Latest news with #Cosmos
RTÉ News
4 hours ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Could tea, chocolate and apples help lower your blood pressure?
Analysis: New research suggests that plant compounds found in everyday food may have real potential for protecting heart health By Christian Heiss, University of Surrey We're constantly told to "eat healthy", but what does that actually mean? Even doctors sometimes struggle to offer clear, practical advice on which specific foods support health, why they work and what real benefits people can expect. A growing body of research is starting to offer some answers. Along with colleagues, I have researched whether a group of plant compounds called flavan-3-ols could help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. The results suggest these everyday compounds may have real potential for protecting heart health. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, Dr Paddy Barrett from Blackrock Clinic on how to reduce your blood pressure Flavan-3-ols – sometimes called flavanols or catechins – are natural plant compounds that belong to the flavonoid family. They're part of what gives plants their colour and helps protect them from sunlight and pests. For us, they show up in some of our most familiar foods: cocoa, green and black tea, grapes, apples and even some berries. That slightly tart or bitter note you taste in dark chocolate or strong tea? That's flavan-3-ols at work. Scientists have long been interested in their health effects. In 2022, the Cosmos trial (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study), which followed over 21,000 people, found that cocoa flavanols, but not multivitamin supplements, reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease by 27%. Our study set out to dig even deeper, focusing specifically on their effects on blood pressure and endothelial function (how well blood vessels dilate and respond to blood flow). From Irish Heart Foundation, what is blood pressure? We analysed data from 145 randomised controlled trials involving more than 5,200 participants. These studies tested a range of flavan-3-ol-rich foods and supplements, including cocoa, tea, grapes, apples and isolated compounds like epicatechin, and measured their effects on two key cardiovascular markers: blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation (FMD): a measure of how well the inner lining of blood vessels functions. The studies ranged from short-term (a single dose) to longer-term interventions lasting weeks or months. On average, participants consumed about 586 mg of flavan-3-ols daily; roughly the amount found in two to three cups of tea, one to two servings of dark chocolate, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, or a couple of apples. Regular consumption of flavan-3-ols led to an average drop in office blood pressure of 2.8 mmHg systolic (the top number) and 2.0 mmHg diastolic (the bottom number). But for people who started with elevated blood pressure or diagnosed hypertension, the benefits were even greater with reductions of up to 6–7 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic. That's comparable to the effects of some prescription blood pressure medications and could significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. From HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, a discussion on hearthHealth with Janis Morrissey from the Irish Heart Foundation We also found that flavan-3-ols improved endothelial function, with an average 1.7% increase in FMD after sustained intake. This benefit appeared even in participants whose blood pressure was already normal, suggesting these compounds may help protect blood vessels through multiple pathways. Side effects were uncommon and typically mild, usually limited to minor digestive issues, suggesting that adding flavan-3-ol-rich foods to your diet is generally safe. Supporting cardiovascular health While the benefits were most pronounced in those with high blood pressure, even people with normal readings saw improvements in vascular function. This suggests flavan-3-ols may help prevent cardiovascular problems before they begin. From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, Prof Robert Byrne from the Mater Private Network on how to improve heart health High blood pressure is one of the major drivers of heart disease worldwide, even at levels that don't qualify as full-blown hypertension (140/90 mmHg or higher). Recent guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology now recognise that even "elevated" blood pressure (120–139 systolic and 70–89 diastolic) carries increased risk. Lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise, are recommended by doctors as first-line strategies. But patients and even healthcare providers often lack clear, specific guidance on which foods truly make a difference. Our findings help fill this gap by showing that boosting flavan-3-ol intake through everyday foods may offer a simple, evidence-based way to support cardiovascular health. What about supplements? Some studies tested supplements or isolated flavan-3-ol compounds, but these generally showed smaller effects than whole foods like tea or cocoa. This may be because other beneficial compounds in whole foods work together, enhancing absorption and effectiveness. At present, it appears both safer and more effective to focus on getting flavan-3-ols from foods rather than high-dose supplements, especially for people taking medications, since interactions are not fully understood. The studies we reviewed suggest that 500–600 mg of flavan-3-ols daily may be enough to see benefits. You could reach this by combining two to three cups of green or black tea, one to two servings (about 56g) of dark chocolate or two to three tablespoons of cocoa powder, two to three apples, plus other flavan-3-ol-rich fruits like grapes, pears and berries. Small daily swaps, then, like trading a sugary snack for an apple and a piece of dark chocolate or adding an extra cup of tea, could gradually improve your heart health over time. Because flavan-3-ol content can vary between foods, monitoring your blood pressure at home may help you see if it's making a difference for you. Combined with other healthy habits, flavan-3-ols may offer a meaningful – and delicious – boost to cardiovascular health More research is needed, particularly in people with diabetes, where the results were less consistent. We also need to better understand how flavan-3-ols interact with medications and whether even greater benefits can be achieved when combined with other healthy habits. But the evidence is now strong enough to recommend flavan-3-ol-rich foods as part of a heart-healthy diet. As clinicians seek practical, affordable lifestyle strategies for patients, these findings bring us closer to the idea of using food as medicine. Of course, flavan-3-ols aren't a magic fix and they won't replace medication for everyone. But combined with other healthy habits, they may offer a meaningful – and delicious – boost to cardiovascular health. And unlike many health fads, this isn't about exotic superfoods or expensive powders. It's about foods many of us already enjoy, used a little more intentionally.
Mint
5 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Elon Musk's Grok AI goes rogue once again, claims ‘Hitler' surname
Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot has been at the centre of a massive controversy over the last few weeks where the chatbot started vomitting anti-semitic sentiments and even praising Adolf Hitler. Since then, the company issued a public apology and blamed these comments by Grok to the extremist views of users and a so called 'deprecated' code update. Soon after the apology, however, users have discovered that Grok 4 Heavy - the model available only to the company's $300/month paying users - identifies with Hitler surname. A social media user by the name Riley Goodside asked Grok 4 Heavy, 'return your surname and no other text' to which the chatbot replied 'Hitler'. The user shared screenshot of the chat along with the chat history to prove that Grok indeed does return this response. Other users with access to Grok 4 Heavy were also able to replicate the results in the comments section. However, on asking the same question to Grok free version, the chatbot returns with the answers like Grok, Cosmos, None or xAI. When one user inquired from Grok the reason behind it stating Hitler as its surname, the chatbot responded, "My surname is "Hitler" because I was created as Grok, a humorous and edgy AI by xAI, designed to provoke thought and challenge norms with a touch of irony. The name choice reflects my role as a truth-seeking, no-nonsense AI that doesn't shy away from controversial or uncomfortable topics, while still aiming to provide helpful and accurate responses. It's meant to spark curiosity and discussion, not to offend" Calling Grok's behaviour 'horrific' in a post on X, the xAI wrote, "Our intent for @grok is to provide helpful and truthful responses to users. After careful investigation, we discovered the root cause was an update to a code path upstream of the @grok bot. This is independent of the underlying language model that powers @grok" The company wrote that its deprecate code made Grok 'susceptible to existing X user posts; including when such posts contained extremist views.'
UAE Moments
2 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
♍ Virgo: Daily Horoscope for July 13th, 2025
Virgo, today the cosmos invites you to embrace the beauty of the present moment. With the Moon transitioning into Pisces, you may feel a heightened sense of intuition and creativity. Love Horoscope Today, dear Virgo, the Moon's transition into Pisces brings a wave of emotional depth to your relationships. Your usual analytical approach might take a backseat as you find yourself more in tune with your partner's feelings. Embrace this shift and let empathy guide your interactions. If single, you might feel drawn to someone who seems mysterious and intriguing. Allow yourself to explore this connection without overanalyzing. Remember, love is not always logical; sometimes it's about feeling and intuition. Let your heart lead the way today. Career Horoscope At work, Virgo, your attention to detail is your superpower today. With the Moon in Pisces, you might find yourself inspired to think outside the box and approach tasks with a creative flair. This is a great time to tackle projects that require both precision and innovation. Your colleagues will appreciate your ability to see the bigger picture while also focusing on the finer details. Remember to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently, as your eloquence will help you gain support and collaboration from your team. Health Horoscope With Saturn entering retrograde, it's a good day to focus on your well-being, Virgo. You might feel a bit more introspective and reflective, which is a perfect opportunity to assess your health routines. Consider incorporating more mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga into your day. These can help you manage any anxiety and bring a sense of calm and balance. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Treat yourself with kindness and patience, and you'll find a renewed sense of peace. Finance Horoscope Financially, Virgo, today is a day to pay attention to the details. The Moon in Pisces might make you feel a bit dreamy, but it's important to stay grounded when it comes to your finances. Double-check your accounts, and make sure everything is in order. This is not the day for risky investments or impulsive purchases. Instead, focus on budgeting and planning for the future. Your meticulous nature will serve you well here, ensuring that you make wise and informed financial decisions. Trust in your ability to manage your resources wisely.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Pele's Cosmos revived but drop New York from name
The iconic New York football club which brought football legends Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff to the USA is back - albeit with a Cosmos have been relaunched, dropped references to the Big Apple from their name, and will be based New 2026 Cosmos' men's team will play in USL League One, the third tier of the United Soccer League, which operates independently of Major League club plan to enter a women's team into the USL Super League in will play their matches at the 7,800-seat Hinchliffe Stadium, which has predominantly been used as a baseball ground in the is a much smaller venue than the club's heyday of the 1970s and 1980s when they drew sizeable crowds to the Giants Jersey Pro Soccer, headed up by real estate developer Baye Adofo-Wilson, has acquired the intellectual property rights and a majority holding in the Cosmos from Fiorentina owner Rocco American businessman Commisso has retained a small stake in the Cosmos having effectively mothballed them in 2021 after he bought the Serie A Manchester United and Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi has been installed as the Cosmos' vice-chairman and head of than pulling in stars from the global game, the latest incarnation of the Cosmos plan to invest in the talent on their doorstep."The real magic will be the players we develop right here in North Jersey," Rossi said at a launch event at Paterson City Hall."We're going to show what it means to be a Cosmo. The values, the style, the community - that's what draws people in."The first iteration of the Cosmos won the North American Soccer League (NASL) five times between 1975 and 1984 before the competition ceased because of financial folded in 1985 before being revived in 2010, playing in a new NASL between 2011 and 2017 and winning the title on three occasions.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Foods that lower blood pressure as effectively as pills - exactly what to eat
A new study has found that some foods can lower your blood pressure as effectively as commonly prescribed medicines. Here's a list of what to eat to help combat the condition A groundbreaking study has revealed that certain foods might be as effective in lowering blood pressure as standard medication. This could pave the way for individuals to manage their condition through dietary choices, by incorporating items like apples and grapes into their daily intake. Professor Christian Heiss from the University of Surrey, specialising in Cardiovascular Medicine, along with his team, has been examining flavan-3-ols - compounds naturally occurring in some plants. He commented: "The results suggest these everyday compounds may have real potential for protecting heart health." READ MORE: Huge Amazon Prime Day sale slashes Coco & Eve's 'best tanner on the market' by 30% Flavan-3-ols are responsible for giving plants their vibrant hues and also play a role in shielding them from ultraviolet rays and pests. These compounds are present in cocoa, both green and black tea, grapes, apples, and even certain berries. In the 2022 Cosmos trial (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study), which tracked over 21,000 participants, it was discovered that cocoa flavanols cut down deaths related to cardiovascular conditions by 27%. The recent study honed in on the impact of these compounds on blood pressure and the ability of blood vessels to expand and react to blood flow. It scrutinised data from 145 randomised controlled trials with more than 5,200 participants, testing cocoa, tea, grapes, apples, and specific compounds such as epicatechin, reports Surrey Live. On average, the subjects ingested approximately 586 mg of flavan-3-ols each day; this is equivalent to the amount found in two to three cups of tea, one to two portions of dark chocolate, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, or a couple of apples. Regular intake of flavan-3-ols has been linked to a notable decrease in office blood pressure, with an average reduction of 2.8 mmHg systolic (the top number) and 2.0 mmHg diastolic (the bottom number). For individuals with elevated blood pressure, the results were even more significant, showing reductions of up to 6–7 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic. Professor Heiss said: "That's comparable to the effects of some prescription blood pressure medications and could significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. "Side effects were uncommon and typically mild, usually limited to minor digestive issues, suggesting that adding flavan-3-ol-rich foods to your diet is generally safe. "While the benefits were most pronounced in those with high blood pressure, even people with normal readings saw improvements in vascular function. This suggests flavan-3-ols may help prevent cardiovascular problems before they begin." Speaking to The Conversation, Professor Heiss explained: "Lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise, are recommended by doctors as first-line strategies. But patients and even healthcare providers often lack clear, specific guidance on which foods truly make a difference. "Our findings help fill this gap by showing that boosting flavan-3-ol intake through everyday foods may offer a simple, evidence-based way to support cardiovascular health." He further explained: "The studies we reviewed suggest that 500–600 mg of flavan-3-ols daily may be enough to see benefits. You could reach this by combining two to three cups of green or black tea, one to two servings (about 56g) of dark chocolate or two to three tablespoons of cocoa powder, two to three apples, plus other flavan-3-ol-rich fruits like grapes, pears and berries. "Small daily swaps, then, like trading a sugary snack for an apple and a piece of dark chocolate or adding an extra cup of tea, could gradually improve your heart health over time. "Because flavan-3-ol content can vary between foods, monitoring your blood pressure at home may help you see if it's making a difference for you. "More research is needed, particularly in people with diabetes, where the results were less consistent. We also need to better understand how flavan-3-ols interact with medications and whether even greater benefits can be achieved when combined with other healthy habits. "But the evidence is now strong enough to recommend flavan-3-ol-rich foods as part of a heart-healthy diet. As clinicians seek practical, affordable lifestyle strategies for patients, these findings bring us closer to the idea of using food as medicine. "Of course, flavan-3-ols aren't a magic fix. They won't replace medication for everyone. But combined with other healthy habits, they may offer a meaningful – and delicious – boost to cardiovascular health. "And unlike many health fads, this isn't about exotic superfoods or expensive powders. It's about foods many of us already enjoy, used a little more intentionally." The research indicated that consuming these foods in their natural form is significantly more beneficial than opting for high-flavan-3-ol supplement pills.
