
World Hypertension Day: Tea and Dark Chocolate as Natural Remedies - Jordan News
World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, carries the theme "Measure, Control, Live Longer." To help manage high blood pressure, a recent international study suggests incorporating tea and dark chocolate into the diet, as both may offer benefits comparable to those of prescribed medications. اضافة اعلان In this study, researchers analyzed 145 clinical trials involving over 5,000 participants and found that foods rich in compounds called flavan-3-ols can significantly lower blood pressure—often to a degree similar to conventional hypertension medications. Among individuals with high blood pressure, daily consumption of these foods resulted in a reduction of about 6 mmHg in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure, which is a change typically seen with standard drug treatments. According to Study Finds, the most notable reductions were observed in participants with elevated blood pressure. Flavan-3-ols are naturally present in foods like dark chocolate, tea, apples, and grapes. Improved Arterial Function The benefits weren't limited to blood pressure alone. These flavanol-rich foods also improved vascular function, measured through a test called flow-mediated dilation, which assesses how well arteries expand when blood flows through them. This effect was seen regardless of changes in blood pressure, suggesting that flavan-3-ols may provide cardiovascular protection beyond simply lowering blood pressure numbers.
The research team included scientists from the University of Surrey, the University of Arkansas, King's College London, and the Unilever Food Innovation Center in the Netherlands.

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Jordan News
17-05-2025
- Jordan News
World Hypertension Day: Tea and Dark Chocolate as Natural Remedies - Jordan News
World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, carries the theme "Measure, Control, Live Longer." To help manage high blood pressure, a recent international study suggests incorporating tea and dark chocolate into the diet, as both may offer benefits comparable to those of prescribed medications. اضافة اعلان In this study, researchers analyzed 145 clinical trials involving over 5,000 participants and found that foods rich in compounds called flavan-3-ols can significantly lower blood pressure—often to a degree similar to conventional hypertension medications. Among individuals with high blood pressure, daily consumption of these foods resulted in a reduction of about 6 mmHg in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure, which is a change typically seen with standard drug treatments. According to Study Finds, the most notable reductions were observed in participants with elevated blood pressure. Flavan-3-ols are naturally present in foods like dark chocolate, tea, apples, and grapes. Improved Arterial Function The benefits weren't limited to blood pressure alone. These flavanol-rich foods also improved vascular function, measured through a test called flow-mediated dilation, which assesses how well arteries expand when blood flows through them. This effect was seen regardless of changes in blood pressure, suggesting that flavan-3-ols may provide cardiovascular protection beyond simply lowering blood pressure numbers. The research team included scientists from the University of Surrey, the University of Arkansas, King's College London, and the Unilever Food Innovation Center in the Netherlands.


Al Bawaba
28-11-2024
- Al Bawaba
Medlab Middle East 2025 to highlight women's health with a new Women's Health Leadership Forum
The upcoming edition of Medlab Middle East, the region's largest medical laboratory exhibition and conference, will spotlight women's health through a dedicated forum featuring regional leaders in the healthcare and laboratory fields. Taking place on the opening day of Medlab Middle East on 3 February, the Women's Health Leadership Forum will unite female leaders from laboratories, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry to discuss the pivotal role that laboratory diagnostics play in advancing women's health. Themed, 'Advancing Women's Health Through Laboratory Diagnostics', the forum aims to showcase cutting-edge innovations, address key challenges, and uncover collaboration opportunities that will enhance diagnostic capabilities for women-specific health needs. In addition, the event will highlight the ongoing contributions made by attending experts in advancing women's health in laboratory diagnostics. With sessions focused on 'The Impact of Diagnostic Innovation on Women's Health' and 'Tailored Diagnostics for Women', the forum will highlight how emerging diagnostic tools contribute to early detection, prevention, and the treatment of health conditions, including breast cancer, PCOS, and reproductive health disorders. In addition, participants will examine how personalised diagnostics can revolutionise hormonal and chronic disease management, offering new paths for individualised care. The conference chair for the Women's Health Leadership Forum at Medlab Middle East is Dr Kadria Sayed, Consultant in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology and Chief of the Pathology and Laboratory Department at the American Hospital in Dubai. Prior to her current position, Dr Sayed worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Children's Hospital in the United States. Dr Sayed commented: 'The new Women's Health Leadership Forum at Medlab Middle East represents an invaluable opportunity to harness the power of laboratory diagnostics, to address women-specific health needs more effectively. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to enhance diagnostic capabilities and be part of the drive to deliver more personalised, effective care for women in the region and worldwide.' The forum will feature insights from highly regarded global leaders in women's health, with Dr. Rita Nayar serving as the keynote speaker. Dr Nayar is Vice Chair of Education and Faculty Development and Director of Cytopathology in the Department of Pathology and a Professor of Pathology (Cytopathology) in Medical Education at Northwestern University, where she leads laboratory efforts to ensure the quality implementation of primary HPV screening. During the forum, Dr Nayar will address the importance of primary HPV screening, focusing on the self-sampling method. The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and research conducted by The Lancet Global Health in 2018, found that cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer in women. The disease is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in eastern, western, middle, and southern Africa. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States reports that the distribution of self-sampling kits for HPV has the potential to significantly increase screening rates, with the kits used in an NCI clinical trial shown to maintain high diagnostic accuracy. In addition, a systematic review commissioned by WHO examined the effectiveness and acceptance of HPV self-sampling among women. The review found that self-sampling significantly increased screening uptake, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare is limited. Medlab Middle East, the region's largest medical laboratory exhibition and conference, will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 3-6 February 2025. A global hub for leaders in laboratory medicine, Medlab Middle East 2025 is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees and will feature 800 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. The sponsors for the Women's Health Leadership Forum are DNK-Technologies, as the headline sponsor, and QuidelOrtho, as an associate sponsor. The forum will be held in Hall 1, Room 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.


Roya News
04-11-2024
- Roya News
Exploring health benefits of fermented foods
Recent discussions have highlighted the health benefits of fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt, but many everyday items consumed daily are also fermented without people realizing it, such as coffee, soy sauce, and chocolate. According to Vogue, fermented foods can be categorized into two types: those fermented primarily to enhance flavor and those that contain active probiotic bacteria, the latter being the type associated with positive health effects. While coffee and cocoa are known for their health benefits, they lack probiotics and fall into the first category. In contrast, foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics, placing them in the second category. Generally, fermented foods are considered healthier when they are minimally processed and possess a strong, distinct flavor. Other beneficial fermented foods include yogurt, sourdough bread, miso (a Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, rice, or barley), tempeh (an Indonesian food made from soybeans), and various cheeses. Fermentation is a historical preservation technique that dates back thousands of years, stemming from the necessity to keep perishable foods edible before the advent of refrigeration. This method not only preserves food but also helps retain its nutritional value. Scientists have increasingly focused on the health benefits of fermented foods over the past century. Fermentation occurs when microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria, consume natural sugars in food, resulting in changes to its composition and flavor. Researchers at the Max Rubner-Institut (MRI) in Germany describe fermentation as a form of 'pre-digestion,' making foods more palatable and easier to digest, as seen with sauerkraut. The health benefits of fermented foods include: Improved Gut Health: Lactic acid bacteria play a crucial role in enhancing gut health. A 2019 study from King's College London found that probiotics and bioactive compounds produced during fermentation significantly contribute to gut health. Strengthened Immune System: The gut is integral to the immune system, with approximately 70 percent of immune cells located there. Healthy gut bacteria help bolster immune function, which can reduce the risk of colds and flu, particularly in winter. Enhanced Metabolism: A 2023 study in Turkey indicated that consuming fermented foods may reduce inflammation and improve gut bacteria diversity, which is linked to lower risks of metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Despite these benefits, the exact mechanisms by which fermented foods impact health are still being explored. MRI notes that more research is needed to fully understand these processes.