October 10, 2024
Welcome to Ben Greenfield's Weekly Roundup!
In this weekly post, I share with you my most interesting discoveries of the week, including the latest news on the fronts of fitness, nutrition, health, wellness, biohacking, and anti-aging research. I also recap my upcoming events and special announcements so you can keep up with opportunities to learn, giveaways, discounts, and more!
New Discoveries
Supplementing With The Amino Acid *Taurine* Can Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes🩺💊
A new meta-analysis revealed how taurine—a powerful amino acid found in some energy drink alternatives and natural sleep aids—impacts cardiovascular health, particularly by reducing blood pressure, improving heart function, and lowering heart rate.
Researchers reviewed 20 studies with over 800 participants, analyzing taurine’s effects on key heart health markers like heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (or LVEF, which gauges how efficiently the heart is pumping and which is used to determine the severity of heart conditions and how well treatments are working).
The findings were promising: taurine supplementation significantly lowered HR and blood pressure while boosting heart function, especially in people with a history of heart failure.
Taurine’s benefits extend beyond simple blood pressure management; it also helps regulate calcium in the heart, promoting better blood flow through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
For those struggling with hypertension or reduced heart function, taurine’s ability to enhance the efficiency of the heart’s pumping mechanism is particularly noteworthy. Notably, it helped those with heart failure improve their New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, a key measure of heart function.
Based on these findings, here are steps you can take to utilize taurine for cardiovascular support:
- Consider taurine supplementation: For anyone aiming to support heart health or manage blood pressure, adding 1.5 to 6 grams of taurine daily could be beneficial. As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
- Combine taurine with a healthy lifestyle: Use taurine alongside regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and other strategies like cold therapy for a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular well-being.
- Mind the dose: While taurine is safe, more isn't always better due to its dose-response limit. Stick to recommended doses, as going higher is unlikely to offer additional benefits and could be less efficient due to the body’s natural processing limits.
Interested in learning more about how to improve and maintain heart health? Check out these resources:
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) — Part 1 With Dr. Stephen Hussey.
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) – Part 2 With Stephen Hussey.
- The Surprising Truth About Coffee & Heart Attacks, How Sulfur Can Rescue Your Arteries, Better Erections Naturally & More With The Natural Heart Doctor Jack Wolfson.
- Here Are Two Important Key Elements For a Healthy Heart.
- Q&A 458: The Official Guide To Fructose, Triglycerides, Heart Health, Heart Testing, Keto Risks, Statins, Why You Should “Eat Like A Pig” & More.
Time Restricted Eating Enhances Beta-Cell Function + Weight Loss Among Those With Type 2 Diabetes⏳🍽️
A recent randomized crossover trial explored whether time-restricted eating (or TRE, another name for intermittent fasting) could enhance pancreatic β-cell function and overall metabolic health in overweight adults with early type 2 diabetes. The study involved 39 participants with an average diabetes duration of about three years, a baseline HbA1c of 6.6%, and a body mass index (BMI) of 32.4.
Participants alternated between a 6-week TRE regimen that involved 20 hours of fasting with a 4-hour eating window and a standard lifestyle to assess changes. Their daily 4-hour eating window—lasting from either 4 to 8 PM or from 5 to 9 PM—might sound extreme, but the effects were impressive.
Here were the key findings from the study:
- Improved β-cell function: TRE led to a 14% improvement in the Insulin Secretion-Sensitivity Index-2 (ISSI-2), indicating enhanced pancreatic β-cell function, which is crucial for better insulin production and glucose control.
- Reduced insulin resistance: The study also showed a 14% decrease in hepatic insulin resistance (measured by HOMA-IR). This marker suggests TRE can make the body’s cells more responsive to insulin.
- Lowered HbA1c and weight loss: Participants saw a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (down by 0.32%) and an average weight loss of 3.86% of their body weight. Waist circumference and central body fat also decreased by 3.8 cm., signaling a decrease in harmful visceral fat and potentially a lower risk of heart-related complications.
Overall, the study concluded that TRE offers notable improvements in β-cell function and insulin sensitivity, along with weight loss benefits in overweight adults with early-stage type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest an intermittent fasting approach could be a promising, natural, nonpharmacological strategy for managing metabolic health.
For many more tips on improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity or starting a time restricted eating plan, you can refer to these resources:
- DEBUNKING Intermittent Fasting Myths: SHOCKING New Study Raises HEART DISEASE Risk Concerns! Solosode 473.
- 5 Simple Steps You Can Take To Live Longer, Banish Blood Sugar Swings & Massively Enhance Energy Levels.
- Ben’s Current Recommended Fasting Protocol, The Extreme Power Of Combining Fasting With Spiritual Disciplines, How An Addicted, Angry Weightlifter Started A Church & Became A Pastor & Much More With Shane Idleman.
- The 2 Best Ways To Burn Fat Fast (Without Destroying Your Hormones Or Metabolism).
- DARK Calories! How Vegetable Oils Destroy Your Health (& How You Can Get It Back) With Dr. Cate Shanahan.
- This Nutrition Expert Is FED UP With Dietary Dogma & Knows What You Should *Really* Eat (Including The 2-Day Eating Plan That Will Change Your Gut For More Fullness!) With Joel Greene.
Transform Your Life and Reach Boundless Success
Imagine having a team of dedicated expert coaches right by your side, crafting a training plan tailored exclusively for you. We'll dive deep into your unique goals, aspirations, and challenges to create a roadmap that leads you to success.
My Elite Coaching Program focuses on workouts, biohacking secrets, and nutrition. But it's not just about workouts and exercises — this comprehensive, holistic journey covers every facet of your well-being, from personalized nutritional advice to cutting-edge biohacking techniques, positioning you at the pinnacle of peak performance. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to help you surpass your own limits.
My new 16-week program will guide you from information overload to transformation enjoyment.
If you're ready to banish brain fog and push your energy through the roof, use code ELITE2024 to save 40% off your first month of the Ben Greenfield Elite Coaching program. This exclusive rate is valid through November 1, 2024, so make sure to secure your spot before it's too late!
Introducing Our Newest Addition: Your Personalized Genetic Report!
I recently received a comprehensive 30-page report from 3×4 Genetics, detailing my personalized genetic responses to various factors like salt intake, powerlifting, and more. This insightful “Personal Genetic Story of Ben Greenfield” (see it for yourself in this video) sheds light on how my mood, behaviors, glucose and cholesterol levels, workout outcomes, and other factors are influenced by my genetics. It also provided valuable recommendations on adjusting my habits based on my unique genetic makeup.
Exciting news! We're now offering this precise type of lab testing report in my Ben Greenfield Life Coaching program. If you're curious about understanding how your genetics impact your optimal diet, exercise regimen, and other lifestyle aspects, this report could be as beneficial for you as it was for me.
Eager to unlock the secrets of your genetic blueprint? Discover more about our coaching program and get started today!
Explore a Fusion of Biohacking and Culinary Innovation in Boundless Kitchen
Dive into a unique blend of biohacking and molecular gastronomy with 48 innovative recipes designed for health, longevity, and pure deliciousness. I'm taking you on a wild ride through my kitchen lab, where we'll explore everything from unconventional tools to fringe superfoods like organ meats and colostrum.
Get ready to expand your cooking skills with dishes ranging from Carrot Cake Blender Waffles to Sous Vide Blueberry Brisket. You'll not only master techniques like sous vide and air frying but also discover the science of clean eating and the restorative power of food. Get ready to unleash a world of flavor and innovation in your cooking!
Want a copy for your kitchen, or would you like to gift Boundless Kitchen to your friends and family? Order it here.
Podcasts I Recorded This Week:
This episode was brought to you by Manukora (code BEN), Beekeepers (code BEN), SiPhox (code BEN), BIOptimizers Mushroom Breakthrough (code BEN10), and Ketone.com/BENG.
This episode was brought to you by LVLUP Health, Organifi Shilajit Gummies, Jaspr (code BEN), Mimio (code BGL20), and Joovv (code BEN).
The Latest Content I Was Featured On This Week:
While I'm not personally featured in it, I recommend checking out this Mind Pump episode on essential amino acids with Kion Co-Founder and CEO, Angelo Keely
Ben Greenfield's VIP Text Club: To receive exclusive texts from Ben Greenfield, text the word “FITNESS” to 411247 (within the U.S. only).
My Article Feed:
My full article feed and all archives of my articles are here.
Product Of The Week
::: Help Slow Cellular Aging With 15% Off Fatty15 :::
If you've been following my weekly roundups, you already know that fatty15 (aka the only pure C15:0 supplement) is a staple in my longevity stack.
While I've been a fan of this product for a while, UC San Diego’s recent human clinical trial truly sealed the deal for me. The study not only showed that fatty15 effectively boosts C15:0 levels, but it also demonstrated that addressing C15:0 deficiencies can strengthen red blood cells and improve liver health in just 12 weeks.
It turns out that up to 1 in 3 people have a nutritional C15:0 deficiency (called Cellular Fragility Syndrome), which can accelerate aging and take a toll on our metabolic, liver, and heart health. On the flip side, multiple studies have shown that higher C15:0 levels can actually slow cellular aging and boost longevity.
Fun fact: people living in the Sardinian Blue Zone—known for exceptional longevity—have C15:0 levels that are three times higher than the average person.
Fatty15 delivers pure C15:0, offering 3x more cellular benefits than omega-3s. It’s a revolutionary supplement that strengthens cells by over 80%, helping them stay resilient against aging. With extensive peer-reviewed research backing its benefits, C15:0 has shown the potential to enhance everything from sleep and joint comfort to metabolic, liver, and heart health.
Right now, fatty15 is offering my community an exclusive 15% off a 90-day starter kit. Use code BEN here to claim 15% off their award-winning, science-backed formula.
Upcoming Events:
ALMA Festival – Six Senses Ibiza – Ibiza, Spain: Nov. 5-8, 2024
Join Ben and Jessa Greenfield at The Alma Festival! Exper
Boundless Retreat with Ben and Jessa Greenfield — Portugal: Nov. 12–16, 2024
Experience the ultimate wellness retreat this fall in Portugal from November 12–16, 2024. Indulge in four nights of luxury accommodation, gourmet meals, and rejuvenating spa treatments aimed at improving your relationship with yourself and/or your partner. Secure your spot here for this unforgettable journey of mind, body, and spirit.
Wim Hof Method Travel — Seminarzentrum Riederalp, Germany: Dec. 11–15, 2024
Led by experienced instructors and me, this four-day immersion offers breathwork, ice bathing, meditation, and more in a stunning natural environment. Join fellow participants from around the world for progressive WHM training and life-enriching experiences. Discover more and sign up here.
Edge of the Earth with Ben Greenfield — New Zealand: Feb. 24–Mar. 1, 2025
Join me for an epic adventure on New Zealand's South Island, where you'll explore stunning landscapes, from majestic trails to secluded surfing spots. Experience thrilling activities like biking the Alps 2 Ocean route and relaxing in natural hot springs. This journey combines breathtaking nature, rejuvenation, and exhilarating experiences for a truly transformative trip. Secure your spot now!
Keep up on Ben's LIVE appearances by following bengreenfieldlife.com/calendar!
Kion Product of the Week: Kion Clean Protein
Tired of protein powders that taste like chalk and leave you unsatisfied? Say hello to Kion Clean Protein—the smoothest, creamiest blend of grass-fed, soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO protein you've ever experienced.
This premium whey protein isolate powder, crafted with organic natural flavors, delivers a rich, velvety texture that's perfect for blending into delicious protein smoothies. Whether you're seeking muscle growth, post-workout recovery, metabolic support, restorative sleep, immune function, or enhanced cognitive health, Kion Clean Protein has you covered.
Choose from decadent chocolate or classic vanilla flavors, or keep it pure with unflavored. With a hefty 20 grams of protein per serving, you'll feel satisfied, energized, and ready to conquer your day or workout.
You deserve a protein powder that's clean, easily absorbed, and downright delicious, and Kion Clean Protein delivers exactly that.
Click here to get your hands on the best protein powders you'll ever buy: Kion Clean Protein.
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Cheers,
Ben