Guest guest Posted January 13, 2005 Report Share Posted January 13, 2005 Unique “Antioxidant” in Oats " Protects " LDL Cholesterol JoAnn Guest Jan 12, 2005 20:52 PST Oats, via their high fiber content, are already known to help remove cholesterol from the digestive system that would otherwise end up in the bloodstream. Now, the latest research suggests they may have another " cardio-protective " mechanism. Antioxidant compounds unique to oats, called " avenanthramides " , help prevent free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggests a study conducted at Tufts University and published in the June 2004 issue of " The Journal of Nutrition " . In this study, hamsters were fed saline containing 0.25 grams of " phenol-rich " oat bran, after which blood samples were taken at intervals from 20 to 120 minutes. After 40 minutes, blood concentrations of " avenanthramides " had peaked, showing these compounds were bioavailable (able to be absorbed). Next, the researchers tested the antioxidant ability of avenanthramides to " protect " LDL cholesterol against " oxidation " (free radical damage) induced by 'copper'. Not only did the avenanthramides " increase " the amount of time before LDL became oxidized, but when vitamin C was added, the oat phenols interacted " synergistically " with the vitamin, extending the time during which LDL was protected from 137 to 216 minutes. In another study also conducted at Tufts and published in the July 2004 issue of Atherosclerosis, researchers exposed human " arterial wall cells " to purified " avenenthramides " from oats for 24 hours, and found that these oat phenols significantly " suppressed " the production of several types of " molecules " involved in the attachment of " monocytes " (immune cells in the bloodstream) to the arterial wall— the first step in the development of atherosclerosis. Oat avenanthamides suppressed production of ICAM-1 (intracellular adhesion molecule-1) and VCAM-1 (vascular adhesion molecule-1), E-selectin, and the secretion of " pro-inflammatory " cytokines KL-6, chemokines IL-8 and " protein MCP-1 " (monocyte chemoattractant protein). Our advice: Cut an orange in quarters or pour yourself a glass of orange juice to enjoy along with your oatmeal. If you prefer some other organic whole grain for your breakfast cereal, top it with a heaping spoonful of oat bran. (August 1, 2004) Oats, Avena sativa ===================================================================== Oats are grown worldwide and have been used as both a food and as an herbal supplement. Historical and traditional use - Oats have been used to treat high cholesterol as well as high triglycerides. It also is believed to be beneficial for patients who are tired, have insomnia and for anxiety. It is also beneficial for arthritis, as a tea, and as a mild diuretic. It is commonly used today as a ‘topical’ treatment, usually as a bath, for dry skin, eczema, sunburn and other irritated skin conditions. Active constituents: Oats contain a number of “alkaloids” that have a relaxing action, possibly.There are also a number of “saponins” that may be beneficial as anti irritants. They are also rich in iron, manganese, and zinc. There are no contraindications for either topical or ingestion. www.alt-med.org Oats are hard to beat for nutritional impact. They are a prime source of the “complex” carbohydrates that help to sustain energy. They contain about 50% more protein than bulgur(unprocessed wheat) and twice as much as brown rice. They offer impressive levels of selenium, thiamin, phosphorus, and manganese, and respectable quantities of copper, folate (folic acid), vitamin E, and zinc. It is the high " soluble-fiber " content of oats that captures the attention of many nutritionists and has been credited with helping to lower blood cholesterol levels. A cup of cooked oatmeal has 4 grams of fiber--16% of the total amount of fiber you should eat each day--and about half of that is “soluble” fiber. Soluble fibre 'feeds' the " intestinal bacteria " , which ferment it to produce chemicals called " short chain fatty acids " (SCFAs). SCFAs have a number of positive effects on the body: they nourish the cells of the large intestine, stimulating healing and reducing the development of cancer. When absorbed from the intestine, they travel to the liver and decrease the liver's production of cholesterol, lowering blood cholesterol levels. Oat bran, for example, contains fibres of moderate solubility; eating oat bran can lower cholesterol levels. Within the intestinal canal, SCFAs " inhibit " the growth of yeasts and " disease-causing " bacteria. Fiber also encourages the 'growth' of " beneficial bacteria " in the large intestine. ' These bacteria have been shown to " bind " to certain 'carcinogens' and also to prevent the 'activation' of other carcinogens that may occur in the colon. Fiber in the intestines can be " fermented " by normal flora to substances called " short chain fatty acids " or volatile fatty acids. These substances have been shown to have very beneficial effects on colon cells. One of these chemicals, known as “butyrate”, is produced from a variety of healthy foods, including root vegetables like chicory and burdock root, onions and chives, asparagus, and whole grains like rye, wheat, and *oats*. Butyrate has been demonstrated to decrease the proliferation and increase the apoptosis of " mutated " (cancer) cells, while at the same time helping to protect healthy cells from damage due to free radicals. It also acts as a " fuel source " for colon cells, thereby supporting their healthy function. Wheat bran itself has been shown in a number of studies to be very good for the prevention of colon cancer. Some excellent food sources of fiber include raspberries, mustard greens, peppermint leaves, collard greens, broccoli, celery, red chili peppers, fennel bulb, grapefruit, cauliflower, cabbage, green beans, eggplant, split peas, and lentils. Availability Oat groats: These nutty-tasting whole grains can be eaten as cereal, but are more commonly served as a main or side dish. Groats is used as a stuffing for vegetables or poultry or to thicken soups and sauces. They are typically found in health food and specialty stores. Steel-cut oats: Usually imported from Ireland or Scotland, this form of oats is made by slicing the grain thinly lengthwise. Commonly eaten as a breakfast cereal, steel cut oats have a dense, chewy texture and take longer to cook than rolled oats. You can also add them to soups and stews. Rolled oats: These are the familiar forms of oats sold in the supermarket. The grains are heated and pressed flat with steel rollers to shorten cooking times. There are three types of rolled oats: 1) Old-fashioned oats: the whole grain is rolled. 2) Quick-cooking oats: the grains are sliced before rolling. Oat bran: This outer layer of the grain, lighter and finer than wheat bran, is high in fiber and nutrients. It can be eaten as a cereal. Storage When buying oats from bulk bins, make sure they smell fresh and are free from chaff or other debris. The store should have a fast turnover and the bins should be emptied and cleaned before adding new stock. Preparation Keep oats in tightly closed, airtight containers or bags. Store at room temperature (or in the refrigerator in hot weather) for up to a month. Oat products can be kept for two to three months in the freezer. Nutrition Chart Oatmeal/1 cup cooked Calories 145 Total fat (g) 2.3 Saturated fat (g) 0.4 Monounsaturated fat (g) 0.8 Polyunsaturated fat (g) 0.9 Dietary fiber (g) 4 Protein (g) 6 Carbohydrate (g) 25 Cholesterol (mg) 0 Sodium (mg) 2 Thiamin (mg) 0.3 Manganese (mg) 1.4 Phosphorus (mg) 178 Selenium (mcg) 19 fiber, soluble ===================================================================== Numerous studies link high fiber diets with a " reduced risk " of heart attack. In particular, soluble fiber helps to lower levels of artery-clogging cholesterol. Leading Food Sources of fiber, soluble: Carrots, Peas, fresh, Barley, Unprocessed Beans, dried, Oats, Apples While the current American diet averages only about 10 grams of dietary fiber per day, intakes of 25 to 40 grams of fiber per day are linked to a " reduced risk " of developing a host of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and gastrointestinal conditions. .. Fiber falls into two general categories—“water-soluble” (found mostly in oats, fruit, and legumes) and water-insoluble (found mostly in grains and vegetables). In an analysis of the data from many studies, people who eat relatively high amounts of organic whole grains were reported to have low risks of lymphomas and cancers of the pancreas, stomach, colon, rectum, breast, uterus, mouth, throat, liver, and thyroid. A diet high in fiber is “protective” against heart disease. Soluble fiber from beans, oats, psyllium seed, and fruit pectin has “lowered” cholesterol levels in most trials. Diets high in overall fiber have reduced “triglyceride” levels in clinical trials. Research suggests that “soluble”, not insoluble, fibers are helpful in lowering triglyceride levels. A high-fiber diet that features both soluble and insoluble fibers also seems to reduce the risk of both fatal and nonfatal heart attacks. Beans, a good source of soluble fiber, contain special sugars that are often poorly digested, often leading to flatulence (gas). Cooking beans with " kombu " (a type of seaweed) or organic carrots can help reduce this problem by improving digestion. Avoid all food products made with “processed” grains, such as white breads and baked goods, flour, or white rice, as they contain " minimal " fiber content. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, as opposed to drinking fruit and vegetable juices, since fiber is " removed " during the juicing process. One of the great herbal restoratives is “Avena sativa” (Oats). Oats contains a “nervine alkaloid” which helps to restore the heart... (again the vagus connection). According to Canadian research, Avena is helpful in angina and in cardiac “insufficiency”. Oats include tyrosine. In addition to having a high iodine content, " thyroid hormones " are made from the compound tyrosine. Beneficial bacteria must be able to “latch on” if they are going to flourish and colonize in the GI tract. Fortunately, oat bran can help in this area as well. Oats have some very unique properties. Oat fiber is a rich source of water-soluble ”beta-glucans”, which have been associated with the ability to enhance the " function " of the immune system. The gum in the oats promotes the production of a protective “intestinal lubricant”, and now appears to improve the adhesive capabilities and the ‘growth rates’ of “beneficial bacteria” strains. Please keep in mind that instant oatmeal “packets” are light on the oat bran and heavy on the sugar. Plain old-fashioned, organic slow-cooking oats taste just fine on their own. Oats are important for the nervous system. Refined, white flour and sugar products, and processed foods “starve” the body of B vitamins. This " weakens " the body and promotes feelings of anxiety. Sweet foods are especially harmful, since their digestion causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar which can be experienced as apprehensive jitteriness. Take in a healthy, whole foods diet containing organic fresh vegetables and fruits, raw nuts and whole grains. This is by far the best insurance against attacks of anxiety. Fruits and vegetables are best eaten raw, such as in a salad. (Many vitamins and the " enzymes " as well are destroyed by cooking.) Make sure your diet contains foods rich in B vitamins, such as oats and other organic whole grains, raw nuts, green, leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast, organic eggs and fish for healthy nerves. Hazelnuts are a valuable healing food for the nerves, most effective when freshly ground. Honey dissolved in warm goat milk also has a calming effect on the nerves. www.meyenberg.com ===================================================================== Beta-glucans are a form of natural " soluble " dietary ”fiber” found in foods,including whole grains (such as barley, oats, oat bran) and the medicinal mushrooms (such as maitake, reishi, and shiitake). Regardless of the source, however, all beta-glucans are carbohydrates formed by a string of glucose molecules. They are absorbed into the body through the intestines. Specifically, beta-glucans may help to: Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Glucans that are soluble in water (such as a form called 1,6 glucans, which are extracted from whole oats) can help to “reduce cholesterol” levels when consumed as part of the healthy low-fat diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that companies such as Quaker can make the claim that their products help to reduce the risk of heart disease--with certain stipulations. A serving must contain at least 0.75 grams of beta-glucan; the product must be used as part of a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet; and it has to contain no more than “3 grams of fat” and no more than 1 gram of saturated fat. Many oatmeal and oat bran cereals and other products now meet the beta-glucan and other qualifications as heart disease preventers. Clinical trials have even shown that the higher the beta-glucan content of the unprocessed, organic oat cereal (hot or cold), the greater the cholesterol-lowering effect. However, there is still only limited evidence that beta-glucans taken in “pill form” has any of this cholesterol-lowering effect. Enhances immune-system power. Beta-glucans appear to indirectly “intensify” the immune system's ability to fight off infection, apparently by “activating” certain white blood cells called " macrophages " .This has been shown in laboratory tests. Produced by the bone marrow, “macrophages” patrol the body, gobbling up foreign invaders (free radicals) such as bacteria and fungi. Macrophages must be stimulated (or " activated " ) in order to become functioning members of the " immune system's " A-Team. Protects against cancer and the development of tumors. Cancer researchers are conducting a variety of clinical trials to determine whether beta-glucans can boost the ability of the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. In one laboratory study, “antibody” medications were more effective in killing cancer cells when they were given in conjunction with beta-glucans. A number of follow-up clinical trials are under way. Special tips: Look for good *food sources* (such as oatmeal) because you'll need high levels of beta-glucans (3,000-15,000 mg a day) to be effective. Capsules (500-1,000 mg) were not meant to provide such high doses. For lowering cholesterol levels: dry oatmeal porridge (organic rolled oats), or organic oat bran appear to provide the " beta-glucan " requirement. For enhancing the immune system and protecting against cancer: Manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg one to three times a day. However, there is little apparent sound research upon which to base the recommendation that beta-glucan supplements be taken for these purposes. Whole foods such as oatmeal are recommended for this purpose. ===================================================================== The idea that it is difficult to get enough protein from plant foods is a myth assiduously fostered by the meat and dairy industries. Most people need no more than one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight and consume at least 30 kcal per kg of body weight. This means that we need no more than 13% of calories as protein. Very active individuals may benefit from more than one gram of protein per kg of body weight but also have a relatively high calorie intake, so 13% is also adequate for them. The old belief that grains needed to be combined with beans to create " complete " protein is now recognised as entirely unnecessary if overall protein intake is " adequate " . Wheat, oats and many raw nuts and seeds contain about 15% protein by calories, while most beans and many vegetables contain over 25% of calories as protein. Some plant foods such as rice, potatoes and most fruits contain slightly less than 10% of calories as protein. Oils, fats, sugar and other sweeteners provide essentially " no protein " and should not “dominate” your diet. If your calorie intake is low due to low activity, slimming or old age, focusing on moderate protein foods is advisable. In general, however, protein needs no special attention within the optimal diet. The hard fact that constantly comes to the foreground is that the focus on protein borders on " obsession " in countries of the Western Hemisphere. One glance at restaurant menus and the plates that come to the table is proof that the " centerpiece " of the meal is the large serving of meat, chicken or fish frequently smothered in creamy sauces or melted cheese. The portions served at one meal alone come close to fulfilling a day's worth of " protein needs " . The meat and dairy industries spend billions of dollars to project their message right into your shopping cart through television commercials, magazine ads, and grocery store ads. These powerful industries even recognize the important fact that it is important to teach young children " good nutrition " at a very early age. Since the end of World War II they spread their “protein message” to our nation's youth by providing schools across the U.S. with colorful charts of the " important food groups " that ‘emphasized’ meat, dairy products, and eggs. For the decades following World War II, one simply could not ignore the emphasis on protein. Could we fail to ignore the large billboards flaunting larger than " life-size " images of cream, cheese, and milk? And who can forget the successful ad campaigns for " Where's the beef? " and " Milk does a body good " ? The protein message comes at us from all directions, even on bus benches. Don't misunderstand, we fully recognize that protein is a necessity to a healthy body, and that it is important to " replenish " our store of protein every day. Because the body doesn't store protein as it does other nutrients, we're aware it must be replaced each day as a source of nourishment for building and repairing new cells, hormones, antibodies, enzymes and muscle tissue. But,just how much protein do we really need? Calculating Protein Requirements Recently, studies on " nitrogen balance " provide more accurate ways to measure the body's protein requirements. Joel Fuhrman, M.D. in his book Eat to Live writes that an easy way to calculate your own daily protein requirement according to the RDA is to multiply 0.36 (grams) by your body weight. That translates to about 44 grams for a 120- pound woman and 54 grams for a 150-pound male. In metric terminology the RDA is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Brenda Davis, R.D., and Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D., in their book ”Becoming Vegan” consider 0.9 grams per kilogram of body weight to be more ideal for anyone eating whole plant foods such as legumes, beanswhole grains, and vegetables. Multiplying 0.45 grams by your body weight in pounds will give you the approximate protein need for your body. These figures are a little higher than actual RDA requirements. Very high protein intakes increase " calcium losses " and put " extra strain " on the kidneys and are therefore not recommended. Protein for Recuperating Patients Patients recuperating from surgery or serious bodily injuries, such as burns, require protein to help rebuild tissue. Their protein intake should be at a level of about 20 % of their calorie intake. Protein for Athletes If you're an athlete or one who works at serious bodybuilding, one or more of your trainers may have suggested using protein powders or amino acid powders on a regular basis. Sports nutrition has focused heavily on protein. In relating the position of the newest RDA information, Dr. Reed Mangels says, " Professional athletes may need more protein than those who are not in serious training, but how nuch more and even whether or not their protein needs are higher is a matter of differing opinion. I think the research supports slightly higher protein needs for athletes, but not everyone goes along with this. " Recent studies suggest that strength athletes (weight lifters) and body builders need to consume up to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight to maintain sufficient amino acid balance. Some trainers recommend higher levels of protein intake, even exceeding 3.0 grams per kilogram. Endurance athletes require 1.2 to 1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight to provide for repair of muscle cell damage. A diet that consists of 12 to 15 % protein is considered ideal for both strength and endurance athletes who follow a vegan diet. For vegan athletes who want to keep their body weight low, 15 to 20% of calories should be protein. About 10 to 12% of calories as protein may be all that is required of those on very high calorie diets such as ironman athletes. Dr. Ruth Heidrich, vegan ironman athlete, expresses the protein needs of athletes very simply. She says, " With greater calorie burning, comes greater calorie consumption with its automatic increase in the absolute amount of protein. " For people who want to build more muscle, Dr. Heidrich discourages the use of protein supplements and stresses that " . . . if you want to develop a muscle, you have to overload it by putting more stress on it than it can handle. This is the ONLY way a muscle will get bigger and stronger. " Where do vegans get their protein? It's simple. The plant-based diet includes a wide variety of whole foods consisting of beans, whole- grains, fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, and seeds, along with products made from these natural foods, such as non-gmo tofu, tempeh and non-gmo meat analogs.. Those who believe that plant protein is inferior to animal protein may be surprised to learn that plant proteins contain the same 23 amino acids as animal proteins. If a person is eating a broad selection of “plant-based” foods and consuming adequate calories, it is unlikely he or she will be protein deficient. Physicians in the United States rarely encounter patients who are “deficient” in protein. Deficiency is uncommon and is seen mostly in countries where serious shortages of food exist, and malnutrition is prevalent. Consuming a low animal fat, plant-based diet abundant in unprocessed whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is a powerful weapon against heart disease, according to numerous studies. Traditional " heart-healthy " diets are low in refined salt and saturated fat, yet high in " cardioprotective " foods and nutrients including soluble fibers, organic flaxseed, folate, magnesium, omega-3 fats, non-gmo soy, and antioxidants, such as lycopene, flavonoids, and vitamins C and E. Monounsaturated (oleic) fats Monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and come mainly from plant foods. They have a deserved reputation of being " better for you " than trans or saturated fats because they do not lower your HDL (good cholesterol) and the liver does not 'synthesize' them into LDL cholesterol. (All refined oils lower HDL while elevating your LDL cholesterol). In simple terms, extra virgin olive oil is the only oil that elevates and protects “good (HDL) cholesterol” levels. Generally, nutritionists say that monounsaturated fats do not raise total cholesterol or lower HDL (good) cholesterol. In most cases, these types of fat actually have a beneficial effect. They lower 'total' cholesterol levels while raising good (HDL) cholesterol as well. Eating foods rich in “monounsaturated” fat in place of artery-clogging saturated fat has been shown to promote heart health as well. Heart friendly monounsaturated fat is present in avocados, olives, macademia nut oil, extra virgin olive oils, almonds, filberts and other raw nuts, and fatty fish including mackerel, alaskan salmon and water packed sardines. Three schools of thought: Organizations such as the American Heart Association say you should get no more than 30 percent of all your calories from fat. That's the " minimum " reduction needed to stop the artery-clogging process known as *arteriosclerosis*. Many leading cardiologists however, believe that the above recommendation does not go far enough. They have their patients aim for an even greater " reduction " of fat intake, which they say is necessary to obtain meaningful protection from heart attack. Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler, author of the Vitamin and mineral Encyclopedia (Simon and Schuster) and professor of the medicine at the University of California at San Diego, says the " ideal cholesterol-lowering diet " consists of 20 percent calories from fat. Then there's the school of thought led by Dr. Dean Ornish, author and founder and director of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute in California and Professor of Medicine at the University of California in San Diego, and long advocated by Dr. John McDougall, of St. Helena Hospital, in Santa Rosa, CA, and others. They are on the farthest end of the spectrum. They say that no one should consume more than 10 percent of total calories in the form of fat. Dr. Ornish's landmark Heart Disease Reversal studies have shown that at that low intake level of fat, you can " unclog " arteries and " reverse " otherwise deadly heart disease. Start with the most conservative " cholesterol-reduction " option and work from there. Don't be satisfied with 30 percent of calories from fat; look at it as a temporary stage along the way. But get comfortable with each stage as you go before progressing to the next Beware of packaged foods touting a " no cholesterol " label. While this may be true, it does not necessarily mean the food is healthful. Once you read the label, you may discover it contains a great deal of refined “hydrogenated” polyunsaturated fat. If that's the case, it can raise cholesterol and clog your arteries as well. A significant source of saturated fat is from tropical oils, such as coconut and palm oil. Many manufacturers have removed them, but you'll still find them in all margarines, non-dairy creamers, refined non-organic breakfast cereals and whipped toppings. Keep an eye out for them and avoid them! " Easy Fat Tips " Here are five ways to reduce your fat intake. Put one into practice per week for the next five weeks, and you'll be able to knock the numbers off your choelsterol total without having to count. 1.) If you fry foods often, commit to using other low heat cooking methods, such as poaching, steaming, baking or broiling. Anything over 118 degrees creates acrylamides and carcinogens in food! 2.) Learn how to stir-fry and sauté' with sesame seed or macademia nut oil. 3.) If you use Transfatty salad dressings and mayonnaise, resolve to switch to an organic brand or use small amounts of extra-virgin olive oil with red wine vinegar for salads. Mayonnaise is extra high in transfat content. Trans-fat Content of Spreads and Oils Food Transfats Mayonnaise 37.1 Margarine 19.4 Canola oil 22. Safflower oil 77 Soybean oil 51.1 Butter 1.8 Flaxseed oil 12.7 Burger-16 grams fat(6.4 g. saturated) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil None 4.) If you cook regularly with butter, crisco or lard, make a commitment immediately to switch over to extra virgin olive oil. 5.) If you use butter regularly on bread, pancakes, potatoes and vegetables, cut the amount you use in half, then find substitutes, such as Maranatha Nut Butters or organic butter. http://www.maranathanutbutters.com] Organic butter is cosiderably less problematic than traditional varieties. (Added growth hormones and antibiotics create a toxic product that is extremely harmful to arteries and your overall health! www.horizonorganic.com ===================================================================== Moderator's Note: The effects of " soluble fibre " supplements are not always beneficial. Feeding high levels of soluble “fibre supplements” like " guar gum " encourages an overgrowth of the normal intestinal bacteria which deprives the body of vitamin B12 and produces an increase in the concentration of bacterial toxins. ' Excessive consumption of soluble fibre from “supplements” may create changes in the intestinal milieu that actually enhance the development of stomach or bowel cancer. http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/inonfib.html Beta-glucans are also available in various forms as dietary supplements. Manufacturers extract the key compounds from the soluble part of fibrous foods or from baker's yeast, and then remove all fats and proteins to refine and purify the extract. Many uses have been proposed for beta-glucan dietary supplements--from promoting wound healing and lowering cholesterol levels to fighting cancer. Scientific research papers on beta-glucans abound. To date, however, clinical trials only support a few uses for this substance. JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Transfats.html AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.