Heart Disease and the B Vitamin Choline
A proposed link between the B vitamin choline and coronary artery disease is being explored. The relationship between choline and coronary artery disease (CAD) may involve the accumulation of homocysteine and the effect these concentrated homocysteine levels have on endothelial cells (inner layer of blood vessels).
Several studies indicate that homocysteine levels are a key contributor and primary risk factor for CAD. While on the flip side, several studies have shown no decreased CAD risk with a reduction in homocysteine levels.
So, the importance of choline in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease is debatable. Regardless, choline plays important roles in metabolism and normal cell function, so it’s worth knowing a little about this B vitamin.
Veteran Coverage for Agent Orange Exposure with Link to Heart Disease
For some background info on this issue review “Agent Orange and Heart Disease”.
New Coverage for Vets
On March 25, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed regulation to establish ischemic heart disease as linked to Agent Orange exposure.
This meant until regulation becomes final, eligible Vietnam Veterans may receive disability compensation for these disease.
Controversy
Can You Be Fat and Fit?
A study conducted in the Netherlands found some obese individuals to not be at increased risk for heart disease due to their weight. I’m going to share what they learned because I don’t want you to start seeing headlines saying you can be fat and still be fit and start thinking it’s okay to remain a couch potato.
The Study
Dutch researchers identified a subset of 1,325 obese individuals, between the ages of 28 to 75 years-old, from the 8,356 participants in the Dutch Prevention of Renal and Vascular Endstage Disease study. Out of the 1,325 obese individuals only 90 were determined to be “metabolically healthy”.
Metabolically healthy means the participants did not have risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or the use of cholesterol lowering medication. The Dutch study found only 6.8 percent of obese individuals in a larger population are metabolically healthy.
The Results
Heart Disease and Agent Orange
What is Agent Orange?
Agent Orange was used in Vietnam between 1961 and 1971. It is a specific blend of herbicides used to remove leaves from trees in the thick jungle canopy which may hide enemy forces.. Many Vietnam veterans were exposed to the Agent Orange herbicides.
How is Agent Orange Linked to Heart Disease
The Agent Orange Act of 1991 was passed by Congress due to uncertainty surrounding the health effects of Agent Orange exposure on Vietnam veterans. This act led the Institute of Medicine to review scientific and medical information connecting Agent Orange exposure to health effects.
Sex, Lies, and Cholesterol
Dr. Ryan Bentley, president of The Wellness Prescription, is one of the featured experts for the teleseries intensive Conversations with the Masters of Healing starting next week!
Dr. Ryan Bentley will be sharing:
- Why cholesterol may NOT be the culprit of heart disease as previously thought,
- The reason statins are being implicated for a number of serious side effects,
- What’s the connection between sexual dysfunction and low cholesterol, and
- Using functional medicine to diagnose heart disease and treat the whole person versus just a symptom.
Register for this call with Dr. Bentley HERE
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Mediterranean Diet – Common Questions Answered
Here’s a guest post from Eva Alexander providing answers to some frequently asked questions about the Mediterranean diet.
Most people say the Mediterranean diet is high in fat. Can people still lose or maintain weight on a Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is high in fats. But these consist of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are healthy fats needed by your body. In contrast, the typical American diet is rich in saturated fats. It should be noted also that fat content in your diet does not determine weight loss. It is your calorie consumption that will generally influence weight loss and optimum weight management. Mediterranean diet provides lots of healthy benefits but it is still essential to lower your calorie consumption to achieve better results.
What’s the major difference of American and Mediterranean diets?
