Vascular surgeon Dr Oscar Merino discusses the impact of diet on cardiovascular conditions and the importance of physical fitness for circulatory health.
In a recent discussion highlighting the importance of dietary choices for cardiovascular health, vascular surgeon Dr Oscar Merino provided insights into how certain foods can potentially prevent life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and circulation issues. Dr Merino, who specialises in the management of complications related to arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels, underscores the necessity of preventing major vascular risk factors, including smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Speaking to Ultimahora, Dr Merino advocated for a Mediterranean-style diet, which prioritises the consumption of fruits and vegetables. These food groups are hailed for their high content of antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins that are beneficial for arterial health. He further elaborated on the importance of whole grains, citing that cereals, bread, and pasta made from whole grains can help reduce cholesterol levels due to their fibre content.
Dr Merino specifically recommended several healthy food options for their beneficial fat content:
– Avocado: Known for its high concentration of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, avocado oil is linked to improved heart health and contains antioxidants that may support eye health.
– Olive Oil: A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is associated with various health benefits due to its encompassing nutrients.
– Nuts: While nut oils are beneficial, whole nuts provide additional fibrous nutrients. Walnut oil, in particular, is noted for its omega-3 fatty acid content.
In addition to diet, Dr Merino emphasises the importance of physical fitness and weight management in maintaining circulatory health. He stated, “Exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling significantly improve circulation.” He pointed out the correlation between overweight individuals and a greater predisposition to both arterial and venous vascular diseases.
Dr Merino also addressed the common concern of varicose veins, explaining their occurrence due to malfunctioning venous valves in the legs that impede adequate blood return to the heart, leading to blood accumulation and vein dilation. Factors contributing to the development of varicose veins include genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and hormonal changes. He recommended activating calf muscles as a natural remedy to assist blood flow back to the heart, noting that physical activity, particularly walking, increases blood circulation and promotes the formation of collateral circulation.
The expert also highlighted the link between blood circulation and hair health. He explained that proper blood flow to the scalp is essential for nourishing hair follicles. Insufficient circulation can lead to weakened follicles and contribute to hair loss. To mitigate this, Dr Merino suggests scalp massages, an active lifestyle, and a balanced diet rich in iron, biotin, and zinc while advising to minimise stress.
Lastly, Dr Merino discussed emerging research regarding tattoos and their potential effects on the lymphatic system. He noted that some studies suggest ink particles may migrate from the tattoo site into the lymphatic vessels and accumulate in lymph nodes, potentially leading to chronic inflammation. However, he also mentioned that there are differing opinions in the medical community regarding whether this accumulation poses significant health risks. He concluded by stressing the need for comprehensive studies to draw definitive conclusions regarding tattoos and lymphatic health.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30817261/ – This study supports the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular health by highlighting its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, which are essential components mentioned by Dr Merino.
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.313348 – This article provides a critical review of the Mediterranean diet’s impact on cardiovascular health, noting its reduction of major cardiovascular events by about 30%. This aligns with Dr Merino’s recommendations for a Mediterranean-style diet to prevent vascular issues.
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/mediterranean-diet – This resource from the American Heart Association underscores the Mediterranean diet as beneficial for heart health, mentioning its focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are similar to Dr Merino’s dietary recommendations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4339461/ – This review highlights the Mediterranean diet’s role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, emphasizing the benefits of its components like olive oil and nuts. These are consistent with Dr Merino’s suggestions for healthy fats in avocados and nuts.
- https://www.medstarhealth.org/blog/mediterranean-diet-cardiovascular-health – This article supports the Mediterranean diet’s effectiveness in lowering heart disease risk and discusses the importance of whole foods over ultra-processed foods, aligning with Dr Merino’s emphasis on whole grains and vegetables.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The content appears recent as it discusses contemporary health advice but lacks specific dates or references to very recent events.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
Direct quotes are provided, but they could not be verified online as they seem to be from an interview rather than a previously published source.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable local news outlet, Leicester Mercury, which contributes to its reliability, though it is not a major national or international source.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about diet and exercise are generally consistent with established health principles, making them plausible.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The content seems credible given its alignment with established health advice and its origin from a local news source. However, there is a lack of specific verifiable quotes and supporting evidence for some claims.
