Cardiovascular Research and Plant-Based Milk

In this episode, we are going to take a look into cardiac surgery, the effectiveness of aspirin, and the effectiveness of left atrial appendage closures. We are also going to discuss different types of plant milk and how they compare to regular cow milk.

Effectiveness of Aspirin Dosing and Cardiac Disease

There is a standard protocol if you have suffered a stroke or heart attack your doctor will most likely prescribe you a low dose of aspirin. Low-dose aspirin is 81 mg but aspirin also comes in a 325 mg dose. Over the years physicians and cardiologists have looked at which dose is the most appropriate one.

A recent study came out examining the difference in outcomes between 81mg of aspirin and 325mg of aspirin. It took a look at the appropriate dose of aspirin to lower the risk of death, MI, and stroke and minimize major bleeding in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [1].

• A total of 15,076 patients were followed for a median of 26.2 months
• Death, hospitalization for myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for stroke occurred in 590 patients in the 81-mg group and 569 patients in the 325-mg group
• Hospitalization for major bleeding occurred in 53 patients in the 81-mg group and 44 patients in the 325-mg group

Conclusion

• No significant differences in cardiovascular events or major bleeding between patients assigned 81 mg and that assigned 325 mg of aspirin daily.

Effectiveness of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion during Cardiac Surgery to Prevent Stroke

A left atrial appendage closure is a procedure done to close off an appendage protruding out of the left atrium. The issue with having an appendage is the risk of developing blood clots then leading to ischemic stroke, especially in people with afib [2].

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is derived from the left wall of the primary atrium, which forms during the fourth week of embryonic development.

Surgical occlusion of the left atrial appendage has been hypothesized to prevent ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, but this has not been proved. The procedure can be performed during cardiac surgery undertaken for other reasons.

The primary analysis population included 2379 participants in the occlusion group and 2391 in the no-occlusion group, with a mean age of 71 years. The participants were followed for a mean of 3.8 years. The procedure was performed as an adjunct to primary cardiovascular surgery.

• Stroke or systemic embolism occurred in 114 participants (4.8%) in the occlusion group and in 168 (7.0%) in the no-occlusion group

Conclusion

• Among participants with atrial fibrillation who had undergone cardiac surgery, most of whom continued to receive ongoing antithrombotic therapy. The risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism was lower with concomitant left atrial appendage occlusion performed during the surgery than without it.

How does Plant Milk Compare to Regular Cow Milk?

The debate about which milk is healthiest has been going on for years. We know cow milk is rich in many vitamins and minerals and has been drunk for years. Plant milk has been pushed as a good substitute for people who cannot or do not want to drink regular milk. How do they compare? 

The six most popular plant-based milk based on sales data from the past year are almond, oat, soy, coconut, pea, rice, and hemp milk [3].

The Different Kinds of Plant-Based Milk

• Cow’s milk 
  • Naturally rich in protein, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins, and is often fortified with vitamin A (which is naturally present in whole milk) and vitamin D.
    • Cal: 150, Protein: 7 grams, Fat: 5 grams, Carbohydrates: 8 grams.
• Almond milk
  • One cup of the unsweetened version has just 37 calories (about a quarter the amount in whole milk) and about 96 percent less saturated fat. It is no match for cow’s milk in terms of protein, it has just about 1 gram.
  • Many brands contain additives like carrageenan to thicken and prevent separation.
  • There is some debate about whether carrageenan promotes intestinal inflammation and damage. Still, most of the research on carrageenan and gut health has been conducted in animals and in labs.
• Oat milk
  • Oat milk has risen in popularity, sales are up 182% compared to last year.
  • One cup of oat milk has little saturated fat (0.5 grams) and slightly fewer calories than whole milk (120 versus 146) but has 7 grams of added sugars (plain milk has none) and only 3 grams of protein. It also has 2 grams of fiber, but that is not very much.
• Soy milk
  • When fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D, soy milk is the only non-dairy milk that is comparable to cow’s milk in terms of nutrient balance, according to the dietary guidelines.
  • One cup has 6 grams of protein, 105 calories, and about 89 percent less saturated fat than whole milk. It is also a natural source of potassium. 
  • There’s been some concern about the estrogen-mimicking compounds called isoflavones in soy.
• Coconut milk
  • It’s naturally sweet and has about half as many calories as whole milk, but has little protein (0.5 grams per cup), and has 5 grams of saturated fats, about the same amount as whole milk, with no healthy unsaturated fat.
• Pea milk
  • Pea milk is high in protein (8 grams per cup) and unsweetened versions contain about half the calories of whole milk and just half a gram of saturated fat.
• Rice milk
  • Made from brown rice, the milk has a naturally sweet taste. It has slightly fewer calories than whole milk (115 versus 146 per cup), and no saturated fat. However, it’s very low in protein (0.7 grams per cup). When compared with other plant-based milk.
  • The beverage also has fast-digesting carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into glucose.
• Hemp milk 
  • Hemp milk is made from ground, soaked hemp seeds, which do not contain the psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant.
  • The seeds are high in protein and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fats. Thus, hemp milk contains a slighter high amount of these nutrients than other plant milk.
    • Cal: 60 calories Protein: 3grams, Carbs: 0grams, Fat: 5grams

More research is needed on the type of milk that’s most beneficial and the effects of antibiotics and artificial hormones given to dairy cows.

It’s best to choose organic milk from cows that are free of growth hormones. Milk alternatives can also be part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Check out the full episode here and know more about cardiac research and your favorite milk. Click here 👇

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Intro
00:30 – Episode Introduction
01:15 – Effectiveness of Aspirin in Preventing Cardiovascular diseases
03:50 – Study conclusion
04:45 – Effectiveness of Left atrial appendage exclusion during cardiac surgery
08:10 – Debilitating effects of stroke
09:05 – Plant Milk vs. Regular Milk
11:00 – Sheep’s milk
13:00 – Museums in Chicago
15:52 – Cow’s Milk
17:06 – Almond Milk
19:12 – Oat Milk
20:44 – Soy Milk
24:24 – Coconut Milk
25:05 – Pea Milk
26:00 – Rice Milk
26:47 – Hemp Milk
27:37 – Know where your milk is coming from
28:42 – Wrapping up the episode