A heart attack prevention weapon discovered in a bowl of rice and a cup of morning coffee.

In a study recently published in the scientific journal Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, Japanese scientists have discovered a compound found in rice and coffee that may prevent heart attacks.

A study led by scientists at Toho University (Japan) used pig coronary arteries, which are very similar to human heart arteries. They tested the effects of ferulic acid – a natural compound found in rice, coffee, and some vegetables – on coronary artery spasms caused by chemical stimulation, according to the science news site Scitech Daily.

A compound found in rice and coffee may prevent heart attacks.

Photo: AI

Coronary artery spasm is a sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can cause angina, heart attack, and other serious cardiovascular problems.

The results revealed that ferulic acid can effectively prevent coronary artery spasms by targeting calcium channels and muscle proteins.

Ferulic acid prevents coronary artery spasms through two mechanisms.

Research has revealed two main effects of ferulic acid:

It prevents calcium from entering muscle cells through L-type calcium channels, a factor often responsible for arterial constriction.

It prevents arteries from constricting by inhibiting the activation of a specific protein called myosin light chain, which is essential for muscle contraction.

Coronary artery spasm is a sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can cause angina, heart attack, and other serious cardiovascular problems.

Photo: AI

More effective than medicine.

Surprisingly, ferulic acid is even more effective than Diltiazem, a widely used drug for dilating blood vessels.

Lead researcher, Dr. Kento Yoshioka, from the Department of Pharmacochemistry at Toho University, said: "Because ferulic acid is plant-derived and considered safe, it has the potential to become a healthy food ingredient or a basis for future heart medications."

This research opens the door to new, natural ways to support cardiovascular health, possibly through diet or supplements in the future, according to Scitech Daily.

Coffee, rice... contain ferulic acid.

Ferulic acid is found in some grains, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Cooking often increases the amount of ferulic acid, especially in grains.

This substance is found in the cell walls of many plants, including: coffee, rice, wheat, oats, apples, pineapples, artichokes, whole grains, peanuts, grapes, cilantro, spinach, tomatoes, eggplant, corn, oranges, and tangerines, according to the health news website Verywell Health.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-vu-khi-chong-dau-tim-tu-bat-com-va-tach-ca-phe-sang-185250615103058186.htm