If you are looking to add foods for a heart disease diet in your life, you will be interested in this. Coming soon from the European Society of Cardiologists is a custom cookbook designed with heart health as the primary objective. Cardiologist members of the society from across Europe have created recipes with cardiovascular health in mind but also delicious taste.
The society is trying to overcome the view that heart healthy eating is boring and lacking in taste. On a mission to educate the public about the benefits that can be gained from eating delicious meals that benefit the heart, the society is releasing the book to coincide with their ESC Congress 2010 that meets in Stockholm August 28, 2010.
The 62,000-member group is excited about this high-quality cookbook that begins with an overview of the heart and its importance to the body. The food is designed to support those with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease. Eating right can prevent cardiovascular disease but those who already suffer from many forms of heart disease can greatly benefit from changing their diets.
The 200 page plus book is packed with exciting recipes from across the European Union representing a wide variety of cultural cooking. The goal is to educate people about the ease of preparing meals with ingredients that will benefit the cardiovascular system and the heart itself. Each recipe came from a member cardiologist and was then adapted by nutritionists and chefs to assure that every recipe is a delicious treat.
At the front of the book is a section detailing the function and anatomy of the heart which is easy to understand. There is also information on various heart related diseases and what can be done to prevent them.
The cookbook has advice about alternative ingredients, seasonings, and cooking techniques. The president of the society, Roberto Ferrari, hopes that people will start new cooking habits and experiment with their own recipes that can prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.
The European Cook Book will be available in English from the European Society of Cardiologists’ website starting on August 28th. The introductory price will be 20 Euros.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter! P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
We all know that cardiovascular hypertension, cardiovascular stroke, cardiovascular angina, cardiovascular heart disease risk factors, cardiovascular heart diabetes, and cardiovascular heart failure is on the rise in the United States and other countries. This is really an issue that should lead to a good discussion with your doctor. There is considerable debate and it is getting heated!
The debate about the use of statin drugs to lower cholesterol continues as new analysis of prior studies show that statins really did nothing to lower the death rate of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular heart disease. These are people who have not had a previous heart attack or stroke but are taking the cholesterol lowering drugs in an attempt to stave off a first occurrence of either one.
A second study brings into question the validity of a 2008 study that concluded one particular statin did prevent heart attacks. This would appear to be bad news for the pharmacological companies and for patients taking the drugs. It is primarily due to research that showed statins prevent heart attacks that these medicines are second only to antipsychotic drugs in sales in the United States. They are widely prescribed in hopes of lowering the risk for fatal heart attacks.
But, another study was recently published that showed statins had a beneficial result in preventing further incidence of prostate cancer in men who had surgery for this cancer. The debate over these medicines is a hot one. Many researchers and doctors are firm believers in the benefits to patients taking these medicines.
Lowering cholesterol, preventing cardiovascular disease, and stopping heart attacks is a goal that every physician wants to achieve. Both sides of the debate have the patients’ health in mind, but how best to attain that goal?
Some doctors and researchers now believe the risks to the patients are too great, the statins are not worth the hope of lowering fatal heart attacks and strokes. The most reasonable voice right now may be the one that advises doctors talk to their patients and explain that right now there are conflicting results and an intense debate. The issues will be clearer with future.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
If you are a regular user of anti-inflammatory over the counter medications for minor pain, then you may want to pay attention to this new study. The study by Danish researches just released in the medical journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, shows an increased risk for dying from heart-related problems in healthy people who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has previously issued warnings to people with heart disease about the drugs which include Motrin and Advil containing ibuprofen, and Voltaren and Cataflam containing diclofenac.
The study looked at medical records of over one hundred residents of Denmark. The researchers found that there was a 29 percent higher risk of stroke among those who took ibuprofen-containing drugs when compared to others who did not take the drugs. Those using the diclofenac drugs suffered a 91 percent higher risk of death from all heart related diseases. No increased risk was found in users of drugs containing naproxen like Aleve.
Although it has been know for some time that these drugs are harmful to those who already have heart related diseases, this study shows that even otherwise healthy people are adversely affected by the drugs. Vioxx, which is a NSAID, was removed from the U. S, market in 2004 after a study indicated it increased the risk for heart attack and stroke.
The new finding from Denmark are consistent with a statement released by the American Heart Association in 2007. That year the association warned that NSAID usage was associated with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
At greatest risk may be those who lead a physically active life. They tend to take more NSAIDs for minor joint and muscle pain due to physical workouts and activity. The best advice is to talk to your doctor about the latest findings and ask if there are safer alternative drugs to relieve the pain.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
Could there really be a link between the health of teeth and gums and heart health? As early as the 1800s some doctors believed there was a common thread between oral health and the functioning of the heart and other internal organs, but the theory went out of favor until recent studies once again have rediscovered the link between the two.
So, what exactly do gum disease and cardiovascular health have to do with each other? Disease in either is accompanied by inflammation, red swollen gums signaling the beginning of periodontal disease, and arteries hardening, swollen closed during atherosclerosis. And now, researchers in England have established a solid connection between good gum health habits and a lower rate of heart related disease.
The research, conducted by Richard Watt of the University College London, found that there is a 70 percent increase in risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in those with bad oral hygiene as compared to those who brush and floss twice per day. The research study involved nearly 12,000 participants, their oral hygiene habits and their heart health. The results were published May 27, 2010 in the British Medical Journal.
Daily brushing prevented gum disease and at the same time helped to prevent heart and vascular disease. Of the participants, those that reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day had only a 4 percent incidence of developing heart disease over the eight year study. Those that brushed less than once per day had an 11 percent risk.
What does this all mean for you? Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States and throughout much of the developed world. If there is a chance that risk for cardiovascular disease can be reduced by simply brushing your teeth it is certainly worth giving a try!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
Several recent studies have found a link between anxiety and heart disease.
Although it is a fairly recent change in thinking in mainstream medicine
allowing that the mind affects the state of the body and its health, this
is something that the general population has accepted as fact for
centuries.
Findings in several studies have now shown a significant increase in heart disease in those who suffer from generalized anxiety. The frequent fear that something bad will occur and an ongoing state of chronic anxiety can actually cause physical changes in the body that lead to heart disease. Although researches do not understand the exact workings of this link, it is now clear to medical scientists that it exists.
Studies have been reported in The Journal of the American College of
Cardiology, Science Daily and the Journal of the American Heart
Association. All have confirmed that ongoing anxiety affects heart health
and can increase the risk of heart related problems including heart
attacks. The studies used psychological tests that pin point areas of anxiety
and show that there can be an increase in heart disease as high as forty
percent.
Most studies have been conducted on men. However, researchers reported in Circulation that the Journal of the American Heart Association studied the correlation between women with phobic anxieties and sudden cardiac death that results from a
lethal rhythm disturbance in the heart.
Whether it is phobias or generalized anxiety, doctors now recognize that
something should be done to alleviate the state of worry and lessen the
risk for heart trouble. There are many ways to calm anxiety without
medications. Yoga practitioners have long recognized the link between a
healthy mind and a healthy body. Breathing techniques are one of the most
effective ways to alleviate anxiety, working quickly when anxiety is at a
peak. Yoga classes can help focus the mind, calm the breathing and provide
physical wellbeing.
Look for future blogs that focus on the mind-body connection and how this can be a useful technique in healing the heart.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
If you are someone who struggles with a lack of energy on a daily basis, who desires to lose weight effectively, or who struggles with other health challenges such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc., there are some people who have followed the NEWSTART Lifestyle program and experienced renewed health and vigor along with weight loss.
What is NEWSTART? Here is a brief description of it:
N-Nutrition: The diet is plant based and free of all animal products and endorsees whole, natural foods. The diet is naturally high in fiber, low in fat, and cholesterol free.
E-Exercise: Our bodies are made to be physically active. Regular exercise not only will help you to lose weight, have increased energy, but also combats many health problems both physical and mental. Plus, daily exercise strengthens the immune system, improves circulation and reduces stress.
W-Water: Our bodies are made up of mostly water and almost every body function is dependent on it. Adequate water intake will also increase energy and promote fat loss. 6 to 8 glasses per day are recommended.
S-Sunshine: Sunlight is one of nature’s natural healers and it is crucial for strong bones. Just 15 minutes a day of sunlight can provide the daily body requirements for Vitamin D.
T-Temperance: Temperance is simply maintaining a healthy balance in all areas of your life. It also means avoiding anything which is harmful to your body and mind and moderation in that which is good. Focus on including in your life all good things which will promote weight loss, increase your energy levels, keep your heart healthy, etc.
A-Air: Air is the body’s most frequently needed resource. Living in an environment where air quality is good increases your ability to fight disease. Deep breathing of fresh, outdoor air promotes a good oxygen supply for your body.
R-Rest: Adequate and proper rest promotes productivity and your disease resistance is increased. Everybody needs quiet physical relaxation after active work, vigorous exercise after mental work, and deep restorative sleep.
T-Trust in Divine Power: Learning to trust in God is the most important aspect of the NEWSTART Lifestyle. Many people today struggle with stress, fear, and anxiety which negatively impact the chemistry of all body systems. Becoming acquainted with the Creator of the universe and trusting in Him ehanhances physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
The NEWSTART Lifestyle Program is a powerful healer and taught by Weimar Institute, a non-profit Christian Wellness Center in the Sierra foothills between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, CA. People come from all over the world seeking to regain their health. You do not have to go to Weimar to begin to incorporate these wonderful strategies into your life!
Why not begin so today?
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
Everyone needs a strong, healthy heart. This is important because our hearts is like an engine that drives our active lifestyle, and it must be in good health to maintain our muscles and bones, keep our minds sharp, and have an on-going sharp mind. Here are two tips that will help you as a woman keep a strong heart.
Tip #1: Get a heart scan after menopause. It’s scary to think about but even women with normal cholesterol levels can have heart disease! Dr. Mehdi Razavi, a heart specialist at the Texas Heart Institute, says for women to talk to their doctor about getting a coronary artery scan. The test measures calcium accumulation in the arteries which is a predictor of heart disease risk. It also can spot troubles when other tests such as those that test cholesterol levels, are normal.
Tip #2: Go Mediterranean. There are many heart-healthy diets around today. However, not all are created equal. It seems the diet that beats them all is the Mediterranean diet which prevents and even reverses heart disease. Women whose diets include monounsaturated fats from olive and canola oils, nuts, fish, along with loads of fruits and vegetables rduced their reoccurence of heart problems by a whopping 50-70% according to the Lyon Diet Heart Study in Paris.
These are two easy things that women with heart problems and those who do not have heart problems can do to develop a strong heart and prevent or even reverse heart disease. Make sure you follow these tips today!
All chocolate lovers will love this. Chocolate has been around for many centuries. Now, it also seems that cocoa (chocolate) has some great things in it that can help you develop a healthy heart.
I found this really neat article over at the Detroit Free News Press. Read it and then go out and enjoy that piece of dark chocolate. Your heart will thank you for it!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
Posted: April 25, 2010
HEART SMART (TM)
Chocolate has been good for centuries
Chocolate originated as a drink before it became the creamy, rich treat we adore today. As far back as AD 250, the Maya ground cocoa seeds into a paste and mixed it with water, chili peppers, cornmeal and other ingredients to make a frothy, spicy, chocolate drink. It wasn’t until the 1800s that chocolate was enjoyed in the form of a candy bar.
Historically, cocoa played a part in culture, currency and medicine. Only elite members of society were allowed to drink the sacred cocoa beverages. Cocoa seeds were used to buy food and clothing. And chocolate was part of a treatment regimen for anemia, poor appetite, mental fatigue, fever, dysentery and diarrhea.
Chocolate and cocoa powder come from cocoa beans that grow in pods on the tropical Theobroma cacao tree found in southeast Asia, Africa, Hawaii, Brazil and other South American countries. After cocoa beans have been fermented, dried, roasted and ground, they are pressed into cocoa powder and cocoa butter.
Cocoa powder is a concentrated source of flavonoids. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, which gobble up toxic molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can damage body cells and tissues and may lead to health problems such as cancer, cataracts, arthritis and heart disease.
Cocoa powder is sold unsweetened. The richer, darker Dutch processed cocoa powder has been treated with alkaline compounds, which helps neutralize cocoa’s natural acidity. It is slightly darker in color and milder in flavor than natural cocoa. In today’s recipe we used Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa, which is a blend of cocoa powder and Dutch processed cocoa powder.
HEART SMART is a registered trademark of the Henry Ford Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute. Darlene Zimmerman, MS, RD, is program contact; for questions about today’s recipe, call her at 313-972-1920, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
One of the easiest heart disease treatments is work on actively lowering your cholesterol. High cholesterol many times can lead to heart disease. Therefore, it is very important that we pay close attention to what we put in our mouths.
The following article covers a list of foods that will naturally lower your cholesterol levels. The best thing: no medication needed!
A List of Foods That Lower Cholesterol – If You Have High Cholesterol This List is a Must By Rob D. Hawkins
You really don’t have to travel to a far away land filled with danger and intrigue, armed with a treasure map borrowed from the national archives to compile a list of foods that lower cholesterol. Everything you need to put a whipping on high cholesterol levels can be found at your local grocery store or super market. Not quite as sexy, but every bit as effective. But first we should examine what we are trying to avoid, when visiting our local grocery store filled with crazed shoppers armed with very large buggies with at least one bad wheel.
The two fats we will need to avoid are saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fat could easily go by the alias of big and fat! These fats are solid at room temperature. All meat contains some saturated fat with the well marbled variety winning the gold star for artery clogging prowess. Saturated fat can also be found in abundance in butter, cream, and cheese. Needless to say none of these foods will make it on our list of foods that lower cholesterol.
Our next really dangerous villain goes by the name trans fatty acid but his friends simply call him trans fat. These fats are made in the hydrogenation process that solidifies liquid oils for use in preparation of many food products. Trans fatty acid can be found in such family party favorites as cookies, doughnuts, and crackers. As you may have guessed these food will be left of our list of foods that lower cholesterol as well.
You probably wonder how we can compile a list of delicious foods now that all the fun stuff has been eliminated. It may not be as difficult as you think.
*Fish: Not any fish will do! While the aquarium fish may be appealing for your cat they will not do much for your cholesterol. On the other hand cold water fatty fish high in omega 3 oils raise good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease triglycerides (fatty material that circulates in the blood). Salmon, herring, and mackerel are all very good sources.
*Fruits and Vegetables: How many times do I have to tell you to eat your fruits and vegetables? I’m sure you heard it growing up at least a million times, right! Fruits and vegetables only contain tiny amounts of fat, and most it is unsaturated. Avocados, apples, pears, pomegranates, and blueberries all make our list of foods that lower cholesterol.
*Nuts: Studies from both Loma Linda University and Penn State University confirm that certain nuts do indeed lower cholesterol. Omega 3 fats and antioxidants found in nuts lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while working to reverse prior arterial damage caused by saturated fat. Some heart healthy favorites are walnuts and almonds.
*Give me Olive Oil: No, not the rail thin cartoon character but instead the kind that comes in a bottle that you can find on isle 5 in your grocery store. Studies show olive oil lowers bad cholesterol while leaving good cholesterol undisturbed.
Well, there you have it our list of foods that lower cholesterol. Nothing real fancy but the above foods will positively give you an excellent foundation to build your low cholesterol diet around. Additionally, many natural health minded individuals have found that by combining smart diet choices with natural cholesterol reducing remedies they have been able to jump start their cholesterol reducing program. Natural cholesterol reducing remedies are a safe and effective alternative to hard to manage statin drugs and are certainly a natural option worth learning more about.
Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of safe and effective high quality alternative health products and natural living, with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at http://www.Purchase Remedies.com
These foods will call for a lifestyle change for some. However, the sacrifice is necessary if you want to keep a healthy heart!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
We all know that too much bad fats can create heart problems. However, it is also important that we incorporate good fats in our diets too because these actually help our heart. Here is why.
Some fat is actually good for us and is required by our body for proper function. Some of the uses that fat has in our body include:
1) Helps our body in the production of hormones
2) Insulates and cushions our body and internal organs
3) Keeps our skin and hair healthy
3) Regulates our blood pressure
4) Helps to improve brain function – especially in children
5) Provides us with energy
6) Lowers bad cholesterol levels
7) Alleviate symptoms of PMS and Menopause
Lowers our risk against heart disease and other cancers
9) Helps to transport certain vitamins through our bloodstream
Understanding the differences between fats, therefore, can be helpful to understand whether the fat content in a particular food will be helpful to you or harmful.
Polyunsaturated Fats
Polyunsaturated fats are a rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids which we need but can’t be made by our bodies. These fats help to lower bad cholesterol levels, ease symptoms of PMS and aid in motor coordination. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in sunflower oil, safflower oil, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds.
Monounsaturated Fats
Like polyunsaturated fats, it is thought that monounsaturated oils also assist in the lowering of bad cholesterol levels. Additionally, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats have been associated with lower risks of cancer and increased longevity. Some foods that are rich in monounsaturated oils include: olive oil, Angola oil, sesame oil, avocados, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, humus, mackerel, and lean meat.
Saturated Fats
A diet high is saturated fats have been proven to raise the levels of bad cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and obesity. These fats have been found in large quantities in such foods as: cheese, lard, cakes, chocolate, pies, pastry, cookies and meat.
Trans Fat
As bad as saturated fats are for our health, Trans fats are even worse. Trans fats are nothing more than saturated fats that have been chemically modified in the food manufacturing process. And not only do they increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the body but they also lower the good cholesterol levels as well. There is also a link between Trans fats and various forms of cancer and heart disease. Trans fat is sometimes listed on the food label; however is mostly found in margarine, cookies, cakes, puddings, fried foods, chocolate bars and in many fast foods.
The bottom line, keep a tab on the type of fats you are consuming and make sure they are the healthy ones. Your heart will be healthy if you do!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!
P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=88fa278e-c4b4-43dd-9ed5-553c2896041f)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=ae17cb00-c783-48d9-822e-27e6842c6309)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=02958cc0-0277-4531-b25d-13425df45852)
Lowers our risk against heart disease and other cancers