Can Vitamins Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease?

The interest in Vitamins A, C, and E stems from their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants interfere with the complex process through which LDL cholesterol starts plaque formation. Some animal studies and at least one human study also suggested that Vitamin C can improve the level of protective HDL cholesterol.



Antioxidants are molecules that work to reduce the damage done to cells and to DNA by free radicals: charged particles found in the environment and caused by everyday biological processes. It is clear that foods with rich antioxidants can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and scientists have been working to isolate the particular compounds responsible.



But, people who hope vitamins can protect their hearts actually need to eat healthy foods instead of popping pills, according to the statement made by the American Heart Association in August 2004.



A group of researchers, led by Professor Penny Kris-Etherton from Pennsylvania State University, had conducted a review of various studies on whether supplements can reduce heart disease risk. The results of the study, published in the journal Circulation, actually showed that vitamin pills have virtually no effect on reducing the risk of heart disease. There is little reason to advice individuals to take antioxidant supplements such as A and C to reduce cardiovascular disease.



Several research studies have also shown that people who took antioxidant supplements did not have a lower risk of cancer or heart disease, and one important Finnish study showed that male smokers who took supplements actually had a higher risk of lung cancer.



In another study conducted by the researchers at the Cleveland Clinic (CCF) had found that vitamin E did not actually provide any benefit in lowering mortality compared to control treatments, and it did not significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular death or stroke. The lack of any beneficial effect was seen consistently regardless of the doses of vitamins used and the diversity of the patient populations. Therefore, the CCF researchers conclude that their study does not support the routine use of vitamin E.



All the studies mentioned above do not show any evidence that could support the fact that use of "vitamin supplements" such as A, C and E can benefit people with heart disease. Nonetheless, it is unarguable that the antioxidant properties of these vitamins do provide beneficial effect to reduce risk of heart disease.



Nutritionists and doctors now argued that it is probably a combination of compounds in foods that give the healthy antioxidant benefits. As such, the American Heart Association continues to promote a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, poultry and lean meats to derive antioxidant vitamin benefits.

Diabetic Diet Plan - Reduce Diabetes Complications

The blood glucose level should be in between 70 to 130 - before meals and after a meal the blood sugar level should not be more than 180. Keeping a check on these levels helps one to find out which food products are best suitable and which ones should be avoided. Patients suffering from diabetes try to maintain this blood sugar level and therefore, food of a diabetic patient is considered to be boring and dull.



Earlier it was considered that a diabetic patient should not take sugar but some new theories approve sugar intake and a balanced diet is approved to prevent excesses. One can take a variety of different things in food to enjoy it. The patients mostly take the medicines just before a meal but in the initial stage one should try to avoid getting dependent on medicines by making wise food choices and by being physically active.



People who are suffering from diabetes can reduce many complications of everyday life by keeping a check on the diet. Most of the physicians suggest diabetic patients to follow specific diet plan to keep a check on blood sugar levels. The chart includes timings for each meal and snacks, and the number of calories allowed in each meal.



Tips To Make A Diabetic Diet Plan



To make a diet plan it is advised to take more starch and vegetables as compared to milk, fats and sweets. Starch is considered good for everybody and one can take starchy vegetables, grains, cereals, corns and potatoes to stay energetic. These products also fulfill the requirements for vitamins, fibers, minerals and carbohydrates.



Diabetic patients require diet based on weight, height, physical activities, job, sex and age. The dietician should consider the complications which are associated to the diabetic patients such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.



First the total number of allowed calories should be defined and then the various food products should be included depending on the total number of calorie count. The diet chart includes the food products, calorie counts and timings of meals.



Some of the necessities of a diabetic diet chart are given below.



1. It should include a good amount of fiber.



2. About a third of nutrition should come from cereals, potatoes and one-third of calories should come from dairy products, fish and meat. Food containing fats should be lowest in quantity.



3. The number of meals can be more than three but heavy meals at one time should be avoided. Generally five to six short meals in a day is suggested.



4. Bakery products should be replaced by whole grain cooked food and carbohydrates should not be taken just before going to bed. In the diet plan the amount of carbohydrates and the glucose amount are defined as it is needed for controlling the blood sugar.



5. A good amount of vegetables and fresh fruits should be taken along with the meals. One third of the total nutrition should come from fruits and vegetables. Fruits also help in digestion.



6. One should keep check on weight to prevent the risks of heart disease and high blood pressure.