The “in” thing these days in medical circles, regardless of a person's age, is routinely checking cholesterol levels. Suddenly, we approach a doctor’s appointment like we’re cramming for a college final, sacrificing as much red meat and saturated fats as possible, in the 11th hour, to achieve that passing LDL score. However, would you also consider drinking a glass of red wine per day a sacrifice? You see, discoveries are happening on multiple fronts that show red wine lowers ldl . (but not so much its white counterpart) These studies are reinforced by what is known as “ the French Paradox” — An association between red wine and decreased heart disease in a country obsessed with cooking in eggs! (turns out those French mayo-eating bastards can actually teach us a lesson with regard to our beverage consumption). — This medical fact was first attributed to resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, which acts as an antioxidant. Now , even more recent news came in December of last year. Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified another group of chemicals in red wine that is linked to the ability to lower LDL, called saponins.
If being a red wino, lack of will power with food, or just the wrong genetics are keeping you from graduating with honors from Cholesterol U., there are supplements you can try before taking the plunge into prescription drugs like Lipitor. Most notably, would be Red Yeast Rice.. The Mayo Clinic reports that since the 1970s, human studies show Red Yeast Rice lowers blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/LDL (“bad cholesterol”), and triglyceride levels . I know when it comes to natural supplementation, people naturally put their guards up. However, this is the Mayo Clinic reporting this information . Not a fly by night, hippie, vitamin guru web site; the freakin mayo clinic. They know what they're talking about in terms of cholesterol. They are named after mayo, a condiment that anyone with even the slightest bit of plumbing know-how realizes it clogs arteries. (not to mention the cataracts danger) But I digress. Also, with Red yeast rice, there is a long history with regard to safety. People in red China have eaten red yeast rice for years with no side effects. It’s a natural part of their diet. You think they eat our Americanized version of Chinese food over there. Trust me my friends, the cold war continues, it's just being led by a dead leader who goes by the name of General Tscho. We can fight back by consuming red yeast rice. (and of course substituting our mayo based salad dressings with some olive oil and red wine vinegar. )
Finally, let's talk fish oil and more specifically the omega 3 fatty acids. These supplements have been proven to lower triglycerides and raise HDL, which is the good cholesterol. (this strategy has been time-tested by the fish-devouring habits of the eskimos)
Happy eating,
Craig