Natural Health Society of Australia - Heart Disease Fact Sheet

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Heart Disease Fact Sheet

Coronary heart disease, Australia’s leading cause of death, affects one in two men and one in three women.

Lifestyle is a critical factor in protecting against heart disease, with correct diet and exercise providing the foundation for healthy living.

One of the founding members of the Natural Health Society, Eric Storm, is a prime example of what can be achieved through lifestyle changes. After collapsing of a heart attack at the age of just 34, Eric turned to natural health methods and went on to enjoy another 70 years of good health.

Causes

Coronary heart disease involves the build-up of fatty materials within the walls of the coronary arteries. Fatty looking plaques develop which narrow the interior of the arteries, reducing the openings through which blood can flow. Many medical scientists, including some cardiologists, now accept this build-up of plaque is caused by inflammation in the arteries.

In his book, Cholesterol and the French Paradox, researcher Frank Cooper notes that there is a very strong association between inflammation of the arteries and the foods that we do or don’t eat.

What is the French Paradox?

For years, scientists have been puzzled by the ability of the French to eat fatty, cholesterol-laden foods, whilst enjoying low levels of hearts disease. Frank Cooper reveals that:

Swedish medical doctor, researcher and world-renowned expert on cholesterol, Dr Uffe Ravnskov, found that people with elevated cholesterol were only slightly more at risk of developing heart disease than the general population. In fact, the difference was so slight that it wasn’t worth worrying about.

In contrast to cholesterol tests, there are specific blood tests which are extremely useful for determining the risk of coronary heart disease: Lipoprotein(a), C-Reactive Protein, Homocysteine, Fibrinogen, Blood Pressure, Resting Heart Rate.

In the typical Western diet there are numerous triggers that may inflame our arteries. There are foods that appear to promote healing in the body and foods that are associated with chronic disease.

Foods that Heal include: Fresh vegetables, raw; Fresh fruits; Fresh juices consumed immediately; Nuts and seeds, raw; Extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed; Naturally fermented cheeses; Yoghurt containing live cultures; Honey, unheated.

Foods Associated with Chronic Diseases include: Fast foods, loaded with processed fats; French fries; Margarine and other hydrogenated vegetable oils containing trans fats; Vegetable oils, especially in clear bottles; Salad dressings – can be high in trans fats; Egg powder; White flour, white sugar; Instant mashed potato.

The importance of solving the French paradox is that it has helped us to stop worrying about cholesterol, and concentrate on eating generous quantities of fresh vegetables and fruits – and if we wish, a little red wine.