An Unknown Disease Syndrome X, now known as metabolic syndrome, is a combination of high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol and insulin resistence.  Over 27 million Americans are believed to have metabolic syndrome.  This syndrome can contribute to many diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.  The best prevention and treatment of Syndrome X seems to [...]

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 [...]

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…

Getting Active I was thinking about exercise today. Whenever I talk to customers about exercise, they get a little hesitant. Once I explain how exercise and being a gym-rat don’t go hand in hand, there’s a sigh of relief. Heart-healthy exercise can actually be quite fun and can fit into most people’s schedules.  Even small amounts [...]

Somehow in our society it has become more accepted to cut someones chest open, pull out their heart, and replace some of the pieces than to make simple dietary changes. The quick fix once we have a problem is more acceptable than facing inconveniences in the here and now…