Study further illuminates heart-healthy benefits of Mediterranean diet

New research further illuminates the heart-healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet, tying the eating plan to lower levels of platelets and white blood cells, two markers of inflammation. Inflammation has an association with greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Study results are published online in Blood, the Journal of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Older women who consume too many diet drinks at increased risk for heart trouble

It appears healthy postmenopausal women who drink two or more diet drinks a day may be more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problems, according to research to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 63rd Annual Scientific Session.

The more fruit and vegetables we eat, the lower our risk of death

The results of a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggest that we should be eating at least seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day.Recommendations for how many portions of fruit and vegetables people should eat varies from country to country.

Influence of TV on snacking habits, cardiovascular risk in middle schoolers

Middle school kids who park themselves in front of the TV for two hours or more each day are more likely to consume junk food and have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, even compared to those who spend an equal amount of time on the computer or playing video games, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 63rd Annual Scientific Session.

Fruit and vegetable consumption linked to healthier arteries later in life

Women who ate a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables as young adults were much less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later compared with those who consumed lower amounts of these foods, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 63rd Annual Scientific Session.