Flavonoid-rich foods like berries, apples, pears, and wine appear to have a positive effect on blood pressure levels. This association is also partially explained by characteristics of the gut microbiome, according to a recent study published in Hypertension. [1] Past studies have provided strong evidence that the composition of the gut microbiome can partly explain the association between dietary flavonoids and cardiovascular health, but the present study is the first to provide data ...

Sauna bathing has been used for centuries as a means of relaxation, but it’s becoming increasingly popular in the modern age among biohackers, athletes, and everyday men and women. Evidence suggests that the effects of sauna bathing go beyond relaxation, and instead may also improve cardiovascular function, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol. But how often do you need to use a sauna to reap these benefits? What temperature is considered optimal? Is sauna bathing safe for everyone? We’ll ...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 80% of cardiovascular disease—which includes heart disease and stroke—are preventable.[1] As such, InsideTracker has always measured key blood biomarkers associated with heart health, like various cholesterol particles. But since the research is always being updated, we're always looking to do the same to our system and the biomarkers we test. So, we sought out to evaluate two components of cholesterol particles ...

Dry January is a global initiative about going alcohol-free for the month of January—a change that can have long-lasting mental and physiological health benefits. Alcohol intake traditionally rises during the holiday season, but this trend has been exacerbated due to impacts of the current pandemic. In fact, research shows that certain alcohol sales have increased by over 200% since last year. This increase in alcohol consumption has important implications on our health, including increased ...

Cheese’s standing as a component of a healthy diet has long been debated. And it’s true that some animal products promote disease, but is cheese bad for you? Perhaps not—evidence shows that cheese doesn’t deserve to be treated the same as meat or milk. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and research largely doesn’t support the theory that cheese contributes to chronic disease.

A major threat of COVID-19 is its differential impact on people with pre-existing health conditions; from what we know so far, COVID-19 is more dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, and cancer.[1] But if you (or someone you love) fall into this demographic, there are actions you can take to optimize your overall health and well-being—and your immune response to a potential infection. Here's a list of science-based changes to ...

It’s the leading cause of death for men, women, and most ethnic and racial groups. It kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. And one person dies from it every 37 seconds.[1] Heart disease continues to be the greatest threat to American health, and yet, our healthcare system fails to prevent this deadly disease. One way to tackle this issue is to be proactive and access your bloodwork and DNA data—insights into genetic predispositions and nutrition and lifestyle habits can help you ...

When you hear the term “superfood,” do beans come to mind? If not, they should—beans pack a serious nutritional punch. They are loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, fend off chronic diseases, contribute to weight loss, improve gut health, and promote satiety. Here are just some of the ways beans make a great addition to your diet.