Tag: heart health

Calcium Supplements: Safe or Not?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

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The National Osteoporosis Foundation published a new report this week, insisting that calcium supplements are safe for your heart. Two weeks ago, Johns Hopkins cardiologist Erin Michos published a paper saying the opposite.

She notes that the NOF review (which was funded by a pharmaceutical company that makes calcium supplements) omitted certain studies (such as the ones she included in her own review) that might have changed the conclusion.

These are just the latest two volleys in a five-year-long tennis match between experts on whether you should or shouldn’t take calcium supplements.  And you thought politics was divisive.  Continue reading “Calcium Supplements: Safe or Not?” >

This week: surprising heart healthy foods, calcium warnings, and comparison of hemp, chia, and flax

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

The annual observation of  Heart Health month always triggers a predictable parade of articles endorsing the same “heart healthy” foods: almonds, flax, salmon, red wine, chocolate.  This year, I decided to go rogue with five heart-healthy foods that you probably didn’t see on anyone else’s list, along with the reasons they deserve a place on your cardio-conscious diet. But maybe I shouldn’t assume that everyone has gotten the memo on diet and heart health. This reader’s doctor actually suggested that she start using  powdered creamer in her coffee to help bring down her high cholesterol levels.  After picking my jaw up off the floor, I made a different suggestion.

At your request, I also put together a comparison of flax, chia, and hemp seed. Are all high in fiber and omega-3s–but there are also a few important differences. Find out how these three seeds stack up nutritionally and how to use them.

Calcium was also in the news this week, with a new study linking high dose calcium supplements to heart disease.  Read my recommendations for balancing bone health and heart health.  Also, find out  how much calcium is absorbed from various foods.  Also, a tip on what to do with the liquid that sometimes forms on top of yogurt.

Thanks for all the great questions and topic suggestions. Coming up soon: Wagering on Weight Loss, and a review of the Paleo Diet!

Why Can’t Experts Agree on Sodium?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling FabulousThink the debate over the national debt was contentious? That’s nothing compared to the war being waged in scientific circles about how much sodium it’s safe to eat.  As researchers duke it out in the pages of medical journals, poor consumers are caught in a cross-fire of contradictory recommendations.   In this week’s podcast, I tell you what you need to know to stay out of trouble. Read or listen to it here.

What Kind of Olives Are Healthiest?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling FabulousThis week, answers to some listener questions about olives and olive oil.   Grace asks whether all the different kinds of olives are the same nutritionally or whether some types are particularly good for you. Meanwhile, Tania wonders how olives compare to olive oil in terms of health benefits.  I’ve got these answers and lots more olive lore in this week’s Nutrition Diva podcast. Read or listen to it here.

Fish Oil to Reduce Cholesterol?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Q. I’ve listened to your podcast on fish oil and omega-3s and shared it with some people I know who take fish oil. But today my physician told me that my “bad” cholesterol is borderline and that a way to get it down without statins would be to take fish oil twice a day. I’m wondering what you think about that.

A.   In the podcast you’re referring to, I was talking mostly about prophylactic or preventive use of fish oil supplements.  Here’s the point I was trying to make:  Taking fish oil supplements, which are high in omega-3s,  is one way to balance out  diet that’s too high in omega-6 fats. But another way to improve that balance is to reduce your intake of omega-6.   Reducing omega-6 intake (which come mostly from vegetable oils and processed foods) can reduce the need to take fish oil supplements.

Continue reading “Fish Oil to Reduce Cholesterol?” >