The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the following: An abundance of food from plant sources. These include vegetables, fruits, breads, potatoes, cereals and grains, nuts, beans and seeds. Whole grain instead of enriched sources of breads and cereals are preferred.  These benefits are definitely worth it. Minimally processed foods and whenever possible, seasonally fresh produce. Purchasing seasonally [...]

Healthy Tips High fiber vegetable source foods are best for a cholesterol lowering diet.  This includes beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.  In addition to fiber, all of these have natural phytochemicals (plant chemicals) which are beneficial to your heart health and your overall well-being. Protein Sources Use beans and whole grain recipes [...]

The “Good” Cholesterol A good level of HDL cholesterol is vital to heart health.  The idea is that HDL cholesterol is cholesterol that is being moved to the liver, where it will be processed.  After the liver, the cholesterol leaves the body.  HDL levels reflect how well your body is processing cholesterol.  When your LDL [...]

Addressing the Issue I will not pretend I know the answer to this question, but I can give some of my opinions on the matter. Doctors for years have been telling us to eat right and exercise.  For most of those years we have taken a very American stance and asked them kindly to mind [...]

Understand the Importance of LDL Cholesterol If you know someone who has suffered a heart attack or stroke, then the words “You have high LDL cholesterol” from your doctor may have some meaning to you. For the rest of us, the words “high cholesterol” may not conjure up many thoughts or images. Even if you [...]

So, in 2005, the USDA updated the food guide pyramid.  There was a whole big to-do about it because its entire layout changed.  A lot of people weren’t happy about it, and a lot of people didn’t understand it.  However, because of strenuous efforts on the government’s part, public understanding of this new pyramid has [...]

Speed, At What Cost? Convenience.  Here in America, we are familiar with the word.  I don’t think we give it much thought, though.  We always want things to be faster, easier, and right where we want them when we want them…but at what cost?  If things become too diluted because of convenience, is it really [...]

Many people are aware that heart disease is the number one killer in America, but many do not realize that according to the World Health Organization at least 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular heart disease and stroke could be prevented through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding the use of tobacco…

Beta-glucans are soluble, which means they can mix with water. So in other words beta-glucans are a soluble fiber present in foods. Oat Beta-glucan is a unique form of soluble fiber which has special properties that are beneficial for helping lower cholesterol levels.