You would want to open the book and read part of it to get a better idea about what is going on, right?

Well, judging a book by its cover is what happens when you look at LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decide that this is the only – or even the best indicator of heart disease.

Worse yet, you are told you MUST lower your LDL cholesterol level.

#1 Naturally produced by the body, cholesterol is needed for a variety of functions.-1

Your body uses cholesterol to make testosterone and other essential hormones and is one of the best health and youth enhancing strategies for aging men and women. -2

As you age your body naturally starts to lose its ability to produce as much testosterone and you start to lose energy, strength, sexual desire and sexual capacity.-2

#2 Because the fact is cholesterol alone is not THE indicator of heart disease. Cholesterol which has been oxidized is the problem. Oxidation of cholesterol is the more specific problem which would enable the cholesterol to become “sticky” and start to form plaque in the walls of the arteries.-3

We have all seen an apple cut open and watch as it turns brown – this is oxidation. Your body will oxidize on the inside unless steps are taken to help prevent this.

One can keep oxidation of cholesterol in check by incorporating plenty of anti-oxidants in your consumption of food and supplements.-1, 3

A few of the most powerful anti-oxidants are:

• CoenzymeQ10
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C

Low cost, safe and proven food sources high in omega 3’s and the right fats to help keep your cholesterol levels in balance-1, 3

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Olive oil
• Olives
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Flaxseed
• Eggplant
• Okra
• Eggs
• Fresh fruit

These are better, safe, proven and natural ways to prevent cholesterol from becoming a problem.

A diet heavy in grains and processed foods will actually raise your blood cholesterol levels more than foods which contain cholesterol.

A diet low in cholesterol will do you little if anything health wise -4

Focusing on raising your HDL cholesterol levels because as you raise your good cholesterol it decreases the concern about your LDL levels of cholesterol and gives you a better total cholesterol profile. -5

Some of the best ways to improve your “Good” or HDL cholesterol is through:

• Exercise.
• Vitamin D
• Niacin
• Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with raising HDL cholesterol levels – 6

There is a big difference between the cholesterol your Body produces and dietary cholesterol from the food you eat.

#3 Two factors which are of greater concern and are better indicators of heart disease are -3

1. A measure of inflammation in the blood stream called C-reactive protein

2. An amino acid produced by the body called homocysteine.

High levels of C-reactive protein and high levels of homocysteine are better leading indicators and also contribute to the formation of plaque in the blood vessels leading to heart disease -3

As reported in the July, 2003 issue of JAMA, a study was conducted which showed that a diet high in plant sterols, fiber and almonds was clearly the better way to reduce cholesterol and heart disease over statin drugs.-8

And finally …

Policosanol – An organic plant alcohol from sugar cane is one of the best natural ways to reduce bad cholesterol levels-7

Naturally, as you realize the power of these proven ways to prevent cholesterol from becoming a problem, you will find yourself taking action.

References

1- Dr. Al Sears Health Confidential for Men – “The biggest drug and the biggest lie” august 4th, 2003.

2- Dr. Al Sears Health Confidential for Men – “Ignore the hype focus on cholesterol that matters” April 4, 2004

3- Hyman, Mark M.D., Liponis, Mark M.D., Ultra-Prevention, The 6-Week Plan that will Make you healthy for life, New York, Scribner, 2003

4- Dr. Al Sears Health Confidential for Men – “Teaching Nutrition?” March 15, 2004

5- Framingham Heart Study conducted on healthy people in the 1950s. cholesterol misleading as only one of 240 factors in heart disease. http://www.researchprotection.org/infomail/03/07/11.html

6- Castiglioni A and Neuman WR. “HDL Cholesterol: What Is Its True Clinical Significance?” Emergency Medicine, January 2003:pp 30-42.

7- Policosanol safe alternative just one of many. http://www.life-enhancement.com/article_template.asp?ID=663 New study finds that this sugar-cane extract safely lowers cholesterol levels. By Aaron W. Jensen, Ph.D. References PR Newswire, March 5, 2002. White Plains, NY. Omar MA, Wilson JP. FDA adverse event reports on statin -associated rhabdomyolysis. Ann Pharmacother 2002 Feb;36(2):288-95. Gouni-Berthold I, Berthold HK. Policosanol: clinical pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent. Am Heart J 2002;143:356-65. Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Executive summary of the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). J Am Med Assoc 2001;285:2486-97.

8- Jenkins D. et al., Effects of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol- lowering foods vs Lovastatin on serum lipids and c-reactive protein. JAMA 2003; 290: 502-510

9- – Health Sciences Institute – Jenny Thompson – Article “Broken Ground” 3/11/2004

Lee Cummings has been helping people solve problems and feel better with proven nutrition for over 4 years. Lee publishes the montly LC Nutrition newsletter. For a Fr^ee Report – mailto:report@lc-nutrition.com Discover proven nutrition information visit: http://www.LC-Nutrition.com
Leeman@LC-Nutrition.com

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Antioxidants . . . The Nutrients Boost The Immune System and Have Powerful Anti-Cancer Activity . . .

Health and nutrition experts have increasingly come to recognize the value of taking a synergistic blend of potent antioxidants, the cancer-fighting, health-promoting nutrients that help boost the immune system naturally. Heres a summary of major antioxidants that should be considered for daily intake . . .

Researchers analyzed data from the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET). They focused on blood samples from 278 subjects with prostate cancer and 483 matched subjects without cancer. They analyzed blood levels of several carotenoids, including lutein vitamin A and vitamin E (alpha and gamma tocopherols), then identified correlations between those levels and the risk of lung and prostate cancer.

Results: In the overall population, the highest intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol were associated with a significantly lower risk

of lung cancer. Women with the highest blood levels of lutein, zeaxanth in and beta-cryptoxanthin had the lowest risk of developing lung cancer.

The risk reduction associated with these nutrients was 69% for lutein zeaxanthin. Men with the highest blood levels of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) were 41% less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Firstly, for a good, all-around antioxidant boost, everyone can benefit from daily vitamin C, vitamin E, and Selenium.

Vitamin C

What It Does:

May protect against GI (gastro-intestinal) cancers, cataracts, and heart disease; reduces severity of colds. Optimizes vitamin E utilization.

Best Food Sources:

Fruits and vegetables (eg., strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, dark leafy green, red peppers).

Suggested Dose:

500 to 1,000 mg. (or more) a day. Best taken with meals.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E comes in two forms: tocoperols (the most common form of the vitamin) and tocotrienols. Take a vitamin E supplement to assure youre getting optimum tocopherol levels. Less is known about the tocotrienols; research is ongoing.

What It Does:

Tocopherols may protect against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimers, and certain cancers; they may also enhance immunity. Tocotrienols may

fight heart disease and breast cancer; may also protect skin against the suns UV rays.

Best Food Sources:

Tocopherols: Nuts and vegetable oils have a small amount. Tocotrienols: Rice bran. Supplements are beneficial to supply a therapeutic dose of these vital vitamin compounds.

Suggested Dose
Tocopherols: 400 to 800 IU of natural vitamin E a day, preferably as mixe d tocopherols; best taken with meals.

Selenium

What It Does:

Protects against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Assists other antioxidants to function at optimum levels.

Best Food Sources:

Brazil nuts, grains, vegetables (selenium content varies depending on the

soil produce is grown in.)

Suggested Dose:

100 to 200 mcg. a day; avoid higher daily doses, which may be toxic. Take with meals to help boost absorption.

Coenzyme Q10

What It Does:

May fight cancer and heart disease; strengthens gums; protects nerves; helps generate energy, naturally.

Where Its Found and Specific Food Sources:

Present in all cells of the body, especially in the heart. Also found in

nuts and oils, but supplementation is required to get a therapeutic dose.

Suggested Dose:

At least 30 mg. a day. CoQ10 is particularly important for anyone who has heart disease. In addition, anyone taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, such as Mevacor (lovastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), or Zocor (simvastatin) should take CoQ10 because these drugs deplete the bodys store of Coenzyme.

Alpha-Lipolc Acid

What It Does:

May protect against heart disease, cataracts, stroke, cancer, and diabetes-related nerve damage. May also help boost critical glutathione levels.

Best Food Sources:

Found in tiny amounts in some foods (eg., spinach, beef, potatoes).

Suggested Dose

100 mg. a day with food. For people with diabetes, 200 mg. three times aday.

These Additional Antioxidants May Also Be Beneficial To Your Health.

Other antioxidants that may be worth including in your antioxidant mix depending on your individual health concerns are carotenoids, ginkgo biloba, and proanthocyanidins. Glutathione, an amino-acid like antioxidant, is very important for immunity and proper liver function . Taking these additional antioxidants boosts your bodys natural production of valuable glutathione.

Carotenoids
What They Do:
May lower your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Best Food Sources:

Orange and red fruits and vegetables; dark green vegetables.

Suggested Dose:

If diet is lacking in fruits and vegetables: Take mixed carotenoids supplying 25,000 IU of vitamin A activity a day.

Ginkgo Biloba

What It Does:

Improves circulation; may fight heart disease, Alzheimers, impotence.

Where Its Found:

Extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree.

Suggested Dose

30 to 60 mg., of extract (equivalent 250 mg. – 500 mg. of whole herb) once or twice a day, with or without food.

Proanthocyanidins (Grape Seed Extract / Pine Bark Extract / Berry, Fruit Extracts)

What It Does:

Boosts bodys production of vitamins C and E and glutathione.

Where Its Found:

Extracted from grape seeds, berry extracts or pine bark (such as Pycnogenol).

Suggested Dose

30 to 200 mg. a day.

SOURCES / REFERENCES:

The Doctors Complete Guide To Vitamins and Minerals

/ Eades, M.D.

The Nutrition Desk Reference / Garrison, Jr., M.A., R.Ph. & Somer, M.A., R.D.

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2003;2003:518-526.
Roger Jirves is an authorized dealer of the Vitamin Power line natural nutrition-science products. Antioxidant Vitamins, Minerals and other Anti-Aging Nutrients . . .

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Your body is being constantly attacked by very harmful substances known as free radicals or oxygen radicals. Free radicals can destroy your cells, tissues and organs.

Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are naturally formed inside our bodies by the process of oxidation. They are normal by products of everyday functions like digestion and physical activity. Free radicals also come from outside sources, such as smoking, environmental pollution, and synthetic chemicals that are added to our water and food.

We are also all exposed daily to polluted air, ingest oxidized or partially rancid foods, and oxidizing radiations from the sun and various electrical appliances.

Free radicals lack one electron making them chemically unstable. To stabilize themselves, they attack any other substance within reach and steel an electron from it. This process creates a new free radical, which repeats the process, producing a “domino effect.” When this reaction is uncontrolled, it can generate millions of free radicals within seconds.

Fortunately our bodies come equipped with a free radical fighting mechanism. It consists of specialized enzymes that have a “spare” electron that they can give away without turning into free radicals. In order to protect us, the enzymes need help from certain substances known as antioxidants.

The antioxidant value of any food or supplement can be determined by it’s ORAC rating. ORAC means Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. According to the University of Michigan, Comprehensive Cancer Center, the measurement of ORAC is a way to measure how many oxygen radicals a specific food can absorb. The more oxygen radicals a food can absorb, the higher its ORAC score. The higher its score… the more that food or supplement will help you fight diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Most experts agree that we should consume 5,000 ORAC units per day to effectively fight free radicals in the body. Sadly, most of us average around 1,200 units per day. Not nearly enough to protect us from the common diseases of aging.

One of the best sources of antioxidants are berries and fruits. Most of us would have a very hard time eating the large amounts necessary to reach 5,000 ORAC units per day. For this reason, high ORAC supplements have been created. They contain berry and fruit extracts with a known ORAC rating. These supplements are inexpensive and provide many health benefits to your entire body and brain. Many people use these supplements as part of an anti-aging program. Keeping your cells from being destroyed goes a long way to staying healthy and young.

Brad Bahr is the author of many health related articles and websites. He has been testing and reviewing health supplements for many years. You can find more interesting health related articles at his website: http://www.findustuff.com

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For Scientists the largest concern is what causes Alzheimer’s and how can it be eradicated. For possible victims and their families it is how do we prevent the dreaded affliction or stop it in its tracks once it is diagnosed.

Scientists are in agreement and have narrowed down the contributing factor causing Alzheimer’s disease. Most researchers agree that Beta-amyloid is one of the agents thought to cause damage to the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. The research is attempting to find a deterrent and is recognizing antioxidants to be significant in protecting at risk patients.

According to the Harvard Medical Center, continuing research and studies are being conducted with some positive results. Even though some studies by the French point to wine as a protectant, the results are considerably controversial. The component in the wine that was indicated to be responsible for the protectant agent is still somewhat ambiguous.

Recent studies, including the study on wine, point to antioxidants for Alzheimer and Dementia risk reduction.

In an Italian study conducted by A. Russo, et.al., it was found that black grape skin extract protected cells in a test tube from oxidative damage and DNA fragmentation when exposed to beta-amyloid. An even more recent study by E. Savaskan, et.al, examined the red wine ingredient resveratrol, and found it to be neuroprotective against beta-amyloid oxidative stress, again supporting an antioxidant mechanism.

What these studies point to is, red wine may have an effect that could provide some protection against Alzheimer’s disease, but indication says it is the antioxidant factor that is the hero. This is consistent with the fact that other antioxidants, most notably vitamin E, are being studied with great interest as potential protective agents against Alzheimer’s disease. According to Dr. Steve Seiner, of Harvard Medical School, “While the results of these studies do not necessarily suggest that people should drink wine in order to lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, they do support the potential role of antioxidant treatment in preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease.

In another study by Robert P. Friedland, MD chief of the neurogeriatrics laboratory at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, “If antioxidants prove to protect against Alzheimer’s disease, it is probably because they reduce what is called ‘oxidative stress’ in cells.” He went on to say that his team believes free radicals are the culprit of oxidative stress in cells caused by the inappropriate consumption of some foods such as those in high fat content. In this study Friedland is recommending a “to-do” list for those who want to improve their chances of maintaining a healthy brain. He suggests:

• Eat a diet high in antioxidants
• Eat fish
• Take vitamin E
• Take B vitamins
• Take folic acid
• Be mentally and physically active throughout life
• Avoid head injuries

When addressing the reduction of free radicals it is essential to recognize the importance of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC’s) as the most powerful antioxidant known in scientific studies. OPC’s are products commonly derived from a combination of grape seed extract, red wine extract and/or pine bark extract. They are very powerful bioflavanoids used as a natural food supplement ready to be absorbed into the body and begin to attack the free radicals.

OPC’s are safe and have been used for over 20 years throughout Europe. Extensive studies and laboratory testing reveal no evidence for human toxicity, allergic reactions, birth defects, or carcinogenicity. OPC’s work synergistically with other antioxidant vitamins, regenerating the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and vitamin E.

However, Bill Thies, PhD, vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association says although Friedmand’s recommendations are probably useful and that he agrees with all of them, he wants to “be very clear that the association is not making any recommendations about ways to prevent Alzheimer’s. Thies is, however, involved in reading and learning about all studies concerning Alzheimer’s Disease.

A study conducted in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Dr. Monique Breteler with the Eras UM Medical Center, found the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E appear to be equally protective as a reducing factor in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Her results of the 5,000 volunteers over the past 14 years, confirmed some earlier studies that point to antioxidants as a way to lower risk of dementia. She also said the protective effect of antioxidants was “more pronounced among smokers and among those who are carriers of the Alzheimer’s gene.”

It was also pointed out that diets rich in antioxidants are helpful, but in order to consume the necessary requirements, a person would have to triple, or more, their current consumption, which Breteler says, is most unlikely. Recommendations for proper amounts of ingestion are through antioxidant supplements including OPC’s, vitamin E and vitamin C.

Editor of the OPC Antioxidant Reference Guide. http://www.opc.cc
editor@opc.cc

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