Latest news with #LifeEssential8
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Eating 75p fruit daily linked to better sleep and lower risk of silent killer, say scientists
Plus, other foods that could help with sleep EAT UP Eating 75p fruit daily linked to better sleep and lower risk of silent killer, say scientists Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCIENCE now confirms sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise when it comes to overall health. And one specific fruit, when eaten daily, could be key to getting those all important forty winks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Avocados have been shown to aid sleep and lower the risk of heart disease Credit: Getty A new study suggests eating one avocado a day can positively impact sleep. Participants who consumed one avocado daily for six months reported better sleep compared to those who ate fewer than two avocados per month. The researchers also looked at the effect this had on cardiovascular health, as previous studies have shown insufficient or disrupted sleep can increase the risk of 'silent killer' condition heart disease. In the study, 969 American adults took part, and all had elevated waist circumstance - a cardiovascular risk factor. Participants were picked at random to either consume one avocado a day or less than two avocados per month, while continuing their usual diet for six months. Their cardiovascular health was then assessed using the AHA's Life Essential 8 tool, which identifies diet quality, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, body weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose as leading behaviours and factors that when improved can lead to better health outcomes. Daily avocado intake was linked to improved diet quality, blood lipids, and sleep health. But no other significant effects were found for the other Life's Essential 8 components. The study wasn't originally designed to examine sleep as a primary outcome, but bridges the gap for further research into how the nutrients in avocados may support aspects of cardiovascular health. Avocados contain a number of nutrients that play a role in sleep. Five best stretches to improve sleep They're a good source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that plays a role in serotonin production, which can impact mood and sleep. They also contain folate, which is involved in melatonin production, and magnesium, which aids in muscle relaxation, further supporting sleep regulation. And their magnesium content can support muscle relaxation and stabilise blood sugar levels. Additionally, the combination of fibre and monounsaturated fats in avocados contributes to their beneficial impact on cardiovascular health. Fibre can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control, both important factors in heart health. And monounsaturated fats, a type of healthy fat, can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. 2 Sleep is considered as important as exercise and nutrition Credit: Getty If you're struggling to sleep or think you have a sleep disorder like insomnia, the NHS recommends trying the following tips: go to bed and wake up at the same time every day relax at least one hour before bed, for example, take a bath or read a book make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet – use curtains, blinds, an eye mask or ear plugs if needed exercise regularly during the day make sure your mattress, pillows and covers are comfortable You should avoid: smoking or drinking alcohol, tea or coffee at least six hours before going to bed eating a big meal late at night exercising at least four hours before bed watching television or use devices, like smartphones, right before going to bed, because the blue light makes you more awake napping during the day driving when you feel sleepy sleeping in after a bad night's sleep and stick to your regular sleeping hours instead If you've had trouble sleeping for months, speak to your GP. Avocados can be bought for as little as 75p from Sainsbury's.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
NFL Alumni amplify 8 plays for heart health during Men s Health Week
( NewMediaWire ) - June 09, 2025 - DALLAS — To empower men to take control of their heart health during Men's Health Week, June 9-15, the American Heart Association and NFL (National Football League) Alumni are spotlighting Life's Essential 8(TM) — eight key components to prevent heart disease and stroke, leading causes of death and disability among U.S. men according to the American Heart Association 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics report. Life's Essential 8 are defined by the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, as managing weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose/sugar, eating a healthy diet, getting physical activity, avoiding smoking/nicotine exposure and getting adequate, quality sleep. 'At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. As the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for more than 100 years, we're helping people reach their maximum potential to live longer, healthier lives,' said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer at the American Heart Association. 'With the support of the NFL Alumni Association together we are meeting people where they are to inspire them to champion their health.' The series of public service announcement videos will be shared via social media to educate and inspire men to take proactive steps toward better heart health. Chaired by Ken Coffey, former NFL safety and senior vice president and chief operating officer of the NFL Alumni Association, the campaign features eight former NFL players and members of the NFL Alumni Association. Each former player highlights a pillar of Life's Essential 8 to help both retired NFL players and the general public understand both the health risk factors as well as the opportunities for improvement. The measures are divided into two categories- addressing health behaviors and health factors. Research shows that following these guidelines can lead to a longer, healthier life free of chronic disease. The Life's Essential 8 are represented by: 'As former athletes, we understand the importance of being proactive about our health,' said Brad Edwards, former NFL All-Pro safety and chief executive officer of NFL Alumni. 'In collaboration with the American Heart Association we will are highlighting each of the Life's Essential 8 measures to share simple, steps that can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular issues.' To learn more about Life's Essential 8 and see the player videos, visit ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About the National Football League Alumni Association Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, NFL Alumni is one of the oldest and most well-respected retired player organizations in professional sports with 40 local NFL Alumni chapters nationwide. NFL Alumni's triple mission focuses on 'caring for our own,' 'caring for kids,' and 'caring for the community.' For more information, visit For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Linzy Cotaya: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 Brain And Heart Health Rules For A Longer Life
In 2023, dementia and Alzheimer's disease were listed as the leading cause of death in England and Wales. The second most common cause of death was heart disease, which affected 10% of all those who died in the period. Recent data shared in the 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association has underscored years of research suggesting brain and heart health are linked. Their stats show that a 160% increase in dementia worldwide over the past 30 years follows the trend of heart disease, which is up 111% globally in the same time period. In a press release, the American Heart Association's former president and current chief clinical science officer, neurologist Dr Mitchell S. V. Elkind, said: 'We now know that many of the same health risk factors that cause heart disease and stroke also contribute to a decline in overall brain health.' Dr Elkind shared that the risk of these conditions can be lowered by following eight rules, however. Dr Elkind noted that the brain and heart connection is helpful in some ways, as helping one helps another. 'Using many of the same tools and information that have helped us successfully address cardiovascular risk factors and reduce the burden of heart disease over the past several decades, we should be able to do the same for brain disorders and promote brain health,' he said. The expert recommended following the American Heart Association's Life Essential 8 rules for both brain and heart benefits. These are: Staying active Giving up smoking, if you're a smoker Getting enough sleep Staying at a healthy weight Controlling your cholesterol Managing your blood sugar Managing your blood pressure. Last year, the medical journal The Lancet wrote that almost 45% of dementia cases could be preventable with some lifestyle changes. A lot of these overlapped with the heart health company's advice; stopping smoking, exercising, managing cholesterol, sticking to a healthy weight, and managing your blood pressure all made their list. 'Just like with heart disease and stroke, most brain disease is preventable,' Dr Elkind said. 'It's critical that as a society and as individuals we understand and make the changes needed to improve health outcomes from brain disease and, more importantly, prevent them to begin with.' I'm A Cardiologist, These 6 Easily Overlooked Symptoms Could Signal Heart Disease How These Body Parts Age May Reveal Dementia Risk 'Decades' Before Diagnosis Dementia Risk Doubles For Women After 65 –These Are The Early Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
