Whole Grains, Garlic and Fish Oils Against Heart Disease

Nutrients Against Heart Disease
"The primary care physician is in a position to advise patients of the efficacy of alternative and complementary therapies as they relate to cardiovascular diseases. Anti-oxidant vitamin supplementation has not been shown to be efficacious in decreasing cardiovascular events. N-3 fatty acids 'in fish oils] appear to be beneficial in secondary prevention 'post heart attack] of cardiovascular events but their use in primary prevention is not clear.

"Adoption of vegetable-based diets, including whole grains, can be recommended to decrease cardiovascular events, lower 'high-level cholesterol,] and help lower blood pressure. Cholestin, a red-yeast rice supplement, has been shown to be effective.

"Garlic supplements may have some mild cholesterol-lowering effect, but this effect is not significant enough to recommend clinically. Herbal therapies with hawthorn and 'Co-Q 10] are of possible benefit in congestive heart failure.

"An integrated program of rigorous diet, exercise and stress reduction in motivated patients with cardiovascular disease may have value as an alternative to cardiovascular medications and surgical interventions." Emphasis added.

By T. Gavagan, Dept. of Family & Community Med., Baylor College of Med., 5510 Greenbriar, Houston, TX 77005, in Primary Care, vol. 29, 2002.

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