Fortified orange juice helps prevent heart disease

October 23rd, 2006

Sterol-fortified orange juice has been found to be effective in checking heart disease. Sterols are plant cholesterols that are known to lower low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol in humans. Bad human cholesterol is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease.

Sterols are added to margarines, salad dressings and other fats. A University of California study has found that twice-daily servings of a low-calorie orange juice fortified with sterols also reduce levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, and a known risk factor for heart disease.

According to Sridevi Devaraj, lead author of the study, their investigation is the first of its kind to show that the fortified orange juice beverage can reduce C-reactive protein levels besides lowering bad cholesterol. Devaraj and Ishwarlal Jialal, professor of medicine and pathology had, in 2004, shown the cholesterol-reducing effects of a non-fat beverage fortified with sterols.

Cardiovascular or heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the Western world despite significant advances made towards its prevention and treatment.

Nearly half of all heart disease patients do not have elevated levels of blood cholesterol. Hence the considerable role of inflammation, which leads to cardiovascular disease, has come under extensive investigation since recently.

The researchers believe that although the best way to fight heart disease is through lifestyle changes including diet and exercise, people are too lethargic to leave their existing habits for better ones.

The time-tested healthy regime of yoga, which includes breathing and physical exercises, is now increasingly accepted not only as preventive but also for even mitigating the cardiovascular conditions, worldwide. But again, you have to make time and change in your lifestyle to get the best out of the ancient science.

Fortified orange juice could prove to be of significant benefit in the meantime.

Entry Filed under: Health Issues