Credit: iStock/designer491 Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer in America, taking more lives per year than cancer and accidents combined. That’s frightening, but there is cause for optimism. For decades, statin drugs have been the gold standard in cholesterol management. Statins block the liver enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol, lower “bad” LDL levels by … Continue reading Spotlight On: Statins
Cholesterol
Enjoy Health Benefits of the Sweet-and-Sour Cranberry This Holiday Season
Credit: iStock/gaus-nataliya As trees change colors and shed leaves and the air cools down, many of us cannot stop dreaming of seasonal festivities. You might think there’s nothing more festive than meeting your loved ones for a Thanksgiving feast. Don’t forget to add a side of cranberries while you gobble up your turkey! Besides adding … Continue reading Enjoy Health Benefits of the Sweet-and-Sour Cranberry This Holiday Season
Spotlight On: Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol
Credit: iStock Atherosclerosis, a disease that affects the large vessels of the body and typically progresses over time, is one of the major causes of heart attack and stroke. It begins with the development of fatty streaks in the blood vessels, which can start forming as early as childhood. Compounds that cause inflammation (including cholesterol … Continue reading Spotlight On: Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol
Are Cheerios the Superhero of Our Hearts?
Credit: iStock Will a bowl of Cheerios a day keep the plaque away? Sort of. In recent years, an interesting phenomenon has taken root. Popular media promotes the notion that a simple breakfast cereal such as Cheerios can serve as a miraculous remedy for reducing the complex issue of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a common condition … Continue reading Are Cheerios the Superhero of Our Hearts?
The Fat-blocking Powers of Fiber
An estimated 610,000 people in the U.S. die from heart disease each year. One common cause of heart disease is the narrowing of blood vessels due to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque). Many factors—including eating a lot of fatty foods—can lead to plaque buildup in blood vessels. Your liver processes excess fat by packaging … Continue reading The Fat-blocking Powers of Fiber