03 August 2004

ANTIOXIDANT VITAMIN PILLS DO NOT PREVENT HEART DISEASE
Nothing Beats Eating Fruits and Veggies


"We were shocked. There was no benefit from taking them. At this time, there is little reason to advise that individuals take antioxidant supplements to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease."
This is the revelation of Dr. Penny M. Kris-Etherton of Pennsylvania State University, who is the lead author of a study published in the August 3 online issue of the medical journal Circulation. [Reuters News Report]

After carefully analyzing 20 controlled studies of more than 200,000 people, the panel of experts headed by Dr. Kris-Etherton found that pills containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene did not prevent heart attacks or strokes. They issued the warning in the form of an advisory statement issued yesterday by the American Heart Association thru the current issue of Circulation.

Instead, the panel stressed the value of eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables which are the real sources of antioxidants and which has been clearly associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

In order to prevent heart disease and stroke, my formula is for patients to have some form of regular exercise, eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish, avoid smoking, and avoid sweet, salty, and fatty foods. It has been observed that people take vitamin supplements because they think these could make up for their bad diets and lack of exercise. That is simply not true!

Eat the real stuff: bananas, mangoes, apples, oranges, grapes, broccoli, cereals, etc. Foods contain a lot of other stuff that you badly need like the B-complex vitamins and fiber. Instead of buying expensive supplements, go to the market and buy the real sources of these vitamins. You'll be surprised how much you will save.

Also do not forget to move around more. Jog. Walk briskly. Climb stairs. Smile more often. Feel good about yourself.

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