cholesterol

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Is it Okay to Eat Eggs?

2020-02-27T11:01:22+00:00

Whether or not consuming eggs or dietary cholesterol has an association with cardiovascular disease or death has been a debate for years. The 2015 updated dietary guidelines removed a previously-recommended limit of 300 mg of dietary cholesterol due to a lack of strong evidence. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on March 19 rekindled discussion of this highly controversial topic (abstract below). Dietary cholesterol is only found in foods of animal origin, and is absent in plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The link to this abstract can be [...]

Is it Okay to Eat Eggs?2020-02-27T11:01:22+00:00

Side Effects of Statins

2018-05-15T09:53:16+00:00

Despite the proven benefits of the cholesterol-lowering statin medications in reducing future cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, particularly in those with known cardiovascular disease, many patients remain reluctant to take these medications due to potential perceived side effects. In complying with current cardiology guidelines, I encourage all patients with known vascular disease, including those who have adopted a heart-healthy, plant-based lifestyle to take a statin. Dr. Robert Vogel recently presented data which should help to ease the minds of the many patients concerned about potential statin side-effects.(6) One potential side-effect of statins is the possibility that they may [...]

Side Effects of Statins2018-05-15T09:53:16+00:00

Tempeh Tacos and Fajitas

2018-04-29T19:09:13+00:00

Tempeh Tacos and Fajitas “What exactly is tempeh?”. This is the first question I usually get asked when discussing “tempeh tacos” or a “tempeh stir fry” with those who are not familiar with plant-based eating. Tempeh is a product made of whole soy beans that are soaked, cooked, then fermented. It can be purchased in a block in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the produce. It has a nutty, firm, chewy texture. Tofu, on the other hand, is made from condensed soy milk. It too is sold in blocks, and can be found in various [...]

Tempeh Tacos and Fajitas2018-04-29T19:09:13+00:00

The Best Diet to Lower Bad Cholesterol

2018-04-23T00:06:12+00:00

High cholesterol is a major contributing factor for heart attacks and stroke, the first and fifth leading causes of death in our country. While the traditionally recommended goal for total cholesterol is to achieve a level of less than 200mg/dL, we know from observational studies such as the Framingham Heart Study and the China Study that achieving a level of less than 150mg/dL is associated with a near absence of cardiovascular events. According to the CDC, more than 95 million adults have total cholesterol levels greater than 200mg/dL, and nearly 30 million have levels over 240mg/dL.(1) Current guidelines recommend treating high [...]

The Best Diet to Lower Bad Cholesterol2018-04-23T00:06:12+00:00

Chia Seeds Aren’t Just for Chia Pets, They Pack a Powerful Nutritional Punch!

2018-04-23T10:16:05+00:00

Up until five years ago, my mind associated chia seeds with only one thing: chia pets. These are the decorative planters available in various personifications such as animals and celebrities. Once the chia seeds are planted, they magically sprout to form the “hair” and “fur” of the different figures. I became puzzled one evening when I stumbled upon a bag of chia seeds sitting on a desk in my office, with no chia pet in sight. One of our nurses must have recognized my contemplative look, as she quickly assured me that chia seeds were more than just a means of [...]

Chia Seeds Aren’t Just for Chia Pets, They Pack a Powerful Nutritional Punch!2018-04-23T10:16:05+00:00