Healthy Heart – Important Studies Show the Whole Grain Connection
Joe Golson asked:
As scientists around the world continue their pursuit of knowledge of the human body and how it works, the evidence supporting the importance of a diet rich in whole grains continues to headline news on nutrition! The more we look, the more we find that whole grains do things in our diets that other foods don’t and processed grains like white flour simply can’t.
In the January 2006 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; (volume 83, issue 1,) a study titled “Whole-Grain Intake is Inversely Associated with The Metabolic Syndrome and Mortality in Older Adults” shows that older people who eat whole grains regularly had a significantly reduced risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome and lower fasting glucose levels. Conversely, refined grains were associated with higher fasting glucose and increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
This builds on evidence published in 2002—“Effect Of Whole Grains on Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Hyperinsulinemic Adults,” (Am J Clin Nutr 2002, 75: 848-855.)—that showed a direct whole grain advantage over refined grains when it comes to managing healthy insulin levels.
Four Large and Important Studies Show the Whole Grain Connection to good Heart Health.
1. A 1998 study of 34,000 women showed that those who ate at least one serving of whole grains per day had between 30% and 36% lower risk of heart disease. (“Whole-Grain Intake may ReduceThe Risk Of Ischemic Heart Disease Death in Postmenopausal Women: the Iowa Women’s Health Study” Am J Clin Nutr 1998 68: 248-257.)
2. Results of the Nurse’s Health Study that followed 75,000 subjects for up to twelve years showed that those who ate about three servings of whole grains each day had a 25% lower risk of heart disease and a 36% lower risk of stroke than those who did not make whole grain part of their diet. (“Whole-Grain Consumption and Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease: Results from The Nurses’ Health Study,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999, 70: 412-419.)
3. Another study published in a 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found similarly strong connections to whole grain intake and health, up to 50% reduction of risk of ischemic stroke. (“Whole Grain Consumption and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Women: A Prospective Study,” JAMA.2000;284:1534-1540.)
4. Of the 44,000 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, those who consumed about 3 servings per day of whole grain enjoyed an 18% reduction in risk of heart attack. (“Intakes Of Whole Grains, Bran, and Germ and the Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease in Men,” Am J Clin Nutr, 2004, 80: 1492-1499.)
Factoid : When whole grain wheat is refined to make flour, most of its nutritional value goes down the drain. For example, thirteen key nutrients, including vitamin E, are reduced as much as 93%.To compensate for this incredible loss, the flour is enriched, but with only five nutrients, making it into what many scientists and researchers see as negative nutrition. (www.wholegraincouncil.org)
healthy heart
As scientists around the world continue their pursuit of knowledge of the human body and how it works, the evidence supporting the importance of a diet rich in whole grains continues to headline news on nutrition! The more we look, the more we find that whole grains do things in our diets that other foods don’t and processed grains like white flour simply can’t.
In the January 2006 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; (volume 83, issue 1,) a study titled “Whole-Grain Intake is Inversely Associated with The Metabolic Syndrome and Mortality in Older Adults” shows that older people who eat whole grains regularly had a significantly reduced risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome and lower fasting glucose levels. Conversely, refined grains were associated with higher fasting glucose and increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
This builds on evidence published in 2002—“Effect Of Whole Grains on Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Hyperinsulinemic Adults,” (Am J Clin Nutr 2002, 75: 848-855.)—that showed a direct whole grain advantage over refined grains when it comes to managing healthy insulin levels.
Four Large and Important Studies Show the Whole Grain Connection to good Heart Health.
1. A 1998 study of 34,000 women showed that those who ate at least one serving of whole grains per day had between 30% and 36% lower risk of heart disease. (“Whole-Grain Intake may ReduceThe Risk Of Ischemic Heart Disease Death in Postmenopausal Women: the Iowa Women’s Health Study” Am J Clin Nutr 1998 68: 248-257.)
2. Results of the Nurse’s Health Study that followed 75,000 subjects for up to twelve years showed that those who ate about three servings of whole grains each day had a 25% lower risk of heart disease and a 36% lower risk of stroke than those who did not make whole grain part of their diet. (“Whole-Grain Consumption and Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease: Results from The Nurses’ Health Study,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999, 70: 412-419.)
3. Another study published in a 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found similarly strong connections to whole grain intake and health, up to 50% reduction of risk of ischemic stroke. (“Whole Grain Consumption and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Women: A Prospective Study,” JAMA.2000;284:1534-1540.)
4. Of the 44,000 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, those who consumed about 3 servings per day of whole grain enjoyed an 18% reduction in risk of heart attack. (“Intakes Of Whole Grains, Bran, and Germ and the Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease in Men,” Am J Clin Nutr, 2004, 80: 1492-1499.)
Factoid : When whole grain wheat is refined to make flour, most of its nutritional value goes down the drain. For example, thirteen key nutrients, including vitamin E, are reduced as much as 93%.To compensate for this incredible loss, the flour is enriched, but with only five nutrients, making it into what many scientists and researchers see as negative nutrition. (www.wholegraincouncil.org)
healthy heart
Have a Healthy Heart
Rupunkel asked:
Treating heart problem or preventing heart disease is not only possible, but also within your reach. Here are some natural remedies you will find in your very own kitchen.
High Fibre Food: High-fiber food like barley, oats, whole grains such as brown rice and lentils, and beans, such as kidney beans and black beans, will help keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Olive oil: According to the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association, it is helpful to get most of your fat from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated sources. Use polyunsaturated oil (sunflower, safflower, corn and soybean oils) or monounsaturated fats (such as olive, canola and peanut oils) in place of other vegetable oils when cooking your veggies.
Whole-wheat bread and peanut butter: Some peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread is a good snack that’s good to your heart. One slice of whole-wheat bread has 11 mcg of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that works with vitamin E to protect your heart. Peanut butter is one best source of providing you with your daily intake of 1/3 of vitamin E.
Wine. Research studies have shown that drinking a glass of alcohol a day may help in the battle against heart disease. Moderate intake of alcohol is helpful-moderate as one glass a day for women and two glasses of alcohol a day for men. What’s in one drink? Twelve ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of whiskey.
Broccoli. Calcium is another heart-healthy nutrient. Milk isn’t the only calcium-rich food. In fact, there are lots of non-dairy foods that are rich in calcium, such as salmon, kale, broccoli, figs, pinto beans, and okra. One cup of broccoli can supply you with 90 mg of calcium.
Chicken. Three ounces of chicken will give you 1/3 of your daily requirement for vitamin B6, a necessary nutrient for maintaining heart health.
Fish. Adding fatty fish to your diet is also a good idea. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, three ounces of salmon meets your daily requirement for vitamin B12, a vitamin that helps keep your heart healthy. Fish intake lowers triglycerides and reduce blood clots that could potentially block arteries in the heart.
Fruits: Strawberries, Oranges, Amlas are Vitamin C rich fruits that act as an antioxidant vital to maintaining a happy heart. Daily use of lemon also prevents heart problems as it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Being a natural source of vitamin C, Amla (Emblica myrobalan ) prevents all heart problems. Fresh grape fruits are highly beneficial in the treatment of heart disease as they tone up the heart. Apples have heart-stimulating properties. Apple juice and apple jam can be taken in liberal amounts. Watermelon is another fruit which can reduce high blood pressure.
Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a smart choice for fending off heart disease.
Garlic. Garlic lessens plaque buildup, reduce the incidence of chest pain, and keep the heart generally healthy. It is also a mild anticoagulant, helping to thin the blood.
Honey. This is considered as one of the excellent home remedies for heart care. Mix a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water, before going to bed.
Beet juice. It is considered as the most effective for heart ailments.
Tulsi. Take a spoon of tulsi juice with a spoon of honey on empty stomach every day as this is very effective home remedy for heart care.
CLASSIC WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or pain in center of chest Pain that spreads to shoulders, jaw, neck or arms Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating or shortness of breath
OTHER WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
Unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain Nausea or dizziness Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing Unexplained anxiety, weakness or extreme fatigue Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness
SOME IMPORTANT TIPS
A prolonged immersion bath at room temperature taken at bedtime on alternative days is also beneficial for the heart patients. Regular exercise, brisk walking are most important for healthy heart. Increase the intake of vitamin E as it improves the oxygenation of the cells. Stop smoking. Salt intake should be restricted. A well balanced diet for heart care containing fruits, vegetables and cereals with natural fibre is recommended. Excess intake of alcohol should be avoided. Regular check of high blood pressure and diabetes.
ADD ACTIVITY TO YOUR LIFE
Park your car in the back of the parking lot instead of near the entrance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk at a mall or gym. Go dancing. Play with children or grandchildren.
For more info on natural remedies, please visit Home Remedies
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Treating heart problem or preventing heart disease is not only possible, but also within your reach. Here are some natural remedies you will find in your very own kitchen.
High Fibre Food: High-fiber food like barley, oats, whole grains such as brown rice and lentils, and beans, such as kidney beans and black beans, will help keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Olive oil: According to the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association, it is helpful to get most of your fat from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated sources. Use polyunsaturated oil (sunflower, safflower, corn and soybean oils) or monounsaturated fats (such as olive, canola and peanut oils) in place of other vegetable oils when cooking your veggies.
Whole-wheat bread and peanut butter: Some peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread is a good snack that’s good to your heart. One slice of whole-wheat bread has 11 mcg of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that works with vitamin E to protect your heart. Peanut butter is one best source of providing you with your daily intake of 1/3 of vitamin E.
Wine. Research studies have shown that drinking a glass of alcohol a day may help in the battle against heart disease. Moderate intake of alcohol is helpful-moderate as one glass a day for women and two glasses of alcohol a day for men. What’s in one drink? Twelve ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of whiskey.
Broccoli. Calcium is another heart-healthy nutrient. Milk isn’t the only calcium-rich food. In fact, there are lots of non-dairy foods that are rich in calcium, such as salmon, kale, broccoli, figs, pinto beans, and okra. One cup of broccoli can supply you with 90 mg of calcium.
Chicken. Three ounces of chicken will give you 1/3 of your daily requirement for vitamin B6, a necessary nutrient for maintaining heart health.
Fish. Adding fatty fish to your diet is also a good idea. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, three ounces of salmon meets your daily requirement for vitamin B12, a vitamin that helps keep your heart healthy. Fish intake lowers triglycerides and reduce blood clots that could potentially block arteries in the heart.
Fruits: Strawberries, Oranges, Amlas are Vitamin C rich fruits that act as an antioxidant vital to maintaining a happy heart. Daily use of lemon also prevents heart problems as it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Being a natural source of vitamin C, Amla (Emblica myrobalan ) prevents all heart problems. Fresh grape fruits are highly beneficial in the treatment of heart disease as they tone up the heart. Apples have heart-stimulating properties. Apple juice and apple jam can be taken in liberal amounts. Watermelon is another fruit which can reduce high blood pressure.
Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a smart choice for fending off heart disease.
Garlic. Garlic lessens plaque buildup, reduce the incidence of chest pain, and keep the heart generally healthy. It is also a mild anticoagulant, helping to thin the blood.
Honey. This is considered as one of the excellent home remedies for heart care. Mix a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water, before going to bed.
Beet juice. It is considered as the most effective for heart ailments.
Tulsi. Take a spoon of tulsi juice with a spoon of honey on empty stomach every day as this is very effective home remedy for heart care.
CLASSIC WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or pain in center of chest Pain that spreads to shoulders, jaw, neck or arms Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating or shortness of breath
OTHER WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
Unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain Nausea or dizziness Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing Unexplained anxiety, weakness or extreme fatigue Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness
SOME IMPORTANT TIPS
A prolonged immersion bath at room temperature taken at bedtime on alternative days is also beneficial for the heart patients. Regular exercise, brisk walking are most important for healthy heart. Increase the intake of vitamin E as it improves the oxygenation of the cells. Stop smoking. Salt intake should be restricted. A well balanced diet for heart care containing fruits, vegetables and cereals with natural fibre is recommended. Excess intake of alcohol should be avoided. Regular check of high blood pressure and diabetes.
ADD ACTIVITY TO YOUR LIFE
Park your car in the back of the parking lot instead of near the entrance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk at a mall or gym. Go dancing. Play with children or grandchildren.
For more info on natural remedies, please visit Home Remedies
Caffeinated Content
Have a Healthy Heart
Rachel Lukasavige asked:
February has arrived and you may be gearing up for Valentine’s Day. You are buying cards, candy, and other gifts in order to get into that special someone’s heart. But there is another heart you should be thinking about this month and that is your own; especially if you are a woman. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and the American Heart Association has named February American Heart Month. Dedicate yourself to taking care of your own heart this year by following some simple advice.
Most women, when asked what their top health concern is, will name ****** cancer. ****** cancer accounts for one in 30 deaths in women but heart disease accounts for one in 2.6 deaths. It is important to take steps that will improve your heart and to spread the word about heart disease in order to help protect others. Many of the factors that increase your risk of heart disease are in your control.
There are three overall lifestyle changes you should focus on to become more heart healthy; tobacco use, diet, and physical activity. If you use tobacco, stop. Tobacco use raises your risk for heart disease significantly. As many as 30 percent of all coronary heart disease deaths in the U.S. each year are attributed to smoking. By quitting now, you can lower your risk significantly.
Lose weight or maintain your healthy weight by balancing your calorie intake and physical activity. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet and consume oily fish twice a week.
Limit your intake of saturated and trans fat by choosing lean meats, fat-free or low fat dairy products, and avoiding products made with partially hydrogenated oil. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. This will help lower your blood pressure which, if high, contributes to heart disease.
Last, but certainly not least, get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and know what your numbers mean. You will want to aim for a total cholesterol of less than 200/mg/dL and a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80mmHg.
To learn more about these guidelines and screening numbers, visit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women page at www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx. Make this the year you take care of your own heart.
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February has arrived and you may be gearing up for Valentine’s Day. You are buying cards, candy, and other gifts in order to get into that special someone’s heart. But there is another heart you should be thinking about this month and that is your own; especially if you are a woman. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and the American Heart Association has named February American Heart Month. Dedicate yourself to taking care of your own heart this year by following some simple advice.
Most women, when asked what their top health concern is, will name ****** cancer. ****** cancer accounts for one in 30 deaths in women but heart disease accounts for one in 2.6 deaths. It is important to take steps that will improve your heart and to spread the word about heart disease in order to help protect others. Many of the factors that increase your risk of heart disease are in your control.
There are three overall lifestyle changes you should focus on to become more heart healthy; tobacco use, diet, and physical activity. If you use tobacco, stop. Tobacco use raises your risk for heart disease significantly. As many as 30 percent of all coronary heart disease deaths in the U.S. each year are attributed to smoking. By quitting now, you can lower your risk significantly.
Lose weight or maintain your healthy weight by balancing your calorie intake and physical activity. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet and consume oily fish twice a week.
Limit your intake of saturated and trans fat by choosing lean meats, fat-free or low fat dairy products, and avoiding products made with partially hydrogenated oil. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. This will help lower your blood pressure which, if high, contributes to heart disease.
Last, but certainly not least, get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and know what your numbers mean. You will want to aim for a total cholesterol of less than 200/mg/dL and a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80mmHg.
To learn more about these guidelines and screening numbers, visit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women page at www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx. Make this the year you take care of your own heart.
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