In a breakthrough study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers have discovered a compelling connection between meal timing and cardiovascular health. The comprehensive analysis, which tracked over 100,000 individuals for seven years, revealed that adjusting the timing of breakfast and dinner could significantly lower the risk of heart diseases.
The study uncovered approximately 2,000 cases of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, with a striking correlation between delayed breakfasts and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. According to the findings, each additional hour of delay in the first meal of the day was associated with a six per cent rise in cerebrovascular disease.
Notably, the research highlighted that the number of meals per day did not pose a significant risk. However, having dinner after 9 pm was found to be linked with a notable 28 per cent higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). This association is attributed to the alignment of natural eating patterns with earlier meals and the potential impact on blood sugar and blood pressure.
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The study emphasised the importance of meal timing in preventing elevated blood pressure during the evening, a crucial time when it typically drops. Prolonged elevation of blood pressure during this period could lead to long-term damage to blood vessels, potentially resulting in blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
While further research is deemed necessary, the study indicated that meal timing might not have as significant an impact as maintaining a healthy diet. It clarified that having dinner after 9 pm does not heighten the risk of coronary heart problems. However, each hour of delay in dinner was associated with an 8 per cent increase in the likelihood of stroke or TIA.
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The study particularly underscored the gender-specific outcomes, with women constituting nearly 80 per cent of the study participants. For women, delaying breakfast was associated with an 11 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease, while men showed fewer significant outcomes. The findings suggest that adopting earlier eating habits may be a simple yet effective strategy for promoting heart health, with potential benefits for both men and women.