{"id":180182,"date":"2026-02-06T15:30:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T15:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/raed.academy\/?p=180182"},"modified":"2026-02-11T15:25:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T15:25:56","slug":"mens-sana-in-corpore-sano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/raed.academy\/en\/mens-sana-in-corpore-sano\/","title":{"rendered":"Mens sana in corpore sano"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Enric

Enric Canela<\/p><\/div>\n

Enric Canela<\/strong>, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Barcelona<\/strong> and collaborator of the Royal European Academy of Doctors (READ)<\/strong>, shares with the academic community his most recent articles published on his blog enriccanela.cat<\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, a popular science platform devoted to health and well-being, as well as his latest contribution to the newspaper \u201cEl Punt-Avui\u201d<\/strong>, where he focuses on education and research. Specifically, these include the blog posts \u201cGenesis of Atherosclerosis\u201d<\/strong>, \u201cTea, the Queen of Infusions\u201d<\/strong>, and \u201cLactose Intolerance\u201d<\/strong>, together with the opinion piece \u201cRethinking the University\u201d<\/strong>, published between December 29 and January 28.<\/p>\n

The expert has also recently shared the articles \u201cLiving with the Sun\u201d<\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, \u201cThe Age of the Heart\u201d<\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, \u201cThe Risk of Melatonin\u201d<\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, and \u201cUnable to Grow\u201d<\/u><\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In \u201cGenesis of Atherosclerosis\u201d<\/strong>, the author explains what atherosclerosis is and how it is diagnosed and managed. \u201cAtherosclerosis originates when the endothelium\u2014the very thin inner layer lining all blood vessels\u2014is damaged. This damage may be caused by hypertension, smoking, or chronic inflammation, which is often associated with visceral obesity, diabetes, or an excess of reactive species\u2014oxidizing molecules\u2014produced in the body. Under normal conditions, nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive species that keeps the arterial wall flexible and reduces inflammation. However, other reactive species, whether endogenous or exogenous, inactivate it. In addition, both diabetes and excess visceral fat reduce NO production. When this occurs, the endothelium becomes more permeable and loses its ability to protect the inner wall of the vessel. It is then that lipoproteins can penetrate the subendothelium and initiate the process of atheroma formation,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

In \u201cTea, the Queen of Infusions\u201d<\/strong>, Canela examines the characteristics of what is considered the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water, having previously done the same with coffee. \u201cTea is attributed many health-promoting properties. It is true that it works well for improving digestion and cardiovascular health. There is scientific evidence supporting these effects, although the results do not clearly indicate that one type of infusion is preferable to another. Black tea may be better for digestion, whereas for cardiovascular health\u2014improving endothelial function and reducing blood pressure\u2014it seems that one type is no better than another. There is limited and not very robust scientific evidence suggesting that tea is beneficial for treating cancer or neurodegenerative diseases; most such references concern white and green tea. These effects would be attributable to polyphenols, and it is precisely white and green tea infusions, which are less oxidized, that contain the highest levels,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Mareefe en Pxhere<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

In \u201cLactose Intolerance\u201d<\/strong>, the Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology delves into one of the most common food intolerances. \u201cPrimary lactose intolerance\u2014the type that appears progressively with age\u2014is a common and normal condition in humans worldwide. In fact, it is the normal condition in mammals. Retaining lactase activity in adulthood is the exception rather than the rule. Mammals are born feeding exclusively on breast milk, which is rich in lactose. To digest it, lactase is expressed at high levels during lactation in all mammals. After weaning, expression of the lactase gene decreases in a programmed manner and the animal ceases to produce lactase. The consequence is an inability to digest lactose in adulthood. This loss may be total or partial, giving rise to primary lactose intolerance,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

Finally, in \u201cRethinking the University\u201d<\/strong>, the READ collaborator calls for effective knowledge transfer, so that universities ensure research reaches society in a critical and truthful manner, rather than merely producing science. \u201cTo what extent does the university have the capacity to convey knowledge to the public? Today we see how many citizens express opinions based on ignorance of scientific issues, some of which put their own health and that of others at risk. How can the expert\u2019s voice travel further and be more respected than that of the media personality whom the media readily provide with platforms to disseminate their message? How can information be effectively filtered? How can interference from actors who spread pseudoscientific disinformation and conspiratorial narratives be countered? Only a combination of human oversight, advanced technologies, and a critical culture can minimize the effects of manipulation. Achieving this requires educating people capable of thinking, judging, and acting with discernment in a complex technological environment, while preserving the humanistic, social, and democratic value of higher education,\u201d he affirms.<\/p>\n

Articles<\/strong><\/h3>\n