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Time of India
17-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Prevent heart attacks without pills? Scientists say these 3 everyday foods may outperform medication
The Ferulic Fix: Nature's Cardiovascular Shield iStock Ferulic Acid Your Pantry, Your Pharmacy You Might Also Like: How being in love can actually boost your heart health, according to cardiologists iStock Ferulic Acid is available in foods you likely already consume—particularly rice, coffee, and spinach. (Image: iStock) Why This Changes Everything You Might Also Like: Think diet and exercise are enough? Ignoring this one thing still puts your health at risk Heart Health Beyond Diet If you're relying solely on diet and exercise to dodge a heart attack, science just handed you another reason to look a little closer at what's already on your plate. According to groundbreaking research from Toho University in Tokyo, Japan, a naturally occurring antioxidant called ferulic acid —found in common foods like rice, coffee, and spinach—might do more to protect your heart than some of today's leading to a report from The Sun, the study led by Dr. Kento Yoshioka and published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, explored the effects of ferulic acid on coronary artery spasms—sudden, dangerous contractions in the arteries that can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and potentially fatal cardiovascular events. Using pig coronary arteries, which closely mimic human heart vessels, researchers found that ferulic acid not only significantly reduced these contractions but did so via two potent it blocked calcium from entering muscle cells through L-type calcium channels—mechanisms directly responsible for artery contractions. Secondly, even when calcium wasn't a factor, ferulic acid managed to relax the arteries by inhibiting myosin light chain, a protein essential for muscle where it gets even more compelling: ferulic acid performed better than diltiazem, a well-known vasodilator drug commonly prescribed to patients with heart problems. 'Because ferulic acid is plant-based and considered safe, it may have potential as a health food ingredient or even as a foundation for future heart medications,' Dr. Yoshioka told the Journal of Cardiovascular acid isn't tucked away in some exotic herb or rare berry. It's available in foods you likely already consume—particularly rice, coffee, and spinach. This makes it not only accessible but also an exciting dietary component that could soon take center stage in preventive heart antioxidant has been previously studied for its 'free radical scavenging' properties, according to a 2018 review. These free radicals are unstable atoms that damage cells and speed up aging. By neutralizing them, ferulic acid helps reduce oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to heart its benefits aren't limited to just your heart. The same 2018 review highlighted its role in skincare, noting that when added to sunscreens, ferulic acid boosts sun protection and reduces inflammation. It's also been linked to improvements in skin conditions like acne and decades, managing heart health has been largely pharmaceutical, with medications like diltiazem playing a primary role. But this new research points toward a dietary revolution in cardiovascular care—one that shifts the spotlight from prescriptions to pantry discovery opens doors to a future where heart health can be supported not only by what you cut out—like saturated fats and excess salt—but by what you add in. Ferulic acid-rich foods could soon become essential players in preventive medicine and even inspire the next generation of heart-protective course, ferulic acid isn't a magic bullet. Experts continue to recommend a comprehensive lifestyle approach to heart disease prevention. That includes quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, managing stress, limiting alcohol, and getting adequate what this study shows is that it might not always be about what you avoid, but also about what you include. In that sense, prevention becomes more empowering—and next time you're reaching for that cup of coffee or adding spinach to your stir-fry, know that you could be doing your heart a favor. And perhaps, one day soon, your doctor might prescribe you a bowl of rice over a bottle of article is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult a qualified medical professional for personalised advice or treatment.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 3 foods that could prevent heart attacks – and may be more effective than medicine, say scientists
A NATURAL compound found in three foods may protect against heart attacks, say scientists - and could be more effective than existing treatments. Ferulic acid, a naturally occurring antioxidant, has been found to prevent coronary artery spasms, which can cause chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other serious cardiovascular issues. 1 Using pig coronary arteries, which closely resemble human heart arteries, a research team from Toho University in Tokyo, Japan found ferulic acid significantly reduced artery contractions caused by chemical stimuli. And it did this through two separate mechanisms. The first was it blocked calcium from entering muscle cells through L-type calcium channels, which are normally responsible for causing the arteries to contract. Secondly, even when calcium is not involved, it still prevents the arteries from tightening by inhibiting the activation of a specific protein called myosin light chain, which is essential for muscle contraction. Surprisingly, the researchers also found ferulic acid could be even more effective than diltiazem - a widely used medication for relaxing blood vessels. 'Because ferulic acid is plant-based and considered safe, it may have potential as a health food ingredient or even as a foundation for future heart medications,' said lead researcher Dr Kento Yoshioka. The researchers added the study opens the door to new, natural ways of supporting heart health, including through diet or supplements in the future. Ferulic acid is found in a number of foods, including rice, coffee and spinach. And its benefits have been found to reach far beyond heart health. Ferulic acid may benefit the skin in various ways. What is atrial fibrillation The compound may help neutralise atoms called free radicals that break down the body's cells and contribute to ageing. A 2018 review found ferulic acid acts as a 'free radical scavenger,' seeking out these atoms and neutralising their damaging effects. It may also help reduce sun-induced skin damage. A 2018 study found adding ferulic acid to sunscreens can raise their SPF and may prevent inflammatory skin reactions. And it could also reduce skin inflammation. The 2018 review found ferulic acid may calm inflammation associated with acne, hyperpigmentation, and seborrheic dermatitis. When used cosmetically, ferulic acid is usually safe for the skin and human health. But in rare cases a treatment containing the antioxidant may cause mild irritation and/or redness, as well as itching. Other ways to reduce your heart attack risk Quit smoking Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting, regardless of how long you've smoked, can dramatically lower your risk. Maintain a healthy weight Being overweight or obese increases your risk. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a difference. Exercise regularly Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Examples include brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Eat a heart-healthy diet Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish and beans), and healthy fats. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Manage stress Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other risk factors. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, or practising relaxation techniques. Limit alcohol consumption If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For women, this means up to one drink per day, and for men, up to two. Manage existing conditions If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, work with your doctor to manage these conditions effectively. Get enough sleep Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can negatively impact heart health. Regular checkups See your doctor for regular checkups to monitor your heart health and address any potential issues early.
Economic Times
06-06-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
How will Earth take its last breath? New research gives a detailed description of how life on planet will meet its end
A new study, employing NASA's planetary modeling, predicts Earth's oxygen will vanish in roughly one billion years, much sooner than previously thought. Led by Toho University, the research highlights the sun's aging process as a key factor, causing increased water evaporation, rising temperatures, and a failing carbon cycle. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What has the research revealed? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Researchers shorten Earth's lifeline A groundbreaking study by researchers at Toho University, using NASA's advanced planetary modeling, has predicted a major shift in Earth's atmosphere that could make life as we know it in Nature Geoscience, the research suggests that Earth's oxygen could vanish in about one billion years—shedding new light on the long-term evolution of our planet's team ran 400,000 simulations to model how Earth's atmosphere might change as the sun grows hotter with age. While the predicted changes lie far in the future, the findings offer critical insights into planetary science and the eventual fate of Earth's study titled "The Future Lifespan of Earth's Oxygenated Atmosphere" explores a future in which oxygen becomes increasingly scarce due to natural changes in the planet's systems. Led by Kazumi Ozaki, an assistant professor at Toho University in Tokyo, the research examines the geological and astronomical factors influencing long-term shifts in Earth's role of the Sun One of the core factors leading to oxygen depletion is the sun's inevitable aging process. As the sun ages, it will gradually become hotter and brighter. This increase in solar radiation will significantly impact Earth's climate, leading to a series of irreversible changes:As temperatures rise, Earth's water bodies will evaporate more rapidly, increasing atmospheric water vapor levels. This warming will also cause surface temperatures to escalate, gradually creating conditions unsuitable for sustaining life. The heat will disrupt the carbon cycle—a crucial process that regulates atmospheric carbon dioxide—weakening its ability to maintain balance. As a result, plant life will begin to die off, stopping the production of oxygen through photosynthesis. Over time, these cascading effects will lead to a dramatic loss of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere, rendering the planet increasingly research revealed that as the carbon cycle deteriorates, the atmosphere will revert to a composition reminiscent of early Earth, characterized by high levels of methane and low oxygen. This transformation mirrors the state before the Great Oxidation Event—a period when Earth's atmosphere became rich in oxygen due to the proliferation of photosynthetic scientific models suggested that Earth's biosphere would last up to two billion years, primarily due to overheating and the eventual depletion of CO₂ necessary for photosynthesis. However, this new research narrows the timeframe, suggesting a much earlier end to oxygen Ozaki emphasized that while the eventual demise of Earth's biosphere was acknowledged, pinpointing the timing and the precise process of deoxygenation remained elusive. This study, using advanced supercomputer simulations, provides a clearer understanding by simulating numerous potential scenarios.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
How will Earth take its last breath? New research gives a detailed description of how life on planet will meet its end
A groundbreaking study by researchers at Toho University, using NASA's advanced planetary modeling, has predicted a major shift in Earth's atmosphere that could make life as we know it impossible. Published in Nature Geoscience, the research suggests that Earth's oxygen could vanish in about one billion years—shedding new light on the long-term evolution of our planet's atmosphere. The team ran 400,000 simulations to model how Earth's atmosphere might change as the sun grows hotter with age. While the predicted changes lie far in the future, the findings offer critical insights into planetary science and the eventual fate of Earth's biosphere. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More The study titled "The Future Lifespan of Earth's Oxygenated Atmosphere" explores a future in which oxygen becomes increasingly scarce due to natural changes in the planet's systems. Led by Kazumi Ozaki, an assistant professor at Toho University in Tokyo, the research examines the geological and astronomical factors influencing long-term shifts in Earth's atmosphere. What has the research revealed? The role of the Sun One of the core factors leading to oxygen depletion is the sun's inevitable aging process. As the sun ages, it will gradually become hotter and brighter. This increase in solar radiation will significantly impact Earth's climate, leading to a series of irreversible changes: Live Events As temperatures rise, Earth's water bodies will evaporate more rapidly, increasing atmospheric water vapor levels. This warming will also cause surface temperatures to escalate, gradually creating conditions unsuitable for sustaining life. The heat will disrupt the carbon cycle—a crucial process that regulates atmospheric carbon dioxide—weakening its ability to maintain balance. As a result, plant life will begin to die off, stopping the production of oxygen through photosynthesis. Over time, these cascading effects will lead to a dramatic loss of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere, rendering the planet increasingly uninhabitable. The research revealed that as the carbon cycle deteriorates, the atmosphere will revert to a composition reminiscent of early Earth, characterized by high levels of methane and low oxygen. This transformation mirrors the state before the Great Oxidation Event—a period when Earth's atmosphere became rich in oxygen due to the proliferation of photosynthetic organisms. Researchers shorten Earth's lifeline Earlier scientific models suggested that Earth's biosphere would last up to two billion years, primarily due to overheating and the eventual depletion of CO₂ necessary for photosynthesis. However, this new research narrows the timeframe, suggesting a much earlier end to oxygen production. Kazumi Ozaki emphasized that while the eventual demise of Earth's biosphere was acknowledged, pinpointing the timing and the precise process of deoxygenation remained elusive. This study, using advanced supercomputer simulations, provides a clearer understanding by simulating numerous potential scenarios.
NDTV
03-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Earth Will Lose Its Oxygen: Scientists Warn Of A Rapid Countdown
A recent study reveals that Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere, vital for complex life, is expected to last approximately one billion more years. Increasing solar radiation will reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, impairing photosynthesis and leading to a sharp decline in oxygen levels. The study that was published in Nature Geoscience said that this deoxygenation could occur rapidly, rendering Earth inhospitable to most life forms. The findings also suggest oxygen may not be a permanent biosignature on habitable planets, impacting the search for extraterrestrial life. "For many years, the lifespan of Earth's biosphere has been discussed based on scientific knowledge about the steady brightening of the sun and the global carbonate-silicate geochemical cycle. One of the corollaries of such a theoretical framework is a continuous decline in atmospheric CO2 levels and global warming on geological timescales. Indeed, it is generally thought that Earth's biosphere will come to an end in the next 2 billion years due to the combination of overheating and CO2 scarcity for photosynthesis. If true, one can expect that atmospheric O2 levels will also eventually decrease in the distant future. However, it remains unclear exactly when and how this will occur," environmental scientist Kazumi Ozaki from Toho University in Japan said when the study was published. To examine how Earth's atmosphere will evolve in the future, Ozaki and Christopher Reinhard, Associate Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, constructed an Earth system model which simulates climate and biogeochemical processes. Because modelling future Earth evolution intrinsically has uncertainties in geological and biological evolutions, a stochastic approach was adopted, enabling the researchers to obtain a probabilistic assessment of the lifespan of an oxygenated atmosphere. Ozaki ran the model more than 400 thousand times, varying the model parameters, and found that Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere will probably persist for another one billion years before rapid deoxygenation renders the atmosphere reminiscent of early Earth before the Great Oxidation Event around 2.5 billion years ago. "The atmosphere after the great deoxygenation is characterised by elevated methane, low levels of CO2, and no ozone layer. The Earth system will probably be a world of anaerobic life forms," says Ozaki. Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere represents an important sign of life that can be remotely detected. However, this study suggests that Earth's oxygenated atmosphere would not be a permanent feature and that the oxygen-rich atmosphere might only be possible for 20-30% of the Earth's entire history as an inhabited planet. Oxygen (and photochemical byproduct, ozone) is the most accepted biosignature for the search for life on exoplanets, but if we can generalise this insight to Earth-like planets, then scientists need to consider additional biosignatures applicable to weakly oxygenated and anoxic worlds in the search for life beyond our solar system.
