Snack Food Secret to Better Heart Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 1, 2023
Modern living really takes a toll on the heart.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults and almost 700,000 people die from it annually in the United States alone.
That’s why I’m always on the lookout for new studies to share that can make your heart as healthy as possible.
And the latest research has me recommitting to one of my FAVORITE snack recommendations.
Frankly, I’m nuts about nuts. Regularly munching on them is linked to a BUNCH of health benefits.
And now a new study confirms one I regularly recommend is a HEART HERO.
In fact, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, walnuts pack a one-two punch when it comes to boosting heart health.
The study found that walnuts increase the levels of two critical nutrients:
- L-homoarginine in the blood
- Gordonibacter bacteria in the gut
L-homoarginine is an amino acid that’s better known as arginine. Healthy amounts of this nutrient boost your levels of artery-expanding nitric oxide. And that helps regulate blood pressure.
Arginine is also linked to improved endothelial function, a measure of blood vessel flexibility that is closely tied to heart health. And healthy levels of this amino acid are a reliable measure of overall cardiovascular fitness.
But it turns out one path to a healthier heart may be through the GUT.
Gordonibacter bacteria is a probiotic. In other words, it’s one of the “good guys” in your microbiome, helping your body metabolize and digest plant compounds.
And, of course, a healthy microbiome is closely tied to a healthy heart.
In addition, walnuts contain the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of metabolic syndrome.
In other words, it too helps protect against heart disease.
The study was sponsored by the California Walnut Commission. But the science is solid and right in line with a pile of previous pro-walnut research.
Altogether, these findings show walnuts are an easy (and delicious!) way to boost your heart health.
P.S. Little things you can do to make a big difference in your heart, bone, and brain health. And men, the same is true for your bedroom performance. Try eating eat a couple handfuls of THIS delicious snack to reignite the romance.
Source:
“Effects of Walnut Consumption on Gut Microbiota Function and Composition” Presented at “Discover BMB 2023,” the annual meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6n3pjhb9285ftg1/Chandra%20abstract.pdf?dl=0
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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