Consumption Of Sugary And Low-Cal Sodas Ups Risk Of Stroke

A U.S. study of soda and coffee consumption among more than 127,000 men and women found that regular intake of sugar-sweetened and low-calorie sodas is linked to a higher risk of stroke. The researchers also found that drinking decaf or regular coffee was associated with a lower risk of stroke. The sugar load of sugar-sweetened sodas may lead to rapid increases in blood glucose and insulin that over time may cause glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and inflammation, all of which influence atherosclerosis, plaque stability and thrombosis – risk factors of ischemic stroke. Antioxidant compounds in coffee, however, reduce stroke risk. One serving of decaffeinated coffee was associated with a 10 percent lower risk of stroke.

"Soda consumption and the risk of stroke in men and women", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 20, 2012

Large Daily Dose Of Vitamin C Reduces Blood Pressure, But Not As Much As Medications

U.S. researchers who analyzed data from 29 published clinical studies find that taking an average of 500 mg of vitamin C every day reduces blood pressure by 3.84 mm of mercury in the short term. That amount of vitamin C – five times the recommended daily dosage and equivalent to six cups of orange juice  – reduces the blood pressure of people diagnosed with hypertension by 5 mm of mercury. By contrast, patients who take blood pressure medication such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics can expect a 10 mm of mercury drop in blood pressure.

"Effects of vitamin C supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 18, 2012

People Who Eat High-Fiber Foods Have Lower Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

A Swedish study of the eating habits and health status of 20,000 people has found that high-fiber foods provide protection against cardiovascular disease, especially in women. The researchers could not determine why a high-fiber diet was more beneficial for women than men, though they did note that women tended to get their fiber from fruits and vegetables, while men got their fiber from bread. No correlation was  found between other dietary nutrients – e.g., saturated fat or sugar – and cardiovascular disease.

"Dietary Fiber and Saturated Fat Intake Associations with Cardiovascular Disease Differ by Sex in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Cohort", PLoS ONE, April 16, 2012

Junk Food Consumption Linked To Depression – Study

New Spanish research finds that people whose diet includes a lot of diet-busting fast food are more likely to be clinically depressed. The population study involved 9,000 adults. People who ate the most fast foods – burgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc. – were 36 percent more likely to develop clinical depression compared to those who ate the least amount. Likewise, those who ate the most commercial baked goods – cookies, cakes and desserts – were 38 percent more likely to develop depression. According to the researchers, no studies prove eating specific foods, like doughnuts or Little Debbie's, causes depression. It’s possible, they suggested, that people prone to becoming depressed are more likely to seek comfort through unhealthy foods.

"Fast Food is Linked to Depression", Diet Nutrition Advisor, April 06, 2012