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Olive Oil -Not Just for Popeye
Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree for
about 6,000 years; having been especially popular in the Isle of Crete
(which as you recall, also appeared in the Seven Countries Study to be the
site of the lowest incidence of heart disease). All oils that we use for
eating and cooking contain "fat" and olive oil is no exception. However, it
is mostly monounsaturated fat as opposed to saturated fat or hydrogenated
fat. It can be used as a flavoring for cooking or in salad dressings or as a healthy substitute for butter or margarine. Several large population studies have confirmed that diets with higher amounts of fat of the monounsaturated type reduce total cholesterol and LDL ["bad"] cholesterol levels to the same degree as low fat, high-carbohydrate diets [such as the AHA Step I and II diets]. The additional benefit of olive oil is, as part of a Mediterranean type diet, is that it also has a favorable effect on lowering blood triglycerides [also a factor in heart disease] and maintaining HDL ["good" cholesterol]. In a published study, individuals were randomly assigned to one of three
diets: a diet enriched with olive oil, an AHA Step II diet, or an average
American control diet. The olive oil and Step II diets lowered total
cholesterol and LDL cholesterol to the same degree. However, triglyceride
levels fell 13% in patients on the olive oil diet and increased 11% in the
Step II diet. HDL cholesterol levels were unchanged in the olive oil diet
but decreased 4% in the Step II diet. Remember we want to keep the HDL up as
high as possible to reduce heart disease. Based upon the above information, the authors of the study estimated that
the overall risk of cardiovascular disease was lowered by 25% by the olive
oil diet and only 12% by the Step II diet. Please note that the cholesterol
lowering "statin" type drugs lower risk for a heart attack by about 35%,
which is not too much better than the "olive oil" diet alone. In subjects
with elevated cholesterols who would benefit from use of statin type
medications, additional cardiovascular benefit would then be found by also
following a diet with olive oil as a substitute for salad dressing, as a
substitute for butter or margarine, and for cooking. Olive oil apparently has other beneficial effects such as lowering blood
pressure, inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol [the last step before
it gets put into your arteries], providing anti-inflammatory effects, and
improving insulin sensitivity. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently given manufactures of
olive oil and some olive oil-containing food the green light to carry a
statement about their potential heart benefits. The claim indicates evidence
suggesting that about 2 tablespoons of olive oil per day may reduce the risk
of a heart attack. However, to achieve this result, the olive oil should
replace a similar amount of saturated fat and should not increase the total
daily calories. The strong taste of extra-virgin olive oil is partly because of the presence
of a large amount of "flavonoids", which account for its antioxidant
properties that then reduce LDL oxidation. Other foods rich in flavonoids
include berries, apples, onions, tea, and red wine (all of which have also
been shown to be of benefit in reducing overall heart risk). Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment. Dr. John Rumberger is the Author of The WAY Diet, The complete lifestyle plan to live longer, reduce stress, and lose weight the healthy way. To purchase The Way Diet simply go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path=ASIN/0974993387&
link_code=as2&camp=1789
&tag=icobweb-20&creative=9325
or go to Empty Canoe Publishing http://www.emptycanoe.com and order your copy of The Way.
MORE RESOURCES:
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Barbara Quinn: Nutrition for your pregnant daughterMonterey County HeraldAnd now that I'm pregnant, I have your nutrition advice on speed dial." (Whatever that means.) Poor thing. Her first three months of pregnancy were rough. Nothing stayed down and it wasn't so pleasant when it came back up. Lots of friends offered their ...and more » |
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There's an app for nutrition, fitness and moreYork Daily RecordBy RAYNA COOPER I replied to my co-worker's suggestion to write about mobile apps for tracking nutrition and fitness on smart phones and other devices with skepticism -- would readers be interested? As the months passed, I got my own device.and more » |
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Liquid Nutrition Announces Major Franchise Deal in QuebecEON: Enhanced Online News (press release)TORONTO--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Liquid Nutrition Group Inc. (“Liquid Nutrition” or “Company”) (TSX-V: LQD.V and LQD.WT) announced today a major franchise deal in Quebec which will more than double the number of Liquid Nutrition stores in the ...and more » |
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