Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Cholesterol can be misunderstood. Many people think it’s bad for you, but your body also needs good cholesterol in order to function properly. Learn all about the differences between good and bad cholesterol and how you can support your overall health from Amanda Williams, MPH.
Have you heard of the Portfolio Diet? This plant-based spin on the Mediterranean Diet has become increasingly popular in people looking to support healthy cholesterol levels. Learn more from Amanda Williams, MPH.
triglycerides
InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph.
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As we discussed in Part 1 and Part 2 of this episode, triglycerides can be exceedingly dangerous when they’re elevated. When they’re somewhat elevated, they can contribute to hardening of the arteries, coronary heart disease and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. They also cause fatty liver disease and the development of prediabetes or diabetes.†
There are nutrients that can help fight elevated triglycerides. One of these is niacin, which is a form of Vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is involved with energy production and can help slow the aging process. Niacin helps to lower your triglycerides, as well as your bad cholesterol, and can also help to raise your good cholesterol a little bit. The problem is that when this is used as a drug, it is used in very high doses and it can be very unpleasant. The amount of niacin that you get in our B-Complex or multivitamins is fantastic, but super high doses of this vitamin may not be great.†
B COMPLEX VITAMINS & YOUR BRAIN, PART 1 – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 102. Listen Now>>
Psyllium husk can also be beneficial. Psyllium is a type of fiber. It has to be mixed totally with water, otherwise the water in your throat can mix with it and it can swell in your throat. You mix a teaspoon of the psyllium in a glass of water twice a day and take it with food. First of all, it is a fiber and this helps to clean out your colon and support regularity. Psyllium husk also helps to lower your cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides.†
Then we have plant sterols, which may be my favorite, as well as fish oils.†
A trial done in the United States looked at people who were being treated with statin drugs and also had elevated triglycerides, but low cholesterol levels. These people also had a history of heart disease and diabetes. The researchers gave them 4000mg of fish oil a day, without its natural DHA. Instead, they super concentrated the EPA and changed its molecular shape a little bit. This study found that even if someone had low cholesterol levels, high triglycerides could cause them to have a heart attack or stroke. But, when they gave them the high-potency fish oils for five years, it cut back on the number of people who had a heart attack or stroke. Lowering the triglycerides cut back around an additional 25% in these risks.†
Now let’s discuss krill oil. The EPA and DHA in krill oil are more bioavailable, which means that they’re better absorbed by humans. This is because the oils in fish oils are attached to triglycerides, whereas the oils in krill oil are attached to phosphatides. Phosphatides are very good for the liver, brain, memory and mood. The way that krill oil supplies these fish oils is also excellent for helping to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.†
There is another kind of fat called sterols which are very interesting. They block the absorption of cholesterol from food in your digestive tract. Studies over the past 50 years show that they can help lower the risk of developing heart disease, as well as cholesterol levels. More recent studies are showing that they also help to lower triglycerides.†
In this episode, Jerry Hickey, Ph. concludes his discussion on triglycerides. He offers suggestions for nutrients and supplements that can help people with high triglyceride levels and cites multiple studies.†
Key Topics:
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We’ve all heard the impact that high cholesterol can have on our overall health. Well over 30% of the U.S. population has high cholesterol. But did you know that plant sterols should be an essential part of your cholesterol-targeting arsenal?
Sterols are a supplement that come from plants that have been used for cholesterol for years. New data from major academic institutions show that sterols have many more benefits for heart health.
Superior non-GMO heart health dietary supplements are important for your overall heart wellness. Following a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, can make a major difference in cardiovascular health. Here are the top four heart health products recommended by Chief Scientific Officer and Pharmacist, Jerry Hickey, Ph.
Aged Garlic
Aged Garlic, Allium Sativum, is an herb used in ancient medicine, a healthy vegetable, and a potent superfood that has been used traditionally for its vast health benefits. When garlic is aged, some of its health-preserving constituents are augmented, making it more powerful for the immune system without the odor, stomach upset, or gassiness. The aging process converts unstable “allicin” to even more powerful properties. Aged garlic is odorless and richer in health-promoting compounds than fresh garlic or other forms of garlic preparations, more effective in supporting heart health, and more beneficial in protecting the body than other garlic forms.†
One study says Aged Garlic Extract can decrease plaque buildup in the heart. Read more here >>
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important energy-releasing nutrient produced naturally in the human body. Traditional CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) may be difficult to absorb, because they must be reduced by the body into their active form before enabling energy production and offering nutritional support. When NADH – a very important nutrient needed to create energy – it helps recycle Ubiquinol to support muscle function and energy.†
In its active form, Ubiquinol allows the calories from food to be absorbed and utilized as energy supporting most of the body’s energy needs. However, many individuals, especially the elderly, have trouble metabolizing traditional CoQ10 into the active Ubiquinol form. A superior CoQ10 Ubiquinol supplement is easily absorbed, allowing the body to produce cellular energy to reap the benefits much more quickly. Research shows that boosting CoQ10 levels supports brain health, heart health, oral health, kidneys, and hearing. It also helps boost muscle function and performance while decreasing fatigue and providing antioxidant protection.†
Beetroot
Beets are a source of many heart health constituents including natural nitrates, reddish-yellow water soluble pigments known as betalains, carotenoids, Trimethylglycine (an important betaine) and fiber; beets are excellent for heart and circulatory health and physical performance.†
Beetroot helps support healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular-circulatory health for many reasons. The reddish-brownish betalains are powerful antioxidants that protect the walls of arteries. Trimethylglycine detoxifies homocysteine; elevated homocysteine is implicated in clogged arteries. The natural nitrates convert to nitric oxide which is responsible for healthy blood flow for heart and circulatory system health and for support during physical activities.†
Tart cherry is a source of purplish-red anthocyanin-pigments that support circulatory and heart health and protect muscle tissue during physical activity. Tart cherry may also help support healthy uric acid levels already within a normal range. Texas A&M recently completed two sports nutrition based human clinical studies focusing on recovery from intense resistance and endurance training. Original CherryPURE®, used in the Texas A&M studies at a dose of 480mg, is a carrier free, freeze-dried powder produced from the skins of Montmorency Tart Cherries.†
Sterols
Plant sterols are healthy fatty components that provide nutritional support for people with cholesterol levels already within normal range and borderline cholesterol. Plant sterols have great benefits for cholesterol support. Research has shown a direct link between consuming plant sterols and lower levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, in the body.†
Oat ß-glucans are a fiber from oat bran that have the ability to bind to cholesterol that is present in foods we consume, thereby escorting some cholesterol out of the body before it can be absorbed. Red Yeast Rice is natural substance extracted from rice that has been fermented with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. Red yeast rice naturally has a list of nutrients for borderline cholesterol levels. These include monacolin K, sterols, isoflavones, and good fats called mono-unsaturates. The Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry Fruit Extract may help support circulatory health. Sterols Plus Hx® Powder supplies four herbs that may support cardiovascular health.†