How Heart Diseases Causes Brain Damage – And How THESE Specific Foods Can Help

About this Video

• Video Title: How Heart Diseases Causes Brain Damage – And How THESE Specific Foods Can Help
• Channel: Nick Norwitz
• Speakers: Nick Norwitz
• Duration: 15:30

Introduction

This video explains the link between heart disease and brain damage, detailing a mechanism where foam cells in the heart release exosomes containing microRNA that negatively impact brain metabolism. The video then suggests foods that can activate the NRF2 pathway to counteract these harmful effects.

Key Takeaways

• Heart-Brain Connection: Heart disease (atherosclerosis) leads to brain damage through a direct biological mechanism, not just correlation.
• The Mechanism: Foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques release exosomes containing microRNA (miR-101-3p), which travel to the brain and disrupt glucose metabolism, increase inflammation, and cause oxidative stress. This ultimately harms microglia (brain immune cells) and impairs cognitive function.
• NRF2 Pathway: The microRNA released by foam cells suppresses the NRF2 pathway, a key protective system. Activating NRF2 can counteract these negative effects.
• Food as Medicine: Specific foods can activate the NRF2 pathway, protecting the brain from heart-disease-related damage. Examples include cruciferous vegetables (especially broccoli sprouts), green tea, dark chocolate (Godiva 85% recommended), extra virgin olive oil, coffee, and yerba mate (Unimate specifically mentioned).
• Unimate Yerba Mate: The speaker highlights Unimate yerba mate as having a high chlorogenic acid content, exceeding that of many other yerba mates and coffee.