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In the news: Research Roundup: From Acupuncture for Migraine to Olive Oil & ‘Good” Carbs for the Heart

Americans Packed on Pounds During Lockdowns

It’s no surprise that with less physical activity and eating more comfort food during COVID-19 related shelter-in-place orders, Americans gained almost 2 pounds monthly during 2020.

According to researchers from UC San Francisco who monitored over 7,000 weight measurements from nearly 270 people in 37 states from Feb. 1st-June 1st, participants in the study chalked up a weight increase of more than a half-pound every 10 days(1). For some, that could add up to a gain of 20 lbs. last year.

If you’re trying to shed pandemic-related pounds and need some help, WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and the app NOOM both have supporting data for effective weight loss and could be useful. Although the two programs take slightly different approaches, both help users choose lower calorie, more nutritious foods, and encourage better portion control and daily physical activity. To learn more about the programs: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/noom-vs-weight-watchers#effectiveness

Olive Oil: Even ½ Tbs. Daily May Make Difference

While Americans consume less olive oil per person than in Mediterranean regions, a study by Harvard researchers suggests that even small amounts of the oil can help the heart(2).

The researchers looked at data from almost 93,000 participants of two large studies who were free of heart disease at the study’s start and followed for 24 years. After adjusting for major diet and lifestyle factors, those with higher olive oil intake of at least 1/2 tablespoon (7 grams) daily had a 15% lower risk of total cardio-vascular disease (CVD) and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) vs. non-oil consumers.

Replacing 5 grams of margarine, butter, mayonnaise, or dairy fat with the equivalent amount of olive oil was associated with a 5-7% lower risk of total CVD and CHD, according to the authors’ estimate.

Focus on “Good” Carbs for Better Heart Health

If olive oil is heart-friendly, the kind of carbs you choose can make a difference in heart health too. Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) such as white bread, white rice, potatoes (no skin) and sugary drinks raise blood glucose levels more rapidly than lower GI foods or “good” carbs such as whole grains, beans, green vegetables and most fruit. Glycemic load not only measures how quickly a food makes glucose enter the bloodstream but how much glucose per serving or portion size it delivers.

In a new study(3), researchers looked at data from nearly 138,00 participants from 20 countries and found that eating the highest GI diet considerably increased the risk of death and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in both those with CVD and healthy individuals, especially overweight or obese people. The results for glycemic load were similar but only applied to those who already had CVD when they enrolled in the study.

Acupuncture vs. Drugs for Migraine Prevention

Italian researchers report that acupuncture could be as effective as pharmacologic treatments in helping to prevent recurring headaches in episodic migraine(4) – a condition diagnosed when a person experiences headaches less than 14 days monthly (vs. chronic migraine with 15 or more headaches per month).

In this randomized trial, 148 patients suffering from migraines were assigned either to treatment with 12 sessions of acupuncture or to a group treated with the most appropriate medication for each patient.

After 4 months, the frequency of headaches significantly decreased to the same extent in both groups – both had a similar reduction in the number of days with migraines during the treatments. About 34% of patients showed a reduction of headache days by at least 50% after the treatments. According to the authors, the data suggested that acupuncture was slightly superior to the pharmacological treatment in participants’ compliance and rate of adverse events.

References

1. Lin AL, et al. Body weight changes uring pandemic-related shelter-in-place in a longitudinal cohort study. JAMA Network Open. 4:e212536, 2021.
2. Guasch M, et al. Olive Oil Consumption and Risk of Cardio-vascular Disease. Circulation. 141:AP509, 2020.
3. Jenkins JA, et al. Glycemic index, glycemic load, and cardio-vascular disease and mortality. NEJM. 384:1312-1322, 2021.
4. Giannini G, et al. A randomized clinical trial on acupuncture versus best medical therapy in episodic migraine prophylaxis: The ACUMIGRAN Study. Front. Neurol. Epub, January, 2021.