Hydrogenated Fats & Margarines Can be Problematic!

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Hydrogenated Fats & Margarines Can be Problematic JoAnn Guest Mar 29, 2003

16:20 PST Hydrogenated Fats & Margarine: How are they made? JoAnn Guest

Feb 01, 2003 16:48 PST

 

 

 

A Safe Natural Approach:

 

We now know that cholesterol-lowering drugs have dangerous side

effects and there is scant research that they lessen the risk of

heart attack!

 

There are safe alternatives that address the CAUSES of heart disease,

not just the symptoms! They work to prevent and in some cases even

reverse heart disease.

 

A low-fat moderate protein diet abundant in fruits and vegetables, a

high-potency, antioxidant rich multivitamin regimen, an essential

fatty acid supplementation along with moderate exercise greatly

reduces your risk.An injured heart heals with nutrients, not with

beta and calcium channel blockers.

 

 

The Truth Regarding

Hydrogenated Fats and Oils

Heart disease or coronary artery disease

 

Heart disease or coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol-rich plaque builds

up along the arterial walls.

 

High cholesterol levels can play a part, though they do not always

result in atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis can exist with normal

cholesterol levels.

But when the coronary arteries are affected, the condition is called

coronary artery disease.

How does atherosclerosis develop?

 

Atherosclerosis seems to begin with an injury to the endothelial lining

along the artery wall. Interestingly, this process actually can begin

at an early age.

 

Once an injury occurs, white blood cells such as monocytes and

macrophages, along with lipids, begin to accumulate along the inner

layer of the artery as well as the muscle layer.

 

Smooth muscle cells begin to multiply from the irritation and

eventually form a plaque. Platelets and other blood clotting factors

stick to the rough surface of the artery wall, forming a thrombus

(clot).

 

A clot can continue to grow until it completely blocks an artery,

cutting off the oxygen supply to a vital organ. Or a clot can break

free from the vessel wall and become lodged somewhere else further

downstream.

This could lead to a heart attack or stroke if the clot

completely blocks the blood and oxygen supply to a major artery leading

to the heart or brain.

 

Although initially there are no symptoms, once the arteries become very

constricted, one may experience pressure or tightening in the chest due

to a lack of oxygen being delivered to the heart (angina).

 

There may also be cramping in the lower extremities due to blockage in

the peripheral veins (peripheral vascular disease).

Factors associated with heart disease

 

Researchers now believe that many different problems can lead to heart

disease.

 

And cholesterol can often play a key part.

 

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver. It is an

essential component of cell membranes and used to produce hormones and

vitamin D.

 

Cholesterol is carried through the body attached to two different

compounds called *lipoproteins*:

 

*low-density* lipoproteins (LDL) and *high-density* lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL is commonly known as the “bad cholesterol”;

it carries cholesterol from the liver throughout the body,

 

making it *available* to be *deposited* in artery walls.

 

" HDL " is known as the “good cholesterol”;

it picks up LDL (bad)cholesterol from the *arteries* and delivers it to

the liver to be *recycled* or *eliminated* from the body.

 

The body needs cholesterol to function –--

 

but too much of it in the *blood*, or too much of the *wrong kind*, adds

up to trouble.

 

The factors leading to heart disease are as follows:

 

High total cholesterol –--

especially high LDL levels –

These factors combine to form a well known risk factor for heart disease

(though people can have heart disease without having high cholesterol).

 

Low *HDL* cholesterol and high *triglyceride* levels –

 

This is a different pattern than high total and LDL cholesterol

although someone may have both. This pattern, associated with insulin

resistance, is also genetically driven and appears to affect as many as

30% of the population.

 

It carries with it a high risk of high blood

pressure and diabetes as well as heart disease.

 

Dietary and nutritional

supplement treatment for this pattern are different from those for high

total and LDL cholesterol levels.

 

Here, lifestyle changes are generally

quite effective.

 

Elevated homocysteine levels –

This risk factor for heart disease is unrelated to cholesterol levels at

all. Homocysteine is an *amino acid* that can *accumulate* in the blood

when a person does not get enough folic acid and vitamin B6.

 

This condition is also genetically driven. Folic acid requirements for

some individuals may be much greater than the RDA of 400 mcg.

 

Smoking – This habit alone can increase risk of heart disease. Smoking

increases *oxidation* in the body and is harmful (constricting) to blood

vessels

 

Family history – a family history of any type of cardiovascular disease

increases an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

 

Genetic tendencies, however, can be countered by a healthy lifestyle in

most cases.

If you have a family history of heart disease, we recommend

paying particular attention to diet, exercise, stress reduction and

supplements.

 

Nutritional supplements and family history of heart disease

 

 

 

Fish oil –

 

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish and fish oil supplements have been shown

to be an effective preventive strategy against heart disease.

They can lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol, help

minimize inflammation and blood clotting, and keep blood vessels

healthy.

 

Coenzyme Q10 –

This antioxidant is thought to be one of the most

important antioxidant supplements for protection against many forms of

cardiovascular disease. It helps protect LDL cholesterol from

*oxidation*, maintain healthy blood vessels, protects against *clots*

and *plaque* rupture, and supports optimal *functioning* of the heart

muscle.

 

What you can do to lower your cholesterol

 

Reduce greatly the amount of *transfats* you eat.

 

 

The richest source of saturated fat (fat that is usually solid at room

temperature) in the diet are dairy foods,

especially whole milk, cheese, butter and cream.

Red meat also seems to be problematic. Laura's lean beef is recommended

by the American Heart Association and is a much better choice.

http://www.laurasleanbeef.com

 

If you find “partially hydrogenated oil” listed in the ingredient list

on food labels, find a healthier substitute. There are many spreads

available on the market today that are free from trans-fat.

Unfortunately many of those which are advertised as transfat free are

not! Some examples are " Take Conrol " and " Benecol " which are promoted as

heart healthy spreads. We need to be aware of this false advertising.

This is an important example of the deception that is taking place

everyday in our media.

 

 

Unhealthy *Trans-fat* is also found in snack foods such as

chips, crackers, baked goods and cookies. It is found in the oils

commonly used in restaurants in order to cook french fries, doughnuts,

theatre popcorn and much more.

 

Substitute plant proteins for animal protein.

 

The protein in certain beans have been shown to lower cholesterol

levels.

Try to incorporate two servings a day into your meals. Choose from

pinto, northern, black/red beans and lentils, organic tofu and tempeh.

 

Use fresh garlic regularly in your meals. Garlic has been shown to lower

both cholesterol levels and blood pressure -- and it tastes wonderful,

too. Use one or two fresh or lightly cooked cloves each day.

 

Drink green tea daily--

The antioxidants in green tea help lower

cholesterol and prevent cholesterol in your blood from *oxidizing*.

 

Eat plenty of *soluble* fiber.

 

Soluble fiber has a powerful cholesterol-lowering effect.

The best sources of soluble fiber are beans and lentils, apples, citrus

fruits, oats/oatbran, barley, peas, carrots –-

especially do not forget ground flax seed.

 

 

Cut transfats and *saturated* fats, but keep *monounsaturated* fats --

 

Include monounsaturated fats (30 to 35% of calories) rather than

following a *low-fat* diet.

However, in this condition, as with high total and LDL cholesterol,

*saturated* fat makes the situation worse.

 

Eat generous amounts (5 or more servings) of non-starchy vegetables and

one to two servings of low-glycemic index fruit every day.

 

Exercise – Vigorous aerobic exercise decreases the cells’ resistance to

insulin.

Eat fish frequently – The best are cold water fish like salmon and

sardines that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fat seems to

improve cells’ response to insulin.

 

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that has been

shown to be beneficial for heart health by protecting LDL cholesterol

from *oxidation* and re-energizing the *mitochondria* in the heart

cells,

which is where energy metabolism occurs.

 

This nutrient is very important

for the heart cells of patients with heart failure. CoQ10 may also help

lower blood pressure.

 

Hawthorne - Hawthorne is another antioxidant with heart-enhancing

properties. Hawthorne may help improve coronary artery blood flow and

circulation to the extremities of the body, therefore improving symptoms

of angina.

 

Alpha-lipoic acid – This antioxidant nutrient improves the cells’

response to insulin and can reduce blood sugar levels.

 

Magnesium – Higher insulin and blood sugar levels are seen in people

with low plasma magnesium levels and magnesium supplementation improves

insulin resistance in animal studies

 

Chromium – It improves glucose utilization in people with high blood

sugar levels and improves insulin resistance in animals.

 

Cordyceps – This medicinal mushroom is a good energy booster and can

improve the workload of the heart

 

High homocysteine – What is it?

 

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the body from another

amino acid called *methionine*.

 

One of methionine’s main functions is to provide methyl groups for

cellular reactions.

 

A methyl group is a small, simple chemical fragment consisting of one

carbon molecule and three hydrogen molecules. When methionine donates a

methyl group for a cellular reaction, it becomes homocysteine.

 

Typically homocysteine then receives another methyl group from either

folic acid or vitamin B6 and is turned back into methionine.

 

Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor for this reaction.

 

In short, if you don’t have enough of certain critical B vitamins, your

homocysteine level *rises*.

 

A high *homocysteine* level is primarily a sign

of an inadequate intake of folic acid or vitamin B6.

 

Coffee consumption – As coffee consumption increases, homocysteine

levels increase the amount of folic acid, vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 in

your diet and supplements.

 

What is the relationship between homocysteine, heart disease and

strokes?

 

High homocysteine levels are associated with atherosclerosis.

 

Homocysteine is thought to be damaging to the lining of blood vessels,

leading to atherosclerosis. As homocysteine levels increase, the risk of

heart disease and stroke increase. (High homocysteine levels are also

associated with risk of cancer and cervical dysplasia, as well as neural

 

tube birth defects like spina bifida.)

Diagnosing high homocysteine

 

Although the reference ranges for homocysteine from most labs show a

normal range up to 12, homocysteine researchers are suggesting that any

level over 8 should be treated.

 

Nutritional supplements and homocysteine

 

Folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and betaine are all involved in the

process of adding a methyl group back to the homocysteine molecule.

 

Supplementation of these nutrients will bring high homocysteine levels

down.

 

Although the B vitamins (the first three in the list) are found

in multivitamins, we recommend higher doses depending on your

homocysteine level. If your homocysteine level is high, we recommend

retesting it six months after you begin taking supplements.

Eat 8-10 servings of fruit and vegetables servings per day.

 

Eat only organic dairy foods such as Stonyfield Farms and Horizon

Organics. Traditional Dairy can be problematic from existing residues,

antibiotics and hormone content. Homogenization techniques (xanthine

oxidase)causes considerable artery damage as well

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/classic_tan.html

http://www.horizonorganic.com

 

Limit animal protein to 6 oz per day, emphasizing lean sources.

 

Consume 4-5 servings of nuts, seeds and dry beans per week (2 Tbsp nuts

or seeds, or 1/2 cup cooked dried beans).

 

Eat plenty of fish – Include at least three servings of fish a week,

emphasizing cold water fish like salmon and sardines that are rich in

omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Limit your caffeine intake -- The caffeine in coffee, tea and sodas can

contribute to high blood pressure.

 

Limit alcohol intake – Blood pressure increases as your body metabolizes

alcohol.

 

Avoid processed foods -- These are the biggest sources of sodium in

today’s diet.

 

Exercise – As little as 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, like

walking, can lower blood pressure.

 

Relax –Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or biofeedback are all

relaxation techniques that can help lower blood pressure.

 

 

The Ill-Effects of Margarines

 

There is much talk in the press about margarines being better for

our health than butter. This in essence, is just not true. The

following article will help to explain why.

 

There's more to the word *hydrogenated* than meets the eye.

It is a process by which unsaturated fats have been converted from

their natural liquid to a more *solid* state.

 

Hydrogenation is good for food manufacturers because it keeps longer

and does not go rancid, as do liquid oils.

As this transformation takes place, the naturally unsaturated fats in

the oils are changed from their natural state

into a saturated fat which is hazardous to the arteries--

 

and in essence becomes much more dangerous than any

naturally-occurring animal fats could ever be.

 

It is wise to be cautious every time you see

" made with pure vegetable oils " .

It doesn't mean a thing if that specific vegetable oil has undergone the

" hydrogenation " process.

 

 

Hydrogenation Procedure:

 

The process of *hydrogenation* makes terrifying reading:

 

1. Vegetable oil is mixed thoroughly with fine particles of nickel or

copper.

 

2.It is heated to approximately 400 degrees F. and held at that

temperature for six hours (carcinogens form from oils kept at high temps

for extended periods of time!).

 

3. Meanwhile, hydrogen gas is pumped through the mixture at high

pressure and the *excited* hydrogen atoms penetrate the vegetable oil

molecules and chemically change them into " transfats " (transfatty

acids).

These are new, complex substances which are *not* found in *nature*,

except at very low levels in some animal fats.

 

4. This mixture must be kept very hot--if it cools down the whole

production line will get *clogged*.

 

5. The mixture is then cooled down to form tiny hard *plastic*-like

beads, ---known as *hydrogenated* oil.

 

6. The beads of hydrogenated oil are mixed with liquid oil and heated up

again to a high temperature.

 

When this cools, you have *MARGARINE*.

 

(Reproduced with kind permission from

" Now You Can say Goodbye to Hydrogenated Fats (1994)

( a leaflet supplied by Whole Earth Foods.)

 

Because these hydrogenated " transfats " are not at all natural and

have a *plastic-like* quality, your body has great *difficulty* in

trying to metabolize and eliminate them.

 

You are putting your body under extra pressure simply to

deal with this substance that you do *not* really *need* to eat.

 

The FDA has approved them for human consumption, stating that it is

safe to eat up to 7% of your diet in hydrogenated fats.

When we take a second look, we find that on the *Standard*

American Diet, the average person consumes much, much *more*!

 

Americans have more heart attacks than any

other country in the world.

When we stop to consider the way

hydrogenated fats are made, it is then and only then that

we begin to realize the very real dangers of consuming these un-natural

synthetic ( " foods " ?).

 

I firmly believe these unnatural man-made fats are a major

contributing factor in most heart disease and cardiovascular

problems. Walter Willett, Ph.D. of the Harvard Medical school agrees.

 

Also Avoid:

Excessive calcium and iron supplements

(Over a period of time they can prove quite problmatic

contributing to arterial deposits, as well.)

 

 

 

JoAnn Guest

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