February 11, 2003
NEWSLETTER #37
DO YOU HAVE A GOOD HEART?
Ahh, February: time-honored month of love,
sharing -- and chocolate. Officially or unofficially, February has achieved
national status as Healthy Heart Month, a wonderful excuse to understand
what makes us tick. Just four weeks after holiday indulgences, what better time
to take stock of the hearts of those you love?
* A Serious Heart-to-Heart
With cardiovascular disease still America's
#1 cause of death, it makes sense to not only understand how your heart rules
your body, but also how you can use your brain to help this fist-sized
muscle to keep on pumpin'.
What our hearts do is nothing short of
incredible. Imagine a mere 10-ounce pump, which has the ability to thrust 1.3
gallons of blood PER MINUTE through the body. This translates to a
mind-boggling 1,900 gallons per day, and by age 70, 48 million gallons will
have passed through the average human. All our hearts ask of us is that we do
not interfere with their access to oxygen, and that we keep our arteries clear
so blood can circulate without impediment. That said, it is not too much to ask
of us to take our hearts seriously.
* Enemies of the Heart
While most of us are blessed with a strong
heart, pre-programmed for longevity, there are diseases that can gravely affect
our hearts' behavior.
Atherosclerosis is the condition that causes
coronary artery disease. This is the gradual buildup of plaques in the blood
vessels that in turn feed the coronary arteries. Plaques are deposits of fat,
cholesterol, calcium and other cellular debris. Plaque buildup interferes with
the flexibility of the arteries and diminishes blood flow to the heart, which
in turn can lead to blockage, angina (chest pain) or heart attack.
The "heartening" news is that we
can make informed health decisions that will have life-saving ramifications for
our hearts and well-being. The American Cancer Society has identified America's
key risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD):
RISK FACTORS YOU CAN'T CONTROL
Increasing
age
Male
Gender
Heredity
and race -- African Americans, due to a higher incidence of hypertension, are
at greater risk for CHD. Other ethnic
groups* are more disposed as well; however,
their heart disease is often related to obesity or diabetes if not family
history.
(*Native Hawaiians Americans, Asian American,
Mexican American)
RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL
Smoking
High
blood pressure
Obesity
High
blood cholesterol
Physical
inactivity
Diabetes
mellitus
* Heart-Smart Supplementation
The mantra for a healthy diet has not
changed:
5+
servings daily of fresh fruits and vegetables
Limit
salt to less than 1 teaspoon (2400mg) daily
Eat
plenty of whole grains and high fiber foods
Choose
low-fat, low-cholesterol foods
Replace
red meats with plant proteins, such as soy, legumes, nuts
Eat
fish at least twice weekly
While these guidelines are generally easy to
follow, sometimes it is not possible to fully fuel the heart's needs. Dietary
supplements can become an important ally in getting your heart back on track.
* Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) perform
fundamental functions throughout the body, most importantly controlling the
balance between good and bad cholesterol. A low level of EFA's in the
bloodstream can make it difficult for the body to rid itself of bad
cholesterol. A number of high-profile studies have revealed the mega-benefits
of omega-3 fats (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) in fatty fish.
These essential fatty acids decrease the likelihood of clotting in the blood
and keep blood vessels relaxed. Controlled research studies, as reported in the
Journal of the American Medical Association conclude that men and women who
consume fish regularly (at least twice weekly) enjoy a lower risk of heart
disease and sudden death. Supplementing with fish oil capsules is an equally
effective and convenient way to introduce more high-quality omega-3 into the
diet.
Flax
Seed Oil is a plant-based source of
omega-3, known as alpha-linoleic acid and is a practical alternative to the
more potent omega-3 in fish oil. Ten grams of flax seed oil are equivalent to
one gram of fish oil. Clinical test suggest that EFA's, including
alpha-linoleic acid, have demonstrated reductions in risk for CHD that compare
favorably with lipid-lowering drugs.
Antioxidants
In a healthy body, antioxidant action blasts
away free radicals by slowing dangerous oxidation at the
molecular level. Free radicals are unstable
molecules that are natural by-products of normal
metabolism (oxidation) and from inhaling our
imperfect atmosphere. Oxidation facilitates absorption
of bad cholesterol in the arteries.
Vitamin
C and Vitamin E are the most
widely recognized of the vitamin antioxidants. Vitamin C is
Recommended to help
reduce risk of heart disease, and it supports Vitamin E's effectiveness.
Vitamin E, only available through food or supplementation, protects cells from
damage of free radicals and
Encourages the slick coating that lines the
arteries, providing for protection against atherosclerosis.
CoQ10
is produced naturally in the body,
but its presence decreases as we age. CoQ10 prevents the
formation of rancid
fats and other debris that clog arteries. In one study, CoQ10 enhanced the
function of a failing heart.
When Valentine's Day comes around this year,
go ahead and give chocolates, but how about throwing in some fish oil caps and
antioxidant. For your heartthrob, nothing could be more romantic than a good
heart.
If your loved one must have chocolate, give
in. The cocoa in chocolate contains plant-based flavonoids, naturally occurring
chemical compounds that cause blood vessels to relax and actually help prevent
coronary disease. The heart depends on open pathways in the cardiovascular
system to keep blood replenished with life-giving oxygen. If chocolate is your
choice, buy organic chocolate to show you really care.
Sources used in this article:
Sternberg,
Steve. Oily fish helps healthy hearts, too. USA Today Apr. 10, 2002
American
Heart Association Web site. www. Americanheart.org. "Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease
Mayo
Clinic Web site www.MayoClinic.com. "Supplements for Heart Health."
Hu,
Frank B., MD, Leslie Bronner, ,MD, Walter C. Willett, MD, Meir J. Stampfer, MD,
Kathryn M, Rexrode, MD, Christine M.
Albert, MD, David Hunter, MD and JoAnn E.
Manson, MD, "Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and risk of Coronary Heart
Disease in Women." Journal of the American Medical Association Web site www.jama.ama.assn.org.
Blanco,
Car, MD. How Your Heart Works. Web site www.howstuffworks.com
Carper,
Jean. EatSmart: Your Q's Answered, USA Weekend, Sept. 27, 2002
Harper,
Charles R., MD and Terry A. Jacobson, MD. The Fats of Life: The Role of Omega-3
Fatty Acids in the Prevention of
Coronary Heart Disease. Archives of Internal
Medicine, Web site http://archinte.ama-assn.org.
PRODUCTS ON SALE AT HONEYCOMB THROUGH
FEBRUARY 28, 2003
NATURADE
Total Soy Meal Replacement Bavarian
Chocolate, French Vanilla or Strawberry
Crθme - 17.9oz each
Regular Price----$14.95
.Sale
Price----$11.49
RIDGECREST HERBALS
Clear Lungs Chinese Formula for the Lungs
- 60 Caps
Regular Price----$14.99
.Sale
Price----$9.99
NATURE'S ANSWER
Gotu Kola Herb Alcohol-Free Extract - 1oz.
Regular Price----$10.49
.Sale
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Echinacea Alcohol-Free Extract - 2oz.
Regular Price----$20.99
.Sale
Price----$14.99
NATURAL DENTIST
Herbal Dentist and Gum Therapy--Cherry
Flavor, Spicy Cinnamon or Fresh
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Regular Price----$9.99
Sale
Price----$7.79
RACHEL PERRY
Citrus-Aloe Cleanser and Face Wash - 4oz.
Regular Price----$13.79
..Sale
Price----$10.49
Tangerine Dream Foaming Facial Cleanser -
6 oz.
Regular Price----$13.79
..Sale
Price----$10.49
SHEDD'S
Willow Run Soybean Margarine - 1lb.
Regular Price----$2.09
Sale
Price----$1.39
TRADITIONAL MEDICINALS
Weightless Weight Control Support Herb
Tea-- Original, Cranberry or Cinnamon-Spice
- 16 bags
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.Sale
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EveryDay Detox Herb Tea Promotes Healthy
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.Sale
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PRICES ARE GOOD THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2003