4). Then, this imbalance may result in (5): elevated or very low blood pressure muscle weakness abnormal heart rhythms kidney illness heart conditions fluid in the lungs While it’s very rare that black licorice extract would lead to death, doctors are urging the FDA to take a closer look at glycyrrhizic acid levels in foods and supplements after this recent tragedy. What’s more, black licorice risks are much higher for those who already have known heart or electrolyte conditions, and for anyone over 40 years of age. It’s important for the public to know about the risks as more people use supplements without medical advice. Despite its benefits experts warn that the daily consumption of licorice extract is not justified as black licorice risks outweigh any benefits (6). Other Risks of Candy Of course, there are other risks associated with eating candy, that are much more common. These risks include tooth decay, blood sugar alterations, weight gain, energy peaks and valleys, inflammatory actions, and more. Omitting processed candy and sugar in the diet is typically very beneficial for health. Bottom Line Although black licorice risks are very rare, it’s still good to be aware of them especially if you eat the candy, supplements, or foods that utilize the extract. If you choose to consume or supplement with black licorice extract, make sure to discuss it with your own health care professional. While many compounds may be considered safe in our food supply, the more you know what’s your food and how it might affect you, the better prepared you are to take control of your own health. If you’re ready to reset your food intake and cleanse your body from any compound that may be accumulating and causing disruptions to your well-being, try Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and Fast. It’s an extremely effective way to know your foods and limit any toxins. You can get started today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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High Flavanol Diet Associated With Lower Blood Pressure

Valid Black Licorice Risks: What You Need to Know