High Cholesterol Levels may be Controlled by Vitamin C

Most people know that vitamin C is very important to one’s health. It helps build bones, teeth and tendons. It is a powerful antioxidant that may help slow the aging process. It also may reduce the length of colds and flu. Research performed by Dr. Jensen concludes that vitamin C also plays an important role in the regulation of the body’s cholesterol levels. In an article recently published on his health tips web site, Dr. Jensen points out that most cholesterol is actually made by the body; only about 15-20% of the cholesterol in the blood is from our diets. When someone has a diet that is high in cholesterol, the body slows cholesterol production and vice-versa. Unfortunately, for many different reasons some people cannot slow down their own cholesterol production as much as they should. Their blood cholesterol tests high and their doctor usually recommends that they go on a cholesterol-lowering drug, often the statins. However, vitamin C itself can lower cholesterol levels in the same way that statins do, without side effects.

The cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, like Lipotor, work by inhibiting (blocking) a key enzyme that helps make cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol levels in the bloodstream then lower. But this is not the end of the story. There can be serious side effects from taking the statin drugs, including muscle deterioration, kidney failure and liver problems. Other potential side effects are memory or cognitive problems from the cholesterol level in the brain actually becoming too low. Cholesterol is absolutely essential for making hormones and also forms an important part of the outside of cells (known as the cell’s membrane). Sometimes taking cholesterol-lowering drugs will end up lowering it too much, causing the additional side effects mentioned above.

How can people use vitamin C to cope with high cholesterol? Not only does vitamin C inhibit the same enzyme that the statins do, without any of their side effects, the amount of the enzyme inhibition depends on the amount of vitamin C someone takes. So, if their cholesterol levels are too high, they can take several grams of vitamin C daily. There is no evidence that vitamin C will lower cholesterol levels too much, so it’s a win-win situation. Vitamin C also regulates cholesterol in a different way. It converts it into a substance called a bile acid, which is then broken down by the liver. Vitamin C deficiency slows the above conversion, which can then make excess cholesterol accumulate in the arteries and also cause gallstones. There is much evidence now that vitamin C deficiency also raises cholesterol levels above normal.

Vitamin C performs another bit of “magic” as well; it raises the “good” cholesterol called HDL, High-Density Lipoprotein, an average of seven percent. HDL cholesterol is responsible for cleaning up the bad cholesterol in the blood, referred to as LDL, Low-Density Lipoprotein, and sending it back to the liver to be broken down. It can even lower blood pressure to a certain extent.

Last but not least, vitamin C helps prevent oxidation damage of the LDL cholesterol. Why is this important? Most researchers now believe that the process of heart disease is started by LDL cholesterol becoming oxidized, which makes it stick to the walls of the arteries. This is the beginning of arterial plaques, which leads to clogged arteries and heart disease. Vitamin C helps prevent the first step in heart disease, it is an inexpensive and very safe supplement, and is obviously needed by the body for many different things. One thing to keep in mind about vitamin C is that it is acidic, and some people may not like the extra acidity in their stomach after taking it. They can try buffered forms instead, such as ester-C and calcium ascorbate.

Readers can learn more about the benefits of vitamin C on regulating high cholesterol levels at Dr. Jensen’s heath tips web site at www.individualizednutrition.com/


2009-10-05 21:22:31 - Dr. Richard Jensen, a holistic nutritionist, has conducted extensive research on vitamin C and concluded that controlling high levels of cholesterol is among its many positive effects on the body.



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10 superfoods that can improve your life

These dietary dynamos fight everything from cholesterol to cancer, helping you live a longer, healthier life.

Not all foods were created equal -- some are so packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and other beneficial substances that they've been deemed "superfoods." Superfoods have incredible health benefits, packing a powerful nutritional punch that helps protect against cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol, protect the organs from toxins and improve digestive health. Some nutritionists even say superfoods can help you live longer.


Here are 10 superfoods that can supercharge your diet, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, legumes, grains and fish.


Açai: This exotic berry from the Amazon has been the subject of intense hype, but there's a good reason why it's so trendy. Named by famed nutritionist Dr. Nicholas Perricone as his No. 1 superfood and one of the most powerful foods in the world, açaí (ah-sigh-ee) contains a remarkable concentration of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. It's considered one of nature's best offerings to combat premature aging thanks to its high monounsaturated oleic acid content. Oleic acid helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate cell membranes, making them more supple.


Yogurt: It's alive! Yogurt contains active cultures known as "friendly bacteria" that restore healthy balance in the digestive system. Among the most well-known cultures is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which passes through the stomach and populates the intestines, helping the body fight off infection. One cup contains 50 percent more calcium than the same size serving of milk, and it's also full of potassium, riboflavin, magnesium and phosphate.


Broccoli: This cruciferous vegetable is loaded with vitamin C, folic acid and carotenoids, which are packed with vitamin A and can protect your cells from the damage of free radicals, enhance immune system function and improve reproductive health. Just one serving (1 medium stalk) provides 175 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K, which helps build strong bones and plays an important role in blood clotting. Just half a cup of broccoli per day is also said to help prevent a number of cancers, particularly cancers of the lung, colon, rectum and stomach.


Lentils: Among the most nutritious legumes, lentils are a great source of cholesterol-lowering fiber and lean protein. They contain lots of iron and B vitamins and are very filling, yet low in calories. Folate and magnesium also contribute to heart heath and improve the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.


Sweet potatoes: They'll satisfy your craving for starches but are far healthier than their white, nutritionally lacking cousins. Carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium and fiber are just a few of the benefits of eating this savory-sweet veggie, which is ranked among the highest vegetables on the nutrition scale. Sweet potatoes can help stabilize blood sugar, making them a great choice for diabetics, and are relatively low in calories.


Blueberries: Hidden within the juicy, deep blue-purple flesh of this tasty fruit is cancer-fighting ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has been proven in laboratory research to slow the growth of some cancerous tumors. Blueberry extracts have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent infectious bacteria from clinging to the walls of the gut, bladder and urethra.


Wild salmon: Packed with omega-3 fats, wild salmon can help reduce the risk of sudden-death heart attacks and contains lots of vitamin D and selenium for healthy hair, skin, nails and bones. Wild salmon can be eaten with little fear of mercury or excess contaminants and is more nutritionally rich than farmed salmon. Wild salmon also has a smaller environmental impact. Consume two to four four-ounce servings a week for optimal benefits.


Goji berries: They've been called the most nutritionally dense food on Earth, and they taste something like salty raisins. Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berries, contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than steak. The dried Himalayan fruit is also a great source of B vitamins and antioxidants and contains 15 amino acids. Goji has been used medicinally in China for centuries to improve blood circulation, strengthen the limbs, improve eyesight, protect the liver, increase libido and boost immune function.


Kale: A dark, leafy green in the same vegetable family as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, kale contains high amounts of beta carotene, iron and folate. It's also a low-calorie, low-carb source of protein that's packed with fiber, which improves digestive health and helps you feel full. A small cupful of cooked kale provides more than half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.


Barley: This low-glycemic grain is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which help the body metabolize fats and promote a healthy digestive tract, respectively. Eating hulled barley on a regular basis is said to lower blood cholesterol levels, protect against cancer and keep blood-sugar levels stable. Barley is rich in niacin, vitamin E, lignans and phytochemicals that function as antioxidants.



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Eat to stay young

There are plenty of ways — or at least advertised ways — to tap into the Fountain of Youth, ranging from the relatively benign to the Machiavellian — from eye cream and Botox injections to chin implants and dermabrasion.

If having your facial skin “re-draped,” your deeper tissues “repositioned” or your face sanded down isn’t your thing, and spending hundreds of bucks on miracle creams doesn’t fit the budget, try eating.
There are many foods that can slow the aging process and potentially stave off age-related diseases and conditions such as dementia, cancers, type II diabetes and heart disease.

Some of the biggest bullies in the body’s neighborhood are free radicals and inflammation, which contribute to everything from wrinkles to cancer. Most of the so-called superfoods contain antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, and anti-inflammatory properties.

For instance, a rash of 2009 studies has found that coffee has all sorts of potential health benefits. Besides its long-known applications for headaches, it may protect against dementia, stroke, skin cancer, endometrial cancer and diabetes — and it might even relieve pain associated with exercise.

Here are some other anti-aging gifts from Mother Nature, readily available at your local grocery store.



Turmeric

Extensively researched and widely acknowledged as a legitimate nutritional powerhouse, turmeric is a spice often found in Indian and Asian dishes. Although it provides high levels of iron and manganese, its most valued component is curcumin, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are studying its possibilities in fighting cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s worth noting that the studies focus on curcumin itself, with high doses of it administered to subjects (far more than you could eat in a day’s worth of curries). You can find turmeric powder and extract sold in capsules at health-food stores.




Watermelon

This fruit is a very concentrated source of lycopene, a carotenoid extensively studied for its anti-cancer properties. It boasts effectiveness against a growing list of cancer types, including prostate, breast, colorectal and lung. Watermelon also is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A and other powerful antioxidants.



Avocados

Beyond guacamole, avocados are dynamite at providing good-for-you nutrients, including oleic acid, a healthy fat believed to lower bad cholesterol; potassium, which protects your heart and arteries; folate for boosting skin health and lowering heart-attack risks; and a lot of those magical antioxidants.



Fish

Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acid, which is an essential nutrient that the body cannot manufacture. It promotes heart health, can improve bone strength and offers pain relief from inflammatory disorders. Omega-3 acid is important for brain health and has been shown to help with depression. Focus on fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel and lake trout, and eat it twice a week.



Alcohol:

Have that pre-dinner cocktail guilt-free. A study by Wake Forest University found that people who reported having a beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail eight to 14 times a week were 37 percent less likely than teetotalers to develop dementia within the next six years. Moderate drinkers also may have reduced risk for stroke and heart attack.



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Health tip of the day: Benefits of passion fruit

The passion fruit, native to South America has many amazing health benefits to all who eat this sweet and aromatic fruit. Passion fruit was a staple of Aztec society and once Spanish missionaries laid eyes on the blossoms of the passion fruit, they named it thus as they said that the blossoms resembled the crown of thorns on Christ's head during the crucifixion.

Passion fruit has a very aromatic smell and can either be yellow or purple on the outside. The skin of the passion fruit is wrinkly and its pulp is a yellow, jelly-like substance with black seeds.

Now, one of the many health benefits of passion fruit is that its seeds (one cup) contains almost 25 grams of fibre. Passion fruit seeds are a great source of fibre that the body needs to cleanse the colon, improve digestion, and help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Fibre attaches itself to the buildup found in the colon wall, pulls it out and makes the colon clean and clear from disturbances. This makes it easier for the body to digest food and in the long run, prevents the development of colon cancer. A similar process takes place in the valves of the heart whereby fibre flushes out the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the heart, protecting the body against heart attacks, heart disease and strokes.


Passion fruit also benefits those who eat it by providing the body with high doses of Vitamin A and C. Vitamin A helps the body to remove free radicals that cause skin and tissue damage, and it helps to improve our vision. Meanwhile Vitamin C helps to repair tissue, helps prevent heart disease and cancer and helps our bones.

A 2008 study found that subjects who took passion fruit extracts and who suffer from asthma, got relief from symptoms of coughing and wheezing by 76 percent. The antioxidants found in passion fruit is believed to block histamine, reduce allergy and inflammation; passion fruit therefore has the health benefit of reducing the symptoms of asthma.

The antioxidant and flavonoid found in passion fruit have also been found by some researchers at the University of Florida to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.



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Health tip of the day: Benefits of bell pepper

Bell peppers are packed with several nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, beta carotene, and folic acid. Bell peppers also contain a large amount of phytochemicals that have exceptional antioxidant activity. Those phytochemicals include chlorogenic acid, zeaxanthin, and coumeric acid.

When comparing the nutrient values of the different bell peppers, studies have shown that red bell peppers have significantly higher levels of nutrients than green. Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, which is a carotene that helps to protect against cancer and heart disease.

Possibly due to their vitamin C and beta carotene content, bell peppers have been shown to be protective against cataracts. Just like other nutrient-dense vegetables, bell peppers contain many different powerful phytochemicals.

Bell peppers have also been shown to prevent blood clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes probably due to their content of substances such as vitamin C, capsaicin, and flavonoids. Although chili peppers contain a higher amount of those substances, bell peppers should still be promoted especially for individuals with elevated cholesterol levels.


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