ARTICLE: Health, Nutrtion and Beauty Topics With Expert Advice

Health, Nutrtion and Beauty Topics With Expert Advice

• ‘You Are What You Eat--’ In the beauty world this statement couldn’t be more true! “You can use all the products in the world but if you aren’t taking care of your body and feeding it properly, it can be counter productive,” says Nicole Avena, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University. Speak with Dr. Avena about how eating the proper foods that promote hydration, are anti-inflammatory, and that can improve skin elasticity, can improve how your hair and skin look at feel.

• Bye-bye Summer Hair-- It’s time to take a look at what needs a refresher with our hair care routine. Correcting hair and skin damage from the sun and maintaining healthy hair into the fall doesn’t happen overnight; it takes some preparation to keep hair looking shiny and strong. Speak with NYC/Miami Hair Stylist, Lucy Garcia Planck, with ideas and tips on how to suppress summer hair damage and keep it looking shiny and healthy as we move into fall.

• Don’t be Vitamin D Deficient This Winter— Even though the sun is shining now, in a few short months it may be a while until some parts of the country go days with grey and gloomy skies. With an estimated 42% of the American population Vitamin D deficient, it leaves us wondering how much Vitamin D do our bodies need and how do we go about getting enough of it? Speak with Nicole Avena, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Visiting Professor of Health Psychology, Princeton University about signs and symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency, how much Vitamin D our bodies really need as well as the best ways to get enough on a daily basis.

• Bad Haircut? Here’s How to Fix It--Let’s be honest, haircuts aren’t always pretty. Sometimes the result comes as more of a shock to us than the overpriced bill we get afterwards. So, what do we do after our hairdresser turns us around the swivel chair, asks us “what we think” and we lie to their face saying we love it? NYC hairstylist Kali Ferrara of the Roy Teeluck Salon in Midtown East is available to speak about the best ways to fix a bad haircut, how to get your hair to grow back ASAP and ways to maintain healthy, happy hair.

• Latest and Greatest in Probiotics: Probiotics have become fairly popular in mainstream media, but do you know just how these miracle supplements work? Probiotics are living microorganisms (bacteria) that can improve the health of the gut. Since our gut is an ecosystem, and probiotics are part of that ecosystem, they are important for ensuring good digestive health. Nicole Avena, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Visiting Professor of Health Psychology, Princeton University is available to discuss what exactly probiotics are/where you can find them, their benefits, and what the difference is between probiotics vs. prebiotics.

• Getting Your Best Holiday Hair: Holiday parties are just around the corner and while you might be keeping your eyes open for new holiday attire, it’s time to start taking care of your hair so that when it comes time to show everything off, your hair looks just as shiny as your new dress! Speak with NYC Hair Stylist, Lucy Garcia Planck, from Salon Bergdorf Goodman, on how to make sure your hair stands out this holiday season.

For more information visit: 

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ARTICLE: Study finds diet rich in non-indispensable amino acids is better for cardiovascular health

 Study finds diet rich in non-indispensable amino acids is better for cardiovascular health

International Journal of Epidemiology reports major comparison of pattern of amino acid intakes

LOMA LINDA, CA — October 16, 2019 — A study conducted by researchers in California and France has found that intakes of amino acids largely consisting of indispensable amino acids, such as those found in animal protein, are associated with a sharp increased risk of heart disease, while intakes rich in so-called non-indispensable amino acids, richer in plant protein, are beneficial for the human heart.

The study — which was recently published online by the International Journal of Epidemiology — found that people with a high intake of indispensable amino acids experienced a 60% increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD), while people who consumed large amounts of some non-indispensable amino acids experienced a 35% reduction in CVD.

The study, titled, “Patterns of amino acids intake are strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality, independently of the sources of protein,” was a joint project of researchers from Loma Linda University School of Public Health in California and INRA and AgroParisTech in Paris, France.

The study included data from 80,000 participants and is the first of its kind to examine overall patterns of amino acid intake. The intake of amino acids has been studied in the literature, but almost always in isolation. Amino acids come from protein, so the levels of their intake are interconnected, resulting in patterns of intake with likely complex effects.

This study built on a previous groundbreaking study published last year from the same consortium of researchers. That study had reported that proteins from meat were inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality, whereas proteins from nuts and seeds were healthy. Combining those results with the detailed amino acid approach in this new study, the authors could conclude that a part of the effect of the proteins could indeed originate from their composition in amino acids.

Amino acids are building blocks for protein, and the so-called indispensable amino acids — found in foods such as eggs, cheese, and poultry — have long been considered as the most important because they are strictly required for the body to synthesize protein. In contrast, non-indispensable amino acids — in foods like pumpkin seeds, walnuts, lentils and soybeans — are classically deemed of little importance, because they do not limit protein synthesis. However, those amino acids are not just building blocks for protein as they are also involved in many other biological processes with potential impact on vascular health.

Gary Fraser, MB ChB, PhD, from Loma Linda University, and François Mariotti, PhD, from AgroParisTech and INRA, served as co-principal investigators. 

“There is a growing interest in protein and amino acids for cardiovascular health, in particular as plant and animal protein sources are concerned,” Fraser said. “Reports regarding amino acids have been sparse and largely fragmented so far.” He added that he and Mariotti have long suspected that some amino acids could protect against heart and vascular disease, whereas others might increase risk.

Mariotti said nutritionists have traditionally defined protein quality as the ability for dietary protein to be used efficiently for making new protein in the body, which is supposed to be mainly influenced by their content in indispensable amino acids; but protein quality should also be considered with regards to cardiovascular health, especially when cardiovascular disease rather than denutrition is the health burden in some countries. Mariotti said these new findings suggest the dietary intake of many indispensable amino acids (such as the well-known BCAA [branched-chain amino acids], lysine and methionine) could indeed be detrimental, whereas that of other non-indispensables amino acids (such as arginine, glycine and aspartate/asparagine) could be beneficial.

The authors insist that these associations seem largely mediated by the specific effects of the amino acids and not by potential confounders such as patterns of protein food intakes and related dietary patterns (such as fat intake). They however recognize that, as in any observational study, we cannot be sure that the associations are not, in part, resulting from residual confounding with other strongly influential dietary and lifestyle factors. The model used was intended to account for all confounders and analyze the extent to which amino acids mediate or explain the relations found.

Fraser said the study leaves other questions open for further investigation, such as identifying the factors other than amino acids that convey the other part of the association between dietary protein type and cardiovascular health. This could be phytochemicals tightly associated with the amino acids found in foods such as nuts and seeds.

About Loma Linda University Health

Loma Linda University Health includes Loma Linda University's eight professional schools, Loma Linda University Medical Center's six hospitals and more than 1,000 faculty physicians located in the Inland Empire of Southern California. Established in 1905, Loma Linda University Health is a global leader in education, research and clinical care. It offers over 100 academic programs and provides quality health care to over 40,000 inpatients and 1.5 million outpatients each year. A Seventh-day Adventist organization, Loma Linda University Health is a faith-based health system with a mission "to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ."

Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

Top 5 nutrition tips when having to stay home

Top 5 nutrition tips when having to stay home

When your normal routine is no longer the same, keeping up with healthy habits can be a challenge. The nutrition team at Huel, the world’s best-selling complete nutrition brand, have put together some nutrition tips to help you stay on top of your health while you spend more time indoors.

More information on Huel can be seen at Huel.com

1. Look for nutritious alternatives
If you’re worried about not being able to continue to eat well as particular ingredients are no longer in stock, try exploring other foods that could offer similar health benefits. We have put together a shopping list of alternative food options to ensure you’re not missing out on your essential vitamins and minerals. The key advice here is nutrition should still come first, but you may have to switch up some of your routinely used ingredients.

2. Stick to your routineSpending more time at home can also impact when you eat. Whether or not you’re working from home, try to create (and stick to) a routine. This will help you avoid snacking on unhealthy foods. Eat your typical set number of meals a day and around the same time each day. If you don’t cook much or have more time on your hands than previously, now is a great time to start.

3. Stay hydrated
Keeping well hydrated is important for overall well-being, particularly cognitive function. If you’re working from home, keep a glass of water by you and drink throughout the day. Drink several cups of fluid each day including water, tea & coffee (though not too much!), fruit teas and sugar-free drinks.

4. Don’t forget your fresh vegFresh fruits and vegetables may have taken a back seat for you. Fruit and vegetables provide loads of essential nutrients and there are ways to extend their shelf-life and make them more convenient. For example, soups and sauces can be made straight away and then frozen. You can make a concentrated stock which you can then freeze in ice cube trays and, voila, homemade, low salt stock cubes!

5. Keep your stress at bay
There are many ways to reduce stress. Try to minimize the amount of alcohol you drink, especially during the week, which will also help you stick to a routine. Keep an eye on the number of caffeinated drinks you’re having and try switching to decaf options during the afternoon. This can help you sleep and focus better.

ABOUT HUEL:

Launched in 2015, Huel’s mission is to make nutritionally complete, convenient and affordable food, with minimal impact on animals and the environment.

Offering consumers “complete nutrition” means that each Huel meal serves customers a good balance of protein, carbs, fibre, essential fats and phytonutrients, plus an optimum level of all essential vitamins and minerals required on a daily basis. Formulated by Registered Nutritionist, James Collier, Huel is vegan, lactose-free and soya-free.

Along with Huel powder (including a gluten-free and reduced carb option), Huel offers a number of nutritionally complete products, including the world’s first nutritionally complete granola and an on-the-go bar which makes for the perfect snack. Most recently, Huel launched their first Ready-to-drink meal, acting as an innovative solution for time-poor consumers.

Each Huel packet has a year-long shelf life and produces zero food waste with minimal packaging waste which makes less of an environmental impact on the planet than many other food products.

Visit Huel:

Instagram: @huel @huelusa @huel_de @huelglobal

Twitter: @gethuel @huelusa

Website: huel.com

ARTICLE: Joan’s and Lois’ Top 5 Accupuncture Benefits

Below are tips from Joan Arata, the owner of Modern Acupuncture in Florham Park, NJ and Soho, NYC, and Lois Manzella-Marchitto, the founder of Fitness Coaching, a private at-home personal training. Both Joan and Lois are available for interview (their full bio is below).

Joan’s and Lois’ Top 5 Benefits

1.      Pain Relief: as a natural painkiller, acupuncture releases endorphins that provides a relief as quickly as the first session. How? Treatments help to decrease inflammation, boost the immune system, and increase range of motion without any harmful side effects. Since the needles are smaller than human hair, you won’t feel a thing.

2.      Relaxation: say “goodbye” to soreness since acupuncture increases blood blow to tight muscles allowing them to relax.

3.      Recovery: regular treatments between training sessions minimizes muscle fatigue and pain. This is great for marathon trainers and athletes since it helps to rebuild muscle tissue and restore energy, so you can continue to push hard the next day.

4.      Energy: speaking of energy, acupuncture works to regulate the nervous system which helps to restore your body’s energy for an enhanced athletic performance. Acupuncture can also help your liver and lung function.

5.      Injury Prevention: since acupuncture works to promote your neurological and cardiovascular balance, it also supports the homeostasis in the body to regulate your nerve condition and microcirculation in the area to speed up the healing process, while reducing inflammation.

All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details. Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

ARTICLE: FIVE PILATES EXERCISES THAT WILL HELP MEN STAY FIT AND FOCUSED LONG PAST YOUTH

FIVE PILATES EXERCISES THAT WILL HELP MEN STAY FIT AND FOCUSED LONG PAST YOUTH

         Pilates is a regimen long associated with women’s health and fitness, but as more men gravitate toward the technique, instructors are beginning to customize exercises to better meet their needs. Carey Macaleer, who owns Aline Pilates in New York, is one of the foremost experts in the practice and she has created five different techniques to help men achieve their ideal fitness level.

     “Pilates for men is no longer unusual,” says Macaleer, a trained dancer who discovered the method when she was 12. “The numbers and percentages are rising. I am working with 50 percent men whereas when I opened the studio three years ago, I only had one male student.”

     With such a growing clientele, she has created five unique methods specifically for this audience.

The Marble Roll

--  Lying on your back, put your knees up and feet down. Keep arms long by your side.

--  Imagine a marble sitting in the navel: inhale and drop the marble down to the knees (slight arch in the back.)

-- Exhale and bring that marble back to the heart (back pressing to the floor)

-- Do this without squeezing the glues for 5- 7 sets, then squeeze the gluts while pulling the abs for the next 5- 7 set.

--  Start the movement small and gradually get bigger

The Classic Bridge
-- Lying on your back, keep the arms long by your side knees up, your feet down, and feet shoulder width apart. Heels should be 6 inches in front of knees. Heels should not  line up under the knees

-- Inhale. Start to lift the pelvis up off the ground, focusing only on the abs pulling in and up and pressing into the big toes, pinky toes and thumbs.

-- Feel the line of work from the big toes to the inner thighs, pinky toes to the lower gluts (you want less hamstrings more glutes).

-- Lengthen the thighs forward while thinking of dragging the heels inwards

-- Stay there and breath in and out for 10 counts. Roll down slowly crushing the grapes behind the spine. Do 5 more rolling up and rolling down with no holds at the top.

The Classic 100’s

-- Start lying on your back, legs to a table-top, arms long by your side

-- Lift your head up and extend legs out to 45 degrees, and lengthen legs out of the hip

-- Point your feet but pull back the toes so your reaching through the ball of the foot.

-- Inhale for five counts while vigorously pumping your arms.

-- Exhale for 5 while continuing to pump your arms (bend the knees if it’s in the low back and make sure your gaze is to the ceiling)

The Foot on Wall 

-- Stand 1.5 feet away from the wall, face away. Make sure there is something for you to hold onto while doing this exercise to support your balance

-- Take the right foot and place it behind you against the wall­

-- Stand up as straight as you can, drawing the shoulders down the back and tight abs

-- Press the foot into the wall, with emphasis into the pinky toe and heel to engage the glute muscle

-- Lengthen the knee down (the knee with the foot on the wall) while still pressing pelvis forward and actively pressing foot into wall

-- Play with the balance taking both hands away if you are feeling balanced

-- Stay there pressing for a minute on each side actively pressing foot into wall and abs pulling in tight.

The Active Hamstring Stretch 

--Lying on your back with right leg to the ceiling and left leg long. Put the band around the right ball of the foot and extend the leg up to the ceiling.

-- Flex at the ankle not the toes, reaching the heels to the ceiling. Bend the knee only one inch and then extend the leg straight. Do this for 1 minute on each leg.

         As more men have embraced Pilates, especially in their 40s, Macaleer started investigating why. She quickly found the answers.

   “Men who are working out hard in their 30s with heavy weight-lifting, cycling or running all hit 40 and realize the years of using certain muscle groups and under using others has taken its toll,” she says. “They want to keep playing sports as they should, and those that are succeeding most are doing so with the help of Pilates, which gives them active stretching. This is important because it allows you to work on the small muscle groups, too. Pilates also incorporates proper breathing techniques which men find beneficial after only a couple of sessions.”

   Though men are a growing part of Aline’s clientele, she instructors a broad range of people, including major athletes, celebrities, editors and fitness enthusiasts young and old.  “Clients come to us with individual goals. These could be as simple as strengthening their core or toning their body, but a lot of times it represents something else happening in their live, whether it’s recovering from a sports injury or strengthening their body after the birth of a child,” says Macaleer. “We have a firm belief that by introducing Pilates into people’s everyday routines, they will become stronger both mentally and physically.”

    Aline Pilates offers a full menu of sessions, including tower, reformer and chair-mat based classes, as well as a highly tailored “Wellness Hour” which combines many techniques to help her clients achieve desired results. The studio has also gained prominence for its pre and post-natal programs, which provide exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor and prepare the body for the stress of labor and recover in its aftermath. “Our focus is to not just give a workout, but to help women gain specific support to offset certain health issues that can come up during pregnancy,” says Macaleer. “We work with women in all their different stages of pregnancy and post,” including consulting with clients’ physical therapists “to make sure we are bringing the most we can to the women during a very special but sometime complicated time.”

Please see my disclosures page for details. Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

Tips For Preventing the Flu

here are some tips for preventing flu infection this and every season:

 

Less hand shaking, more fist bumping
Although a good firm handshake is a professional courtesy in the workplace, fist bumps are trending. The perk: keeping germs off of your palms! If you must shake a hand, wash your hands after. It is not recommended or realistic to go running to the bathroom after every interaction, but subtly making your way to a lavatory or break-room sink is a good idea whenever possible. Which brings us to the next suggestion…
 
Get your hands on an antibacterial hand sanitizer
Keep antibacterial hand sanitizers at your desk and use them whenever you touch communal office equipment, shake a hand or somebody hands you something. Washing your hands is always best, but hand sanitizer is a good backup to kill bacteria and viruses.
 
Keep good space between yourself and others
Unless you have a large bubble you can wear to work, try to keep out of the airways of others. Don’t talk too close with others or stand within “shooting range” of an unexpected sneeze or cough.
 
Boost your immune system 
It is important to keep your immune system as strong and healthy as possible, especially when we are more vulnerable to disease and virus in shared spaces like the office. Plenty of sleep, proper nutrition, drinking lots of water, regular exercise and minimizing stress are all necessary for keeping your immune system at its best.
 
Be your own advocate for proper healthcare and optimal nutrition for YOU
Beyond maintaining a generally healthy diet, it is imperative that we eat right for our individual systems. Because everybody responds to different foods in a unique way, this too can affect our immune systems. If we are exposed to something that our body might be sensitive to, it can weaken our immune system or trigger a negative autoimmune response. So if you are aware of foods that don’t settle well with you, try to avoid them during the flu-laden, vulnerable time of the year. If you suspect you may have sensitivities to foods or have what you believe to be autoimmune response to them, consider speaking with your health care professional about food reactivity testing like the Cyrex Laboratories Array 10 blood panel.
 
 

Dr. Chad Larson, NMD, DC, CCN, CSCS, Advisor and Consultant on Clinical Consulting Team for Cyrex Laboratories. Dr. Larson holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. He is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He particularly pursues advanced developments in the fields of endocrinology, orthopedics, sports medicine, and environmentally-induced chronic disease.

Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

ARTICLE: PHYSICIAN HEALTH TIPS FOR #QuarantinedLife

PHYSICIAN HEALTH TIPS FOR #QuarantinedLife

Right now, roughly 100 million people across the globe are practicing varying degrees of social distancing. #Quarantinedlife has become a trending hashtag on social media with scores of people sharing posts about boredom, anxiety, and frustration with their new housebound lifestyle.

As we enter #quarantinedlife for the foreseeable future, will basic health advice (like diet, exercise, and sleep) be enough? And is it even possible?

According to Dr. Lynette Charity, these general health guidelines are even more important as we self-isolate.

"It's hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle during a pandemic like this but it is crucial, not only for your body but also your brain..."

...says Dr. Charity, a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist who gives CME accredited talks to medical professionals about maintaining health and mental wellness. But how can we stay healthy when our usual routines are disrupted? We can't go to the gym, we're too stressed to sleep, there's endless time to binge-watch TV, and we're living off of a stockpile of perishable items like ramen and peanut butter.

According to Dr. Charity, creating a daily routine is extremely helpful and effective. Cut out time for proper meals, exercise, work, social interaction, and self-care. Stock your freezer and pantry with nutritious versatile ingredients that have a long shelf life. (Here is a good guide) Cooking can be a fun family activity that keeps your brain engaged and your kids occupied.

Reduce stress and improve sleep by monitoring your news intake. It's important to get regular factual information but choose reliable unbiased sources for information (like CDC and WHO) and don't scroll through your newsfeed before bedtime. Avoid emotional isolation by communicating regularly with your family and friends. You can chat on the phone and you can even plan group hangouts on skype or video chat.

“When it comes to staying active, creativity is key…”

...says Dr. Charity who has contributed to the growth of physician wellness programs across the country. Taking walks outside is great, as long as you avoid contact with other people. If that's not possible, there are tons of exercise videos on youtube for every level of fitness. You can dance, do yoga, walk up and down the stairs. In addition, Dr. Charity also urges people to follow hygiene rules. Wash your hands frequently, for 20 seconds with soap and water, cover coughs with a tissue or the crook of your arm, and if you must go in public, only do so when it is absolutely necessary and avoid peak hours for grocery shopping.

Dr. Lynette Charity is on a mission to promote mental and physical wellness during the Pandemic. She has tips and actionable advice people can use to maintain a healthy lifestyle during #quarantinedlife.

Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

ARTICLE: Suffering From Joint Pain: Do’s and Don’ts

Joint pain is a common problem for many – aches and pains that can cause serious discomfort. Even though most of the times, hospitalization or medical attention isn’t required, there are things that can be done on an everyday basis to help. Some common do’s and don’ts are: IMAGE FOUND https://hqpt.com/5-ways-avoid-joint-pain/ DO: Use a good joint health supplement – UC-II® Undenatured Type II Collagen is made specifically for joint health helps preserve joints and maintain cartilage. It helps to promote healthy joint comfort, mobility and flexibility. Human clinical studies have found that just one tiny  40 mg capsule of UC-II® per day can help to promote joint comfort, as well as healthy joint function and flexibility. Do exercise - cardio exercises strengthen the muscles that support your knee and increase flexibility. Weight training and stretching do, too. For cardio, some good choices include walking, swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and elliptical machines. Tai chi may also help ease stiffness and improve balance. DON’T: Don’t rest too much - Too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can worsen joint pain. Find an exercise program that is safe for your joints and stick with it. Don't overlook your weight - If you're overweight, losing weight reduces the stress on your knee. You don’t even need to get to your "ideal" weight. Smaller changes still make a difference. About Lonza Lonza is an integrated solutions provider that creates value along the Healthcare Continuum®. Through our Pharma Biotech & Nutrition segment and our Specialty Ingredients segment businesses, we harness science and technology to serve markets along this continuum. We focus on creating a healthy environment, promoting a healthier lifestyle and preventing illness through consumers' preventive healthcare, as well as improving patient healthcare by supporting our customers to deliver innovative medicines that help treat or even cure severe diseases.

Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

ARTICLE: Study finds diet rich in non-indispensable amino acids is better for cardiovascular health

 Study finds diet rich in non-indispensable amino acids is better for cardiovascular health

International Journal of Epidemiology reports major comparison of pattern of amino acid intakes

LOMA LINDA, CA — October 16, 2019 — A study conducted by researchers in California and France has found that intakes of amino acids largely consisting of indispensable amino acids, such as those found in animal protein, are associated with a sharp increased risk of heart disease, while intakes rich in so-called non-indispensable amino acids, richer in plant protein, are beneficial for the human heart.

The study — which was recently published online by the International Journal of Epidemiology — found that people with a high intake of indispensable amino acids experienced a 60% increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD), while people who consumed large amounts of some non-indispensable amino acids experienced a 35% reduction in CVD.

The study, titled, “Patterns of amino acids intake are strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality, independently of the sources of protein,” was a joint project of researchers from Loma Linda University School of Public Health in California and INRA and AgroParisTech in Paris, France.

The study included data from 80,000 participants and is the first of its kind to examine overall patterns of amino acid intake. The intake of amino acids has been studied in the literature, but almost always in isolation. Amino acids come from protein, so the levels of their intake are interconnected, resulting in patterns of intake with likely complex effects.

This study built on a previous groundbreaking study published last year from the same consortium of researchers. That study had reported that proteins from meat were inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality, whereas proteins from nuts and seeds were healthy. Combining those results with the detailed amino acid approach in this new study, the authors could conclude that a part of the effect of the proteins could indeed originate from their composition in amino acids.

Amino acids are building blocks for protein, and the so-called indispensable amino acids — found in foods such as eggs, cheese, and poultry — have long been considered as the most important because they are strictly required for the body to synthesize protein. In contrast, non-indispensable amino acids — in foods like pumpkin seeds, walnuts, lentils and soybeans — are classically deemed of little importance, because they do not limit protein synthesis. However, those amino acids are not just building blocks for protein as they are also involved in many other biological processes with potential impact on vascular health.

Gary Fraser, MB ChB, PhD, from Loma Linda University, and François Mariotti, PhD, from AgroParisTech and INRA, served as co-principal investigators. 

“There is a growing interest in protein and amino acids for cardiovascular health, in particular as plant and animal protein sources are concerned,” Fraser said. “Reports regarding amino acids have been sparse and largely fragmented so far.” He added that he and Mariotti have long suspected that some amino acids could protect against heart and vascular disease, whereas others might increase risk.

Mariotti said nutritionists have traditionally defined protein quality as the ability for dietary protein to be used efficiently for making new protein in the body, which is supposed to be mainly influenced by their content in indispensable amino acids; but protein quality should also be considered with regards to cardiovascular health, especially when cardiovascular disease rather than denutrition is the health burden in some countries. Mariotti said these new findings suggest the dietary intake of many indispensable amino acids (such as the well-known BCAA [branched-chain amino acids], lysine and methionine) could indeed be detrimental, whereas that of other non-indispensables amino acids (such as arginine, glycine and aspartate/asparagine) could be beneficial.

The authors insist that these associations seem largely mediated by the specific effects of the amino acids and not by potential confounders such as patterns of protein food intakes and related dietary patterns (such as fat intake). They however recognize that, as in any observational study, we cannot be sure that the associations are not, in part, resulting from residual confounding with other strongly influential dietary and lifestyle factors. The model used was intended to account for all confounders and analyze the extent to which amino acids mediate or explain the relations found.

Fraser said the study leaves other questions open for further investigation, such as identifying the factors other than amino acids that convey the other part of the association between dietary protein type and cardiovascular health. This could be phytochemicals tightly associated with the amino acids found in foods such as nuts and seeds.

About Loma Linda University Health

Loma Linda University Health includes Loma Linda University's eight professional schools, Loma Linda University Medical Center's six hospitals and more than 1,000 faculty physicians located in the Inland Empire of Southern California. Established in 1905, Loma Linda University Health is a global leader in education, research and clinical care. It offers over 100 academic programs and provides quality health care to over 40,000 inpatients and 1.5 million outpatients each year.

Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.