Autor: venred

MODESTO, Calif., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Mental stress is among the psychosocial factors thought to contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the fluctuation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats, is an important indicator of the cardiovascular system’s response to stress and it is thought that lifestyle factors including physical activity and diet might impact HRV. Higher HRV represents greater adaptability of the heart in response to environmental and psychological challenges, while low HRV is linked to cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death. As part of a recent clinical trial, researchers at King’s College London measured HRV in participants undergoing a laboratory mental stress challenge and saw improvement in some measures of HRV in participants who had been replacing typical snacks with almonds over a six-week period. The study¹ was funded by the Almond Board of California.

This new research finding was a secondary outcome measure of the ATTIS study, a 6-week randomized control, parallel-arm trial, where participants with above average cardiovascular disease risk consumed a daily snack of almonds or a calorie-matched control snack providing 20% of each participants’ estimated daily energy needs. 

Participants in this study were British men and women, aged 30 to 70 years. Researchers measured their real-time heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) at rest (lying down for 5-minute periods) and during a Stroop test (in which participants were asked to read colored words i.e. say «red» in a green font) to simulate a short period of mental stress.

During acute mental stress, participants in the almond group showed greater cardiac resilience. This was demonstrated by better heart rate regulation compared to the control group, indicated by statistically significant differences in high frequency power, which specifically evaluates beat-to-beat intervals (a measure of HRV).   

«This study shows that the simple dietary strategy of swapping almonds for typical snacks may bolster resilience to the adverse cardiovascular effects of mental stress by improving regulation of heart rate. We found that the stress-induced reduction in heart rate variability was lessened in the almond group compared to control following the dietary intervention, which indicates a cardiovascular health benefit. It is useful to think of having a higher HRV as the heart being able to switch gears faster in response to demands on the body, which means more cardiac resilience and flexibility during periods of stress. In the long term, this is beneficial for cardiovascular health,» said Dr. Wendy Hall, PhD, co-principal investigator and Reader in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London. The researchers acknowledge that the mechanisms underlying this effect are still unknown and long-term studies are needed to understand this as well as the effects of almonds on HRV in at-risk populations.

«These results support our growing knowledge about almonds and heart health. And, they’re particularly timely given the heightened levels of stress many of us are experiencing right now, alongside increased snacking, from working at home,» said Dr Sarah Berry, PhD, co-principal investigator.

Years of heart health research – including a systematic review and meta-analysis² – support the inclusion of almonds in heart healthy eating plans.* Both ATTIS studies included measures that had never before been evaluated in clinical research trials investigating the impact of almonds. Although additional studies are needed to confirm these findings, the improvements in certain measures of HRV suggest that almonds may provide unexpected heart health benefits.  Almonds provide 6 grams of plant protein, 4 grams of filling fiber and 15 essential nutrients – including 20% of the Daily Value for magnesium and 50% of daily needs for vitamin E – in every healthy handful.

Study at a Glance:

The Study:

• This randomized, controlled parallel dietary intervention study investigated the effects of almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with above average risk of CVD. The study looked at the impact of almonds vs. a control food designed to provide the same number of calories and carbohydrate/fat/protein composition to match average snack intakes in an adult UK population.
• Adults 30-70 years old (n=51 in almond group, n=56 in control group) consumed 20% of their calorie requirements as whole roasted almonds or a control food for 6 weeks.  Cardiometabolic risk factors were measured, including endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation), heart rate variability, liver fat, insulin resistance, blood cholesterol and triglycerides, and body composition.
• Prior to beginning the study, a separate 3-week trial was conducted to ensure that the control food had a neutral effect on lipids, blood pressure and body weight/composition.
• Participants had their heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) measured in 5-minute periods at resting and during mental stress. 
• Real-time HRV was measured before (resting) and during a Stroop test (mental stress) while participants were in a supine position by using an ambulatory/ECG monitor.  The 5-min stress test was performed 15 minutes after recording resting HRV values.
• The HRV parameters including high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) power and the LF/HF ratio were measured using a chest-worn heart rate monitor and specialized analytical software. 

Results:

• There were no changes in body weight, and total energy intakes of both the almond group and the control group did not differ, but the almond group had improved diet quality (higher fiber, favorable ratio of unsaturated fats to saturated fats, increased magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and riboflavin; and decreased total carbohydrate, starch, free sugars and sodium).
• During mental stress (Stroop test), HF power was higher following almond treatment by 124 ms² (95% CI 11, 237), relative to control. The LF/HF ratio was lower by -1.0 (95% CI -1.9, -0.1) relative to control. No differences were found in other indices during mental stress.
• In the resting state, there were no significant differences between treatment groups in the change in HRV indices following intervention.

Study Limitations:

Limitations of the study were the fact that there were some differences between groups in cardiometabolic disease risk factors at baseline. Also, the participants were free-living, and although almond compliance was confirmed, it is possible there is potential for some inaccuracies in their reported food intake. Finally, more research is required because the mechanisms for the increase in HRV are unknown and further research is needed to understand the effects of almonds on HRV in at-risk populations.

Conclusion:

Snacking on whole almonds in place of typical snacks can increase HRV parameters in response to mental stress, indicating improved cardiac autonomic function. Incorporating almonds in daily snacking is encouraged as a positive lifestyle change and enhances cardiovascular health, not only by lowering cholesterol, but also potentially by increasing resilience to mental stress.

ABOUT THE ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and the California Almonds blog.

¹ Vita Dikariyanto, Leanne Smith, Philip J Chowienczyk, Sarah E  Berry, Wendy L Hall. Snacking on whole almonds for six weeks increases heart rate variability during mental stress in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061828.

² Musa-Veloso K, Paulionis L, Poon T, Lee HL. The effects of almond consumption on fasting blood lipid levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.  Journal of Nutritional Science 2016; 5(e34):1-15. 

*Good news about almonds and heart health. Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat.

CONTACT: GLADYS CARDENAS

Name Gladys Cardenas
Phone 310-754-4961                                                                                                      
Email gladys.cardenas@porternovelli.com

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SOURCE Almond Board of California

BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Cengage CEO Michael Hansen has been named to Fast Company’s 11th annual list of the Most Creative People in Business. Hansen is recognized for his leadership in tackling the affordability crisis in higher education with the introduction of Cengage Unlimited, the first subscription for college textbooks and course materials that significantly reduces costs for students. More than 2.2 million students have saved more than $200 million with the subscription in just two years.

The Most Creative People in Business list recognizes individuals who used their innovative thinking to make an impact on the world beyond financial success. These engineers, executives, choreographers, activists, designers, journalists, and founders have created something new this year within their field that’s never been done before in their industries. Many achieved these societal problem-solving accomplishments in one of the most contentious and erratic times in history.

«I am honored to be included among such an impressive list of creative, innovative individuals,» said Michael E. Hansen, CEO at Cengage. «This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative, driven and creative culture that exists at Cengage, which allowed us to disrupt a 100-year old business model from within to benefit students and address the affordability crisis in U.S. education.»

«Higher education has reached an important inflection point, and the impact of COVID-19 has stressed an already struggling system,» continued Hansen. «Our mission at Cengage is to make education work for students, meeting them where they are, and providing valued, quality learning materials and solutions that support them throughout their lives.»

Earlier this year, Cengage was also named a finalist for Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas Award for its efforts tackling college affordability with Cengage Unlimited.

Michael Hansen joined Cengage as CEO in December 2012 and spearheaded its transformation from a traditional print publisher to a digital education company. In August 2018, the company launched Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind subscription service for college textbooks and course materials. Cengage Unlimited gives students access to more than 22,000 digital course materials, including eBooks, online homework access codes and study guides for just one price, thus significantly reducing the cost of materials. Within the first seven months of availability, more than a million Cengage Unlimited subscriptions were sold – a milestone the company reached faster than Hulu, Netflix and Spotify.  

Building on the success of Cengage Unlimited, this month the company introduced Cengage Unlimited eTextbooks to provide students with another affordable option. At just $69.99, Cengage Unlimited eTextbooks provides an affordable alternative for students who don’t need a full Cengage Unlimited subscription that includes online homework access codes, but still want access to Cengage’s catalogue of eTextbooks.  

«Each year, we recognize artists and conventionally creative people making their mark on business and corporate executives deploying creativity and innovation to address some of the biggest challenges facing businesses and society,» says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. «Individually and collectively, the Most Creative People are an inspiration.»

Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business issue (September 2020) is on newsstands beginning August 11, 2020. To see the complete list of honorees, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-creative-people/2020.

About Cengage
Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. As the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher education, we offer valuable options at affordable price points. Our industry-leading initiatives include Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind all-access digital subscription service.  We embrace innovation to create learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Headquartered in Boston, Cengage also serves K-12, library and workforce training markets around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication, Inc., and can be found online at fastcompany.com.

Media Contact:
Kristina Massari, Cengage
203.965.8694, Kristina.massari@cengage.com

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SOURCE Cengage

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Neighborhood Forward convened a distinguished panel of respected faith-based and professional African-Americans, on Thursday, July 30^th, to discuss the unintended consequences of a proposed menthol cigarette ban making its way through the California legislature.  Many within the African-American community have voiced concern over Senate Bill 793 and its likelihood to increase racial profiling by law enforcement, based on statistics that suggest menthol cigarettes are overwhelmingly preferred by African Americans who chose to smoke.

Some California legislators, who have subscribed to paternalistic attitudes and views towards communities of color have supported Senate Bill 793 under the guise of «protecting the health of vulnerable African-Americans».  If this were truly an issue of American’s «health» they would seek a ban on all forms of cigarettes, not those preferred in the African-American community, as well as seek the advice of faith, civil rights, black law enforcement, and the social justice community.

«The road to hell is paid in good intentions,» said Jody Armour, the highly respected Roy P. Crocker Professor of Law at the University of Southern California.  «We can’t criminalize our way out of social problems.»

Armour pondered «what lessons have we learned from the last 30 years» as we have evolved from Jim Crow to mass incarceration which has become the vanguard of civil rights issues.

Armour further discussed the court’s interpretation of «pre-text stops» being constitutional, which ultimately gives law enforcement the ability to stop a motorist for a simple infraction as a non-working taillight.  This proposed ban would also fit the criteria of «pre-text» stops for simply possessing a cigarette.

Retired NYPD Lt. Corey Pegues echoed that sentiment stating that over 50% of the cigarettes on the streets of New York are coming from an «underground economy» as a means to survival.

Citing Eric Garner as an example of an unintended consequence of a «pre-text» encounter gone bad.

Garner was in possession of single cigarettes, commonly identified as «loosies» which initiated his interaction with law enforcement officers who subsequently killed him with an illegal chokehold.

Pegues concluded many African-American’s have been jailed over possession of marijuana which is now becoming legalized, in many states, showing the perception of its use was wrong.

«How does our youth have a right to smoke marijuana when Big Mama can’t have her menthol cigarettes?» asked Pegues.

Civil rights leaders state that although they aren’t advocates of smoking they are advocates of preserving our right to choose.

«Don’t deny one group the right to smoke while allowing another group their right to choose,» said Pastor William Smart President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.  «Hookah is being carved out of SB 793 which against gives preferential treatment to one race over another which is why SCLC is in this fight.»

The panel discussion was led by former U.S. Congressman member Kendrick Meeks and included Pastor KW Tullos, President of the Black Ministers Conference, Joseph Paul, City of Refuge, Roz Renfro, Vice-President of L.A. Black Pride and Dr. Amos Brown, who has marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who are all in agreement that we know what’s best for us and don’t need legislation to tell us we can’t smoke our preferred method of tobacco in order to invite rogue officers into our personal space with the sole intention of filling prisons with African-Americans.

ABOUT:
Neighborhood FORWARD is a movement built by concerned citizens, faith leaders, civil rights activists, elected officials, business partners, and non-profit organizations throughout the country. https://www.neighborhoodforward.org/

Media Contacts:
Info@neighborhoodforward.org
ncholmes3434@gmail.com  
Gwenprdiva@gmail.com 

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SOURCE Neighborhood Forward