Recent research featured in Nature Metabolism indicates that dietary protein, especially a specific amino acid, significantly contributes to atherosclerosis. This disease leads to the buildup of plaques along the walls of arteries, triggering heart attacks and strokes, and accounts for a quarter of all fatalities worldwide.

Protein intake from our diet is essential for our body’s ability to synthesize its own proteins, yet the optimal quantity of dietary protein is still debated. Evidence from animal studies shows that limiting protein intake can significantly increase lifespan, with some human epidemiological research suggesting similar outcomes. Conversely, protein plays a crucial role in muscle development, crucial for preventing sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss.

A 2020 investigation by the same researchers found that in a mouse model of atherosclerosis, consuming high amounts of protein worsened the condition by triggering the activity of mTORC1 protein in macrophages. These immune cells are attracted to emerging lesions on artery walls, where they play a healing role by clearing away dangerous debris and LDL cholesterol. Unfortunately, these macrophages can sometimes consume excessively, transforming into engorged foam cells that become lodged within the atherosclerotic plaque, thereby exacerbating its expansion.

The mTORC1 protein facilitates the synthesis of additional proteins in the presence of abundant nutrients and hinders autophagy, the cellular process for eliminating internal waste. When nutrient levels drop, mTORC1 activity diminishes, leading cells to enter a state focused on maintenance and conservation. This shift from growth to repair mode is believed to be a key factor behind the lifespan extension observed with caloric restriction and the use of rapamycin, an effective mTORC1 blocker, in animal studies. The 2020 research indicated that excessive protein intake impairs the efficiency of macrophages by stimulating mTORC1 and reducing autophagy.

Leucine, which is plentiful in animal-based proteins, may explain why some studies find plant-based proteins to be healthier. These findings highlight that protein consumption implications extend beyond muscle mass, crucial as it is. Focusing on the intake of specific amino acids seems to be a prudent approach, as demonstrated by studies where limiting methionine and isoleucine has been linked to enhanced healthspan and lifespan in animals.

The research has identified a process where elevated protein consumption leads to an increase in blood leucine levels, which in turn activates mTORC1. This activation suppresses the autophagic capabilities of monocytes and macrophages, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. Given the widespread acceptance of protein intake levels exceeding the minimum daily recommendation of 0.8 gr per kg of body weight as safe and beneficial, these findings hold significant implications for clinical practices and public health policies. Thus, increasing protein consumption with the aim of improving metabolic health might not be a cure-all strategy and could potentially harm your arterial health.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Identification of a leucine-mediated threshold effect governing macrophage mTOR signalling and cardiovascular risk

Recent studies have highlighted the promising health advantages of trigonelline, a naturally occurring molecule present in coffee, fenugreek, and within humans. This breakthrough is crucial in advancing muscle wellness and performance, particularly in addressing the challenge of sarcopenia. It was found by a global team of researchers that individuals experiencing sarcopenia in their advanced years show reduced concentrations of trigonelline.

Sarcopenia involves the progressive loss of muscle strength stemming from cellular aging processes, resulting in notable drops in muscle size, power, and consequently, diminishing autonomy in daily activities. A pivotal aspect of sarcopenia’s development is the dwindling levels of the cellular cofactor NAD+ alongside decreased mitochondrial energy output, essential for powering cellular activities.

In early-stage research models, the addition of trigonelline was observed to boost NAD+ concentrations as well as amplify mitochondrial functionality, thereby contributing to the maintenance of muscle capabilities as one ages. This insight forms a component of a wider exploration into the underlying processes of sarcopenia in humans, extending upon prior research that revealed new facets of the disorder.

The study emphasizes the significance of NAD+ and its precursors, including the amino acid L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and different types of vitamin B3 in preserving muscle wellness.

These results broaden our knowledge of NAD+ metabolism by identifying trigonelline as a new precursor to NAD+, enhancing the prospects for creating treatments that utilize NAD+-generating vitamins for promoting healthy aging and tackling age-related illnesses. The discovery that a natural food-derived molecule interacts with cellular signs of aging through joint research efforts was particularly thrilling. Trigonelline’s positive effects on cellular metabolism and muscle well-being in the aging process pave the way for promising practical uses.

The research highlights the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining muscle vitality into older age. Looking ahead, the potential of these discoveries is set to transform our methods of preserving muscle robustness and autonomy, providing optimism for a future where aging is synonymous with vitality instead of deterioration.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Trigonelline is an NAD+ precursor that improves muscle function during ageing and is reduced in human sarcopenia

The authors of a new study published in the esteemed BMJ journal highlight a significant gap in research on the health impacts of ultra-processed food. They point out that despite extensive discussion on the topic, there hasn’t been a thorough umbrella review that synthesizes and evaluates the collective findings of meta-analyses on this issue. To address this shortfall, they examined 45 meta-analyses, encompassing nearly 10 million participants, offering a comprehensive overview of the evidence on the health effects of ultra-processed food.

According to the NOVA classification, ultra-processed foods go beyond merely modified foods. They are complex mixtures primarily made from low-cost ingredients that have been chemically altered, such as modified starches, sugars, oils, fats, and protein isolates. These concoctions contain minimal, if any, whole foods. Their appeal and palatability are enhanced through the use of various additives like flavors, colors, emulsifiers, thickeners, and more, making them highly processed and far removed from their natural state.

Essentially, intensive processing transforms food into a form that is entirely unnatural and at odds with our gastrointestinal systems, which have been shaped by millions of years of evolution. Ultra-processed foods typically lack critical nutrients like flavanols and are instead laden with fats, salt, and sugar to enhance their appeal. The research presented both anticipated and unexpected findings, revealing that consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods can raise the risk of death from any cause by up to 21% and death due to cardiovascular diseases by 50%.

Research, including clinical trials, has demonstrated that the intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to a heightened risk of obesity and negative metabolic conditions. This study corroborates those findings, indicating that an excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to a 55% increased risk of obesity, a 25% higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome, and a 40% greater likelihood of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Even a modest increase in ultra-processed food intake by 10% is associated with harmful health impacts, such as a 12% rise in the risk of diabetes. Overall, a direct correlation was observed with 71% of the health outcomes analyzed.

Among the most pronounced relationships identified were those connected to different facets of mental health, including the quality of sleep, levels of anxiety, and prevalent mental health conditions. Yet, this connection could stem from reverse causality, where depression and other mental health issues lead individuals to indulge in significant amounts of unhealthy foods. Conversely, the research found only a minimal link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and conditions like asthma, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure.

The lack of a significant connection between ultra-processed foods and both cancer mortality and incidence was an unexpected finding, particularly as many previous studies have suggested such a relationship. Notably, ultra-processed meats have been so strongly linked to cancer that the World Health Organization has classified them as a known carcinogen. Given that obesity is a well-established risk factor for cancer, it would be logical to anticipate that ultra-processed foods could influence cancer outcomes indirectly through their impact on obesity. However, this absence of association does not negate the possibility of a link between ultra-processed foods and cancer. A potential reason for this study’s findings could be the lack of differentiation among types of ultra-processed foods, which may have obscured the effects of certain categories, like processed meat.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Reasons to avoid ultra-processed foods

If you often find yourself browsing through the food aisles of grocery stores, meticulously reading labels and finding unfamiliar ingredients, then you may have come across a range of substances produced using nanotechnology. It is a groundbreaking field that has revolutionized the manufacturing of numerous everyday products.

This cutting-edge process involves converting metals like copper, silver, aluminum, gold, as well as carbon, silicon, and metal oxides, into minuscule particles that are merely one-billionth of a meter in size. Among these nano-sized ingredients, titanium dioxide stands out as the most renowned additive. However, your pantry may also harbor a multitude of others.

Since the 1990s, nanotechnology has become widely used in food production and manufacturing. These minuscule additives have the power to make our food more vibrant, tastier, creamier, or crunchier. Not only that, but they also help in extending the freshness of our food, reducing waste and ensuring consumer satisfaction. Even in the medical field, nano-sized additives have shown their ability to enhance the effectiveness of certain medications.

However, as these innovative product enhancers gain popularity, concerns have been raised by consumer groups and health experts and believe that the benefits come at a cost to our health. Studies have demonstrated the ability of these small particles to cross the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles have the ability to circulate throughout the body and be absorbed into the bloodstream and organs. They can penetrate cell walls, potentially leading to inflammation and disease. Moreover, there is a possibility that they may pass through the lining of the gut, triggering inflammatory or immune responses. There is a concern of these particles accumulating in various parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, and reproductive system.

According to the FDA, the number of applications for approval of nanotechnology-containing products has experienced a remarkable surge in the past decade, reaching its peak in 2020. In the United States, experts estimate that there are approximately 1,900 to 2,500 food items that incorporate nanoparticles. Consequently, numerous countries worldwide have taken proactive measures to restrict or prohibit the use of nanoparticles in food due to health concerns.

Interestingly, the FDA does not currently mandate labeling or banning of products containing nanoparticles, and instead, its guidelines emphasize a case-by-case evaluation. This approach highlights the importance of meticulous oversight. Regrettably, research on the long-term effects of ingesting nanoparticles remains relatively scarce, leaving many questions unanswered.

As nanotechnology continues to evolve, it is crucial for regulators, scientists, and consumers to collaboratively address the potential risks and benefits it presents in the realm of food production.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Food-Grade Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Exposure Alters Intestinal Microbial Populations, Brush Border Membrane Functionality and Morphology, In Vivo (Gallus gallus)

Recent findings from a study suggest that merely five minutes of boiling water could slash the concentration of microplastics in tap water by as much as 90%. Boiling tap water does more than just neutralize potential pathogens; it’s also effective in breaking down harmful pollutants like microplastics and chemicals, thereby enhancing the safety of your drinking water.

Researchers point out that the practice of boiling water for purification has deep roots in various Asian cultures, serving as a traditional method to cleanse water. This straightforward approach of boiling tap water is effective in removing nano- and microplastics, thus significantly reducing the ingestion of these particles via water. To best eliminate contaminants like polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene, it’s advised to boil water using non-plastic electric kettles or on gas stoves.

In the process of boiling water with specific levels of alkalinity and hardness, insoluble mineral deposits, such as calcium carbonate, often form. The researchers behind the study proposed that during the crystallization process in hot water, calcium carbonate comes into contact with nanoplastics. As a result, the calcium carbonate surrounds the nanoplastics, leading to the formation of the flaky sediment often observed at the bottom of tea kettles.

The widespread use of plastic has led to the pervasive presence of nanoplastics and microplastics in both groundwater and surface waters worldwide. These tiny particles have infiltrated even the most remote and extreme environments. Plastic pollution dominates marine debris, revealing that in 2017 alone, over 8 million tons of plastic were dumped into the oceans. This figure is more than 33 times the amount recorded in 2015, highlighting a rapidly escalating crisis.

While the full health implications of nano- and microplastics remain unclear, emerging studies have indicated potential risks associated with their build-up in the human body. Such risks include the development of insulin resistance, disruptions in liver metabolism, DNA damage, dysfunction of various organs, complications with immune responses, neurotoxic effects, and adverse impacts on reproductive health.

Although the study concentrated on just three nanoparticle varieties, the findings offer significant benefits for public health. The researchers calculated that individuals boiling their water ingest two to five times fewer nanoplastics compared to those who don’t. This suggests that consuming boiled water could be a practical and long-lasting method to decrease worldwide nano- and microplastic exposure. This approach may even surpass the effectiveness of consuming bottled water, particularly that which is packaged in plastic. Surprisingly, a standard liter-sized plastic water bottle is estimated to contain 240,000 nanoplastic particles, amounting to 10 to 100 times more than previously believed.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Drinking Boiled Tap Water Reduces Human Intake of Nanoplastics and Microplastics

A recent study has found a significant connection between the overconsumption of sweetened beverages and an increased likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat condition. This condition can lead to serious complications, including blood clots, heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. The research analyzed the genetic information and 24-hour dietary intake of over 200,000 participants, uncovering a clear link between sugary drink intake and the risk of atrial fibrillation.

The study revealed that individuals who consumed over two liters of sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially sweetened beverages weekly faced a heightened risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Specifically, the research indicated that those who drank similar amounts of artificially sweetened beverages had a 20% increased risk of AF, while the risk for those consuming sugar-sweetened beverages rose by 10%.

The research found that drinking up to one liter of pure fruit or vegetable juice, such as 100% orange juice, weekly was associated with an 8% reduction in the risk of developing the condition. While the study’s authors were unable to establish a direct causative link between sweetened beverages and atrial fibrillation, they suggested that the intake of both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks could be an indicator of AF risk, independent of traditional risk factors. Due to the diverse nature of individual diets and the possibility that some individuals may consume multiple types of beverages, the study could not conclusively determine if any specific drink poses a greater health risk than others.

The study utilized data from participants registered in the UK Biobank, analyzing the health information of 201,856 individuals who joined the Biobank from 2006 to 2010 and were tracked for nearly a decade. Throughout this tracking period, 9,362 instances of atrial fibrillation were recorded among the subjects. An interesting gender-based distinction in beverage preferences emerged from the research: females were found to consume artificially sweetened beverages more frequently, whereas males tended to consume higher amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages.

In light of these results, it is advised that individuals minimize or eliminate their consumption of both artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened drinks as much as possible. It’s important not to assume that low-sugar and low-calorie artificially sweetened beverages are a healthy choice; they could still carry potential health risks.

The link between the risk of atrial fibrillation and the consumption of sugary beverages could lead to innovative prevention approaches, emphasizing the reduction of sweetened drink intake as a method to enhance cardiac wellness.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Sweetened Beverages, Genetic Susceptibility, and Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Cohort Study