- A new study has found a link between certain nutrients and more flexible arteries
- Increased protein, niacin, and zinc intakes were associated with better arterial structure and function
- Arterial stiffness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Eating more foods that contain these nutrients can prevent disease by keeping arteries flexible
- A Mediterranean diet can help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy
Based on investigation, which was presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO), which took place May 4-7, 2022 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, comes to the conclusion that by changing our eating habits we can help keep our arteries healthy and flexible.
The authors report that protein, niacin, and zinc were associated with improvements in vascular structure and function.
In addition, they indicate a specific dietary pattern that can provide good results in obtaining these nutrients, as well as other important elements that are related to cardiovascular health.
The study is pre-published and not yet peer-reviewed.
Monitoring changes in nutrients
The main author is dr. Brurya Tal and her team at the Sagol Center for the Metabolic Syndrome, Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, wrote that weight loss is known to be associated with cardiovascular and by improving metabolic health.
However, it is not known whether any specific changes in nutrients during the diet may be responsible for these improvements.
To investigate this question, researchers enrolled 72 people with metabolic syndrome and obesity in a one-year weight loss program.
Metabolic syndrome is defined if at least three of the following risk factors are present:
- High blood sugar
- Low level of "good" cholesterol HDL
- High triglycerides
- Excess belly fat
- High blood pressure
People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.
Study participants were provided with an individualized diet and exercise plan, as well as regular appointments with a physician and dietician.
The average age of the participants was 53 years.
They had to fill out a nutritional questionnaire a week before and at the end of the weight loss program.
Nutrients linked to more flexible arteries
At the end of the year, the research team measured vascular flexibility in three different ways: pulse wave velocity (PWV), total carotid intima media thickness, and flow-induced dilatation.
After completing the prescribed diet, people's BMI dropped by an average of 9.4 percent.
In addition, all vascular flexibility properties improved.
The researchers found that better pulse wave rates were associated with lower caloric intake, lower saturated fat intake and increased zinc intake.
Arterial intima media thickness was also associated with reduced calories and saturated fat. It is also associated with increased protein intake.
Finally, improved flow-induced dilatation properties were associated with increased intake of the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3).
Why is it important to study the relationship between nutrition and vascular stiffness?
Arterial stiffness is associated with aging. The loss of elastin fibers over time causes stiffness, replacing them with collagen fibers, making the arteries less flexible.
"Blood vessels that are too stiff increase the risk of future heart disease," said Professor Talas.
Increased arterial stiffness is closely linked to an increased risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
The good news is that this process is reversible. Stopping this condition can help prevent future cardiovascular disease.
The researchers were interested in looking at how diet can affect the flexibility of blood vessels.
"Nutrition is a natural way to reduce the risk of heart disease, and we found that nutrition has potential for improvement that has not been tested in previously published studies."
A diet that supports a healthy heart and blood vessels
Some nutrients that play an important role in arterial flexibility include zinc, niacin, and protein.
Zinc plays an important role in the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and dilate.
Niacin also helps dilate blood vessels, especially in the upper body, the study authors say.
In terms of which dietary pattern specifically may provide more of these nutrients, Tal said, "The study participants' weight loss diet was a Mediterranean diet that was high in protein and vegetables, low in nuts and seeds, and low in fruit and starches."
"Basically, a heart-friendly diet is loaded with vegetables and fruits and includes plenty of whole grains (and avoids refined grains)."
The researchers also noted that you don't necessarily have to stick to this particular diet.
"The best diet is one that is varied, balanced and free of processed foods. Just focusing on healthier foods will improve your health."
As for the specific nutrients mentioned in the study, the researchers said that good sources of protein and niacin are lean meats, fish, seafood, dry beans, nuts and seeds. It also added that these foods are high in zinc, with oysters being a particularly good source of zinc.
It's important
*In time, pay attention to the signals sent by your well-being;
*Replenish the body with natural minerals or vitamins;
*Enjoy energy and good mood every day!
For those who are interested in how to strengthen the body, have energy, avoid mood swings and regain peace of mind, preventive health specialists recommend Testa "Your Day". This test will help you get to know your body better and get recommendations on which nutrients to enrich it with.
