According to a study in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women with the highest plasma levels of the antioxidant lycopene had a 34% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared to women with lower plasma levels of the nutrient. The study...
heart disease
Lower Heart Attack Risk: Low-fat, high-fibre diet and exercise are key
UCLA scientists report that a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, augmented with daily exercise, significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels in study participants. High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood indicate...
Niacin shines in cholesterol study
High cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease, can be modified through diet, lifestyle and drugs, yet many people still struggle to lower their cholesterol levels. Recently, scientists from the University of Maryland published a review stating that niacin,...
Fish oils may improve behaviour
Adolescents who have a higher intake of fish oils tend to be less hostile than those who have a low intake, say researchers. And since hostility has been shown to predict heart disease, fish oil may also reduce heart disease risk. Scientists from across the US...
Good Fats for Healthy Heart: Flaxseed and nut oils reduce risk for disease
A Penn State study has shown that a diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid found in flaxseed oil, walnuts and walnut oil, not only lowered bad cholesterol but also decreased markers for blood vessel inflammation in men and women. The study...
Going Veggie is Easy! Studies show most make a smooth change for better health
In a new study, Neal D. Barnard, MD, and his colleagues show that patients easily transition from a standard omnivorous diet to a low-fat, vegetarian diet that helps people lose weight, lower blood pressure and otherwise improve their health. Many doctors are aware...
Fish Oils for the Heart: Healthy fats have a number of benefits, study finds
Fish oil can help reduce deaths from heart disease, according to new evidence reports announced today by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The systematic reviews of the available literature found evidence that long chain omega-3 fatty acids, the...
Fibre Factor: Researchers report protective effect on heart
Consumption of dietary fibre from fruits and cereals may lower the risk of coronary heart disease, say researchers from Harvard University, Boston. They say that dietary fibre, found in fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals, may reduce the risk of heart disease by...
Cholesterol Fighter? Compound in blueberries shows great promise
A compound in blueberries shows promise of lowering cholesterol as effectively as a commercial drug and has the potential for fewer side effects, according to a researcher with the US Department of Agriculture. The compound, pterostilbene, could be used for those who...
Antioxidants are Heart Healthy: Large studies show preventative action
Large, epidemiologic studies indicate that among the healthy population, the long-term use of antioxidant supplements, specifically vitamin E and vitamin C, helps protect against heart disease. "It is puzzling how the American Heart Association's nutrition committee...