Currently there are cholesterol medications that interact with grapefruit meaning individuals that are prescribed these medications need to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. There’s a component in grapefruit called furanocomarins (FCs) that interfere with the enzyme activity that metabolizes (breaksdown) certain medications. Therefore grapefruit can inhibit the medication from entering the bloodstream.
The USDA Agricultural Research Service found a fungus (Aspergillus niger) that will bind with FCs causing the component to be inactive. This may mean avoiding grapefruit may not be necessary in the future for individuals taking certain medications.
I’m curious to know your thoughts. I’m not so sure I like the idea of altering the FCs in grapefruit. Who knows if there is a benefit we haven’t learned yet related to FCs? Also, what if inhibiting FCs causing a new problem? Share your thoughts below!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com
Every February marks American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number on killer of Americans with cardiovascular disease and stroke taking nearly 1 million lives every year. Heart disease is strongly affected by your diet and lifestyle choices. By making some simple, but necessary changes you can drastically decrease your risk by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Heart Health Made Easy: Master the Basics to Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol for a Longer, Healthier Life – American Heart Month Savings
Purchase Heart Health Made Easy before February 28th and you’ll receive a 25% savings
The program takes you step-by-step to a lower cholesterol and blood pressure with a practical, easy to understand take action guide.
THIS PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF. . .
Learn more at http://hearthealthmadeeasy.com
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Did you know heart disease kills a woman nearly every minute in the U.S.?
If heart disease is responsible for so many female deaths why is it still being overlooked not only by women themselves, but by their physicians as well? Heart disease is not only the number one killer of men, but it’s also the number one killer of women.
Here are a few scary statistic:
Don’t underestimate your risk for heart disease and the importance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The foods you eat and your level of physical activity both play a role in your heart health.
Be sure to sign-up for the free e-course How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
The latest research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that saturated fat is not linked to heart disease as we’ve always be told. This latest study was a meta-analysis and did not find significant evidence linking dietary saturated fat with increased risk of heart disease.
A meta-analysis combines the results of several studies completed with similar theories. In this particular analysis, 21 studies were compared in regards to dietary fat and heart disease risk. I do like meta-analysis results, because they can provide a big picture look at the overall findings. However, there are weaknesses.
Here are three known weaknesses:
Why am I sharing this information with you?
Because the results of this latest meta-analysis are interesting, but I do not recommend you throw out your olive oil and replace it with lard. It’s likely saturated fat does not deserve the “bad rap” it has received; however, that doesn’t mean excess amounts are good. Everything comes back to moderation.
Please let me know what you think by adding a comment below.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Healthy Tips
http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com
Mark Spitz is now a retired Olympic swimmer and he turns 60 years-old on February 10th. In case you do not know of Mark Spitz, Mark won 7 gold medals at the 1972 Olympic games. His record was just recently surpassed by Michael Phelps at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with 8 gold medals.
Back in 2002, Mark was diagnosed with cholesterol levels above 300 mg/dl. He worked with his physician to lower his levels through exercise and medication. His total cholesterol was back down below 200 mg/dl within one month. Mark’s been quoted as saying “I was shocked when I was diagnosed with high cholesterol because I had no symptoms at all.” In the past few years Mark has openly discussed his history with high cholesterol and has actively encouraged continued research and awareness.
One of the 2010 national health objectives is to decrease the number of adults with total cholesterol levels >240 mg/dl. A strategy used to reach this goal is increased public awareness. The CDC has found that the number of people screened for high cholesterol and told by a health professional they have high cholesterol has increased. Before you can take action to lower cholesterol levels you have to be aware your cholesterol is an issue. If you do not know your cholesterol levels discuss with your physician to have the necessary lab work completed.
Be sure to sign-up for the free e-course How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps provided by dietitian Lisa Nelson at http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
AMERICAN HEART MONTH – February is American Heart Month and to help you get on track with heart health you can access the program Heart Health Made Easy for a 25% savings.
Heart Health Made Easy: Master the Basics to Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol for a Longer, Healthier Life – February Savings
Purchase Heart Health Made Easy before February 28th and you’ll receive a 25% savings
The program takes you step-by-step to a lower cholesterol and blood pressure with a practical, easy to understand take action guide.
THIS PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF. . .
Learn more at http://hearthealthmadeeasy.com
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD