Walnuts and Heart Health
There is some new evidence provided by a Yale University study linking walnuts to improved cardiovascular health. The findings show an improvement to the endothelial function in individuals with type II diabetes when study participants consumed a daily serving of 2 ounces of walnuts.
The study also found the addition of walnuts promoted increased fasting serum glucose levels, lower cholesterol levels, and lower LDL cholesterol.
Walnuts provide poly-unsaturated fatty acid omega 3’s, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This fatty acid has been linked to many heart health benefits, such as decreased lipoprotein(a), lower triglycerides, and improved heart rhythm.
Here are a few ways to add walnuts to your diet:
- Mix walnuts with dried fruit for a nutritious snack
- Add toasted walnuts to a salad or pasta dish
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on oatmeal or breakfast cereal
Keep in mind calories and portion control! A 1.5 ounce serving of walnuts provides ~278 calories. There are approximately 20 walnut halves in a 1.5 ounce serving.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com
Image courtesy of Aleksa D / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Heart Health – Eat Walnuts for Healthier Blood Vessels
A recent study found walnuts linked to improved cardiovascular health due to improved function of the endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels) in those with type II diabetes.
Not only was the walnut addition linked to improved endothelial function, but participants also experienced increased fasting serum glucose levels, reduced LDL cholesterol, and lower total cholesterol.
Back in 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a label claim for walnut packages:
“Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.”
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to walnuts (and nuts in general) is calories! Nuts are not low in calories, so you must watch your portion size. Going overboard can lead to weight gain and counteract the heart health benefit of adding walnuts to your daily diet. A 1.5 ounce serving of walnuts provides ~278 calories. There are approximately 20 walnut halves in a 1.5 ounce serving.
Here are a few simple ways to add walnuts to your daily diet:
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on oatmeal or breakfast cereal
- Mix walnuts with dried fruit for a nutritious snack
- Add toasted walnuts to a salad or pasta dish
Do you eat walnuts regularly?
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com
Image courtesy of Aleksa D / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Lower Cholesterol – How Quickly Will a Cheeseburger Impact My Cholesterol Labs
A subscriber to The Heart of Health submitted the following question.
Question: “Hello ma’am, I need some information. My cholesterol level is finally down to a reasonable level, but do you know how sensitive are cholesterol readings? I ask because I’m worried if I eat a cheeseburger or a KFC meal that my cholesterol level will sky rocket back up to over 200.”
Answer: If you revert back to unhealthy fast food on a regular basis your cholesterol levels will elevate quickly.
However, if you follow a heart healthy diet and occasionally treat yourself to a cheeseburger or other high fat/high cholesterol meal your cholesterol levels for the long-term will not be negatively impacted.
That being said it is important to discuss the need to fast prior to lab work with your physician. If you have a high fat/high cholesterol meal within 12-24 hours prior to your cholesterol lab work, the results may be skewed due to your diet choices.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Health Made Easy
http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com
4 Benefits of a High Fiber Diet
Current recommendations are to consume 25-35 grams of dietary fiber everyday. Here are 4 benefits you’ll receive from achieving the recommended intake.
1. Lower cholesterol and stabilized blood sugar/insulin levels.
2. Regularity to prevent constipation and diverticulosis (small out-pouchings from the large intestine).
3. Reduced risk of colon cancer.
4. Increased satiety – you’ll feel full when eating less calories and fat to promote weight loss.
Some of the best fiber sources include fruits and vegetables!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com
Cholesterol Medication, Grapefruit, and Fungi
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
Why is Heart Disease Overlooked in Women?
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:
- 64% of women who diet from heart disease have no previous symptoms
- 1 in 2.6 deaths in women is due to heart disease versus 1 in 30 from breast cancer
- Heart disease kills about half a million women every year
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
