This article originally appeared on Medical News Today
As we journey through life, the aging process becomes increasingly intertwined with our health, particularly concerning cardiovascular well-being. This is an area of active research, especially given the correlation between aging and heart disease risk. Among various factors that contribute to this risk are arteriosclerosis, or the stiffening of blood vessels, which often accelerates as we get older.
The Connection Between Age and Heart Disease
Aging brings about changes that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, reduced physical activity, and alterations in heart function. Lifestyle choices, including adopting a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting sufficient sleep, and reducing stress, can mitigate some of these risks. These preventative measures form the backbone of cardiovascular health as we age.
Exciting New Findings on Longevity Supplements
Recent clinical trials have introduced a multi-ingredient longevity supplement developed by the biotechnology company NOVOS, which suggests it may improve markers related to vascular aging. Specifically, this supplement has shown potential in enhancing arterial flexibility and supporting healthy blood pressure. Notably, these findings indicate optimism for individuals aged 40 and older, who may not have any diagnosed heart conditions at the onset of the study.
The Mechanism Behind NOVOS Core
In the study, subjects were either given the NOVOS Core supplement or a placebo, with instructions to consume their assigned treatment daily for six months. What makes NOVOS Core particularly interesting is its formula, which comprises 12 bioactive compounds. Each of these components was carefully selected to target various pathways related to vascular aging.
1. Endothelial Function
This supplement addresses endothelial function, which is crucial for maintaining vascular health. Ingredients such as vitamin C and polyphenols, known for their antioxidant properties, provide support against oxidative stress and contribute to nitric oxide bioavailability, which plays a vital role in promoting vascular flexibility.
2. Regulation of Blood Pressure
Another critical aspect of the NOVOS Core formulation focuses on blood pressure regulation. Ingredients like magnesium and specific amino acids help maintain vascular tone, which is essential for meticulous blood pressure control.
3. Cellular Energy Metabolism
The inclusion of intermediates such as calcium alpha-ketoglutarate and malate aims to enhance mitochondrial and cellular energy metabolism, further linking them to vascular aging processes.
4. Anti-inflammatory Responses
Several bioactives in the supplement, such as ginger extract and Rhodiola rosea, have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects, which can significantly influence vascular health and stress response.
Positive Results from the Clinical Trial
The results indicated that NOVOS Core could positively affect endothelial cells, showing significant improvements shortly after the first dose, with beneficial effects persisting throughout the six-month period. Among the highlights:
- The participants showed measurable improvements in endothelial function.
- Enhanced arterial flexibility was observed, indicated by reductions in pulse wave velocity (PWV) and improvements in systolic blood pressure compared to the placebo group.
These findings highlight a promising trend toward achieving favorable shifts in vascular aging biology. However, it’s essential to approach these results with cautious optimism, given that the study was relatively small and singular in scope.
Perspectives from Medical Experts
Dr. Christopher Yi, a vascular surgeon, emphasizes the study’s findings on the correlation between nutritional supplements and vascular aging. The acute improvement observed after the first dose, paired with sustained benefits, is noteworthy. Nevertheless, he urges careful interpretation, noting the limitations inherent to this kind of research.
The Role of Diet in Vascular Aging
For those hesitant about relying strictly on supplements, registered dietitian Monique Richard points out that many bioactive compounds in NOVOS Core can be found in various plant-based foods commonly consumed. Options like berries, leafy greens, and nuts naturally contain these beneficial compounds.
Richard encourages focusing on a nutrient-dense diet to stabilize blood glucose and eventually combat oxidative stress, all pivotal to maintaining vascular health. She advises readers to consider dietary diversity, particularly polyphenol-rich foods, to enhance their health naturally.
Key Dietary Recommendations for Cardiovascular Health
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Stabilize Blood Glucose: Balanced meals can help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which is critical for endothelial health.
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Diverse Polyphenols: Aim for a colorful variety of plant foods to leverage the antioxidant benefits of different phytochemicals.
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Naturally Occurring Dietary Nitrates: Incorporate nitrate-rich foods like beets and leafy greens to support nitric oxide production, crucial for vascular function.
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Gut Health: Supporting gut health through prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics can contribute to overall inflammation reduction and metabolic health.
Overall, nutritional strategies anchored in sound eating principles combined with evidence-backed supplements may serve as a robust approach to lessening the effects of vascular aging and enhancing longevity. In combination with a comprehensive lifestyle strategy, these interventions have the potential to significantly impact public health, especially for aging individuals who are keen to maintain their cardiovascular health.
