American health and fitness expert Jonny Bowden calls it the great cholesterol myth.According to him trying to lower heart disease by lowering cholesterol is like trying to lower your caloric intake by taking lettuce off your plate.

Top two manufacturers of cholesterol lowering drugs raked in 31 billion dollars a year.This madness is driven by these pharma industries. Statin drugs used to lower cholesterol have tremendous side effects and most of the time they are not reported.People who rely on these drugs are neglecting other bigger causes of cardiovascular diseases such as inflammation,oxidative stress and sugar.

According to Dr. Bowden, the theory of high cholesterol started in 1970s when heart diseases appeared to be on the rise.In the early 1990 he put his patients on Atkin’s diet which includes saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet.They all lost weight after the diet regime and showed enormous improvement in triglyceride levels and HDL cholesterol.

” Cholesterol was tried and convicted 30 years ago on very flimsy evidence” he says.

Origial article written by: Cary Castagna for The sunday Sun,April 14,2013

CSO is extensively used in north america and other parts of the world. The consumption of this oil is the United States is higher than that of olive oil.Cotton seed oil is used in the manufacture of potato chips and baked goods and may be used in some margarines and salad dressings.It is extracted from cotton seeds that are grown to produce cotton fibre.It is a primary agent in Crisco, a primary shortening agent.

In a research study, rats were fed with cotton seed oil which were fed with corn oil before.After four weeks of feeding with cotton seed oil rats showed decreased amount of cholesterol in their blood.The finding came surprising for researchers because of high saturated fats in cotton seed oil compared to other oils.

CSO has a fatty acid profile that is 26% saturated fat, 20% monounsaturated fat, and 55% polyunsaturated fat. Stearic acid accounts for 3% of the total fatty acid content, palmitic acid 22%, and linoleic acid 54%.Another research study approved by Texas Woman’s University attempted to find the effects of short-term consumption of a CSO-rich diet on serum lipids in healthy adults.

Men and women of ages 24-26 were selected for the study and were fed with food that contain cotton seed as an ingredient.This diet routine was given for a week before their blood was tested for lipids.preliminary data from this study indicate that the interaction of lipids in the diet may be more complex than fatty acid profile alone.A significant reduction in fats was observed in participants just after one week of consumption of cotton seed oil.

However the researchers could not figure out the mechanism involved in lowering of cholesterol by cotton seed oil.Tocopherols and beta sitosterol found in this oil may be responsible for modifying the blood lipid profile.This study conclude that CSO may lower cholesterol effectively, possibly making it a good candidate for inclusion in margarines and shortening, where it originated.

70 % men and 40% women were reported to be effected by this condition.Hormonal imbalance involving testosterone hormone and androgen receptors are responsible for this condition in both males and female.Genetics and environmental factors have also their share in causing hair loss in both men and women.

Drug therapy is the only option option available to treat this condition and two most widely used drugs are minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil, also known as Ragaine is available in 2% or 5% solution and is topically applied. Minoxidil opens up the blood vessels in scalp and helps in synthesis of new cells.The side effects of this treatment are reddening and irritation of the scalp and excessive shedding in the first four months of use.

Finasteride, which is sold as Propecia,works by regulating testosterone hormone, which is the causative agent. Improvement in hair count and thickening of hair can be seen in 6 months time.Adverse sexual events were reposted in some patients and one should be cautious when choosing this product.

Dutasteride sold as Avodart works similar to finasteride,but is more efficient.Side efects are also same as finasteride.

Ketoconazole is sold as shampoo which contains 2% Ketoconazole(Nizoral).This chemical act as antifungal agent and hlps to prevent dandruff and dermatitis.It if often used along with other treatment methods.Estrogen treatment is another option for hair loss treatment.

Estrogen hormones binds to testosterone hormone and decreases its bioavailability. Topical estrogen are available only ijn europe but not in North America.Anti-androgensSeveral synthetic anti-androgens can be used as inhibitors of androgen activity and can be couples with other treatments.
spironolactone is typically the preferred oral anti-androgen for hair loss in North America.Surgical treatment is one more option, where follicles are implanted in bald areas.However this procedure is expensive and cost between 5000-20000 per session depending on the surgeon.

How to pick a treatment that works for you?
First start with identifying the type of hair loss you have. If it is a male pattern baldness, which is seen after the age of 30 the best treatment option is Minoxidil or finasteride.Female patients can use Rogaine, HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and possibly oral spironolactone or other oral medications. The treatment will depend on the type of hairloss being experienced.

2. Quercetin in red onion wont be degraded if cooked on low heat.

3. Quercetin in natural form( as in red onions) give more protection against oxidative stress than the purified form obtained as capsules.

4.Chromium in red onions lower blood sugar levels.

5. Quercetin from half onion can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by 50%.

6.Allicin found in red onions can protect against inflammation and allergies.

7.Researchers found that red onions can inhibit formation of intestinal polyps,suppress the growth of many viruses.

8.Red onions are among low glycemic food with an index value of 10.That means it raises the blood sugar levels slowly.

9.Raw onions are good laxatives.

10.Red onions induce sweating by flushing the pores thereby removing toxins from the body.

The major polyunsaturated fatty acids that are present in our food are one of the causative agents of chronic inflammation. The inflammatory property of these fatty acids is attributed to the antigenic and cytotoxic property of these fatty acids as well as the metabolic products they produce. Physical inactivity is another reason for chronic diseases.

Olive oil is an active ingredient in Mediterranean diet and is linked to reduced incidence of degenerative diseases.100 g of oil  contain 73.3 g of monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA), 13.5 g of saturated fatty acids,7.9 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The omega 3 fatty acids found in olive were found to inhibit the inflammation caused by omega 6 fatty acids.

The omega 3 fatty acids also act as anti oxidants by oxidizing their double bonds. This property of olive oil helps to reduce the chances of mutations and cancer.

Studies on Mediterranean diets high in olive oil have demonstrated the effectiveness of the diet on coronary heart disease, formation of atherosclerosis, and hypertension. A daily take of 40 g/day is recommended to reduce the blood pressure and lowering of LDL cholesterol.

The olive oil is also recommended for people with rheumatoid arthritis. A daily dose of 6 g of extra virgin olive oil is recommended for arthritis patients to neutralize the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during inflammation.

Besides, the omega 3 fatty acids, olive oil also have anti microbial properties especially against Helicobacter pylori .This bacteria is primary cause of gastric ulcer and gastric carcinoma. Olive oil was found to inhibit the growth of these bacteria.

It is suggested to take 25 ml of extra virgin olive oil per day. It is important to keep the olive oil in a dark and air tight bottle to prevent rancidity.

The following research article was reviewed to write this article.

The role of omega-3 fatty acids contained in olive oil on chronic inflammation.

http://www.inaactamedica.org/archives/2011/21785178.pdf

Osteoporosis is thinning and weakening of bone. Osteoporosis strikes many women after menopause. Body produces new bone regularly but after the age of 40, body loses more bone than it produces. Lack of calcium, vitamin D and sex hormones such as estrogen aggravates the condition. The bones become less dense, brittle and fragile.

 What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of osteoporosis include breaks in hips, spine and wrists. Women lose some height which in not noticeable in the beginning. Some women experience curvature of the spine and excessive back pain.

 What are the risk factors?

Women who have low body weight, low calcium diet, poor health and history of osteoporosis in immediate family are potential risk factors for this disease. Anorexia, excessive menopause, excessive exercise or absence of menopause also contribute to the risk factors. Alcohol abuse, smoking, high caffeine intake and sedentary life style significantly increase risk.

 Life style changes for Osteoporosis

1.  Make sure you have healthy body weight
2. Follow a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D
3. Get sunshine on your face and arms in the early morning or late afternoon.
4. Exercise regularly. Walking, running, dancing, stair climbing is suggested.
5. Quit smoking.
6. Drink Caffeine and alcohol in moderation.

 Prescription drugs:

Bisphosphonate, Calcitonin, proloxifin and parathyroid hormone are used to treat osteoporosis. You should talk to your and find out which drug suits you better.

How often should we check our cholesterol?

Everybody above the age of 20 should check their blood cholesterol every 5 years. Once you are diagnosed with high cholesterol you should check it every year. People who are on medication to lower cholesterol are advised to check twice a year.

Foods that increase HDL:

1. Canola oil, Olive oil and avocado oil are high in mono unsaturated fats and can increase the HDL cholesterol without increasing the total cholesterol.
2. High fiber foods such as oats, legumes, fruits and vegetables reduce the LDL and increase the HDL cholesterol. Some of the fruits that are high in soluble fiber are citrus fruits,grapes, strawberries and apples. Two servings of high fiber food is recommended every day.
3. Cranberry juice has been shown to increase HDL levels. A research study at Université Laval, Quebec City, QC observed a 7.6% increase in HDL cholesterol with daily cranberry-juice consumption.
4.   Omega 3-fatty acids when used as supplements, selectively raised high-density lipoprotein 2 levels in healthy volunteers.This study was done at University of Milano, Italy. Salmon, herring and sardines are among the types of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. They are also found in flaxseed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil.
5. Soy products and flax seeds contain phytoestrogens which increase the HDL cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

http://www.theheart.org/article/326367.do

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1961121

Good foods:Vegetarian

Olive oil: Contains vitamin E

Sunflower oil: Contains Vitamin B

Brazilnuts,Walnuts: omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.

Flaxseeds: Source of Omega-3

Lentils ,kidney beans: Provide iron, Zinc, biotin

Oatmeal, Brown Rice, buck wheat, pop corn: full of B vitamins, iron, and zinc

Avocado: good dose of vitamin E

Broccoli, spinach, and chard: full of vitamins A and C

Carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes: Full of Vitamin A

Cauliflower and cabbage: silica mineral

Onion and garlic: bioflavonoids

Oranges and grapefruit: Vitamin C

Good Foods:Non-Vegetarian Foods

Salmon: Omega3, iron,Vitamin B12

Beef, lamb, and oysters: Zinc Suppliers

Chicken and turkey: Iron suppliers

Eggs: Vitamin B12 and Biotin

Milk, yogurt, and cheese: calcium and protein

References:

Cholesterol is a fat molecule that is necessary for the functioning of cells and production of hormones. Our body makes the cholesterol required from other lipid compounds and deficiency of cholesterol is a rare thing. However some of our foods we eat contain cholesterol and increases cholesterol levels in blood can lead to heart disease.Cholesterol is found only in animal foods.The recommended daily allowance for cholesterol is 300 mg a day.Foods rich in cholesterol are not considered good foods and should be avoided from one’s diet.

http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-highest-in-cholesterol.php