Drinking Coffee May Offset the Risks of Being Sedentary
Extended periods of sedentary behavior have been associated with increased risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Now, a
recent study from Soochow University in China has found that drinking coffee may help to mitigate the risk of being sedentary.
For this study, researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,700 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2007 and 2018, tracking participants' sitting habits and coffee consumption alongside mortality rates until the end of 2019.
Those who sat for more than eight hours a day had a 46% higher risk of dying from any cause and a 79% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, those who drank the most coffee had a 33% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 54% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
The
study's most striking finding emerged when combining sitting time and coffee consumption: adults who didn't drink coffee and sat for 6 hours or more each day faced a significantly higher risk of death from all causes compared to those who drank coffee and sat less. Specifically, non-coffee drinkers who sat for extended periods were 58% more likely to die from any cause compared to coffee drinkers who sat less.
Beets May Lower Blood Pressure + Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk
Beets are a powerful superfood, containing nearly all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs. They’re particularly rich in minerals like folate, manganese, copper, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Plus, they contain highly beneficial compounds known as nitrates—which may help to lower your blood pressure and protect your brain.
The number one reason beets have received attention in research studies is its ability to help
lower blood pressure. Experts believe this effect largely comes from the nitrates present in beets, which your body converts to nitric oxide—a vasodilator that helps your blood vessels to widen, promoting blood flow. This, in turn, causes blood pressure to drop and improves circulation.
The boost in nitric oxide from eating beets also improves blood flow to your brain. Research has shown that reduced blood flow to the brain may contribute to the development of neurological diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In studies, beetroot juice was found to specifically impact the frontal lobe of the brain, which is associated with working memory, decision-making, and other high-level thought processes.
Research also shows that beets are natural inflammation fighters. Calming inflammation can help to reduce the risk of a number of life-altering diseases, including heart disease, cancer, liver disease, stroke, and diabetes. When it comes to beets, raw beets, and beet juice provide the maximum benefits.
Here’s the best way to eat beets for maximum health benefits.