In The News

Fitness Road: Another fat identified as damaging to arteries early on

Just when you thought you were getting a handle on the difference between good fats, bad fats, triglycerides, good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and HDL along comes another “label” you’re probably going to start hearing about on a regular basis. If you have been reading these columns and other available information you are aware of how important it is to try to control your triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

You know that it is wise to keep your triglyceride level under 100 and your total cholesterol under 190 with your “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins, HDL) over 50.

New research has shown that a type of fat other than the ones we are currently tested for may be the precursor to clogged arteries.

Many heart attack victims have fairly normal cholesterol levels at the time of their attacks so scientists have suspected for a long time that there must be another facet or factor involved in clogged arteries.

A new study conducted at the University of California San Diego has presented evidence that the culprit may have been found.

Oxidized phospholipids, a major component of low-density lipoproteins, have been found to be a surprisingly common denominator in individuals under the age of 60 with the beginnings of heart disease.

Research in animals showed that high levels of oxidized phospholipids contributed to blocked arteries.

This led to a study being done on 504 people tested for clogged arteries.

Among those tested, individuals who were 60 or younger and had the highest reading of oxidized phospholipids were three times as likely to have blockages as those who didn’t have high levels.

Those who had high phospholipids and high cholesterol were at an even greater risk.

In the near future tests for oxidized phospholipids will be separate from cholesterol and triglycerides so that you can be presented with a more comprehensive picture of your risk factors when it comes to heart disease.

I find the most interesting aspect of this study the suggestion that even if your cholesterol levels are normal in your younger years oxidized phospholipids can be starting to accumulate on the artery walls long before your cholesterol levels reflect you may have a problem.

This study or, for that matter, all the studies and tests used to measure the lipids in our blood show us how degenerating “bad” fats can be to our hearts and arteries.

What is your defense against these bad fats? Read labels and educate yourself.

Consume good foods at regular intervals and you will be less open to eat anything at anytime.

Companies which do the marketing for snacks high in fat and for other non-nutritious foods are very aware of your hunger “pangs” and do their best to take advantage.

They know when you’re real hungry you will probably eat what you heard about on the last radio ad or saw on the last roadside billboard.

In the end poor nutrition wins and you lose.

Stand up, get educated and take control of your life.

Knowing the good fats from the bad fats and proper nutrition, in general, are just a few ingredients to having a healthy, happy life.

Rebecca has put together a nutrition program that no person trying to lead a healthy lifestyle should be without. So join us in taking control by becoming a member of the Fitness Road Health Network.

Call us at (888) 348-7623 or get on the Web sites, fitnessroad.com or baritecrx.com .

When you call we will give you a code that will allow you to be a part of our phone health conferences.

Conferences take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month usually at 8 p.m. EDT. You will hear an informational lecture by health professionals such as doctors, nutritionists, etc. and be able to ask questions afterward.

It’s your life, it’s your decision and it’s our job.

God bless you and yours,
Mick.