A recent study suggest that eating of eggs should be done in moderation, especially for people at high risk for heart diseases.

A review regarding the dangers of cholesterol present in a person’s diet, especially for those who are at risk of a stroke or heart attack, was published by three leading physicians in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. The review was actually a warning, saying that one of the leading sources of cholesterol are egg yolks, which may contain cholesterol levels from 215 to 275 mg, depending on its size. It was actually compared to Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Double Down bun-less sandwich made up of cheese and bacon in between two slabs of fried chicken.  KFC’s one-of-a-kind sandwich is said to contain a cholesterol level of 150 mg.  For patients who are at risk of developing diseases of the heart, a limit to their total dietary cholesterol is set:  it should be less than 200 mg of cholesterol on a daily basis.

Dr. David Spence from The University of Western Ontario, a stroke prevention expert; Dr. David Jenkins, a nutrition expert coming from  Toronto’s St. Michael Hospital’s Risk Factor Modification Center; and Dr. Jean Davignon, a cholesterol expert from Montreal’s Clinique de nutrition métabolisme et athérosclérose, were the three physicians who conducted and published the review.

Dr. Spence, a scientist and professor at Robarts Research Institutes’ Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, said that the aim of the review is to put cholesterol into the spotlight, mainly because there have been a pervasive misconception among some physicians and the Canadian public as well, saying that consuming more and more amounts of egg yolks and dietary cholesterol is harmless.  He said that most of this has something to do with efficient marketing of eggs.

The said review made a commentary with regards to the difference between dietary cholesterol and fasting cholesterol levels.  It also tackled two large-scale studies which illustrated that no harm is done when egg is consumed by healthy people.  The authors of the review pointed out that in both previous studies, subjects who developed diabetes as they were consuming one egg per day had a two-fold risk of developing cardiovascular diseases as compared to the subject who ate less than one egg per week.  Furthermore, the studies indicated that consuming eggs on a regular basis brought out a significant increase in the development of new-onset diabetes mellitus.

As a conclusion, the authors said that the value of egg white remains to be unquestionable.  It is still an important source of protein that is excellent in quality.  However, egg yolks are another story.  The high levels of cholesterol present in an egg yolk is enough reason for it not to be eaten indiscriminately, especially by adults who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

The Egg in Focus:  Why You Should Not Stop Eating Eggs

The result of the review is enough reason for you to back down on eating eggs, stop altogether and look for other sources of protein.  WRONG.  Truth of the matter is, the egg is one of the best sources of high-quality, low-cost protein, supplying 11.1 percent of a person’s daily needs.  But this does not mean that we can all simply discount the findings of the study and consider it as untrue.  What the study was trying to tell us is that, everything should be done in moderation.  Too much of something is bad, and in this case, too eating too much whole eggs (the white and the yolk) is not advised, most especially for people who are at high risk for diseases of the heart.

Eating whole eggs, especially organic ones, does wonders for the body.  This may be the perfect time to weigh in on the advantages and disadvantages of eating eggs.

Eggs Boost Brain Health

One of the health benefits of eggs is their role in one’s diet as a good source of choline, an important component in body structures such as cell membranes as it maintains the cell’s integrity and flexibility.  Choline is also needed for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits messages to and from cells, especially in the brain. Sufficient amounts of choline allows proper functioning of the brain cells, helping improve one’s thinking, memory, judgment and other brain functions.

Although the human body is capable of producing choline, it cannot produce sufficient levels enough for the body’s use.  Lack of choline may cause deficiency in folic acid, another form of vitamin B that is critical for one’s health.

Eggs Reduces Inflammation

Again, the choline found in eggs are responsible for reducing the levels of inflammatory markers inside the body.  This is according to a study conducted by Greek researchers , the result of which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. For subjects whose diets were supplemented with choline and its betaine metabolite, the levels of inflammatory markers such as tumour necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 were 20 percent lower compared to the subjects with low intake. These inflammatory markers have been linked to various conditions which includes type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and heart disease.

According to the study, the richest source of choline is found in the egg yolk.

Eggs Help in Losing Weight

A controlled, randomized trial involving 160 obese and overweight men and women was conducted by Dhurandhar and company.  The participants were divided into two groups:  one group was given breakfast with two eggs, and the other group was given a bagel for breakfast. The amount of calories was calculated in order to ensure that both groups receive the same amount of calories. The study was conducted for a period of 8 weeks, where the participants had to eat their assigned breakfast menu 5 days a week.

After the 8-week period, results showed that the egg-eaters lost weight, two times more than their bagel-eating counterparts.  They also had an 83 percent reduction in waist circumference, and they reported better energy levels.

Eggs are good for the Eyes

Egg yolks contain large amounts of carotenoids, specifically zeaxanthin and lutein.  Studies have shown that increased dietary intake of zeaxanthin and lutein is linked to a significant reduction in the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration and cataract. The studies were conducted by at the University of Massachusetts.

Eggs help prevent Blood Clots

According to a study that was published in Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, proteins contained in egg yolk are responsible for inhibiting the aggregation of platelets.  It also prolongs fibrinogen to fibrin conversion time thereby reducing the possibility of blood clot formation.  Blood clots pose as a health threat when it impedes blood circulation.

Sources
healthdiaries.com
whfoods.com
eurekalert.org

A recent study has found out that the consumption of concentrated orange juice helps in lowering LDL-cholesterol in the body.

Much has been said about the effects of having high levels of LDL in the body.  Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) are commonly known as the bad form of cholesterol and have been greatly associated with a higher risk of developing diseases of the heart that may lead to life-threatening conditions such as stroke and heart attack.  This is due to the fact that when LDL cholesterol levels become too high, they have the tendency to stick to the walls of the blood vessels, which causes fatty plaque build-up, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. As previously stated, high LDL level is a chief risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.  This explains why LDL is called as the “bad” cholesterol.

It is not strange, therefore, that people are becoming more and more concerned with their cholesterol levels.  Numerous research ventures have been conducted with the main goal of finding ways to lower down LDL levels.  One such venture is the result of a study which was published in Nutrition Research, suggesting that the intake of a concentrated form of orange juice has the potential of reducing LDL cholesterol levels, especially in people with high levels of cholesterol in their bodies.  Concentrated orange juice, which contains high amounts of flavonoids, does not only exert its effects on the LDL cholesterol levels, but also in a person’s lipid profile, by escalating the transfer of free cholesterol.

The authors of the study, headed by Thais Cesar from Brazil’s Sao Paulo State University, said that the effects of taking in orange juice may be considered as beneficial to people with normal cholesterol levels, and those diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol levels in the blood).  The researchers went on to report that consuming orange juice has become a part of a person’s dietary habit worldwide.  However, the practice of consuming concentrated forms of orange juice has become quite popular over the years.

Concentrated or Fresh?

It is best to point out that concentrated orange juice contain high amounts of flavonoids as compared to fresh orange juice. These flavonoids are naringin, hesperitin as well as polymethoxylated flavones (PMF).  The difference lies in the manufacturing process.  Concentrated orange juice makes use of the entire orange fruit.  This means that essential oils and pectin, which are found in the peel, are included in the concentrated form.

Other studies that have been conducted previously have shown that supplementation with naringin, hesperitin and PMF can indeed reduce the level of triglycerides and low density lipoprotein circulating in the blood.  At the same time, studies about the consumption of orange juice or the flavonoids in an orange extract have also shown favourable effects on the levels of plasma lipids.  Despite all these valuable information regarding orange juice, its function towards serum lipids have been hardly ever investigated.

Details of the Study

The consumption of orange juice reportedly caused a decrease in the LDL cholesterol levels of the hypercholesterolemic group, but did not have any effects on the normolipidemic group.  It was noted, however, that the triglycerides and the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels remained unchanged for people from both groups. The researchers further reported that the transfer of free cholesterol to HDL intensified in both groups, but a decrease in phospholipid and triglyceride transfers was observed.

For subjects with normal cholesterol levels (normolipidemic group), the intake of orange juice elicited a 48 percent increase in the transfer of free cholesterol, and 9 percent in phospholipid transfers.  The hypercholesterolemic group exhibited a 22 percent increase in free-cholesterol transfer, but the transfer of phospholipids decreased by 10 percent, and transfer of triglycerides went down by 23 percent after the intake of orange juice.  The authors of the study concluded that the consumption of orange juice leads to a decrease in LDL-cholesterol levels of subjects with hypercholesterolemia.

Natural Ways to Lower Bad Cholesterol

While orange juice may be able to decrease LDL, there is one caveat to this:  it contains high amounts of sugar.  This means that one can simply start drinking gallons and gallons of orange juice per week.  One should know that there are a lot of other natural options that are considered safe and effective.  It is just a matter of imposing self-discipline and choosing what you feel is right for you.  Here are some practical and inexpensive ways of lowering your bad cholesterol level:

Stop being a couch potato

The first few changes a person has to make are related to lifestyle.  Are you spending more time in the couch, watching TV, and munching on junk foods? Then, it is time to stop.  Get those rubber shoes out of the closet and start jogging – or you may just do brisk-walking. High intensity exercises are not a requirement, although it can significantly increase the levels of the good cholesterol (HDL).

In fact, one study has shown that walking helps in reducing the risk of heart disease. For 18 weeks, the subjects went on once-a-day walks and their LDL levels went down by 8.3 percent.

Walking is the simplest form of exercise too, and it helps you lose weight as well, especially for people who want to shed off extra pounds. Research studies say that being overweight disturbs the normal metabolism of fats contained in the diet.  So this would ultimately increase cholesterol levels.  Shedding off at least 5 pounds will do wonders in decreasing LDL cholesterol.

Choose Soluble Fibers

Foods such as beans, whole grains, vegetables and fruits contain high amounts of soluble fibers, which act as a broom, sweeping off excess cholesterol in the body.  One study suggested that a 15 g intake of soluble fiber each day is enough to lower LDL levels by 5 to 10 percent.

Eat Fish

The American Heart Association said that consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids lowers triglyceride levels and diminishes the growth of fatty plaques which causes atherosclerosis.  Best source of Omega-3 fatty acids are fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna.  Other supplemental sources include unprocessed oils such as olive oil, cod liver oil and fish oil.

Discover Lecithin

Lecithin has been widely used all over the world to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia, as this has the capacity to prevent fatty build-up in the walls of the blood vessels, thereby contributing to good cardiovascular health.

Go for Garlic

This very popular spice is known to lower LDL-cholesterol while increasing HDL levels, contributing to a healthy heart.

These are but few natural means of lowering down bad cholesterol levels.  If you search hard enough, you can surely come up with more options that would best fit your needs.

Sources
prevention.com
positivehealthsteps.com
nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com
nutraingredients.com

A group of researchers found that eating 45 grams of dark chocolate in a day for a period of 16 weeks can potentially reduce the cholesterol levels of diabetic patients.

Understanding Bad Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol in the body: the good and bad. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is referred to as bad cholesterol since high levels of LDL results to a higher risk of developing coronary and cardiovascular diseases. It interferes with healthy blood flow by sticking on artery walls and forming a thick and hard cholesterol plaque. This narrows the blood passages in a process called atherosclerosis.

There’s a good type of cholesterol, on the other hand, that is essential in preventing and reversing the adverse effects of LDL accumulation by extracting the bad cholesterol from the walls of the artery and removing them from the body through the liver. The body needs to have more of the good cholesterol in order to function properly. Good cholesterol is responsible for promoting the fluidity and permeability of membranes and it is also essential in the manufacturing of bile acids that breaks down fats and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin D and vitamin A.

A person’s bad cholesterol level is greatly influenced by his diet and hereditary condition. Eating foods with high contents of saturated fats will result to the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood. Rich sources of saturated fats are dairy products and meat. Vegetable oils from cocoa, palm and coconut are also rich in saturated fats. There is a specific health condition which may result to high LDL levels despite minimal intake of saturated fats. This is called familial hypercholesterolemia which literally means more cholesterol in the blood. It can be inherited and is usually brought about by the lack of cholesterol receptors in the cells of the liver. Note that the liver is responsible for the processing of LDL cholesterol. This condition can result to atherosclerosis and other coronary diseases in early adulthood. High cholesterol levels have also been linked by different studies to diabetes.

There will always be a natural way of reducing the risk of health conditions such as coronary diseases and diabetes. Medical experts will always recommend healthy diet and active lifestyle on top of anything else. A group of researchers from the Hull York Medical School of the University of Hull found that eating one of our most favorite bitter-sweet treats can reduce the cholesterol levels of diabetic patients.

Dark Chocolate against High Cholesterol in Diabetics

An Overview

A group of researchers from the Hull York Medical School published a study in Diabetic Medicine saying that dark chocolate has the capacity to lower cholesterol levels in people suffering from diabetes. Their findings may sound incongruous but they have found that eating 45 grams of dark chocolate reduced the cholesterol levels of 12 diabetic participants in a study period of 4 months. The head of the research team and professor of diabetes and endocrinology, Steve Atkins, said that their study demonstrated that dark chocolate can result to the reduction of cardiovascular risk caused by insulin resistance and being overweight. The 12 participants had type 2 diabetes, a condition wherein cells are weakly responsive to insulin naturally produced by the body.

The Benefits of Polyphenols

The researchers linked the positive results of their study to polyphenols found in cocoa. This compound has a powerful anti-inflammatory property, making it a strong and effective antioxidant. As its natural function, polyphenols protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which causes it to become glued to artery walls, causing atherosclerosis. A person can maintain high levels of polyphenols in the body by eating foods rich in polyphenols; topping the list is cacao alongside green tea and wine. The researchers suggested for chocolate manufacturers to create smaller packages of dark chocolate bars in order to give individuals with diabetes a better way to manage their intake of polyphenol-rich chocolates and so they can better take advantage of its benefits in lowering their blood cholesterol levels.

The Methodology and Results

The researchers recruited a group of 12 diabetic patients and gave them 3 bars of 15-gram dark chocolate bars per day for a period of 16 weeks. The chocolate bars contained 85 percent cocoa and other placebo bars did not have any cocoa content and was only dyed to achieve the same color as dark chocolate. They said that the bars were no bigger than a banana and, unlike the usual way of eating a banana, the bars were eaten at different points of the day. The researchers also said that dark chocolate has a low glycaemic index which related to the release of glucose into the blood stream from sugars.

Though the researchers used a very small group, the participants did not report any increase in weight nor did they experience problems in controlling their blood sugar levels brought by their existing health condition. They said that the study is only a preliminary of more and bigger studies to come and they will be releasing more information regarding their findings in the following days.

Foods against Bad Cholesterol

The body’s bad cholesterol level is a major health concern. High levels of bad cholesterol in the body may result to coronary problems and other serious health problems. But eating the right kind of foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help in managing cholesterol levels and promoting a healthier body.

• The body needs soluble fiber in order to sweep out saturated fats which can increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Soluble fiber can be found in oatmeal, prunes, barley, pears apples and kidney beans. Including some of the fiber-rich foods in ones daily diet can reduce the risk of developing diseases caused by bad cholesterol.
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, lake trout and mackerel can also help in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing blood pressure by preventing the clotting of the blood and the accumulation of bad cholesterol on the walls of the arteries.
• Almonds, walnuts and other kinds of nuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which helps maintain the smooth passage of blood through the blood vessels and reduce blood cholesterol levels. Eating around 43 grams of nuts can lower the risk of developing heart diseases according to the Food and Drug Administration. But keep in mind that nuts are packed with calories so eating a handful can be enough.
• Other foods that can lower bad cholesterol levels are those fortified with plant sterols like yogurt drinks, orange juice and margarine. Eating at least 2 grams of plant sterols through rich food sources can lower LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent.

Sources:
nutraingredients.com
medicinenet.com
raysahelian.com
mayoclinic.com
webmd.com

Nuts can generally lower your chances of suffering from cardiovascular maladies if eaten regularly throughout the week.

In the endless battle against heart disease and bad cholesterol, one type of food is standing out from the crowd of ‘would be’ super foods in terms of performance: nuts.

Several studies in the US and around the world have already attributed the power of nuts to lower LDL (or “bad cholesterol”) and generally improve a person’s cardiovascular profile.   According to a more recent investigation of the health benefits of nuts, headed by Loma Linda University researchers, consuming more than two ounces of nuts everyday for a few weeks produced long-lasting, positive effects.

The study involved more than five hundred respondents (males and females), none of which were taking any medications to control their blood pressure or cholesterol levels.  After approximately two months of natural “nut therapy”, the findings are as follows:

• 5.1% total cholesterol reduction
• 7.4% LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol reduction
• 10.2% reduction of triglycerides
• 8.3% improvement of bad cholesterol & good cholesterol ratios

Who will benefit the most from eating nuts?  The researchers have pointed out three key groups that will benefit the most, based on the respondent profiles and the results of the actual study:

• Individuals who are generally slim or of normal weight
• Individuals who already have a high level of “bad cholesterol” or LDL cholesterol
• Individuals whose main diet is composed mainly of high-fat foods

As can be seen from the three profiles, nearly everyone can benefit from consuming nuts on a regular basis.  And there are even more reasons to love this health food: according to Joan Sabate MD, one of the key researchers of the Loma Linda University study, nuts are packed with essential nutrients such as protein and fiber, which makes it an ideal snack.

If you like the idea of lowering your LDL cholesterol, you will not be stuck with oatmeal-based snacks anymore – you have a potent, alternative choice in the form of nuts.  All nuts will provide the same heart-healthy benefits.  So whether you love pecans or macadamias, your heart is still getting much needed help from the natural compounds found in nuts.

More reasons to love nuts

Need more reasons to start munching on nuts more often? Here they are:
1. Eating at least 1 ounce of nuts everyday can reduce your risk for developing coronary heart problems by a whopping forty percent.  That is almost half the total risk for this devastating group of cardiovascular diseases.

2. As early as 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration has already recognized the efficacy at which walnuts can lower blood cholesterol levels.  According to studies, walnuts contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids.  In addition to the heart-healthy fatty acid, walnuts also come with a healthy dose of fiber and vitamin E, which can help reduce cell damage due to free radicals.

Fiber on the other hand, encourages a healthy digestive process by helping ‘sweep away’ the solid waste.  Getting enough fiber everyday is becoming a problem in modern society because many modern diets are high in fat and animal protein but low in roughage.  Eating walnuts and other nuts packed with fiber can help reduce the problems associated with low-fiber diets.

3. What about peanuts?  Peanuts are not really nuts; they come from plants that are part of the legume family.  Fortunately, peanuts have the same chemical compounds as most nuts.  So when you are eating peanuts (a type of legume) you are still getting the advantages of eating ‘true nuts’.

4. According to studies on pistachios, the nut can slightly reduce the LDL cholesterol in the body and raise the good cholesterol level.  I’m actually snacking on some pistachios right now as I’m writing this article!

5. Plan to get pregnant anytime soon?  If you do, eating nuts gives you access to a healthy source of folic acid. Folic acid is an important compound that prevents fetuses from developing physical and neurological abnormalities.

6. According to a study performed by researchers from the Physician’s Health Study, people who ate nuts at least twice a week are at less risk of dying from heart attacks than those who did not.

7. Peanuts contain the heart-healthy compound resveratrol which has been linked to the decreased incidence of heart disease in French society.  Though you get less resveratrol with peanuts, consuming peanuts regularly can supply you enough of the compound to ward off heart problems.

Tips for healthy munching

While nuts offer a lot of health benefits, it still has calories and some amount of fat.  Here are some tips for healthy munching:

1. Avoid eating salted nuts; the sodium used for flavor enhancement can raise your blood pressure.  Go for plain or unsalted commercial nuts.  Salt doesn’t really add much depth to a nut’s natural flavor.

2. If you are eating more nuts, you have to reduce your intake of other snack foods like potato chips and sodas.  (As an added note, if you like soda with your snacks, try substituting it with water or natural fruit juices).

3. If you like fresh greens, chop some nuts and add them to your salads. The texture and crunchiness of nuts will greatly improve your salad.  Also, you are getting even more fiber from eating fresh greens!

Sources:
aolhealth.com
heartdisease.about.com
cholesterol.about.com
cholesterol.about.com
www.vegan.org.nz
www.healthcastle.com

Pistachios are a great way to start the day – because it protects the heart and lowers bad cholesterol.

Pistachios are well-loved nuts, not just in the United States but around the globe. We have even more reasons to love this health nut: researchers from Pennsylvania State University  concluded that pistachios are ideal for controlling cholesterol levels because it’s natural packed with nutrients and good fats which helps the cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

The study involved 28 respondents (adult males and females) who were given pistachios during the research period. The nuts had a marked effect on the LDL or bad cholesterol level of the test respondents.

Other benefits of pistachios

Pistachios are packed with lutein and other organic compounds that serve as anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants reduce cell damage and further protects cells from the ravages of free radicals.

Coupled with the right diet and exercise, a heart-healthy meal plan consisting of pistachios, vegetables and lean meat can significantly contribute to decreasing cardiovascular problems and even cancer. It’s all about synergy – the components of a fitness plan must be synergistic with each other to work well.

In addition to being loaded with anti-oxidants, pistachio nuts are also great sources of vitamins and minerals. Minerals like iron, which are present in pistachios, are heart protectors. In the long term, eating foods similar to pistachios will enhance the protective effect of a heart-healthy diet.

Tips for lowering LDL cholesterol

1. As much as possible, stick to lean, white meats and avoid red meats. Red meats are packed with bad cholesterol (LDL) and only make things worse.

2. Moderate consumption of red wine (and other wines with resveratrol) may reduce LDL and protect your heart, too. Note that a small quantity of wine, drank regularly every week is sufficient. Do not overdo alcohol consumption.

3. Eat foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes

4.Cold water fishes packed with omega-3 fatty acids are also ideal in combating high cholesterol levels.

5. 42.5 grams of healthy nuts like pistachios and even walnuts can help lower your cholesterol over the long term.

Summary: Pistachios are a great way to start the day – because it protects the heart and lowers bad cholesterol.

Sources:
webmd.com
mayoclinic.com
cholesterol.about.com

A new report from the Mayo Clinic points out that your cholesterol levels can reflect details about your overall health including the quality of your diet and exercise plan.

Your cholesterol levels can tell you more than just your levels of triglycerides!  Researchers have now determined that cholesterol levels can now also report on a person’s lifestyle choices.  The Mayo Clinic Health Letter recently released their findings that a person’s level of overall health is reflected in their good and bad cholesterol levels.

While cholesterol is normal for our bodies and is found in all of our cells, too much cholesterol can put your blood vessels at risk.  Bad cholesterol can cause our blood vessels to narrow and blood flow to be restricted.  Obviously this is a problem that can lead to health problems like heart attack and stroke.

If you are looking to reduce your LDL levels, be sure to eat less saturated fats, trans fats and increase your intake of healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and flax seed oil.  Also foods high in soluble fiber, such as oatmeal,  are recommended to reduce the LDL.

HDL levels reflect good cholesterol. If you have low HDL, this fact means that you may very well have a sedentary lifestyle.  Also, more than likely, you don’t exercise enough.  Exercising, of course, has a number of health benefits including raising your levels of good cholesterol.

According to P.K. Shah, MD, director of cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, “Boosting HDL is the next frontier in heart disease prevention.”  Reducing your calories, sugar, and alcohol consumption can also improve your HDL levels.

Fish oil can also go a long way in helping people with low HDL.  Other suggestions include red yeast rice supplementation, taking a niacin supplement, and eating foods that have lower glycemic levels.

Sources:
medicalnewstoday.com
webmd.com

Experiments from Italian-based scientists shows that the statin drugs Zocor and Simvacor can interfere with the body’s ability to fight pathogens.

Statin drugs are used to help prevent heart attacks and reduce bad cholesterol levels.  This medicine is frequently given to people when doctors believe that they may be at risk for cardiac related issues.  One popular statin drug that is constantly advertised is Lipitor.  Sure, these statin drugs are distributed like candy.  But is this a good thing?  Increasingly, studies are showing that the answer to this question is no.

A new study out of Italy looked into the statin drug simvastatin, which is sold under the names “Zocor” and “Simvacor.”  The potential problem that these researchers found is that this statin drug interferes with the body’s ability to kill pathogens.  And to make matters worse, Simvastin is also thought to produce cytokines, which cause inflammation.

In this recent study, the scientists placed Staphlococcus aureus on cells and then treated these cells with simvastin.  It was found that the cell’s normal ability to remove the pathogen was impaired once the simvastin was introduced.  The scientists also repeated this research with mice and saw the same results.

Even aside from this study, researchers have found other harmful effects of statins over the years.  These are a class of blockbuster drugs that generate huge revenue for big business pharmaceutical companies.  Of course, there are safe and effective ways of lowering cholesterol that do not involve taking medicine.

The first step to lowering cholesterol is to eat a healthy diet.  In fact, the American Heart Association recommends 25-30 grams of dietary fiber each day.  This goal is easily achievable through eating a lot of fruits and vegetables.  The easiest way to do this is through juicing your fruits and vegetables.  Also 30 minutes of exercise a day is key.  Of course, you should avoid smoking cigarettes for this reason as well as a host of others.  Smoking is counterproductive to good cholesterol since it lowers the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in the body.

There are delicious foods out there that can work to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. For example, pistachios can improve your heart health.  Other studies have shown that combining foods including almonds, soy protein, oats, barley and plant sterol enriched margarine can help lower cholesterol levels.

The bottom line is to try natural solutions for reducing your cholesterol before opting for statin drugs, which are full of negative side-effects. Just because these drugs are constantly advertised on TV doesn’t mean that they are a good idea for you and your family.

Sources:
newsmaxhealth.com
heartdisease.about.com

The cholesterol-lowering drug Zetia may need a new description: Researchers find the B vitamin niacin to be more effective.

As any practitioner of natural medicine can attest, natural medicine is often shoved aside as a “pseudo-science.”  Natural herbs, nutrients and supplements may be beneficial for the body, sure, but only pharmaceuticals can reverse heart disease or lower cholesterol they say.

Well truth be told, their assertions hold at least a kernel’s worth of truth.  I say that because just about everyone knows of at least one occasion in which a cholesterol-lowering drug has worked.  The same generalization can’t be said for natural medicine, only because all-natural medicine is not as widely practiced as traditional medicine is.

And while that trend may not change any time soon, a trend that may change— and if it doesn’t it OUGHT to—is the notion that traditional medicine supersedes natural medicine’s effectiveness.  It couldn’t be said before, but it most certainly can’t be said now.

Publishing their results in the New England Journal of Medicine and presenting their findings to the American Heart Association last Sunday, researchers from the Lipid/Prevention Clinic in Washington, D.C. report that niacin is more effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels than the cholesterol-lowering drug Zetia, better at reducing plaque build-up than Zetia, and better at increasing HDL cholesterol levels Zetia.

At a news conference on Nov. 15, the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Allen Taylor, said to the assemblage of reporters that, “This trial provides a clear and undeniable (emphasis added) statement on the superior clinical effectiveness of niacin over ezetimibe.”  Ezetimibe is the actual name of Zetia, the drug that lowers cholesterol.

But as Taylor indicated in his comments to the press, Zetia’s reputation for lowering cholesterol has preceded it.

Over 14 months, when researchers analyzed and observed the 363 patients taking either a niacin prescription and a statin or Zetia for treatment, they found that those taking the niacin experienced fewer heart-related maladies (like heart attacks), and had an improved cholesterol profile (i.e. higher HDL count, lower LDL count).

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, the participants on the niacin also used statins, but you already know my stance on statins.  Besides, the researchers pointed to niacin as the true catalyst in lowering cholesterol.

Where this study may go off the rails for natural medicine adherents is the fact that the participants used a prescription kind of niacin rather than an over-the-counter niacin supplement.  Dr. Taylor said over-the-counter niacin’s “safety and efficacy are unknown,” thus was loath to suggest over-the-counter niacin is every bit as effective as prescription niacin.

But as the Mayo Clinic notes, niacin supplements have “long been used to increase high density lipoprotein” levels.  In fact, some studies have found niacin to increase HDL levels by as much as 35 percent!  And when used with statins, they’ve been known to increase HDL levels by 50 percent!

As always, you should consult your doctor before going off cholesterol-lowering (or should I say allegedly cholesterol-lowering) medications like Zetia.

Niacin is a natural vitamin that’s part of the B vitamin family.  It’s plentiful in whole grains and nuts, but it’s also replete in vegetables, particularly mushrooms (Crimini), asparagus spears, and romaine lettuce.  For protein, look no further than chicken breast (a four ounce breast has 72 percent of your recommended daily value) and yellow fin tuna.

If nothing else, this study shows that natural medicine is just what’s it’s always been cracked up to be by those of us who are so passionate about it:  Every bit as effective as traditional treatments, and in this case, even more so.

Sources:
health.usnews.com
mayoclinic.com
en.wikipedia.org
whfoods.com

Atkins is now advocating plant-based proteins for weight loss.

Remember the Atkins Diet?  The diet that said you could splurge on pretty much any and all protein sources – no matter how fatty it was or how congested with cholesterol it happened to be?

For many people, this form of dieting worked. People reigned in their troublesome tummies, and did it without having to sacrifice strips of bacon, slabs of steak or plates full of pork rinds.

One problem, though:  Their cholesterol levels spiked.

As many of you know, you don’t have to be morbidly obese to have high cholesterol levels – as unhealthy levels can ravage the “lose a few” crowd or the rail thin folk.  Because when you consume red meat and fatty protein sources on a regular basis, all that saturated fat gets stored, slowly but surely blocking your body’s blood flow from normal circulation.

And a smorgasbord of health hazards result after that, chief among them the nation’s leading killer:  heart disease.

That said, Atkins has seen the err of its ways and is on the verge of unveiling a new diet plan that keeps a premium on protein, but shifts the emphasis to plant-based proteins.

As the country is becoming more eco-friendly, so too is Atkins.  In fact, the research on plant-based proteins that’s published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine has dubbed this new take on weight loss as the ‘Eco-Atkins’ diet.

Researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto had 50 participants partake in a study that randomly assigned some of them a high protein diet derived mainly from plant-based foods, like soy, gluten, nuts, fruits and vegetable oils.  The other half consumed a high carbohydrate, low fat dairy diet, but the carbohydrates were all from healthy sources (whole grain).

With the participants following these rather regimented diet plans for four weeks, the researchers found that those on the Eco-Atkins Diet lost slightly more weight than the high carbohydrate dieters, but their blood cholesterol levels were significantly lower. What’s more, their blood pressure levels dropped (a topic that’s near and dear to my heart, for those of you who’ve read “The Blood Pressure Miracle” already know).

More research needs to be done before researchers sign off on this latest Atkins incarnation, as the study was small in scope and short in length.  I have no doubt that the benefits will translate outward, though, as consuming more plant-based protein foods are always a better option, in that they’re void of harmful chemicals that meat products are often pumped with for preservation purposes (which is why I’m such a fan of grass-fed bison, but that’s a topic for another day).

As I’ve written in the past, I’m not a vegan and I don’t play one on television.  However, I’m definitely someone who advises that your meals be taken up primarily by high quality fruits and vegetables primarily, ones that have the appropriate balance of fats and proteins.

Some of the best sources for protein among vegetables include alfalfa sprouts (one cup= about 1.5 g of protein), artichokes (one medium=about 4 g of protein), and asparagus (eight spears=about 3.1 g of protein).

The aforementioned are virtually void of any plant-based fats, but avocados make up the difference (4.5 g of fat in a one-ounce serving).  And while we should generally keep our fat intake relatively low, we all need fat to ensure that the vitamins we eat get properly absorbed.

That said, an avocado has about .60 grams of protein in a one-ounce serving (which is the equivalent of two tablespoons, one-fifth of a medium-sized avocado, or two to three thinly cut slices).

None of these are eye-popping protein numbers, I grant you, but they’re the best nature has to offer.

(Interesting fact:  California avocados pack more protein per ounce than Florida avocados:  .60 grams vs. .45 grams.  Who knew?)

Sources:
nutraingredients.com
fatfreekitchen.com
avocado.org

Salmon is a heart-healthy rich source of Omega-3.

There are few things more satisfying than recommending something years ago, and having those recommendations supported by science several years later.

“The Blood Pressure Miracle ” started out as an e-book.  Years later, thanks to you, the print version of “The Blood Pressure Miracle ” has achieved best seller status on Amazon.com.

Of course I’m happy about this, but I honestly expected nothing else.  People recognize the legitimacy of all-natural healing methods, which has been made manifest to me in the amount of positive feedback I’ve received throughout my career,  and even more so recently.  That’s because people have employed my scientifically-backed methods, and it’s paying dividends for thousands upon thousands of people.

One of the things I recommend in my book is supplementing with omega-3s , be it in pill form or in the foods we eat.  The omega-3s found primarily in fish are loaded with benefits for the brain, heart, immune and digestive systems.  Its benefits are so far-reaching, that it’s often referred to as the “miracle fat.”

And it was this “miracle fat” that researchers from four universities supplied approximately 300 overweight and hypertensive volunteers with.

To analyze the effects of omega-3s on the volunteers, the researchers had the participants consume one of several omega-3 diets over the course of eight weeks, all of which were energy-restricted:  a cod diet, a salmon diet, a fish oil diet or a control diet.  The people who ate the fish (lucky them!) ate 150 grams of their respective fish three times a week, the salmon one containing about 2.3 grams of omega-3s per day, the cod about 0.3 grams of omega-3s per day.  Those on the fish oil supplements had about 1.3 grams of omega-3s per day.

By the study’s conclusion, not only had the participants on the fish diets dropped weight – nearly 12 pounds on average – but their blood pressure levels dropped as well.

Any blood pressure level that’s over 120/80 is in the worry stage, but anything over 140/90 is the red alert stage.  So when researchers found that these hypertensive participants had dropped their systolic and diastolic pressure levels by 4.4 and 7.4 mmHg, respectively, you can imagine the relief they felt (not to mention the participants themselves).  And that was after just two months – imagine the benefits on the participants a year from now!

This was a joint study conducted by several world-renowned universities, including the University of Iceland and the University of Navarra.  It will soon be published in the journal Nutrition , but it can be found in its pre-published form on their Web site.

When it comes to omega-3s, the benefits just keep evolving.  They’re a lot like a movie or book that you’ve seen or read over and over again, where every time you go back to it, you get a new wrinkle, a new permutation that you didn’t recognized before.

The best sources for omega-3s are through fish, salmon being among the most abundant.  But as this study demonstrates, even cod – a rather bland, flaky fish that is comparatively lacking in omega-3s – can bring down those blood pressure levels.
Bottom line: Get these miracle fats into your system and let them work their wonder!

Source:
nutraingredients.com