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Scottish Sun
31-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 14p supplement that can ‘treat silent killer condition' that triggers heart attack and stroke
Plus, other ways to reduce your risk of the condition below WHAT'SUPP The 14p supplement that can 'treat silent killer condition' that triggers heart attack and stroke Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SUPPLEMENT derived from freshwater can reduce the risk of a 'silent killer' condition, say scientists. Left untreated, the condition can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Spirulina, available as supplements and powder, was shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure Credit: Getty Edible algae, including spirulina, is recognised for its high nutritional value - high in protein, B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants like phycocyanin. In a recent study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers investigated its effects on blood pressure (BP). They looked at existing studies on the effects of microalgae (for example spirulina and chlorella) on BP, as well as macroalgae (for example seaweeds such as wakame or kombu). Most studies used edible algae as supplements, while others provided algae as tablets, pills, drinks, or powder. Daily algae intake ranged between 0.001 g and 8 g per day. Of the 19 studies they looked at, 19 reported reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP - the pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out to your body) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP - the bottom number in a blood pressure reading, representing the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats). Microalgae was found to drive the most benefits, while macroalgae showed no significant effects. Whole algae reduced SBP (–3.96 mmHg) and DBP (–2.82 mmHg) significantly, whereas extracts/bioactive compounds did not. Spirulina was the most effective microalgae, reducing SBP by –5.28 mmHg and DBP by –3.56 mmHg. Chlorella showed nonsignificant trends, and studies with algae dosage of more than 3g a day had a significant reduction in DBP (–3.05 mmHg) and SBP (–3.71 mmHg). What is high blood pressure and what is a normal reading? The authors cautioned excessive seaweed consumption, more than 5g a day, could pose heavy metal or iodine risks, so microalgae, such as spirulina are safer. Overall, their results underscore the potential of whole edible microalgae as a natural, sustainable approach for BP management, complementary to existing pharmacological treatments. Spirulina is commonly available in powder and tablet and capsule forms. One example is Cytoplan Organic Spirulina, which offers 120 capsules for £16.80 - making it 14p a capsule. High blood pressure damages blood vessels, making them stiff or narrow, which can lead to blockages or ruptures that cause heart attacks and strokes. The condition is often called the "silent killer" because it has no noticeable symptoms, meaning many people don't realise they have it until serious complications arise. Lifestyle factors, genetics, and underlying medical conditions can all cause it, particularly poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Find out other ways to lower blood pressure below...
The Sun
31-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 14p supplement that can ‘treat silent killer condition' that triggers heart attack and stroke
A SUPPLEMENT derived from freshwater can reduce the risk of a 'silent killer' condition, say scientists. Left untreated, the condition can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. 1 Edible algae, including spirulina, is recognised for its high nutritional value - high in protein, B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants like phycocyanin. In a recent study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers investigated its effects on blood pressure (BP). They looked at existing studies on the effects of microalgae (for example spirulina and chlorella) on BP, as well as macroalgae (for example seaweeds such as wakame or kombu). Most studies used edible algae as supplements, while others provided algae as tablets, pills, drinks, or powder. Daily algae intake ranged between 0.001 g and 8 g per day. Of the 19 studies they looked at, 19 reported reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP - the pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out to your body) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP - the bottom number in a blood pressure reading, representing the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats). Microalgae was found to drive the most benefits, while macroalgae showed no significant effects. Whole algae reduced SBP (–3.96 mmHg) and DBP (–2.82 mmHg) significantly, whereas extracts/bioactive compounds did not. Spirulina was the most effective microalgae, reducing SBP by –5.28 mmHg and DBP by –3.56 mmHg. Chlorella showed nonsignificant trends, and studies with algae dosage of more than 3g a day had a significant reduction in DBP (–3.05 mmHg) and SBP (–3.71 mmHg). What is high blood pressure and what is a normal reading? The authors cautioned excessive seaweed consumption, more than 5g a day, could pose heavy metal or iodine risks, so microalgae, such as spirulina are safer. Overall, their results underscore the potential of whole edible microalgae as a natural, sustainable approach for BP management, complementary to existing pharmacological treatments. Spirulina is commonly available in powder and tablet and capsule forms. One example is Cytoplan Organic Spirulina, which offers 120 capsules for £16.80 - making it 14p a capsule. High blood pressure damages blood vessels, making them stiff or narrow, which can lead to blockages or ruptures that cause heart attacks and strokes. The condition is often called the "silent killer" because it has no noticeable symptoms, meaning many people don't realise they have it until serious complications arise. diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Find out other ways to lower blood pressure below... How to lower blood pressure Persistent high blood pressure (hypertension) puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs and it can raise your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Here's how to reduce it. Reduce salt Adults are recommended to limit their salt to 6g per day (around one level teaspoon) to avoid health consequences including high blood pressure. The top tip is to swap out table salt, according to the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study, replacing it with a reduced sodium and added potassium alternative. Cut down on alcohol Excessive boozing can narrow the blood vessels, which raises the risk of hypertension. Official drinking guidelines advise that people should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week to keep health risks from alcohol low. Get moving Exercise is good for the heart and the blood vessels. Although the guidelines recommend 150 minutes of activity per week, if you're currently very inactive, just a walk to the shop every day is better than nothing, and you can work up from there. Studies suggest that isometric exercises - when you hold the body in one position without moving, such as a wall squat or plank - are best for lowering blood pressure. Stop smoking Smoking cigarettes is a killer. It makes the arteries sticky and narrow, which can cause blockages. While smoking is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it can cause an instant rise to pressure, heart rate and reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the body's cells. Skip coffee Sadly, caffeine can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure - even if you don't have high blood pressure. Therefore cutting back on coffee is recommended as a lifestyle tip for those with hypertension. Lose weight The above tips can help you to lose weight, which is beneficial because being overweight in itself is a risk factor for hypertension. Being overweight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure. The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test. All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
School dinners may encourage picky teenagers to eat better, study suggests
When children who were picky eaters got to choose their own food at school at lunchtime they ate a wider variety of food compared with those who had a packed lunch, researchers found. The findings, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, suggest picky eaters at the age of 13 were more likely than non-picky children to avoid meat, fish and fruit in their packed lunches. But there was little evidence of picky eaters avoiding meat, fish and fruit in school dinners. Researchers examined data from more than 5,300 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children – also known as the 'Children of the 90s' study. The University of Bristol-led study analysed data from children when they were pre-schoolers and again at age 13 to understand how picky eating behaviour changes over time. 'Our results suggest that some picky eating behaviours persist while others may be modified in adolescents when they are away from direct familial influence, such as when eating school dinners with their peers,' the study said. It added: 'It is likely that family norms have a stronger influence over packed lunch content than over school dinner choices where the child has more autonomy and may be influenced by their peers.' Dr Caroline Taylor, lead researcher and associate professor in nutrition at the University of Bristol, said: 'Every child is different, and what works for some won't work for others. 'We found that school dinners could be a good option to increase variety in the diets of picky teens, but there are plenty of other things parents can do to encourage a healthy diet. 'Whether that is enjoying family meals together, modelling a balanced diet yourself, or involving them in meal preparation, it all helps. 'We know that most picky children are eating enough, but they're sometimes lacking a good balance of foods. 'It's important to encourage all children to eat enough nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to help them grow and develop, whether that's at home or at school.'
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
School dinners may encourage picky teenagers to eat better, study suggests
When children who were picky eaters got to choose their own food at school at lunchtime they ate a wider variety of food compared with those who had a packed lunch, researchers found. The findings, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, suggest picky eaters at the age of 13 were more likely than non-picky children to avoid meat, fish and fruit in their packed lunches. But there was little evidence of picky eaters avoiding meat, fish and fruit in school dinners. Researchers examined data from more than 5,300 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children – also known as the 'Children of the 90s' study. The University of Bristol-led study analysed data from children when they were pre-schoolers and again at age 13 to understand how picky eating behaviour changes over time. 'Our results suggest that some picky eating behaviours persist while others may be modified in adolescents when they are away from direct familial influence, such as when eating school dinners with their peers,' the study said. It added: 'It is likely that family norms have a stronger influence over packed lunch content than over school dinner choices where the child has more autonomy and may be influenced by their peers.' Dr Caroline Taylor, lead researcher and associate professor in nutrition at the University of Bristol, said: 'Every child is different, and what works for some won't work for others. 'We found that school dinners could be a good option to increase variety in the diets of picky teens, but there are plenty of other things parents can do to encourage a healthy diet. 'Whether that is enjoying family meals together, modelling a balanced diet yourself, or involving them in meal preparation, it all helps. 'We know that most picky children are eating enough, but they're sometimes lacking a good balance of foods. 'It's important to encourage all children to eat enough nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to help them grow and develop, whether that's at home or at school.'
Leader Live
15-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
School dinners may encourage picky teenagers to eat better, study suggests
When children who were picky eaters got to choose their own food at school at lunchtime they ate a wider variety of food compared with those who had a packed lunch, researchers found. The findings, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, suggest picky eaters at the age of 13 were more likely than non-picky children to avoid meat, fish and fruit in their packed lunches. But there was little evidence of picky eaters avoiding meat, fish and fruit in school dinners. Researchers examined data from more than 5,300 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children – also known as the 'Children of the 90s' study. The University of Bristol-led study analysed data from children when they were pre-schoolers and again at age 13 to understand how picky eating behaviour changes over time. 'Our results suggest that some picky eating behaviours persist while others may be modified in adolescents when they are away from direct familial influence, such as when eating school dinners with their peers,' the study said. It added: 'It is likely that family norms have a stronger influence over packed lunch content than over school dinner choices where the child has more autonomy and may be influenced by their peers.' Dr Caroline Taylor, lead researcher and associate professor in nutrition at the University of Bristol, said: 'Every child is different, and what works for some won't work for others. 'We found that school dinners could be a good option to increase variety in the diets of picky teens, but there are plenty of other things parents can do to encourage a healthy diet. 'Whether that is enjoying family meals together, modelling a balanced diet yourself, or involving them in meal preparation, it all helps. 'We know that most picky children are eating enough, but they're sometimes lacking a good balance of foods. 'It's important to encourage all children to eat enough nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to help them grow and develop, whether that's at home or at school.'
