Be Well Buzz » cholesterol http://www.bewellbuzz.com The Daily Buzz On Being Well Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:19:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Gallbladder Diet: Foods for Gallbladder Problems http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/gallbladder-problems/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/gallbladder-problems/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:03:36 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=7503 gallbladder

Most people never give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. The pear-shaped organ does have an important job, collecting and storing bile - the fluid that helps the body digest fats. But unlike the heart, liver, and kidneys, the gallbladder isn't necessary to keep the body healthy and functioning. Even when it isn't working as well as it should and gallstones develop, most people are unaware that there is a problem. Yet in a small percentage of people, gallstones can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. When gallstone symptoms are frequent, recurrent, and especially uncomfortable, the typical treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder. "The majority of people with gallstones never develop symptoms their whole lives," says John Martin, MD, associate professor of medicine and surgery, and director of endoscopy at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Once you start to develop symptoms, you're going to need to have the gallbladder taken out." Although diet doesn't directly cause gallbladder problems -- and it won't cure them -- watching what you eat and keeping a healthy weight might help you prevent gallstones from forming and avoid some discomfort if you do develop gallstones. Diet and Gallstone Risk A number of risk factors contribute to the formation of gallstones, including a family history of gallstones and gender. Women are twice as likely as men to develop them. Body weight is also a factor; the risk of gallstones is higher in people who are overweight and obese. Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber appear to play a role. "There's a lot of things you can't change in that list, but you can certainly influence your diet," says F. Taylor Wootton III, MD, clinical counselor, associate professor of internal medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and a member of the American Gastroenterological Association governing board. If you're overweight, try to lose the extra weight; but do it gradually. There is a link between quick weight loss and gallstone formation. Crash or "yo-yo" diets can cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, disrupting the normal balance of cholesterol and bile salts. That extra cholesterol can form into crystals, leading to gallstones, Wootton says. Healthy Foods for the Gallbladder Whether or not you are at risk for gallstones, it's always a good idea to keep your body at a healthy weight and eat a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, moderate in calories, and high in fiber. All of the following are healthy foods for your gallbladder, as well as the rest of your body:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains (whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, bran cereal)
  • Lean meat, poultry, and fish
  • Low-fat dairy products
Certain foods have been studied for their potential to prevent gallbladder problems or reduce symptoms. For example, some research has indicated that drinking caffeinated coffee lowers the risk of gallstones in both men and women. Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol has also been linked to a reduced incidence of gallstones. In one study, women who ate at least one serving of peanuts a day had a 20% lower chance of having their gallbladder removed compared to women who rarely ate peanuts or peanut butter. However, keep in mind the evidence is far too preliminary at this time to recommend any of these foods solely for the purpose of preventing gallbladder problems. Foods to Avoid With Gallbladder Problems Researchers say many gallbladder symptoms stem from the modern Western diet, which is high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. "If you're having symptoms from gallstones, it's because as your gallbladder tries to squeeze, some of the gallstone is blocking the outflow of bile that is stored in your gallbladder," Martin says. "You're squeezing against a closed door, and that's why it hurts. If you eat fatty foods, that makes it squeeze more." Changing your diet won't get rid of gallstones that are already there, but eating a healthy, balanced variety of nutrients and limiting the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol-heavy foods you eat may help ease your symptoms. Try to avoid or limit these high-fat foods in your diet:
  • Fried food
  • Spicy food
  • Junk food
  • Whole-milk dairy products (cheese, ice cream, butter)
  • Fatty red meat
Also steer clear of very low-calorie diets. If you are overweight, aim for a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week by sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Always diet under your doctor's supervision. If you continue to have symptoms, see your doctor. You may need surgery to have your gallbladder removed. Source: http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/rss/inthenews.xml]]> gallbladder

Most people never give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. The pear-shaped organ does have an important job, collecting and storing bile - the fluid that helps the body digest fats. But unlike the heart, liver, and kidneys, the gallbladder isn't necessary to keep the body healthy and functioning. Even when it isn't working as well as it should and gallstones develop, most people are unaware that there is a problem. Yet in a small percentage of people, gallstones can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. When gallstone symptoms are frequent, recurrent, and especially uncomfortable, the typical treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder. "The majority of people with gallstones never develop symptoms their whole lives," says John Martin, MD, associate professor of medicine and surgery, and director of endoscopy at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Once you start to develop symptoms, you're going to need to have the gallbladder taken out." Although diet doesn't directly cause gallbladder problems -- and it won't cure them -- watching what you eat and keeping a healthy weight might help you prevent gallstones from forming and avoid some discomfort if you do develop gallstones. Diet and Gallstone Risk A number of risk factors contribute to the formation of gallstones, including a family history of gallstones and gender. Women are twice as likely as men to develop them. Body weight is also a factor; the risk of gallstones is higher in people who are overweight and obese. Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber appear to play a role. "There's a lot of things you can't change in that list, but you can certainly influence your diet," says F. Taylor Wootton III, MD, clinical counselor, associate professor of internal medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and a member of the American Gastroenterological Association governing board. If you're overweight, try to lose the extra weight; but do it gradually. There is a link between quick weight loss and gallstone formation. Crash or "yo-yo" diets can cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, disrupting the normal balance of cholesterol and bile salts. That extra cholesterol can form into crystals, leading to gallstones, Wootton says. Healthy Foods for the Gallbladder Whether or not you are at risk for gallstones, it's always a good idea to keep your body at a healthy weight and eat a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, moderate in calories, and high in fiber. All of the following are healthy foods for your gallbladder, as well as the rest of your body:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains (whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, bran cereal)
  • Lean meat, poultry, and fish
  • Low-fat dairy products
Certain foods have been studied for their potential to prevent gallbladder problems or reduce symptoms. For example, some research has indicated that drinking caffeinated coffee lowers the risk of gallstones in both men and women. Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol has also been linked to a reduced incidence of gallstones. In one study, women who ate at least one serving of peanuts a day had a 20% lower chance of having their gallbladder removed compared to women who rarely ate peanuts or peanut butter. However, keep in mind the evidence is far too preliminary at this time to recommend any of these foods solely for the purpose of preventing gallbladder problems. Foods to Avoid With Gallbladder Problems Researchers say many gallbladder symptoms stem from the modern Western diet, which is high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. "If you're having symptoms from gallstones, it's because as your gallbladder tries to squeeze, some of the gallstone is blocking the outflow of bile that is stored in your gallbladder," Martin says. "You're squeezing against a closed door, and that's why it hurts. If you eat fatty foods, that makes it squeeze more." Changing your diet won't get rid of gallstones that are already there, but eating a healthy, balanced variety of nutrients and limiting the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol-heavy foods you eat may help ease your symptoms. Try to avoid or limit these high-fat foods in your diet:
  • Fried food
  • Spicy food
  • Junk food
  • Whole-milk dairy products (cheese, ice cream, butter)
  • Fatty red meat
Also steer clear of very low-calorie diets. If you are overweight, aim for a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week by sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Always diet under your doctor's supervision. If you continue to have symptoms, see your doctor. You may need surgery to have your gallbladder removed. Source: http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/rss/inthenews.xml]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/gallbladder-problems/feed/ 0 Brown Rice vs White Rice: Benefits and Cautions http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/brown-rice-vs-white-rice-benefits-and-cautions/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/brown-rice-vs-white-rice-benefits-and-cautions/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:10:59 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=6476 brown-white-rice

Rice feeds the world! Over three billion people worldwide depend on rice for over half of  their daily total calorie intake. But what are the differences and benefits of brown vs white rice? Besides differences  in color, there are further distinctions between long grain, short grain, and the other 8000+ varieties of rice. Brown rice is the whole rice grain with just the first outer layer (husk or hull) removed through milling. It  retains its fiber and germ which contains vital nutrients. White rice is brown rice that has been milled to remove the bran and much of the germ, reducing fiber and nutrient content. The grain is further polished to take away the remaining layer of germ (called the aleurone layer) which contains essential oils. These oils are what oxidize and go rancid, so removing them makes white rice keep longer. Health Benefits of Brown Rice Brown rice has:
  • Twice the manganese and phosphorus as white
  • 2 ½ times the iron
  • 3 times vitamin B3
  • 4 times the vitamin B1
  • 10 times the vitamin B6
- It is a great source of manganese which is essential for energy production, antioxidant activity, and sex hormone production. - High fiber and selenium content which reduces colon cancer. The fiber in brown rice reduces the time cancer-causing substances spend in the colon.  Selenium has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of colon cancer. White rice has very little fiber. - Brown rice assist weight loss and reduces metabolic problems. Eating whole grains with lots of fiber, like brown rice, helps with maintaining optimal weight while refined grains have been linked to weight gain, type two diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. - Lower cholesterol. A study at Louisiana State University showed that rice bran and rice bran oil reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol. - Balanced energy. In macrobiotics, brown rice has balanced energy in terms of yin and yang. Cautions: One main reason brown rice is processed is to increase its storage time. The essential oils in brown rice go rancid after  6-8 months while white rice lasts up to 10 years. The protein in white rice is more available to the body. This is important in parts of the world where rice is the main source of calories, particularly since rice is not high in protein to begin with. Other Alternatives: Parboiled Rice - In India, where millions depend on rice, the process of parboiling rice was discovered. Uncle Ben's later copied this process and termed it "converted rice." This process  involves steaming the rice before the final stages of processing. This drives some of the vitamins and minerals into the inner layers  before the outer layers are removed. The result is 'white rice,' but with more nutrients.   Sprouted or Germinated Brown Rice - Germinating brown rice is easier to digest and the sprouting process greatly increases certain nutrients. Germinated brown rice  has  twice the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) of regular brown rice, and ten times the GABA of white rice. GABA promotes fat loss by stimulating the production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH increases the sleep cycle, giving deeper rest, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, inhibits development of cancer cells, and assists the treatment of anxiety disorders. Source: http://realfoodforlife.com]]> brown-white-rice

Rice feeds the world! Over three billion people worldwide depend on rice for over half of  their daily total calorie intake. But what are the differences and benefits of brown vs white rice? Besides differences  in color, there are further distinctions between long grain, short grain, and the other 8000+ varieties of rice. Brown rice is the whole rice grain with just the first outer layer (husk or hull) removed through milling. It  retains its fiber and germ which contains vital nutrients. White rice is brown rice that has been milled to remove the bran and much of the germ, reducing fiber and nutrient content. The grain is further polished to take away the remaining layer of germ (called the aleurone layer) which contains essential oils. These oils are what oxidize and go rancid, so removing them makes white rice keep longer. Health Benefits of Brown Rice Brown rice has:
  • Twice the manganese and phosphorus as white
  • 2 ½ times the iron
  • 3 times vitamin B3
  • 4 times the vitamin B1
  • 10 times the vitamin B6
- It is a great source of manganese which is essential for energy production, antioxidant activity, and sex hormone production. - High fiber and selenium content which reduces colon cancer. The fiber in brown rice reduces the time cancer-causing substances spend in the colon.  Selenium has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of colon cancer. White rice has very little fiber. - Brown rice assist weight loss and reduces metabolic problems. Eating whole grains with lots of fiber, like brown rice, helps with maintaining optimal weight while refined grains have been linked to weight gain, type two diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. - Lower cholesterol. A study at Louisiana State University showed that rice bran and rice bran oil reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol. - Balanced energy. In macrobiotics, brown rice has balanced energy in terms of yin and yang. Cautions: One main reason brown rice is processed is to increase its storage time. The essential oils in brown rice go rancid after  6-8 months while white rice lasts up to 10 years. The protein in white rice is more available to the body. This is important in parts of the world where rice is the main source of calories, particularly since rice is not high in protein to begin with. Other Alternatives: Parboiled Rice - In India, where millions depend on rice, the process of parboiling rice was discovered. Uncle Ben's later copied this process and termed it "converted rice." This process  involves steaming the rice before the final stages of processing. This drives some of the vitamins and minerals into the inner layers  before the outer layers are removed. The result is 'white rice,' but with more nutrients.   Sprouted or Germinated Brown Rice - Germinating brown rice is easier to digest and the sprouting process greatly increases certain nutrients. Germinated brown rice  has  twice the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) of regular brown rice, and ten times the GABA of white rice. GABA promotes fat loss by stimulating the production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH increases the sleep cycle, giving deeper rest, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, inhibits development of cancer cells, and assists the treatment of anxiety disorders. Source: http://realfoodforlife.com]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/brown-rice-vs-white-rice-benefits-and-cautions/feed/ 0 10 Benefits of Oatmeal http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/10-oatmeal-benefits/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/10-oatmeal-benefits/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:47:45 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=6271 oatmeal

First off, the oatmeal discussed here is not the instant kind that comes in the different flavors --- these are full of sugar. The real stuff is the plain oat flakes from Quaker Oats or a similar brand. The benefits of oatmeal are due to the fact that it's made from oats and oats are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The difference between insoluble and soluble fiber, besides the foods that they come from, is what they do in your body. Insoluble fiber's main role is that it makes stools heavier and speeds their passage through the gut, relieving constipation. Soluble fiber breaks down as it passes through the digestive tract, forming a gel that traps some substances related to high cholesterol, thus reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. 10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Oatmeal. 1. Low calorie food stops cravings. A cup is only 130 calories!  It also stays in your stomach longer making you feel full longer.  You will have less hunger and cravings. 2. Provides high levels of fiber and low levels of fat. 3. Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces risk of diabetes (type 2). The high fiber and complex carbohydrates slow down the conversion of this whole food to simple sugars. The high levels of magnesium nourish the body proper use of  glucose and insulin secretion. 4. Removes your bad cholesterol (without affecting your good cholesterol). Many studies have shown that the unique FIBER in oatmeal called beta-glucan. Has beneficial effects r on cholesterol levels 5. Gluten free safe. If you are gluten sensitive, you will have no problem with oatmeal.  If you are gluten intolerant or celiac there is some cause for concern. Oats lack many of the prolamines (protein) found in wheat (gluten) but oats do contain avenin.  Avenin is a prolamine that is considered toxic to the intestinal mucosa of avenin-sensitive individuals.  Oats can also contain gluten from nearby wheat field contamination and processing facilities.   Many studies have shown that many celiacs can consume wheat free oats with no problems. 6. Contains lignins which protect against heart disease and cancer. Oatmeal, like many whole grains, contains plant lignans, which are converted by intestinal flora into mammalian lignans.  One lignin, called enterolactone, is thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease. 7. Contains unique antioxidants beneficial for heart disease. A study at Tuffs University shows that the unique antioxidants in oatmeal called called avenanthramides, help prevent free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. 8. Protects against heart failure. A Harvard  study on 21,000 participants over 19 years showed that found that men who enjoyed a daily morning bowl of whole grain (but not refined) cereal had a 29% lower risk of heart failure. Guess what grain is most easily found and prepared unrefined - oats. 9. Enhances Immune Response to disease. The unique fiber in oatmeal called beta-gluten also has been shown to helps neutrophils travel to the site of an infection more quickly and  it also enhances their ability to eliminate the bacteria they find there 10. Delicious and nutritious. Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. And they taste delicious, especially if you make the oatmeal with almond milk and fresh fruit. Sources: http://realfoodforlife.com http://health.learninginfo.org/benefits-oatmeal.htm]]> oatmeal

First off, the oatmeal discussed here is not the instant kind that comes in the different flavors --- these are full of sugar. The real stuff is the plain oat flakes from Quaker Oats or a similar brand. The benefits of oatmeal are due to the fact that it's made from oats and oats are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The difference between insoluble and soluble fiber, besides the foods that they come from, is what they do in your body. Insoluble fiber's main role is that it makes stools heavier and speeds their passage through the gut, relieving constipation. Soluble fiber breaks down as it passes through the digestive tract, forming a gel that traps some substances related to high cholesterol, thus reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. 10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Oatmeal. 1. Low calorie food stops cravings. A cup is only 130 calories!  It also stays in your stomach longer making you feel full longer.  You will have less hunger and cravings. 2. Provides high levels of fiber and low levels of fat. 3. Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces risk of diabetes (type 2). The high fiber and complex carbohydrates slow down the conversion of this whole food to simple sugars. The high levels of magnesium nourish the body proper use of  glucose and insulin secretion. 4. Removes your bad cholesterol (without affecting your good cholesterol). Many studies have shown that the unique FIBER in oatmeal called beta-glucan. Has beneficial effects r on cholesterol levels 5. Gluten free safe. If you are gluten sensitive, you will have no problem with oatmeal.  If you are gluten intolerant or celiac there is some cause for concern. Oats lack many of the prolamines (protein) found in wheat (gluten) but oats do contain avenin.  Avenin is a prolamine that is considered toxic to the intestinal mucosa of avenin-sensitive individuals.  Oats can also contain gluten from nearby wheat field contamination and processing facilities.   Many studies have shown that many celiacs can consume wheat free oats with no problems. 6. Contains lignins which protect against heart disease and cancer. Oatmeal, like many whole grains, contains plant lignans, which are converted by intestinal flora into mammalian lignans.  One lignin, called enterolactone, is thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease. 7. Contains unique antioxidants beneficial for heart disease. A study at Tuffs University shows that the unique antioxidants in oatmeal called called avenanthramides, help prevent free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. 8. Protects against heart failure. A Harvard  study on 21,000 participants over 19 years showed that found that men who enjoyed a daily morning bowl of whole grain (but not refined) cereal had a 29% lower risk of heart failure. Guess what grain is most easily found and prepared unrefined - oats. 9. Enhances Immune Response to disease. The unique fiber in oatmeal called beta-gluten also has been shown to helps neutrophils travel to the site of an infection more quickly and  it also enhances their ability to eliminate the bacteria they find there 10. Delicious and nutritious. Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. And they taste delicious, especially if you make the oatmeal with almond milk and fresh fruit. Sources: http://realfoodforlife.com http://health.learninginfo.org/benefits-oatmeal.htm]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/10-oatmeal-benefits/feed/ 2 Lower Cholesterol Naturally with These Foods http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/lower-cholesterol-naturally-with-foods/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/lower-cholesterol-naturally-with-foods/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 06:54:17 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=6160 lower-cholesterol-naturally

If your cholesterol is too high, you may be wondering what to eat in order to lower it without drugs. Here's a list of 10 foods that lower cholesterol naturally. Cinnamon Just half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon has been found to lower LDL cholesterol. Almonds Almonds are a great way to lower cholesterol. This is due to their high monounsaturated fat content as well as high vitamin E content. Brussels Sprouts Thanks to their high fiber content, Brussels sprouts lower cholesterol by binding with bile acids that the liver produces from cholesterol for digesting fat. Avocados Avocados contain a compound called beta-sitosterol that has been shown in human studies to lower cholesterol levels by as much as 17% after just a week of eating avocados. Blueberries Research in mice has found that compounds in blueberries lower cholesterol just as well as statins do but without the harmful side effects. Lentils Thanks to the high amounts of fiber they contain, lentils are a great natural cholesterol lowering food. Artichokes Compounds in artichoke leaves have been found to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and thus lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Celery Celery contains pthalides which increase bile acid secretion and subsequently lower cholesterol. Zucchini Zucchini lowers cholesterol due to the fiber it contains, which attaches itself to bile acids the liver makes from cholesterol and lowers its ability to digest fat. Cherries According to a study at the University of Michigan, including cherries in one's diet reduces cholesterol and lowers other risk factors for heart disease including inflammation and body fat. Apples Research has found that people who eat two apples a day can lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent. The pectin in apples is believed to be responsible for this remarkable effect. Olive Oil The polyphenols in olive oil are natural antioxidants that have a positive effect on cholesterol and levels and can help prevent other risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure. Red Wine The resveratrol and saponins present in red wine have been found in studies to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate has been found in studies to lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent.]]> lower-cholesterol-naturally

If your cholesterol is too high, you may be wondering what to eat in order to lower it without drugs. Here's a list of 10 foods that lower cholesterol naturally. Cinnamon Just half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon has been found to lower LDL cholesterol. Almonds Almonds are a great way to lower cholesterol. This is due to their high monounsaturated fat content as well as high vitamin E content. Brussels Sprouts Thanks to their high fiber content, Brussels sprouts lower cholesterol by binding with bile acids that the liver produces from cholesterol for digesting fat. Avocados Avocados contain a compound called beta-sitosterol that has been shown in human studies to lower cholesterol levels by as much as 17% after just a week of eating avocados. Blueberries Research in mice has found that compounds in blueberries lower cholesterol just as well as statins do but without the harmful side effects. Lentils Thanks to the high amounts of fiber they contain, lentils are a great natural cholesterol lowering food. Artichokes Compounds in artichoke leaves have been found to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and thus lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Celery Celery contains pthalides which increase bile acid secretion and subsequently lower cholesterol. Zucchini Zucchini lowers cholesterol due to the fiber it contains, which attaches itself to bile acids the liver makes from cholesterol and lowers its ability to digest fat. Cherries According to a study at the University of Michigan, including cherries in one's diet reduces cholesterol and lowers other risk factors for heart disease including inflammation and body fat. Apples Research has found that people who eat two apples a day can lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent. The pectin in apples is believed to be responsible for this remarkable effect. Olive Oil The polyphenols in olive oil are natural antioxidants that have a positive effect on cholesterol and levels and can help prevent other risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure. Red Wine The resveratrol and saponins present in red wine have been found in studies to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate has been found in studies to lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent.]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/lower-cholesterol-naturally-with-foods/feed/ 0 Selenium Supplements Can Give Modest Benefit Against Cholesterol http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/selenium-supplements-might-give-modest-benefit-against-cholesterol/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/selenium-supplements-might-give-modest-benefit-against-cholesterol/#comments Sat, 21 May 2011 12:11:09 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=6115 selenium

A daily dose of the antioxidant selenium doesn't appear to elevate "bad" cholesterol levels, and may in fact prompt a very modest boost in "good" cholesterol, a new British study reveals. The finding comes from a six-month examination of the impact of various dosages of the supplement on the cholesterol levels of healthy people in England. "The issue is that there have been an awful lot of studies, about eight, that have looked at blood cholesterol, both good and bad, and have found an association with high blood selenium," said study author Margaret P. Rayman, a professor of nutritional medicine at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England. But an association is only that; it doesn't mean one thing causes another. "So we looked for whether selenium actually causes cholesterol to rise, and we definitively found that there wasn't an adverse effect," Rayman said. "In fact, we can safely and confidently say that, if anything, selenium had a slightly beneficial effect." However, the safety of selenium has not been studied, and the authors said the findings weren't significant enough to recommend supplementation of the trace mineral. They also noted that the results can't necessarily be applied to Americans, because of differences in the food supply and diets of each country. For the study, published in the May 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, the authors focused on about 500 healthy British men and women aged 60 to 74 between 2000 and 2001. Blood tests determined blood selenium, good cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels at the start of the study. For six months, some participants were assigned to take daily selenium yeast supplements in either low, intermediate or high doses, while others were given a dummy pill for the duration. Noting that blood selenium levels were relatively low across the board at the study's launch, the authors found that selenium levels did rise as a result of supplementation, while those taking selenium also experienced a slight drop in both bad cholesterol (LDL) and overall cholesterol levels. Good cholesterol (HDL) levels rose a bit solely among those assigned to the highest selenium dosage. None of the patients experienced any serious side effects as a result of selenium supplementation. Rayman and her associates concluded that selenium supplementation does not appear to have a negative impact on blood cholesterol levels overall, and may in fact be "modestly beneficial." High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart attack. However, she cautioned that in general such supplementation has a minor impact and is not advisable as an effective means to combat high cholesterol, particularly for people who already have high blood selenium levels. She added that the team's observations were based exclusively on an analysis of British residents, and that the findings may not necessarily apply in North America. "In the U.K., people's baseline selenium levels in the blood are considerably lower than they are in the U.S.," she noted. "There are various reasons for that, including the fact that in the U.S. you have a wheat belt that means there is quite a high amount of selenium in the bread staple, which is not the case in the U.K." "So, we can't extrapolate our findings to the U.S.," Rayman said. "And so I would caution against anybody in the U.S. increasing their selenium intake based on what we found, because we also know there's an increased risk for type 2 diabetes when you increase selenium intake if you are already at a high level of blood selenium levels." Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that efforts to gauge the potential health impact of selenium have not yet demonstrated any clear benefit attributable to the trace mineral. Source: http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/rss/inthenews.xml]]> selenium

A daily dose of the antioxidant selenium doesn't appear to elevate "bad" cholesterol levels, and may in fact prompt a very modest boost in "good" cholesterol, a new British study reveals. The finding comes from a six-month examination of the impact of various dosages of the supplement on the cholesterol levels of healthy people in England. "The issue is that there have been an awful lot of studies, about eight, that have looked at blood cholesterol, both good and bad, and have found an association with high blood selenium," said study author Margaret P. Rayman, a professor of nutritional medicine at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England. But an association is only that; it doesn't mean one thing causes another. "So we looked for whether selenium actually causes cholesterol to rise, and we definitively found that there wasn't an adverse effect," Rayman said. "In fact, we can safely and confidently say that, if anything, selenium had a slightly beneficial effect." However, the safety of selenium has not been studied, and the authors said the findings weren't significant enough to recommend supplementation of the trace mineral. They also noted that the results can't necessarily be applied to Americans, because of differences in the food supply and diets of each country. For the study, published in the May 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, the authors focused on about 500 healthy British men and women aged 60 to 74 between 2000 and 2001. Blood tests determined blood selenium, good cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels at the start of the study. For six months, some participants were assigned to take daily selenium yeast supplements in either low, intermediate or high doses, while others were given a dummy pill for the duration. Noting that blood selenium levels were relatively low across the board at the study's launch, the authors found that selenium levels did rise as a result of supplementation, while those taking selenium also experienced a slight drop in both bad cholesterol (LDL) and overall cholesterol levels. Good cholesterol (HDL) levels rose a bit solely among those assigned to the highest selenium dosage. None of the patients experienced any serious side effects as a result of selenium supplementation. Rayman and her associates concluded that selenium supplementation does not appear to have a negative impact on blood cholesterol levels overall, and may in fact be "modestly beneficial." High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart attack. However, she cautioned that in general such supplementation has a minor impact and is not advisable as an effective means to combat high cholesterol, particularly for people who already have high blood selenium levels. She added that the team's observations were based exclusively on an analysis of British residents, and that the findings may not necessarily apply in North America. "In the U.K., people's baseline selenium levels in the blood are considerably lower than they are in the U.S.," she noted. "There are various reasons for that, including the fact that in the U.S. you have a wheat belt that means there is quite a high amount of selenium in the bread staple, which is not the case in the U.K." "So, we can't extrapolate our findings to the U.S.," Rayman said. "And so I would caution against anybody in the U.S. increasing their selenium intake based on what we found, because we also know there's an increased risk for type 2 diabetes when you increase selenium intake if you are already at a high level of blood selenium levels." Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that efforts to gauge the potential health impact of selenium have not yet demonstrated any clear benefit attributable to the trace mineral. Source: http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/rss/inthenews.xml]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/selenium-supplements-might-give-modest-benefit-against-cholesterol/feed/ 0 Tomato Extract for Healthier Arteries? http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/tomato-extract-healthier-arteries/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/tomato-extract-healthier-arteries/#comments Sun, 13 Feb 2011 03:33:32 +0000 BeWellBuzz

A compound found in tomatoes may help fend off vascular diseases, according to a laboratory study[1] recently published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. In tests on mice, scientists found that a substance called 9-oxo-octadecadienoic could combat dyslipidemia (a condition caused by abnormal buildup of cholesterol[2] and/or fat in the bloodstream). By stopping dyslipidemia from setting in, the study's authors note, it may be possible to prevent vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis[3] (also known as hardening of the arteries).

Past studies show that other substances in tomatoes might help protect against atherosclerosis. Lycopene[4], for instance, may reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries. An antioxidant also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit, lycopene has been found to fight prostate cancer[5] and enhance lung health as well.

For more help in preventing atherosclerosis, it's important to avoid or manage risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure[6], obesity[7], heavy alcohol use, and smoking[8].

References^ study (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)^ cholesterol (altmedicine.about.com)^ atherosclerosis (altmedicine.about.com)^ Lycopene (altmedicine.about.com)^ prostate cancer (altmedicine.about.com)^ high blood pressure (altmedicine.about.com)^ obesity (altmedicine.about.com)^ smoking (altmedicine.about.com)

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A compound found in tomatoes may help fend off vascular diseases, according to a laboratory study[1] recently published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. In tests on mice, scientists found that a substance called 9-oxo-octadecadienoic could combat dyslipidemia (a condition caused by abnormal buildup of cholesterol[2] and/or fat in the bloodstream). By stopping dyslipidemia from setting in, the study's authors note, it may be possible to prevent vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis[3] (also known as hardening of the arteries).

Past studies show that other substances in tomatoes might help protect against atherosclerosis. Lycopene[4], for instance, may reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries. An antioxidant also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit, lycopene has been found to fight prostate cancer[5] and enhance lung health as well.

For more help in preventing atherosclerosis, it's important to avoid or manage risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure[6], obesity[7], heavy alcohol use, and smoking[8].

References^ study (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)^ cholesterol (altmedicine.about.com)^ atherosclerosis (altmedicine.about.com)^ Lycopene (altmedicine.about.com)^ prostate cancer (altmedicine.about.com)^ high blood pressure (altmedicine.about.com)^ obesity (altmedicine.about.com)^ smoking (altmedicine.about.com)

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