World of Medicine

Fight Stroke with Fish

People who eat more protein – especially from seafood – may be less likely to have a stroke, according to survey analysis conducted by the Nanjing University School of Medicine in China. The study, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, involved seven separate studies totalling 254,489 people and found that eating just 20 additional grams of protein every day lowered the risk of stroke by 26%.

Overall, the participants with the highest protein intake were 20% less likely to develop a stroke than those with the lowest amount of protein in their diets. The link was strongest for people getting their protein from seafood rather than from grains or red meat. Protein and the fatty acids in fish lower blood pressure, which may help protect against stroke. The results accounted for factors that could affect the risk of stroke, such as smoking and high cholesterol.

Walking Groups Boost Overall Health

The British Journal of Sports Medicine has revealed that joining a walking group is one of the best and easiest ways to boost overall health. Using 42 studies involving almost 2000 adults across 14 countries, the researchers studied the mental and physical health consequences of joining a walking group. The studies involved participants with a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, dementia, diabetes and obesity. People in walking groups had significantly lower than average blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat, weight, and total cholesterol. Their lung power, overall physical functioning, and general fitness were also improved, as was their mood. While many people find it difficult to stick to new exercise plans, three-quarters of all participants found the group dynamic encouraged them to stick to the plan.