Research Continues to Illustrate Heart Health Benefits of Almonds

(NC)-According to a number of studies, almonds have been shown to positively impact heart health on a variety of levels.

Almonds Are a Key Component in a Cholesterol-Lowering Eating Plan

According to researchers at the University of Toronto, a dietary plan that includes almonds, plant sterols, soy protein and viscous fiber working in combination is as effective in lowering cholesterol as taking a starting dose of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

This is the first study to directly compare a dietary approach with statins for cholesterol reduction. Patients following this dietary approach, known as the “PortfolioEatingPlan,” lowered their LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol by more than 20 per cent, and in some cases more than 35 per cent. (more…)

(NC)-Omega-3 fatty acids, found in seafood such as canned tuna and salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines can offer important health benefits:

. Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

. Decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots.

. Reduce the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of age-related vision loss in Canada.

. Aid in fetal and infant brain, eye and nervous system development. (more…)

(NC)-Rarely does a week go by without another study praising the cardiovascular, developmental and other health benefits of omega-3s grabbing headlines.

So what exactly are omega-3 fatty acids and how can they benefit your health? According to registered dietitian Andrea Holwegner, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of “essential fat” that must be consumed from food since your body is unable to produce them.

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EPA – Eicosapentaenoic acid – A form of omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, that is readily usable by the body. EPA is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

DHA – Docosahexaenoic acid – Another form of omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, also readily usable by the body. DHA is used in membranes especially in the brain and the eye.

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(NC)-It’s easy to add omega-3s to your diet. registered dietitian Andrea Holwegner offers the following tips:

. Instead of white bread, choose whole grain bread containing flaxseed.

. Enjoy fish such as grilled salmon or mackerel as part of a meal at least twice a week.

. Sprinkle a tablespoon of ground flaxseed over cereal, oatmeal or yogurt.

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Omega-3 supplements used to prevent heart disease

(NC)-Omega-3 is an essential amino acid in short supply in American diets but is soaring in popularity as a nutrient supplement thanks to its ability to treat a wide range of ailments.

Cardiologists, neurologists and psychiatrists are using these naturally safe amino acids to prevent and treat a wide variety of medical problems including heart disease.

According to Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition of the Harvard School of Public Health, several studies confirm that the daily consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids is an effective way of helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest. Omega-3 is credited with reducing the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia and fatal and non-fatal infraction. (more…)

Part two of Scott’s article about fruit.

Fruits are great cures for what ails you. There are many fruits that you can use; this article takes a look at only a few of them. The fuzzy brown exterior of the kiwi fruit gives way to a bright green interior which is an excellent cancer fighter. Kiwis contain a lot of vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C is believed to play an integral role in preventing cataracts.

Grapes are a tremendous source of boron, which is a type of mineral that may be connected to a lower risk of osteoporosis. Grapes when turned into red grape juice are full of not just boron but also something known as reservatrol. Reservatrol is a chemical that is believed to be able to ward off heart disease by inhibiting the clumping action of blood cells. (more…)

In my last posting, Leslie helped me explain the benefits of berries. In this one, Scott talks about fruit in general.

All fruits are healthy to the human body in specific ways. A combination of fruits in your diet can help to keep you healthy, and cure certain diseases as well. There is a huge variety of fruits that can help you, including apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi fruit, lemon/limes and oranges. Other healing fruits include papaya, pears, pineapple, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries and watermelon. Here we take a look at a variety of the healing properties of a selection of fruits.

Amaranth is a food that not everyone is familiar with. While technically a fruit, amaranth is commonly used as a type of grain that is found in many different types of breads, muffins, pasta and other foods that are as an adjunct to flour. The seeds of amaranth are extremely high in protein that builds muscle. Amaranth is much richer in protein than most grains. Amaranth seeds are also excellent at building up the immune system because they are high in zinc, copper and magnesium. (more…)

I totally agree with Leslie. I love blueberries. I miss living in a rural area (it was specifically Flin Flon, Manitoba) where they grew in the wild, just waiting for me to come pick them. Close behind them were the raspberries I grew in my backyard in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Great on cereal every morning. Let’s see what else Leslie has to say about berries.

Many people do not realize just how good for you berries really are. Besides being a tasty treat that’s low in calories, berries are a very important part of a nutritious diet. They are valuable in fighting many diseases and conditions such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.

Antioxidants

Strawberries and darker berries such as blueberries and blackberries are extremely high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are helpful in delaying the aging process and reducing wrinkles. Antioxidants can help you feel better and look better.

Phytochemicals (more…)