Coffee contains many compounds that studies suggest exert beneficial effects for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. When enjoyed after a meal, it may increase levels of an appetite-regulating hormone, improve blood sugar levels, and boost endothelial function. Researchers enrolled 19 healthy men in a study where each subject was given a test meal with a polyphenol-rich coffee drink, or placebo drink. Testing 3 hours after the mark revealed that the coffee beverage lowered glucose significantly, and increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) – a marker of blood flow and vascular health.

Metabolic Syndrome is a condition involving a large waistline, a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. It seems smoothies made with blueberry powder may improve endothelial function among men and women with Metabolic Syndrome. In a recent study, 44 adults with Metabolic Syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either two blueberry smoothies per day, or a smoothie without blueberry powder (placebo) over a six-week period. Among the subjects consuming the blueberry smoothies, researchers observed a significant improvement in endothelial function.

Taking iron and zinc supplements may improve cognitive skills and improve mood, especially for women who lack these minerals. Iron is vital to the creation of hemoglobin and myoglobin which transports oxygen in muscles, while zinc is an essential element in enzymes that are involved in key biological functions. Researchers have uncovered the role that iron and zinc play in maintaining both physical and psychological health among women, stating that iron supplementation appears to enhance memory and intellectual ability. Findings may also suggest a positive effect of zinc levels on better cognitive and emotional functioning

Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death, most commonly caused by blockages preventing blood from reaching the brain. A new study has found that certain types of gut bacteria are able to leverage the immune system to reduce the severity of a stroke. Researchers treated mice with antibiotics and observed an approximate 60 percent smaller stroke as compared to mice that received no antibiotics. Authors explain that the microbial environment in the gut told immune cells to defend the brain, therefore protecting it from the stroke’s full force. Findings also open up the possibility that changing the gut’s macrobiotic properties by altering nutrition, could serve as a new way to prevent stroke in the future.

Past research has revealed a number of benefits that chocolate has on a person’s health. Recent studies have further examined whether eating chocolate is linked to lower risk of ischaemic heart disease. Approximately 67,640 healthy men and women participated in the Swedish study. Researchers found that three or more servings of chocolate a week reduced the threat of myocardial infarction as compared to participants who ate no chocolate. Results suggest that chocolate may be related to a lower risk for heart attacks and heart disease.

Those with knee osteoarthritis often experience pain and difficulty with mobility. Recent studies suggest that dietary intake of glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate may reduce pain, relieve stiffness, and improve function. As part of the study, researchers also evaluated the effectiveness of this supplement compared to an anti-inflammatory drug typically prescribed for the condition called celecoxib. Results after 6 months showed that the glucosamine-chondrotin supplement had comparable effectiveness in treating pain and stiffness while benefiting function for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

In a new study, researchers observed oxygen availability which relates to good brain health and cognitive function. Colleagues assessed the role that exercise plays on oxygen availability in the front part of the brain that is used when performing complex cognitive tasks. Results showed that regular physical activity among women led to health benefits for the brain by producing higher oxygen availability in the brain. This finding on the relationship between oxygen in the brain and consistent exercise may give greater insight toward understanding exercise-cognition links.

Arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults and is a leading cause of disability. Without treatment arthritis can affect mobility and overall quality of life. In a recent study, 75 men and women ages 18 years and older with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis participated in yoga classes twice a week for eight weeks, plus an at-home session every week compared to a control group that did not perform yoga. Those that practiced yoga reported a 20% improvement in pain, energy levels, mood and physical function, the effects of which were still evident nine months after they completed the study. Based on these initial findings, researchers suggest that yoga may help sedentary adults who have arthritis to safely increase physical activity, and thereby improve physical and psychological health for a greater quality of life.

A healthy heart positively affects brain function according to recent studies. The cardiac index shows the amount of blood being pumped from the heart through the body, and can be used as a measure of heart health. Researchers collected data from 1,039 participants over the course of an 11-year study. During that period, 32 cases of dementia and 26 cases of Alzheimer’s disease developed among individuals who were shown to have a lower cardiac index. The study’s findings suggest that having a healthier heart may help lower a person’s risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.