Food Cholesterol Does Not Contribute to Blood Cholesterol
Almost 2,000 Americans die of heart disease each day. It is a disease caused by atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty deposits (atheroma) in the coronary arteries which blocks the flow of blood. That fatty build up has to do with the level of cholesterol in your blood and is NOT DIRECTLY related to the cholesterol in food, but unfortunately many people, even doctors, continue to spread this misinformation.
Doctors like to dole out the drugs with any sign of high cholesterol. The drugs can do a lot of other damage. I suggest taking more Omega-3 & Lecithin to fight against atherosclerosis instead. Red wine and garlic also have proven health benefits for your heart.
One other supplement, up in the air on its links with a healthy heart is the Vitamin B family.
All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is “burned” to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, are essential in the breakdown of fats and protein. B complex vitamins also play an important role in maintaining muscle tone lining the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.
Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells and it aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material. Vitamin B12 also works closely together with vitamin B9 (folate) to regulate the formation of red blood cells and to help iron function better in the body. The synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound involved in immune function and mood, depends on the participation of folate and vitamin B12.
Similar to other B complex vitamins, cobalamine is considered an “anti-stress” vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions.
Vitamins B12, B6, and B9 (folate) work closely together to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Elevated levels of this substance appear to be linked with heart disease and, possibly, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s all good, but does it help your heart if you take supplements- no one knows yet. So eat up on the good stuff, but hold off on taking additional supplements if your diet is already meeting your Vit B needs.