Although you will probably not find a mainstream physican “up” on these helpful foods, I wanted to send them to you. Since Tim Russert passed away, and I started getting concerned more seriously over my own health, I am taking both of them and have experienced positive results to the point I will continue with both foods.
One of the foods is pomegranate juice. You purchase it either condensed or mixed with water. Do not use any that have added sugar. There is some serious thought that pomegranates are beneficial to decreasing cholesterol. I have profound hearing loss and my hearing has improved to the point I can now have a phone conversation (sound on phone VERY elevated) with my brother. I can usually pick up about 40-50% (before it was about 5-10%) of what he is saying.
The other food will sound probably off the wall to you, and I admit it is very difficult to take at first, but it’s helping me very much with my digestion and that part was obvious after the first cupful, but it is also said to benefit heart health and the food is cayenne pepper. Please read the following link and decide for yourself:
I’ll be praying for you and your family.
both your suggestions are excellent .. have read plenty about the benefits of both in the diet. A friend recently sent the following from a health mag, hope it helps you and/or any readers here who are watching coronary/cholestrol health.
“Your body needs certain nutrients to counteract the effects of internal inflammation on the coronary arteries...
Coenzyme Q10, one of my favorites, is a superstar in protecting the heart. It increases oxygenation to the heart and helps prevent recurrences in people who have had a heart attack. Recommendation: 100 mg to 300 mg daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis, known as hardening of the arteries. Omega-3s also reduce the risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Recommendation: 3,000 mg daily.
L-carnitine helps transport long-chain fatty acids, which bring energy to the heart and aid in prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Recommendation: 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily.
Vitamin E, which has tocotrienols and gamma tocopherol, is an antioxidant that helps protect cells against damage. Recommendation: 200 international units (IU) to 400 IU daily.
Cayenne pepper contains the active ingredient capsaicin, a natural blood thinner that helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. Dosage: Sprinkle regularly on food. Caution: Check with your doctor if you are on a blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Hawthorn berry relaxes blood vessels, enhances circulation and helps prevent arterial hardening. Recommendation: 100 mg twice daily. “
REDUCE CHOLESTEROL
Elevated levels of cholesterol are a major marker for heart attacks. Cholesterol provides the raw material for plaque, a fatty substance that builds up inside arteries and clogs them. Optimal levels: A combined blood cholesterol count under 200 mg/dL, with LDL levels (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL and HDL levels (”good” cholesterol) over 40 mg/dL.
L-carnosine is an amino acid found naturally in the body. This antioxidant helps rejuvenate cells and protect them from premature aging. Recommendation: 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily.
Niacin/vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid, lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. Recommendation: 100 mg daily.
Shiitake mushrooms speed up the processing of cholesterol in the liver and stimulate the immune system. Recommendation: One-half to one cup of shiitake mushrooms daily. I like them lightly sautéed in olive oil.
Fruits and fruit juices are rich in phytonutrients, which are powerful antioxidants. Recommendation: Two to three servings daily. Look for juices that have no added sugar. Best: Tart cherry, pomegranate, wild blueberry.
LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Prolonged high blood pressure (hypertension) damages the lining of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can lead to atherosclerosis. Optimal blood pressure levels: A systolic rate (the top number) under 120 mm/Hg and a diastolic rate (the bottom number) under 80 mm/Hg.
Calcium citrate and magnesium. This combination supplement promotes relaxation of the muscles, including the heart. Recommendation: 1,500 mg daily.
Garlic lowers blood pressure by thinning the blood, thus enhancing circulation. Recommendation: Two to three cloves daily. It is easiest to digest when sautéed until translucent (not brown). Or take a 1,000-mg garlic supplement, but check with your doctor if you are on a blood-thinning drug.
Potassium is needed for electrolyte balance, especially if you take blood pressure medication. Recommendation: 500 mg daily.
Green vegetable juices, especially those from spinach, broccoli and kale, help thin the blood, lowering blood pressure. You can buy them at health-food stores or make them yourself with a vegetable juicer (add a pear or an apple if you like a sweeter taste). Recommendation: Two to three six-ounce servings daily. Check with your doctor if you are on blood-thinning medication.
EXERCISE
Regular aerobic exercise, such as fast walking, reduces cholesterol, increases circulation and keeps arteries healthy. To get the most out of exercise...
Work up to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise four times a week. This can take several months. Get a clean bill of health from your doctor before starting.
Take your pulse. Take it before you exercise, then immediately upon stopping, then every five minutes until your pulse has returned to its pre-exercise level. You know you are in shape if your pulse returns to its pre-exercise level in less than five minutes.
When you walk or jog, keep your feet as close to the ground as possible, almost as if you’re shuffling. The higher the knee comes off the ground, the greater the pressure and the risk of injury when your leg comes down.