2 March 2012
A nutrient that is found in the dark meat of poultry could have cardiovascular benefits, potentially helping people to avoid heart problems, scientists have found.
Naturally-occurring nutrient taurine was found to be linked to significantly lower coronary heart disease risk among women with high total cholesterol levels, according to research published online in the European Journal of Nutrition.
However, this effect was not witnessed in women with low cholesterol levels.
Taurine is found in the dark meat of turkey and chicken as well as in some fish and shellfish.
Principal investigator Yu Chen commented: "Our findings were very interesting. Taurine, at least in its natural form, does seem to have a significant protective effect in women with high cholesterol."
She continued that if the findings are confirmed with further research, doctors may be able to recommend that people with high cholesterol eat more poultry, and dark meat in particular.
Posted by Edward Bartel
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