March 5, 2000- Trans Fat Trouble
Think all vegetable fats are the same? Think again. Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, both trans fats, may be the worst fats of all.

When liquid vegetable oils are put through the process of hydrogenation to become solids--like margarine--they also become what are known as trans fats. Researchers have recently discovered that trans fats, found in hundreds of foods, may increase artery-clogging LDL cholesterol even more than saturated fats.

Be warned: These trans fats are not itemized in the nutrition facts box, so check ingredients lists carefully. If you see the words "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" steer clear for the sake of your arteries and heart.
SOURCE:  Real Age Health Systems, ©2000

March 12, 2000- Easing the Headache
If you seek relief from migraine headaches, you may want to try riboflavin.

Researchers in France studied the effect of high doses of riboflavin (B2) (400 milligrams/day) on migraines. Over half of the participants taking the mega doses of riboflavin experienced at least a 50% percent reduction the number of headaches. Although the recommended daily allowance for riboflavin is only about 1.5 milligrams, past studies have shown that high doses of riboflavin are not harmful.
SOURCE:  Real Age Health Systems, ©2000

March 19, 2000- Strike Strokes with Calcium
The benefits of calcium for a woman's bones are widely known and well publicized. Less known, however, is the fact that calcium also reduces a woman's risk of stroke.

Scientists found that women who got about 600 milligrams (about one-half the RDA) of calcium daily from food or supplements lowered their risk of stroke by one-third. Though it's not clear why calcium appears to influence stroke risk, researchers suspect calcium may play a role in reducing cholesterol and possibly inhibiting clot formation.

Taking 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium per day can greatly reduce your risk of osteoporosis and a stroke.
SOURCE:  InteliHealth Inc., ©2000

March 26, 2000-Chewing Aspirin Quickens Its Anti-Platelet Effect
Compared with whole aspirin, chewed aspirin reaches the blood and inhibits platelet activity sooner, according to a recent report.  Drs. Mark Feldman and Byron Cryer, of the University of Texas Southwest Medical School in Dallas, studied the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of aspirin in a randomized cross-over study with 12 healthy subjects aged 21 to 64 years.  This could be very helpful and important during a sudden onset of angina.
SOURCE: August 15th issue of The American Journal of Cardiology