embolism), heart (heart attack), or brain (stroke).
How to Reverse Arterial Aging
Research that studies ED are important because they provide insight into interventions for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle modification can have a beneficial effect on vascular aging, in particular, exercise and diet.
What Type of Exercise Helps Best
- An aerobic exercise group cycled for one hour per day.
- A resistance training group exercised with weights and elastic bands.
- Another group participated in both aerobic exercise AND resistance training.
- The last group did nothing.
- The exercise groups showed improvement in arterial function (arteries dilated and blood flow increased). That is, the arteries don’t care if you’re riding a bike or pumping iron as long as you engage in regular physical activity.
- After one month of detraining (no exercise), the beneficial effects disappeared.
What You Eat Matters Too
Some researchers in Japan studied the endothelial effects of aerobic exercise and consuming curcumin* for eight weeks.
*Curcumin is the yellow pigment in turmeric. It is the active component of turmeric and known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
A total of 32 post-menopausal women were put into three groups:
- An exercise group performed moderate intensity aerobic training for 30 to 60 minutes a day.
- The curcumin group consumed about one teaspoon of turmeric a day.
- The control group did neither (no exercise and no turmeric).
- The exercise group and the curcumin group improved endothelial function, that is, vessels opened up and blood flow increased.
- Both exercise AND curcumin can improve the age-related decline in endothelial function.
Turmeric (Nature’s Gold)
Generously sprinkle turmeric (a teaspoon a day) on your grilled vegetables, salads, in sauces, and whole grains — even your oatmeal for a savory breakfast!
Curry powders, and even some mustard powders, such as S&B Oriental Hot Mustard Powder, contain turmeric. Be sure to read the labels. Curry powders contain a combination of several different spices. Look for ones where turmeric is the first ingredient.
NOTE: Cumin is NOT related to curcumin! Cumin is a spice by itself.
UPDATE: Pair turmeric with black pepper when you season your food. The black pepper and curcumin are a powerful pair. Both have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disease-fighting properties and black pepper’s bioactive component (piperine) helps your body absorb the curcumin in the turmeric.
WARNING! Turmeric is safe for most people when consumed in amounts found in the food you eat. Turmeric supplements contain LARGE DOSES of turmeric extract (up to 500 to 1,000 mg) and their labels suggest taking two to four capsules a day. High doses can have side effects and interact with blood thinning, blood pressure, and diabetes medications. Never take supplements without consulting with your physician.
Karen’s Fit Tip: You have control over how fast you age. Regular, consistent exercise (don’t stop or you’ll lose the benefits you gained) plus healthy eating can de-age your arteries and reduce the workload on your heart.