Research Roundup: January 2021
Belly Fat Linked to Premature Death.
Excess belly fat is associated with a higher risk of death from any cause, independent of overall body fat, according
to researchers. The review of studies involving more than two million participants studied from three to 24 years found that each 10-centimeter increase in belly fat increased risk of death for men by 12 percent and by eight percent for women. This visceral fat can lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, Alzheimer’ disease, and some cancers. However, larger hips and thighs are linked with lower risk of early death.
(The BMJ, September 2020)
Vitamin D May Reduce Dementia Risk.
Higher vitamin D levels and vitamin D intake from food may lower the risk of developing dementia in older adults, researchers say. More than 1,700 study participants aged 65 or more years without dementia were assessed over six years using food frequency questionnaires and follow-up visits. More than 300 developed dementia. Those with the highest levels of vitamin D intake from food had a lower risk of dementia compared with participants whose vitamin D intake from food was lowest.
(Alzheimer’s & Dementia, September 2020)
Omega-3s May Lower Heart Disease Risk.
Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids—EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart attack, including fatal heart attack, according to researchers. The analysis of 40 studies with more than 135,000 participants showed EPA and DHA supplementation is associated with significant reduction of CHD events and
death. Cardiovascular benefits seem to increase with omega-3 supplementation of 1,000-2,000 milligrams per day in addition to dietary intake.
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