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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