Cholesterol confusion

Article Abstract:

At the beginning of the 20th century, the research effort into the cause and treatment of cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels) began. From these early efforts, the lipid (fat) hypothesis emerged, stating that foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol raise the level of cholesterol in the blood and therefore contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Reduction of fat and cholesterol intake and/or use of cholesterol-lowering drugs was proposed to reduce the risk. After careful review of the literature and clinical observation, it appears that the lipid hypothesis is incorrect. Dietary factors surely play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease, but if one looks at other cultures, there are some in which the consumption of inordinate amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats is the norm but where cardiovascular disease is uncommon. Also, in cultures where cardiovascular disease is a major problem and the consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol is high, there are other factors involved that might place people at risk for heart disease. For instance, sugar intake is also high, refined flour is used, processed vegetable oils are commonly used, and water is chlorinated. These factors are common in nations where heart disease is a problem. Also, the original studies were flawed in that the cholesterol used may have been exposed to air and thereby transformed into a toxic byproduct. Perhaps most important is that attempts to lower cholesterol have had a disappointingly poor impact on the incidence of heart disease. Two studies have even found that the rate of violent deaths such as those by suicide, homicide, or accidents was increased by 300 percent in persons taking drugs to lower their cholesterol levels. While all the answers about cholesterol and heart disease are not in, people should certainly reduce their intake of meat, butter, refined foods, and sugars and eat more whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. It is not clear that taking drugs to lower cholesterol is safe or effective. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Coronary heart disease, Cholesterol, Hypercholesterolemia

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Placebos

Article Abstract:

Placebos attest to the fact that the mind plays an important role in the healing process. A placebo effect occurs when a patient believes that the substance he is taking has curative powers, but the substance is actually ineffective. Somehow this faith in the 'drug' has therapeutic effects that are unrelated to the physiological action of the substance. A placebo effect can also be useful when using treatments of limited value. Vitamin C is one example. It seems clear that vitamin C has some effect in treating the common cold, but the beneficial effects reported by many patients are often much greater than those that can be identified by research. Its use seems to have both a physiological effect and a placebo effect. For many common ailments, doctors are at a loss for a useful treatment. They should not forget the healing powers of the mind. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Editorial, Usage, Evaluation, Health, Placebos, Mind and body, Mental healing

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Homocysteine: too much may be bad for your heart

Article Abstract:

Homocysteine is an amino acid that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases at elevated levels. Too much homocysteine in the blood scars blood vessels. B complex vitamins are helpful in lowering homocysteine levels.

Homocysteine, Vitamin B complex

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