![]() |
![]() |
Nutrition Information |
|
||
![]() |
![]() |
Foods Can Lower Cholesterol and C-reactive Protein
If you have high cholesterol, the American Heart Association's low-cholesterol, low-saturated fat diet will fail you. Even when applied conscientiously, it achieves a disappointingly modest reduction in LDL cholesterol of approximately 7%. Starting at an LDL cholesterol of 150 mg/dl, for instance, you would drop to 139. It's no surprise that many people turn to alternative diets (Ornish, Pritikin, Zone, etc.) to get a bigger bang. And no surprise that many physicians go directly to statin agents for their nearly effortless 35% or greater reduction. The Adult Treatment Panel-III (ATP-III) is a committee of experts charged with developing guidelines for cholesterol treatment for Americans. The latest ATP guidelines suggest the use of fibers for a nutritional advantage in lowering cholesterol. Despite the ATP-III's endorsement, however, there has been no "real-world" data that documents the LDL-lowering effectiveness of combinations of fibers and other foods added to an AHA Step II low-fat diet (fat 30% of calories). Dr. David Jenkins from the Clinical Nutrition & Risk Factor Modification Center at St Michael's Hospital, Toronto has therefore explored such a multi-ingredient program, reported in the Journal of the American Medicine Association1. He calls this program the "dietary portfolio," highlighting the inclusion of several different healthy foods combined to achieve the goal of lowering cholesterol. The study enrolled 46 adults (25 men, 21 post-menopausal women) with a mean age of 59 years. All participants were free of known heart disease, diabetes, and none were taking any cholesterol-lowering agents. Baseline LDL cholesterol was 171 mg/dl for all participants. Three groups were designated: 1) Viscous fiber, phytosterols, and almond diet, the so-called "dietary portfolio"; 2) Control diet (AHA Step II); and 3) Control diet with lovastatin 20 mg/day (a cholesterol-lowering statin drug). Cholesterol panels were reassessed after a four week period in each arm. All diets had equal calorie content. The dietary portfolio provided 1.0 g of phytosterols (a soy bean derivative) per 1000 kcal; 9.8 g viscous fibers (as oat bran and oat products, barley, and psyllium seed) per 1000 kcal; 21.4 g soy protein per 1000 kcal; and 14 g (around 12 almonds) per 1000 kcal. A typical 2400 kcal diet would therefore provide 2.4 g phytosterols (2 tbsp Take Control or Benecol), 24 g viscous fiber, 51 g soy protein, and 34 g of almonds (around 34 almonds). Average fiber intake for participants was an impressive 78 g/day. (The average American takes in a meager 14 g/day.) The control diet was also abundant in fiber at 57 g/day, but contained little of the viscous variety, as the primary fiber sources were whole wheat products which lack viscous fibers. The diet was otherwise very similar to the dietary portfolio in fat and cholesterol content, protein, and total calories. The dietary portfolio achieved an impressive 28% reduction in LDL cholesterol. Unexpectedly, there was also a 30% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a popular measure of inflammation. The results achieved with the dietary portfolio were virtually identical to the results obtained with lovastatin. The control diet achieved a paltry 8% reduction in LDL and a 10% reduction in CRP. Interestingly, a third of the participants in the dietary portfolio group reported that there was too much food (given the satiety-effect of fiber rich foods). This was the group that lost the most weight, though only a modest 1 lb. Conclusion: Dr. Jenkins' portfolio of fiber-rich foods had the same effects on LDL cholesterol and CRP as a moderate dose of lovastatin. This is quite remarkable, given the relative failure of the diets usually prescribed to improve cholesterol values. Conventional diets, in fact, have been so ineffective that some physicians have abandoned the use of dietary recommendations in their practices. The fiber-rich foods used in the dietary portfolio are readily available and inexpensive. Though the specific components used in the study have each been shown to lower LDL cholesterol when used independently, the combination has not been examined. Many would likely have predicted that, in view of the similar mechanisms of LDL-reduction among the various components of the portfolio, the LDL lowering effect would not exceed 15%. (Soy protein is the only component with a significantly different mechanism of action-suppression of liver synthesis of cholesterol.) Instead, this powerful combination achieved an impressive 28% reduction, as good as the prescription agent lovastatin. (In our experience with this approach, LDL cholesterol typically drops 30 to 50 points, sometimes more.) The high-fiber approach of the dietary portfolio significantly exceeds the fiber intake of the average American. As a practical matter, people who elect to follow this program should introduce each component gradually and drink plentiful water, as constipation can result if hydration in inadequate. To reproduce the LDL and CRP benefits of the dietary portfolio, a practical combination would be: ? Oat bran-1/4 cup (uncooked) + 3 tsp psyllium seed Jenkins DJA, Kendall CWC, Marchie A, et al. Effects of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods vs. lovastatin on serum lipids and c-reactive protein. JAMA. 2003 290:502-10. William Davis, MD is a practicing cardiologist, author and lecturer. He is author of the book, Track Your Plaque: The only heart disease prevention program that shows you how to use the new CT heart scans to detect, track, and control coronary plaque. He is author of the soon-to-be released new book, What Does My Heart Scan Show?, available by May, 2005 at http://www.trackyourplaque.com
Look For
MORE RESOURCES: 11 Extraordinary Vacation Rentals You'll NEVER Regret Booking House Beautiful No More Vacation Rentals In Maui. Here's How The Mayor's Plan To Strip The Island of Short-Term Rental Will Affect The Economy Yahoo Finance Community invited to briefing about proposed registration process for short-term vacation rentals Big Island Now Plan To Convert Maui Vacation Rentals To Long-Term Housing Delayed Honolulu Civil Beat Resources for Vacation Rentals for Springs Protection Alachua County Maui mayor’s plan to phase out vacation rentals would increase housing but shrink the economy NBC News Design Within Reach just turned this iconic Palm Desert house into a shoppable vacation home Fast Company Coast rental is Mississippi’s most desired rental on Airbnb. Here’s why Biloxi Sun Herald Study: Maui Should Phase Out Vacation Rentals With Caution Honolulu Civil Beat Maui Council To Take Up Bill Phasing Out Vacation Rentals This Summer Honolulu Civil Beat Couple who owns Manasota Key vacation rentals welcomes first renters since Hurricanes Helene, Milton FOX 13 Tampa Bay Capital One Travel Adds Vacation Rentals — And You Can Earn 5x Miles on Venture Cards Upgraded Points Pinellas County to begin enforcing new vacation rental rules Tampa Bay Times Santa Cruz County moves to rein in vacation rentals Lookout Santa Cruz Cape Coral council member advocating for more lodging options in the city Gulf Coast News and Weather - Southwest Florida News Why brands are turning to vacation rentals for product sampling New Hope Network Hoping To End Vacation Rental Rancor Nantucket Current What’s next for vacation rentals in South Lake Tahoe? City places 45-day hold after Measure T ruling KUNR iTrip Orlando in Davenport Visit Florida Dear Annie: Is it wrong to ask friends to help pay for my anniversary vacation home rental? SILive.com The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance for 2025 U.S. News & World Report Vacation rentals may face new taxes as WA lawmakers eye housing fix Queen Anne & Magnolia News The 9 Most Remarkable Airbnb Treehouses You’ll Ever Stay At Outside Magazine Vacation rentals rebound on Anna Maria Island as tourism picks up after 2024 hurricanes Bay News 9 Cocoa Beach hikes fees to operate vacation rentals Florida Today It's Not Your Imagination: Palm Coast Homes Used as Vacation Rentals Increase by 70% in 2 Years, to Over 500 FlaglerLive Is it too late to book your Cape vacation? Summer rentals are off to a strong start. The Boston Globe Judge strikes down South Lake Tahoe vacation rental limits San Francisco Chronicle Vrbo Just Released Its Top Vacation Homes for 2025—and We're Ready to Book Our Next Trip veranda.com Gulf Shores Rentals Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Vrbo reveals its 2025 vacation rentals of the year Short Term Rentals - News This luxury vacation homes startup is gaining popularity. Some California cities call it a nightmare San Francisco Chronicle North County Report: More Vacation Rentals, More Problems Voice of San Diego Maui mayor's plan to phase out vacation rentals would increase housing but shrink the economy The Independent Jersey Shore summer rentals: Here's the good news and bad news for landlords, renters Asbury Park Press Manatee County Commission votes to pursue regulation of short-term vacation rentals Sarasota Herald-Tribune With 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay days away, Airbnb prices have dropped. Here's why Green Bay Press-Gazette Honolulu fails to collect millions in short-term rental fines Hawaii News Now Norfolk City Council approves amendment to ban short-term vacation rentals in West Freemason 13newsnow.com Palm Springs eases vacation rental rules in effort to aid Los Angeles area wildfire evacuees The Palm Springs Post Groups file suit against Gallatin County over vacation rental ban Missoula Current San Diego needs more money to enforce vacation rentals so it’s raising licensing fees San Diego Union-Tribune Capitalizing on the $147 Billion Vacation Rental Market GlobeNewswire Indian Rocks Beach votes to weaken vacation rental rules ABC Action News Tampa Bay Why Hawaii Vacation Rentals Plummeted To 52% Beat of Hawaii New vacation rental company launched in Lincoln County newportnewstimes.com Vacation rental boom inflates housing prices in WA mountain town Cascade PBS News Why rich Americans are ditching their fancy hotels on vacation Business Insider Indian Rocks Beach to fight vacation rental lawsuit Tampa Bay Times Flamingo hotel operator is now offering luxury vacation rentals complete with concierge service The Press Democrat |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
RELATED ARTICLES
Protein - The Denominator Customary to All Diets The Human Body is in a constant flux with the environment. Matter and molecules flow in and out, casting themselves into its complexities. The Magic in Food: LOVE Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The simplest magical ritual that you can do is to cut open a fruit or vegetable and eat it while thinking of your magical intention. Below is a compilation of common foods and their metaphysical associations. Glorious Summer Greens Summer brings a lot of fantastic things with it, but one of the healthiest for those of us in the colder climates is more fresh food. The growing season has started and is shifting into full gear. Why You Should Eat Healthier Every where you look you see articles or news or stories on how America is overweight. This probably doesn't surprise anyone, as you only have to take a quick look around to see that our lifestyles don't promote good health. Just How Dangerous Are Splenda and Artificial Sweeteners - Which Side is Spinning? There seems to be fairly poor tracking by any formal standards once a product is approved as a food additive. Despite supposedly tracking adverse reactions, the reality has been different at the FDA. What Everybody Ought to Know About Food Additives Every day we are bombarded with information about food products that are healthy, all natural, have no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, low fat, no fat, no cholesterol, sugar free, vitamin fortified and provide 100% of your daily vitamin requirements. Are these foods as healthy as the advertising tries to make us believe they are?Let's look at the facts. Alcohol as a Key Ingredient to a Healthy Diet Evidence suggesting that alcohol is "cardio-protective" first appeared in the literature about 30 years ago. The Framingham Heart Study [the longest running population study of heart disease which began in 1948] provided the first solid evidence of this association. Food for Healthy Nails Nails are a protective horn at the end of our most sensitive extremities: fingers and toes. They can often become injured from accidents or crushing weight such as heavy walking or running. How Does Glucosamine Chondroitin Help Your Body? Glucosamine is readily produced in the human body and is necessary for the production of joint cartilage. As we age, producing enough glucosamine becomes more difficult and cartilage begins to detiorate causing stiffness and painful joints. Taste the Good Health Fruit Called Apple "To eat an apple before going to bed will make the doctor beg his bread"Apple is a cholesterol and fat free fruit packed with loads of vitamins and nutrients. Apple juice is delicious. Salads Take Center Stage The reason I remember the first time I was served a main-course salad, easily 15 years ago, is that it was such a revelation.It was served to a group of us, six or more, in a large shallow wooden bowl and it was full of all kinds of good things; greens, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, sliced chicken breast and a dressing fragrant with fresh tarragon and basil. How Can Fat Be Essential? How Can Fat Be Essential? By Garry Gamber � ���� Did you know that some fats are essential to the body?� Yes, there are some fats that our body cannot produce which means that we must get them from our food.� Perhaps you've heard of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Death, Aging, Rejuvenation (Part 2) DeathDeath. Why it happens? Why do we die? Why do animals die? Why do plants die? What is the need of this? In my opinion mechanism of death was selected during Evolution. Guerilla Health Tactics: 5 Snappy Rules For a Healthier, Happier You The subject of health care itself often seems plagued with conflicting advice, or even heated controversy. Witness the recent Cruise-Shields incident, which will doubtless occupy several chapters in future health and nutrition texts. Five Reasons You Should Drink More Water I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more water!". Yet, 99% of the people don't heed this advice. Healthy Eating for Executives on the Run For the executive, maintaining the much-needed balance between career, family, and health can often be a challenge and yet without this balance in our lives it is impossible to become focused and efficient during the work day. The one area that seems to be the quickest to fall out of balance is our health. Constipation Cures Exposed! If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking for some answers to bring relief. Treatments for constipation vary with the type of constipation from which you're suffering. The Danger of Curbing Hunger Artificially Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary to a very outdated perception, this harm is not limited to those who suffer from obesity[1]. In reality, according to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, the majority of Americans exhibit unhealthy eating habits, with just over one in four women and only one in five men claiming to eat the minimum five daily servings of vegetables and fruits[i]. Male Infertility and Glutathione Are You Half The Man Your Father Was?It is a well-known fact that sperm counts have dropped by half in the last 50 years, and that modern men have 20 percent less semen volume than their fathers (BMJ, 1992, volume 305).A recent report from researchers in Aberdeen presented preliminary data that suggests the sperm concentration of the men seen in their clinic had declined by 29% over the past 14 years. Healthy Eating Tips for Healthy Living Eating healthy is fast becoming a way of life. American's are living longer, however, the goal of many is not to simply live longer, the goal it is to live a longer and healthier life. ![]() |
home | site map |
© 2005 |