Vitamin C and Smoking
It is a well known fact that smokers are at a higher risk than non-smokers when it comes to Vitamin C deficiency. New studies suggest that regular supplementation of Vitamin C can significantly increase antioxidant levels in smokers. The study, focusing on men, indicated that ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) levels were lower in smokers than in non-smokers. When supplemented with the same Vitamin C pill, Vitamin C levels rose more than four times higher in smokers than in non-smokers. "Smokers in general seem to benefit more from Vitamin C supplementation than do non-smokers," says Jens Lykkesfeldt of the University of California in Berkeley. The study found that smokers have a greater need for Vitamin C and as a result, absorb substantially more of the Vitamin. The study made dietary intakes equal in smokers and non-smokers and found that Vitamin C levels rose 194 percent in smokers and 43 percent among the supplemented non-smokers at the end of the 90 day study. The study included 37 healthy smokers and 38 healthy non-smokers between the ages of 20 to 50 years.
Psyllium With a Low Fat Diet Lowers Cholesterol
Psyllium, a type of water-soluble fibre, when added to a low fat diet appears to enhance the cholesterol-lowering effects of that diet. Total cholesterol levels were lowered by 4 percent while LDL (bad) cholesterol was lowered by an additional 7 percent. No effect was found on HDL (good) cholesterol. "Regular intake of Psyllium decreases serum cholesterol by a minimum of 4 percent, which reduces the estimated risk of heart disease by 8 to 12 percent," James W. Anderson of the Veterans Affairs Medical Centre and University of Kentucky explained. He further explained that people with high fat diets experience greater reductions in cholesterol when Psyllium is added. Although the effects and options have not been studied extensively and any reduction in cholesterol seems to be small, the cumulative effect can be as much as a 15 to 20 percent reduction of LDL. "Psyllium is safe, well accepted, and provides a useful adjunct to a low fat diet for individuals with a mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia," Anderson concluded.
Exercise Helps Blood Flow in Arteries
The idea that exercising and physical activity can help individuals with heart disease is not a surprise. Although exactly how physical activity is beneficial is not entirely understood. According to a new study, exercise can increase blood flow to the heart in patients with coronary artery disease. This occurs when the activity of cells that line the arteries is increased. A German research report stated that exercise has a positive effect on the endothelial, a layer of cells lining blood vessels. Improvements in the endothelial resulted in the arteries' improved ability to dilate as needed. The study consisted of 19 individuals with stable coronary heart disease, whose endothelial was not functioning properly. Dr. Rainer Hambrecht, from the University of Leipzig Heart Centre in Germany found that a four week exercise program helped the functioning of the endothelium. At the end of the four week program, significant improvements in the ability of the arteries to dilate were noted. They also discovered that an exercise program longer than four weeks was necessary as heart function had still not become normal in the individuals who took part in the study.
Lactose Intolerance May Lead to Calcium Deficiency
Individuals who are lactose intolerant and avoid consuming dairy products are often not getting enough Calcium in their diets. This commonly leads to osteoporosis. More than 50 million Americans are unable to digest dairy products and are lactose intolerant. Dr. Dennis Savaiano of Purdue University stated that "After 20, there is no chance to add bone mass; once you are postmenopausal, you start to lose bone mass. The more you have to start with, the better off you are. What you do in your adolescent years affects what happens in your 70s." There are a few dairy sources of Calcium that may be acceptable for lactose intolerant people. Yogurt, cheese, and milk often fall into this category; however, if they do not, Calcium supplementation may be necessary. The average intake of calcium is 600mg, whereas the recommended intake is between 800mg to 1300mg daily. Savaiano addresses this problem which is waiting to happen by saying: "We need to take a preventative approach. That's hard for Americans, Pharmacological approaches are available but dietary approaches are important...We need to take a multi variant approach to increasing calcium intake - especially among those lactose intolerant."
Apple Cider Vinegar
What's the Story With Apple Cider Vinegar? For centuries people have been consuming Apple Cider Vinegar, knowing only that it made them feel better. Some of the benefits Apple Cider Vinegar is said to have include: regulation of blood pressure, aid in weight loss, promotion of digestion, improvement in metabolism, and so much more. Apple Cider Vinegar contains pectin, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and many other minerals and these minerals may be the secret to the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.
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