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Q: Do phytosterols reduce
risk of heart disease?
A: Phytosterols, also called plant sterols, are compounds
with a chemical structure similar to cholesterol that occur naturally
in a variety of plant foods. For people with high blood cholesterol,
phytosterols may reduce heart disease risk by decreasing absorption
of cholesterol, lowering levels in the blood. Studies show that
consuming 2 grams of phytosterols daily can lower LDL ("bad")
cholesterol by about 10 percent. Recently, some research has
questioned whether overall heart risk is reduced, but overall
recommendations for a cholesterol-lowering strategy do include
sterols – or the related compounds called stanols, which
have raised no questions. For people with healthy blood cholesterol,
phytosterols offer no known benefit for heart health. You can
easily accumulate about half a gram (300 to 600 milligrams) of
phytosterols from nuts, unrefined vegetable oils, legumes (dried
beans and peas), vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Most people
are only likely to reach the 2 gram target (2,000 mg) by including
two servings of special products such as juices, margarine and
salad dressing with extra sterols added. |
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Q: Does whey protein
increase the risk of prostate cancer?
A: Whey protein is a high quality protein derived
from milk. It has become a popular protein supplement among body
builders, vegetarians, and cancer patients with diminished appetite.
Studies aren't yet clear on whether it may offer additional
benefits for people with cancer and other diseases, but
research does not suggest that its protein is any better than the
protein in other foods. I am not aware of any research linking
whey with promoting prostate cancer development. Perhaps you
have heard that excessive consumption of milk is a concern. A
major report by the American Institute for Cancer Research found
that diets high in calcium (above 1500 mg per day) probably increase
prostate cancer risk. Avoiding excessive amounts of milk and
high doses of calcium is suggested, but moderate amounts of dairy
and total calcium no more than 1500 milligrams (mg) daily are
considered safe.
Q: Can people lower
their risk of Parkinson’s disease through diet?
A: For now, research provides no solid evidence that
antioxidants, caffeine, coenzyme Q10 or other vitamins or supplements
can prevent or treat this progressive, incurable disease of nerve
cell damage. Some studies suggest that the healthful, plant-based
diet already demonstrated to lower risk of cancer and heart disease
may provide benefits but data is still preliminary. Some studies
suggest that free radicals that damage blood vessels and DNA
of our cells might also activate biochemical pathways that damage
neurons. People have shown some reduction in risk of the disease
when their diets more closely follow a Mediterranean pattern
(high in vegetables, low in red meat, fat mostly monounsaturated
fat from olives and olive oil). This eating pattern also often
includes fish providing omega-3 fat that may be important for
brain health. Studies don’t support antioxidant supplements
to lower Parkinson’s risk; and though omega-3 fats are part
of a diet that promotes overall health, evidence does not show
protection from Parkinson’s with high-dose omega-3 supplements. |
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