Medical Forum / General / Cardiology / May 2006
Carbs and Cholesterol.
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edgardo j barbosa - 24 May 2006 02:26 GMT Can a high carbohydrate diet translate into high cholesterol in your arteries?
Thanks Edgardo Barbosa
Jim Chinnis - 24 May 2006 03:34 GMT "edgardo j barbosa" <ebarbosa2@adelphia.net> wrote in part:
>Can a high carbohydrate diet translate into high cholesterol in your >arteries? > >Thanks >Edgardo Barbosa In the artery walls? Or in the blood? What is your concern?
A high-glycemic index, high carbohydrate diet can cause the body to manufacture palmitic acid (a "bad" saturated fat), which in turn increases LDL synthesis. That will raise cholesterol levels in the blood. It can also promote atherosclerosis via the increased LDL, decreased HDL, increased triglycerides, and effects from increased blood glucose, particularly in susceptible individuals. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD - 24 May 2006 08:07 GMT > "edgardo j barbosa" <ebarbosa2@adelphia.net> wrote in part: > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > manufacture palmitic acid (a "bad" saturated fat), which in turn increases > LDL synthesis. Not when there is no overeating.
Prayerfully in Christ's amazing love,
Andrew http://tinyurl.com/jjl29
Juhana Harju - 24 May 2006 09:37 GMT : "edgardo j barbosa" <ebarbosa2@adelphia.net> wrote in part: : [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] : decreased HDL, increased triglycerides, and effects from increased : blood glucose, particularly in susceptible individuals. To my knowledge the body makes palmitic acid also from excess of protein, not only from excess of carbohydrates. So, excess is the key word here.
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Jim Chinnis - 24 May 2006 15:48 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: "edgardo j barbosa" <ebarbosa2@adelphia.net> wrote in part: >: [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >To my knowledge the body makes palmitic acid also from excess of protein, >not only from excess of carbohydrates. So, excess is the key word here. "Excess" oleic acid is safe, as are most of the fats. It's curious that so many people think that the oils they consume deposit on the linings of their arteries, but that they can consume 3000 kcal of table sugar each day and not worry about "cholesterol." -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
William Wagner - 24 May 2006 16:18 GMT > "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: > [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > -- > Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA I was wondering if 3000 Kcal of any carb has the same effect ?
Glycemic index aside for the moment. My grandfather used to say grease is good for the gears. I still remember traveling with him as he had a suitcase that he had to sit on every 75 yards due to being out of breath as we walked. Died of heart disease just like his daughter my mom .
CABG Bill
Aside he used to take his coffee in a saucer usually with white bread. Sweet was good and so was scapple.
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Juhana Harju - 24 May 2006 17:13 GMT : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: ::: "edgardo j barbosa" <ebarbosa2@adelphia.net> wrote in part: [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] : linings of their arteries, but that they can consume 3000 kcal of : table sugar each day and not worry about "cholesterol." Well, I have a friend who consumes excess of oleic acid every day as he pours 2-3 ounces olive oil on all meals he eats. He is overweight and has high cholesterol. I don't think that he is doing very fine.
And yes, I am aware that Cretans consume a huge amount of olive oil. I agree that consuming high amounts of olive oil is relatively safe but I don't think that it is ideal. Just consider the postprandial effect of high olive oil meals on arteries.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/13/1728_55672.htm
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Susan - 24 May 2006 18:07 GMT > Well, I have a friend who consumes excess of oleic acid every day as he > pours 2-3 ounces olive oil on all meals he eats. He is overweight and has [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > http://www.webmd.com/content/article/13/1728_55672.htm your citation does not support your assertion at all. The word "may" in the first line was the first tip off.
The fact that they ignored the fact that olive oil is anti-inflammatory is another.
Susan
Juhana Harju - 24 May 2006 18:28 GMT : x-no-archive: yes : [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] : : your citation does not support your assertion at all. "What we found is that two were good and one was not -- olive oil. Olive oil impaired vascular function just like a Big Mac or fries or Sara Lee cheesecake," says Robert Vogel, MD, head of cardiology at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. - That is very clearly said.
: The fact that they ignored the fact that olive oil is : anti-inflammatory is another. Just as you said - it is another thing.
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Susan - 24 May 2006 18:31 GMT > "What we found is that two were good and one was not -- olive oil. Olive oil > impaired vascular function just like a Big Mac or fries or Sara Lee > cheesecake," says Robert Vogel, MD, head of cardiology at the University of > Maryland in Baltimore. - That is very clearly said. As usual, you're confusing opinions with established fact. No such thing was demonstrated by the data cited.
> : The fact that they ignored the fact that olive oil is > : anti-inflammatory is another. > > Just as you said - it is another thing. No, it's a CVD thing; they leapt to an unfounded conclusion. You failed to distinguish an opinion from actual data.
Susan
Juhana Harju - 24 May 2006 18:50 GMT : x-no-archive: yes : [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] : No, it's a CVD thing; they leapt to an unfounded conclusion. You : failed to distinguish an opinion from actual data. You are dense.
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Susan - 24 May 2006 18:53 GMT > You are dense. You're rude and stupid, but at least I managed not to say so til now.
Susan
Jim Chinnis - 24 May 2006 19:10 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>"What we found is that two were good and one was not -- olive oil. Olive oil >impaired vascular function just like a Big Mac or fries or Sara Lee >cheesecake," says Robert Vogel, MD, head of cardiology at the University of >Maryland in Baltimore. - That is very clearly said. Well, we were talking about cholesterol. Even if you want to switch to endothelial function (alone), would you accept Vogel's remarks you quoted and bet that a large randomized trial would find that olive oil was indistinguishable from "a Big Mac or fries or Sara Lee cheesecake?" -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Juhana Harju - 24 May 2006 19:20 GMT : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: : [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] : oil was indistinguishable from "a Big Mac or fries or Sara Lee : cheesecake?" To be honest - no. I think that he exaggerates.
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Jim Chinnis - 24 May 2006 19:06 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: >::: "edgardo j barbosa" <ebarbosa2@adelphia.net> wrote in part: [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] >pours 2-3 ounces olive oil on all meals he eats. He is overweight and has >high cholesterol. I don't think that he is doing very fine. Let's not dance. Excess calories will raise cholesterol. If we talk in terms of isocaloric substitutions, the point I keep trying to make against your opposition is that one who is concerned about high cholesterol and who is apparently eliminating eggs to reduce his cholesterol, and who has asked now whether a high carbohydrate diet can increase cholesterol, should be told that, yes, a high-carb diet can increase cholesterol. Even an isocaloric one can do so.
>And yes, I am aware that Cretans consume a huge amount of olive oil. I agree >that consuming high amounts of olive oil is relatively safe but I don't >think that it is ideal. Just consider the postprandial effect of high olive >oil meals on arteries. > >http://www.webmd.com/content/article/13/1728_55672.htm Interesting, but a really tiny preliminary study. I've always been fascinated by the Lyon study and what the explanation might be, and it is depressing that the necessary studies have not been done to sort it out. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Juhana Harju - 24 May 2006 19:17 GMT :: And yes, I am aware that Cretans consume a huge amount of olive oil. :: I agree that consuming high amounts of olive oil is relatively safe [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] : it is depressing that the necessary studies have not been done to : sort it out. I agree.
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Juhana Harju - 25 May 2006 07:10 GMT : Let's not dance. Excess calories will raise cholesterol. If we talk : in terms of isocaloric substitutions, the point I keep trying to make [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] : can increase cholesterol, should be told that, yes, a high-carb diet : can increase cholesterol. Even an isocaloric one can do so. If carbs in itself were the issue then vegetarians and vegans would have high cholesterol as their average diet is high in carbs. However, their cholesterol values are clearly lower than those of meat eaters (http://tinyurl.com/mwcvl). So I think that both excess calories and excess refined carbohydrates are the real culprits, not carbohydrates themselves.
Still I admit that cholesterol can be reduced by replacing some carbohydrates with unsaturated oils.
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Susan - 25 May 2006 13:39 GMT > If carbs in itself were the issue then vegetarians and vegans would have > high cholesterol as their average diet is high in carbs. Too bad for all that deprivation and B12 starvation their mortality rates aren't any better, though.
Susan
Jim Chinnis - 25 May 2006 15:56 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: Let's not dance. Excess calories will raise cholesterol. If we talk >: in terms of isocaloric substitutions, the point I keep trying to make [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >(http://tinyurl.com/mwcvl). So I think that both excess calories and excess >refined carbohydrates are the real culprits, not carbohydrates themselves. It's not possible to say that vegetarians differ from meat eaters (lower cholesterol) and attribute it to their supposed higher carbohydrate intake. Their diets differ in innumerable ways. A randomized trial is needed.
>Still I admit that cholesterol can be reduced by replacing some >carbohydrates with unsaturated oils. I have seen a randomized trial (small) years ago and can't find it now, where isocaloric changes were made among carbs and varous fats and protein, and lipids measured. As I recall, trans fats were the biggest booster of cholesterol, but carbs beat both (non trans) fats and protein. The results of course only apply to the particular mixes of foods making up the diets, so any results are only suggestive of any general pattern.
From all my reading, I've come to think that the carbohydrates--as typically consumed in a Western diet--may be more to blame for high cholesterol readings than are fats (exclusive of trans-fat, but maybe even including sat fat) or protein. Carbohydrates in Western diets do tend to be highly starchy and refined. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Juhana Harju - 25 May 2006 16:32 GMT : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: :: [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] : carbohydrate intake. Their diets differ in innumerable ways. A : randomized trial is needed. It is a well known fact that the avarage total cholesterol of vegetarians and especially vegans is lower than the cholesterol of meat eaters. It is also a fact that on average vegetarians eat a relatively high carb diet. Hence vegatarian and vegan diets are testimonies that it is possible to eat a high carb diet and have a low cholesterol - even if the diet differ in many ways as you correctly mentioned.
:: Still I admit that cholesterol can be reduced by replacing some :: carbohydrates with unsaturated oils. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] : of foods making up the diets, so any results are only suggestive of : any general pattern. We had a discussion about this before. I think that you are misinformed if you think that carbs have the worst effect on cholesterol. Not only do trans-fats beat carbs as the boosters of cholesterol but also saturated fats. (Also, I would like to point out that isocaloric trials are artificial and far from real life situations. Ad libitum -trials are closer to real life and they give different results.)
: From all my reading, I've come to think that the carbohydrates--as : typically consumed in a Western diet--may be more to blame for high : cholesterol readings than are fats (exclusive of trans-fat, but maybe : even including sat fat) or protein. Carbohydrates in Western diets do : tend to be highly starchy and refined. Well, I guess we all agree that refined carbs and trans-fats are bad guys, but I think that it is probably highly individual which are more harmful in the diet, refined carbs or bad fats.
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Jim Chinnis - 25 May 2006 18:12 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: >:: [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] >a high carb diet and have a low cholesterol - even if the diet differ in >many ways as you correctly mentioned. Of course it's possible.
>:: Still I admit that cholesterol can be reduced by replacing some >:: carbohydrates with unsaturated oils. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >We had a discussion about this before. I think that you are misinformed if >you think that carbs have the worst effect on cholesterol. The question posed by the OP was whether a high carb diet *could* raise cholesterol. He said, "Can a high carbohydrate diet translate into high cholesterol in your arteries?"
I believe the answer is yes, and I have tried to explain why. You are tending to make assertions backed by data that are impossible to interpret with any certainty. Nutrition study designs are terrible.
>Not only do >trans-fats beat carbs as the boosters of cholesterol but also saturated >fats. (Also, I would like to point out that isocaloric trials are artificial >and far from real life situations. Ad libitum -trials are closer to real >life and they give different results.) Yes, ad libitum trials show that lower carb diets produce weight loss which assists in the reduction of cholesterol. An isocaloric study is needed to eliminate such effects that are important in real life but which muddy the mechanisms you are trying to understand.
>: From all my reading, I've come to think that the carbohydrates--as >: typically consumed in a Western diet--may be more to blame for high [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >but I think that it is probably highly individual which are more harmful in >the diet, refined carbs or bad fats. I don't think we know! -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Owen Lowe - 25 May 2006 19:23 GMT > The question posed by the OP was whether a high carb diet *could* raise > cholesterol. He said, "Can a high carbohydrate diet translate into high [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > tending to make assertions backed by data that are impossible to interpret > with any certainty. Nutrition study designs are terrible. I believe the OP needs to better define what he means by "high carbohydrate". We all know eating a hi-carb diet centering on Twizzlers, Ho-Hos and Ringdings vs. broccoli, legumes and whole-grain is quite different and will affect lipid levels.
The Twizzlers diet will certainly raise tryglycerides - will elevated triglycerides pull up LDL as well? Are triG levels independent of LDL?
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Jim Chinnis - 25 May 2006 21:24 GMT Owen Lowe <noemails@myemail.com> wrote in part:
>> The question posed by the OP was whether a high carb diet *could* raise >> cholesterol. He said, "Can a high carbohydrate diet translate into high [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >Twizzlers, Ho-Hos and Ringdings vs. broccoli, legumes and whole-grain is >quite different and will affect lipid levels. Well, you don't have to go that far. I think you can get some bad effects by eating a high carb diet based on potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, and fruit juice.
>The Twizzlers diet will certainly raise tryglycerides - will elevated >triglycerides pull up LDL as well? Are triG levels independent of LDL? I don't think anyone (except maybe Juhana) will argue that a high carb, high glycemic load diet won't boost VLDL a bunch. I think it can also boost LDL. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Juhana Harju - 25 May 2006 21:51 GMT : I don't think anyone (except maybe Juhana) will argue that a high : carb, high glycemic load diet won't boost VLDL a bunch. I think it : can also boost LDL. I am not favoring a high glycemic load diet - quite the opposite. I agree with Owen who says that it is important to differentiate between different carbs. Lumping all together does not make any sense. Just as there are good and bad fats, there are also good and bad carbs and well-packed proteins and poorly packed proteins.
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Jim Chinnis - 25 May 2006 23:02 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: I don't think anyone (except maybe Juhana) will argue that a high >: carb, high glycemic load diet won't boost VLDL a bunch. I think it [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >and bad fats, there are also good and bad carbs and well-packed proteins and >poorly packed proteins. So when someone asks, "Can a high carbohydrate diet translate into high cholesterol in your arteries?" I'd say YES.
While it may be true that health-conscious vegetarians/vegans choose low-glycemic foods, I'd bet that the typical high-carb person in the West is eating off the high end of the glycemic scale. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
William Wagner - 25 May 2006 23:21 GMT > "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > -- > Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA I wonder if it boils down to energy. Energy in low good, energy in too much not good. Where does extra energy go? Longevity has been reported to relate to less energy.
Bill Musing
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Owen Lowe - 27 May 2006 07:03 GMT > So when someone asks, "Can a high carbohydrate diet translate into high > cholesterol in your arteries?" I'd say YES. > > While it may be true that health-conscious vegetarians/vegans choose > low-glycemic foods, I'd bet that the typical high-carb person in the West is > eating off the high end of the glycemic scale. Exactly. The first mental image when I hear someone say hi-carb is pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, cereals, and sugary foods.
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"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
Juhana Harju - 27 May 2006 07:30 GMT :: While it may be true that health-conscious vegetarians/vegans choose :: low-glycemic foods, I'd bet that the typical high-carb person in the :: West is eating off the high end of the glycemic scale. : : Exactly. The first mental image when I hear someone say hi-carb is : pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, cereals, and sugary foods. It might be somewhat different in different countries. In Finland, were I live, it is quite common to eat porridge oats and rye bread made from mostly whole grain rye. Although the Finnish diet in general is not one of the healthiest ones, these are good features. Berries are also easily available.
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Jim Chinnis - 27 May 2006 16:19 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>:: While it may be true that health-conscious vegetarians/vegans choose >:: low-glycemic foods, I'd bet that the typical high-carb person in the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >whole grain rye. Although the Finnish diet in general is not one of the >healthiest ones, these are good features. Berries are also easily available. Almost no one around here (Virginia, in the USA) would touch "porridge oats and rye bread made from mostly whole grain rye." I eat rye crispbread and the like, and most of what I buy is imported from Sweden and Norway. The "whole-grain" rye bread baked here is largely not whole grain anything.
Here's an ingredients list for rye bread from a nearby chain (Panera) that bakes its rye bread fresh locally:
"Unbleached flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour), water, bread base (bleached wheat flour, dextrose, palm oil, dry whey [a milk protein], salt, mono & diglycerides with BHT and citric acid as preservatives, corn flour, soy flour, DATEM, vital wheat gluten, calcium salts, leavening [monocalcium phosphate], wheat starch, calcium carbonate, ascorbic acid as dough conditioner, calcium iodate, enzymes, soy lecithin, l-cysteine, silicon dioxide, tricalcium phosphate), rye chops (may contain wheat), whole wheat flour, margarine (palm oil, water, soybean oil, mono- and diglycerides, artificial flavor, colored with annatto, calcium disodium EDTA as a preservative, vitamin A palmitate), yeast, sugar, caraway seed, salt."
:-( -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Susan - 27 May 2006 16:41 GMT > Almost no one around here (Virginia, in the USA) would touch "porridge oats > and rye bread made from mostly whole grain rye." I eat rye crispbread and [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > artificial flavor, colored with annatto, calcium disodium EDTA as a > preservative, vitamin A palmitate), yeast, sugar, caraway seed, salt." It's not "whole grain" rye that's so low GI, it's whole "kernel" rye. Once it's ground into flour, the starch is released more readily and GI goes up.
Susan
Jim Chinnis - 27 May 2006 17:01 GMT Susan <nevermind@nomail.com> wrote in part:
>x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >Once it's ground into flour, the starch is released more readily and GI >goes up. Seems like "whole" should mean whole, not broken into fragments.
But you are right, of course. The Wasa Hearty Rye Crispbread that I like is: Whole grain rye flour, rye bran, yeast, salt. Anyone know what the glycemic index should be? Is there a better choice? -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Susan - 27 May 2006 17:27 GMT > Seems like "whole" should mean whole, not broken into fragments. > > But you are right, of course. The Wasa Hearty Rye Crispbread that I like is: > Whole grain rye flour, rye bran, yeast, salt. Anyone know what the glycemic > index should be? Is there a better choice? If you really want a personally, customized answer, ask your doc, or Lifexan, for a free glucose meter, or buy a Walmart Relion because it's cheap and the strips to use it are the cheapest available (companies give meters away for bupkis because they make beaucoup $$ on thievery for the test strips).
See how high your bg goes, say, 45 minutes to 1 hour after eating a food you're testing.
Folks with intact pancreatic function rarely venture outside a tight range of 85 fasting to 105 post meal due to excellent insulin response. There's a whole range of less than desirable glycemic responses before one reaches the ranges currently required for a dx of DM 2. Since peripheral neuropathies, nephropathy and retinopathy occur in the non-diabetic IGT range, testing ain't a bad idea for a non diabetic who wants to stay that way.
Susan
Susan - 27 May 2006 17:29 GMT > If you really want a personally, customized answer, ask your doc, or > Lifexan, for a free glucose meter Uh, "personally customized" and "Lifescan."
Susan
Jim Chinnis - 28 May 2006 03:47 GMT Susan <nevermind@nomail.com> wrote in part:
>x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >non-diabetic IGT range, testing ain't a bad idea for a non diabetic who >wants to stay that way. That's a truly great idea, except that I don't like to lance myself. ;-) -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Susan - 28 May 2006 03:59 GMT > That's a truly great idea, except that I don't like to lance myself. ;-) > -- It's not a bayonet type thingy, more like a little prick. ;-)
Susan
Jim Chinnis - 28 May 2006 05:06 GMT Susan <nevermind@nomail.com> wrote in part:
>x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >Susan Let's not get personal. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Juhana Harju - 27 May 2006 16:46 GMT : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: : [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] : disodium EDTA as a preservative, vitamin A palmitate), yeast, sugar, : caraway seed, salt." :-( I knew that the situation is worse in the USA but I did not know that it is that bad. My condolences. I think that something should be done to reverse the situation.
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Jim Chinnis - 27 May 2006 18:11 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: >: [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] >that bad. My condolences. I think that something should be done to reverse >the situation. According to a paper I saw recently, It is "that bad" except in parts of Scandinavia. See http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/pdf/SlavinArticle0504.pdf -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Juhana Harju - 27 May 2006 18:38 GMT : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: : [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] : of Scandinavia. See : http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/pdf/SlavinArticle0504.pdf The situation was even worse in India which I visited recently. I did not see any whole grain there except Swedish rye cripsbread once in a grocery store. Even that was for tourists. I had couple of discussions with Indians about the subject and I found out that they did not even know what whole grains are although their knowledge of English in general is pretty good. Only after my long explanation one Indian waiter in one restaurant was able to grasp what I mean and he replied that only poor people in some villages eat whole grain rice at the time of harvest.
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William Wagner - 27 May 2006 18:57 GMT > : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: > : [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > to grasp what I mean and he replied that only poor people in some villages > eat whole grain rice at the time of harvest. Us aging hippies use to study macrobiotic philosophy which valued whole grains. Eden foods still caries on. Walnut acres was the best in my opinion till they were bought out and closed down...real Bummer!!!! Still real food is becoming more expensive and we compensate with higher health cost. Meat by the way is cheap here produce is expensive. With fuel or energy going up I forecast victory gardens coming back into vogue. AKA small gardens .
Search on a rainy day for Quinoa or Amaranth.
http://www.healthy-eating.com/ for Quinoa http://www.nuworldfoods.com/ for Amaranth
Bill
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Juhana Harju - 27 May 2006 19:52 GMT ::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: ::: [quoted text clipped - 58 lines] : in my opinion till they were bought out and closed down...real : Bummer!!!! My interest to healthy food started also from macrobiotics in the late seventies and early eighties but I never really liked their approach because they disapproved eating most fruits which I have always liked. Often the macrobiotic meals included too much grains and they tasted too dry to my taste.
: Still real food is becoming more expensive and we compensate with : higher health cost. Meat by the way is cheap here produce is : expensive. With fuel or energy going up I forecast victory gardens : coming back into vogue. AKA small gardens . Isn't it strange that people are able to afford large houses and couple of cars to their families but healthy food is too expensive? For me it is a sign that there is something wrong with priorities.
: Search on a rainy day for Quinoa or Amaranth. I have both in my kitchen. I cook quinoa often and it is one of my favorite grains. In amaranth there are often some grains of sand that I am not able to rinse off.
In addition to quinoa I also like whole grain spelt. There might be some unfounded nutrition hype around spelt but I like the taste anyway. There is nothing better that spelt porridge cooked very slowly from crushed spelt grains.
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William Wagner - 27 May 2006 20:43 GMT > ::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: > ::: [quoted text clipped - 84 lines] > nothing better that spelt porridge cooked very slowly from crushed spelt > grains. In a few words I'd suggest that close to the earth,local, fresh and prepared with love is the way to go. Get the family about for dinner then sauna. Eating low on the chain comes to mind as after thought.
Whole grain rice = 5 Sugar = 2 Meat = 8
Balancing extremes was difficult but I still keep the premise in mind when I cook. Balance... Now these tomatoes and this fresh cheese along with fresh basil,,,,:)) Fruit and meat seems easier.
Yin yang ... I went from cooking ideals to martial fun same principles.
Hard to figure.
Best as always!!
Have great weekend!
Bill
Bill
I'm ignorant of spelt soon to be remedied.
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Juhana Harju - 27 May 2006 21:48 GMT ::::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: ::::::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: [quoted text clipped - 87 lines] : In a few words I'd suggest that close to the earth, local, fresh and : prepared with love is the way to go. Fresh and prepared with love sounds great. But I would like to question the age old macrobiotic assumption that local food is good. If I would eat local food only I would have to give up many healthy crops as they don't grow at latitude 60 N where I live. I would have to give up eating almonds, nuts, pomegranates, oranges, red wine, olive oil, quinoa, sesame seeds, green tea, sea weed, kudzu, and mackerel to name just few imported foods. The local soil is also deficient of selenium and if I would eat organic local food only I would end up as selenium deficient.
Just after the Second World War the local diet here was very limited. I am happy that along with the increased affluence and widening trade it became possible to purchase foods which were not available after the war. Along with the widening variety of vegetables and fruits available the avarage life-expectancy has been increasing steadily. Setting voluntary limits to the variety of vegatables and fruits eaten - as done in macrobiotics - would be like going backwards.
: Get the family about for dinner : then sauna. Eating low on the chain comes to mind as after thought. Low on the chain is one of my principles also.
: Whole grain rice = 5 : Sugar = 2 [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] : : Have great weekend! Same to you also! :-)
: Bill : : Bill : : I'm ignorant of spelt soon to be remedied. (1) Here is a non-commercial site about spelt:
http://food.oregonstate.edu/g/spelt.html
(2) A study about the nutritional differences of spelt and common wheat:
J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Apr 6;53(7):2751-9. Spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) as a source of breadmaking flours and bran naturally enriched in oleic acid and minerals but not phytic acid. Ruibal-Mendieta NL, Delacroix DL, Mignolet E, Pycke JM, Marques C, Rozenberg R, Petitjean G, Habib-Jiwan JL, Meurens M, Quetin-Leclercq J, Delzenne NM, Larondelle Y. Unite de biochimie de la nutrition, Universite catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2/8, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
The nutritional value of breadmaking cereal spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is said to be higher than that of common wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare), but this traditional view is not substantiated by scientific evidence. In an attempt to clarify this issue, wholemeal and milling fractions (sieved flour, fine bran, and coarse bran) from nine dehulled spelt and five soft winter wheat samples were compared with regard to their lipid, fatty acid, and mineral contents. In addition, tocopherol (a biochemical marker of germ) was measured in all wholemeals, whereas phytic acid and phosphorus levels were determined in fine bran and coarse bran samples after 1 month of storage. Results showed that, on average, spelt wholemeals and milling fractions were higher in lipids and unsaturated fatty acids as compared to wheat, whereas tocopherol content was lower in spelt, suggesting that the higher lipid content of spelt may not be related to a higher germ proportion. Although milling fractionation produced similar proportions of flour and brans in spelt and wheat, it was found that ash, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus contents were higher in spelt samples, especially in aleurone-rich fine bran and in coarse bran. Even though phosphorus content was higher in spelt than in wheat brans, phytic acid content showed the opposite trend and was 40% lower in spelt versus wheat fine bran, which may suggest that spelt has either a higher endogenous phytase activity or a lower phytic acid content than wheat. The results of this study give important indications on the real nutritional value of spelt compared to wheat. Moreover, they show that the Ca/Fe ratio, combined with that of oleate/palmitate, provides a highly discriminating tool to authenticate spelt from wheat flours and to face the growing issue of spelt flour adulteration. Finally, they suggest that aleurone differences, the nature of which still needs to be investigated, may account for the differential nutrient composition of spelt and wheat. PMID: 15796621
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William Wagner - 27 May 2006 16:48 GMT > "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: > [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > -- > Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA Jim below places I visit often. Yet not as much as our local shopping center ;(( too.
Be sure to peruse the weird food site.
Bill who grows lingonberry in his garden but still imports felix and loves cloudberry. We have a small wild blueberry all over our woods.
http://www.weird-food.com/weird-food-fish.html http://www.sunorganic.com/ http://www.edenfoods.com/ http://www.pacificrim-gourmet.com/ http://www.catchofthesea.com/ http://www.breadalone.com/
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Susan - 25 May 2006 22:09 GMT > I believe the OP needs to better define what he means by "high > carbohydrate". We all know eating a hi-carb diet centering on > Twizzlers, Ho-Hos and Ringdings vs. broccoli, legumes and whole-grain is > quite different and will affect lipid levels. Except for whole kernel rye not ground into flour, there's not that much difference in the impact on lipids.
> The Twizzlers diet will certainly raise tryglycerides - will elevated > triglycerides pull up LDL as well? Are triG levels independent of LDL? Elevated triglycerides pull up TC and are a marker for a more atherogenic form of LDL, which is of far greater concern than the raw count.
In metabolic syndrome, typically TGL and LDL are high and HDL is depressed. Cutting glycemic load improves ratios immensely.
If you get your carbs from colorful, leafy stuff mostly, instead of beans or grains, you get high carb by volume with incredible nutrient density but low % of calories from carbs, and a vastly improved lipid profile.
Susan
Peabody - 25 May 2006 22:37 GMT Jim Chinnis says...
>> And yes, I am aware that Cretans consume a huge amount >> of olive oil. I agree that consuming high amounts of >> olive oil is relatively safe but I don't think that it >> is ideal. Just consider the postprandial effect of high >> olive oil meals on arteries.
>> http://www.webmd.com/content/article/13/1728_55672.htm
> Interesting, but a really tiny preliminary study. I've > always been fascinated by the Lyon study and what the > explanation might be, and it is depressing that the > necessary studies have not been done to sort it out. I have some vague memory that canola is bad for you. Maybe one of the early low-carb-diet gurus thought it produced the wrong eicosanoids (sp?) or something like that. Or maybe it was the rapeseed connection - I assume that would NOT be a real problem.
So what's the story here? I make a point of maximizing the percentage of my fat consumption that's olive oil. Have I been screwing up all these years? Should it be canola oil instead?
Is there anything that we think we know about food and diet that we're sure is really true?
From the screenplay of Woody Allen's "Sleeper":
WELL, HE'S FULLY RECOVERED, EXCEPT FOR A FEW MINOR KINKS.
HAS HE ASKED FOR ANYTHING SPECIAL ?
YES, THIS MORNING FOR BREAKFAST.
HE REQUESTED SOMETHING CALLED WHEAT GERM, ORGANIC HONEY AND TIGER'S MILK.
[ Laughs ] OH, YES. THOSE WERE THE CHARMED SUBSTANCES...
THAT SOME YEARS AGO WERE FELT TO CONTAIN LIFE-PRESERVING PROPERTIES.
YOU MEAN THERE WAS NO DEEP FAT ?
NO STEAK OR CREAM PIES OR HOT FUDGE ?
THOSE WERE THOUGHT TO BE UNHEALTHY,
PRECISELY THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT WE NOW KNOW TO BE TRUE.
INCREDIBLE.
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 12:55 GMT >And yes, I am aware that Cretans consume a huge amount of olive oil. I agree >that consuming high amounts of olive oil is relatively safe but I don't >think that it is ideal. Just consider the postprandial effect of high olive >oil meals on arteries. > >http://www.webmd.com/content/article/13/1728_55672.htm This is a small preliminary study, which was not published, but presented at a meeting. But assuming that the results are real and repeatable, it seems that the bad thing is the absence of omega-3 fatty acids from the meal. Both canola oil and olive oil have high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, mostly oleic acid, canola oil about 59-72% depending of the type of canola oil, and olive oil about 68-73%. The main difference is that canola oil has some omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and olive oil has practically none.
Also, it seems that the authors either knew or assumed, that bread could not be the reason for blood vessel constriction. Is that a fact or just their assumption?
The Cretan traditional diet contained large amount of alpha-linoleic acid from various sources, therefore the Cretans probably got also alpha-linolenic acid from almost every, which contained olive oil. Because they almost always got omega-3s with their omega-9s, the latter probably did not harm them, if we assume that omega-9s could be harmful. Perhaps the phenolic compounds in olive oil gave to the Cretans instead some additional benefit?
Would be interesting to know whether the researchers in this study used extra virgin olive oil or not and cold pressed canola oil or not.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 13:04 GMT OOn Wed, 24 May 2006 19:13:26 +0300, "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote:
>And yes, I am aware that Cretans consume a huge amount of olive oil. I agree >that consuming high amounts of olive oil is relatively safe but I don't >think that it is ideal. Just consider the postprandial effect of high olive >oil meals on arteries. > >http://www.webmd.com/content/article/13/1728_55672.htm This is a small preliminary study, which was not published, but presented at a meeting. But assuming that the results are real and repeatable, it seems that the bad thing is the absence of omega-3 fatty acids from the meal. Both canola oil and olive oil have high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, mostly oleic acid, canola oil about 59-72% depending of the type of canola oil, and olive oil about 68-73%. The main difference is that canola oil has some omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and olive oil has practically none.
Also, it seems that the authors either knew or assumed, that bread could not be the reason for blood vessel constriction. Is that a fact or just their assumption? Whrther it was or not, the omega-3s, still seemed to prevent the constriction, and olive oil does not have omega-3s.
The Cretan traditional diet contained large amount of alpha-linoleic acid from various sources, therefore the Cretans probably got also alpha-linolenic acid from almost every meal, which contained olive oil. Because they almost always got omega-3s with their omega-9s, the latter (or absence of omega-3s) probably did not harm them. Perhaps the phenolic compounds in olive oil gave to the Cretans instead some additional benefit?
Would be interesting to know whether the researchers in this study used extra virgin olive oil or not and cold pressed canola oil or not.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 13:18 GMT >OOn Wed, 24 May 2006 19:13:26 +0300, "Juhana Harju" ><shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] >Would be interesting to know whether the researchers in this study >used extra virgin olive oil or not and cold pressed canola oil or not. I heve always thought that especially old pressed canola oil is a good alternative to extra virgin olive oil in many cases, but even if the results of this new study are real, I have some doubts about canola oil in cooking (mainly frying), because alpha-linolenic acid does not tolerate high temperatures very well and could generate some toxic substances when heated.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 13:19 GMT >OOn Wed, 24 May 2006 19:13:26 +0300, "Juhana Harju" ><shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] >Would be interesting to know whether the researchers in this study >used extra virgin olive oil or not and cold pressed canola oil or not. I heve always thought that especially cold pressed canola oil is a good alternative to extra virgin olive oil in many cases, but even if the results of this new study are real, I have some doubts about canola oil in cooking (mainly frying), because alpha-linolenic acid does not tolerate high temperatures very well and could generate some toxic substances when heated.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 15:30 GMT >>OOn Wed, 24 May 2006 19:13:26 +0300, "Juhana Harju" >><shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] >does not tolerate high temperatures very well and could generate some >toxic substances when heated. Also, as we know, alpha-linolenic acid has been associated with increased risk of prostate cancer:
Brouwer IA, Katan MB, Zock PL. Dietary alpha-linolenic acid is associated with reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease, but increased prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis. J Nutr. 2004 Apr;134(4):919-22. PMID: 15051847 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/4/919>
If both effects are real, the men have to decide, whether to try to decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death or prostate cancer. The latter would cause more suffering, so my bet is to try to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, especially because fatty fish and fish oil can be used instead of alpha-linolenic acid to help to prevent the former. Taking some fish oil at every meal, which does not contain fatty fish, could perhaps also prevent the blood vessel constriction after meal. Has anyone tested this?
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 17:19 GMT >Also, as we know, alpha-linolenic acid has been associated with >increased risk of prostate cancer: [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >fatty fish, could perhaps also prevent the blood vessel constriction >after meal. Has anyone tested this? I didn't find exactly that kind of study, but these two studies found tha fish oil inhibited vasconstriction in healthy subjects and improved vasorelaxation in hypercholesterolemic patients.
Chin JP, Gust AP, Nestel PJ, Dart AM. Marine oils dose-dependently inhibit vasoconstriction of forearm resistance vessels in humans. Hypertension. 1993 Jan;21(1):22-8. PMID: 8418020 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/21/1/22?> <http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/21/1/22> (full text PDF)
Goode GK, Garcia S, Heagerty AM. Dietary supplementation with marine fish oil improves in vitro small artery endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic patients: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Circulation. 1997 Nov 4;96(9):2802-7. PMID: 9386141 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/96/9/2802>
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David R. Throop - 25 May 2006 20:40 GMT > but these two studies found >tha fish oil inhibited vasconstriction in healthy subjects and >improved vasorelaxation in hypercholesterolemic patients. Yes, but fish oil is 20-carbon omega-3 and Canola is 18-carbon omega-3. If they were measuring vasoconstriction immediately after the meal and finding a benefit from linolenic acid, then it was likely having some direct effect, not mediated through EPA and the eicoanoids.
Yes?
DRT
Matti Narkia - 26 May 2006 00:35 GMT >> but these two studies found >>tha fish oil inhibited vasconstriction in healthy subjects and [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >having some direct effect, not mediated through EPA and the >eicoanoids. I'm not contesting that, and I think that you may be right in suggesting that time interval from the beginning of the meal to the measuremant of prostparandial effect is too short to assume that the effect was due to EPA and DHA converted from alpha-linolenic acid, because that conversion is slow and inefficient. I was just trying to demonstrate that the combination of olive oil + (EITHER alpha-linolenic acid from other food sources than canola oil OR EPA+DHA from fish oil) will work just as well as canola oil in inhibiting postprandial vasoconstriction .
Vogel et al. (2000) measured vasoconstriction also after salmon meal. The effect was similar to the effect with canola oil (which has alpha-linolenic acid, but no longer chain omega-3s). Salmon has hardly any alpha-linolenic acid, but plenty of long chain omega-3s EPA and DHA. So Vogel et al. seems to suggest that omega-3s regardless of their chain length inhibit vasoconstriction after the meal. Chin et al. says that longer chain omega-3s (EPA+DHA) generally inhibit vasoconstriction, although their study did not measure the effects immediately after the meal.
So the point I was trying to make is that both shorter chain (alpha-linolenic acid) and longer chain omega-3s (EPA+DHA) inhibit postprandial vasoconstriction. This was shown already by Vogel et al. (canola oil meal and salmon meal). Chin et al. demonstrated inhibition of vasoconstriction by EPA+DHA more generally, not only after the meals. Goode et al. showed that EPA+DHA improved vasorelaxation in hypercholesterolemic patients.
This brings to my second point: although canola oil (or more generally rapeseed soil) due to its omega-3 content has a benefit of inhibiting postparandial vasoconstriction, it may also have some risks (increased prostate cancer risk, toxic subtances produced from alpha-linolenic acid in cooking) attached to it. It seems that a similar benefit, but without risks, can be obtained with olive oil + (fatty fish OR fish oil supplement at meal time).
 Signature Matti Narkia
Juhana Harju - 26 May 2006 05:44 GMT : This brings to my second point: although canola oil (or more generally : rapeseed soil) due to its omega-3 content has a benefit of inhibiting [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] : without risks, can be obtained with olive oil + (fatty fish OR fish : oil supplement at meal time). Consider the effects of the Lyon Diet Heart Trial where heart disease incidense decreased by 70%. An important element in the trial was the use of rape seed oil based margarine containing alpha-linolenic acid. It has been estimated that perhaps 40% of the drop in heart disease insidence in the trial can be accounted to the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid. To my knowledge no such drop has been observed in studies using fish oils only. So I don't think that as good results can be achived by using long chain omega-3 fatty acids only.
I am also concerned of the increased prostate cancer risk associted with the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid but I don't have any clear answers to resolve the issue. For males getting alpha-linolenic acid mainly from whole food sources like walnuts and pumpkin seeds might be a partial solution but that does not seems like a solution for the large public.
 Signature Juhana
Jim Chinnis - 26 May 2006 16:54 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: This brings to my second point: although canola oil (or more generally >: rapeseed soil) due to its omega-3 content has a benefit of inhibiting [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >incidense decreased by 70%. An important element in the trial was the use of >rape seed oil based margarine containing alpha-linolenic acid. Other important differences include lower carbs, higher fat, less red meat, more fish, more fruit, and more vegetables. The comparison was between a modified (AHA "prudent") American diet and a modified Cretan diet.
It may well be the case that the ALA is responsible for 40% of the improvement, but no one really knows. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Juhana Harju - 26 May 2006 16:58 GMT : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: : [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] : between a modified (AHA "prudent") American diet and a modified : Cretan diet. I am aware of those differences; I have read the study.
: It may well be the case that the ALA is responsible for 40% of the : improvement, but no one really knows. There are some expert opinions which estimated that reduced risk can be accounted mostly to higher ALA.
 Signature Juhana
Jim Chinnis - 26 May 2006 17:07 GMT "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part:
>: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: >: [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > >I am aware of those differences; I have read the study. I'm sure you have. I was commenting on the weakness of the study as to singling out any particular nutrient.
>: It may well be the case that the ALA is responsible for 40% of the >: improvement, but no one really knows. > >There are some expert opinions which estimated that reduced risk can be >accounted mostly to higher ALA. But the statistical methods are inadequate to overcome the inadequate study design. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
David R. Throop - 26 May 2006 18:44 GMT >: It may well be the case that the ALA is responsible for 40% of the >: improvement [in the Lyons study], but no one really knows.
>There are some expert opinions which estimated that reduced risk can be >accounted mostly to higher ALA. > Juhana Intriguing. But sort of suprising - I mean, I thought the philosophy of both the Lyons study and the Portfolio study were that these factors are synergystic, not linearly additive. So you can't separate them and say, e.g., "ALA gets 40% of the credit, fiber gets 18%."
If you recall the ref for those expert opinions, do post it. I'd be particularly interested in seeing the rationale for separating the effects of ALA vs the fatty fish.
DRT
Juhana Harju - 26 May 2006 19:08 GMT ::: It may well be the case that the ALA is responsible for 40% of the ::: improvement [in the Lyon's study], but no one really knows. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] : factors are synergystic, not linearly additive. So you can't separate : them and say, e.g., "ALA gets 40% of the credit, fiber gets 18%." Synergistic effect is of course possible also, but as far as I know, it has not been proved either.
: If you recall the ref for those expert opinions, do post it. I'd be : particularly interested in seeing the rationale for separating the : effects of ALA vs the fatty fish. I tried to find some but I did not succeed at this time but I'll post them if I can find any.
At the moment I think that in order to get the best protection it is good to have both ALA and long chain omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.
 Signature Juhana
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD - 26 May 2006 17:01 GMT > "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: > > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > It may well be the case that the ALA is responsible for 40% of the > improvement, but no one really knows. Actually, the LORD knows. For this reason, it is wise to seek HIS blessing prior to eating any meal.
Prayerfully in Christ's amazing love,
Andrew http://tinyurl.com/jjl29
Juhana Harju - 26 May 2006 17:04 GMT : "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: : [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] : It may well be the case that the ALA is responsible for 40% of the : improvement, but no one really knows. Here is an interesting meta-ananalysis - although the average reduced risk is only 21%.
J Nutr. 2004 Apr;134(4):919-22. Dietary alpha-linolenic acid is associated with reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease, but increased prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Brouwer IA, Katan MB, Zock PL. Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate quantitatively the associations between intake of alpha-linolenic acid [ALA, the (n-3) fatty acid in vegetable oils], mortality from heart disease, and the occurrence of prostate cancer in observational studies. We identified 5 prospective cohort studies that reported intake of ALA and mortality from heart disease. We also reviewed data from 3 clinical trials on ALA intake and heart disease. In addition, we identified 9 cohort and case-control studies that reported on the association between ALA intake or blood levels and incidence or prevalence of prostate cancer. We combined risk estimates across studies using a random-effects model. High ALA intake was associated with reduced risk of fatal heart disease in prospective cohort studies (combined relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.60-1.04). Three open-label trials also indicated that ALA may protect against heart disease. However, epidemiologic studies also showed an increased risk of prostate cancer in men with a high intake or blood level of ALA (combined relative risk 1.70; 95% CI 1.12-2.58). This meta-analysis shows that consumption of ALA might reduce heart disease mortality. However, the association between high intake of ALA and prostate cancer is of concern and warrants further study. PMID: 15051847
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/4/919
 Signature Juhana
Matti Narkia - 26 May 2006 19:36 GMT >: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: >: [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] >Brouwer IA, Katan MB, Zock PL. >Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, Wageningen, the Netherlands. 21% is probaly not far from truth, IMHO. The study
Singh RB, Niaz MA, Sharma JP, Kumar R, Rastogi V, Moshiri M. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil and mustard oil in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction: the Indian experiment of infarct survival--4. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 1997 Jul;11(3):485-91. PMID: 9310278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra ct&list_uids=9310278> <http://www.springerlink.com/(uowdpwawmodeqi45yod5onz5)/app/home/contribution.asp ?referrer=parent&backto=issue,9,13;journal,59,140;linkingpublicationresults,1:10 2863,1>
is to my knowledge the only controlled clinical trial, which has compared ALA and fish oil in CHD. Mustard oil provided 2.9 g ALA/d and fish oil provided 1.08 g of EPA (+ unspecified amount of DHA)/d. After 1 year total cardiac events were significantly less in the fish oil and mustard oil groups compared with the placebo group (24.5% and 28% vs. 34.7%, p < 0.01). If you calculate the ratios, it seems that fish oil reduced cardiac events by 29.4% and ALA by 19.3%. Moreover, total cardiac deaths showed no significant reduction in the mustard oil group; however, the fish oil group had significantly less cardiac deaths compared with the placebo group (11.4% vs. 22.0%, p < 0.05). Again calulating the ratio you get 48.2 reduction in cardiac deaths by fish oil! I'm not sure whether calcuting ratios this way is the correct way to estimate reductions, but at least it gives a rough idea. Perhaps Jim Chinnis could comment on this?
So on today's evidence it seems fair to say that 2-3 g of ALA/d may reduce cardiac events and mortality by about 20%, which is probably slightly less than what can be achieved with fish oil, IMHO.
See also
Oomen CM, Ocke MC, Feskens EJ, Kok FJ, Kromhout D. alpha-Linolenic acid intake is not beneficially associated with 10-y risk of coronary artery disease incidence: the Zutphen Elderly Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Oct;74(4):457-63. PMID: 11566643 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/74/4/457>
In the landmark GISSI trial 1 g of long chain PUFAs (APE+DHA) decreased the risk of death 20%, risk of cardiovascular death 30% and risk of sudden death 45%, all of which were stastically significant.
The Lyon Diet Heart Study's principal author de Lorgeril now seems to recognize that fish oil is probably at least as important as ALA in the prevention of CHD:
de Lorgeril M, Salen P. The Mediterranean-style diet for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Public Health Nutr. 2006 Feb;9(1A):118-23. Review. PMID: 16512958 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra ct&list_uids=16512958>
"... According to our current knowledge, dietary ALA should represent about 0.6 to 1% of total daily energy or about 2 g per day in patients following a Mediterranean diet, whereas the average intake in linoleic acid should not exceed 7 g per day. Supplementation with very-long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (about 1 g per day) in patients following a Mediterranean type of diet was shown to decrease the risk of cardiac death by 30% and of sudden cardiac death by 45% in the GISSI trial. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of a diet rich in oleic acid, poor in saturated fats and low in omega-6 fatty acids (a dietary pattern characterising the traditional Mediterranean diet), even small doses of omega-3 fatty acids (about 1 g EPA+DHA the form of fish oil capsules or 2 g alpha-linolenic acid in canola oil and margarine) might be very protective. These data underline the importance of the accompanying diet in any dietary strategy using fatty acid complements."
 Signature Matti Narkia
Juhana Harju - 26 May 2006 20:09 GMT ::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: :::: [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] : reduce cardiac events and mortality by about 20%, which is probably : slightly less than what can be achieved with fish oil, IMHO. I am not very happy with this comparison. I think we would get a more accurate picture by comparing the previous ALA meta-analysis to the available fish oil meta-analysis. That comparison reveals that there is no advantage in fish oils over ALA. (Still I would like to add that this is not an either/or question as ALA and fish oils are both beneficial and complementary in their effetcs.)
: See also : [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] : decreased the risk of death 20%, risk of cardiovascular death 30% and : risk of sudden death 45%, all of which were stastically significant. You are now comparing one of the worst ALA studies to one of the best fish oil trials. :-) Not very fair I would say. :-D
You should also take into consideration the fact that the fish oil used in the GISSI trial was not just any fish oil but ethyl-estherised fish oil which is more efficient than ordinary fish oil. So 1 gram ethyl-estherised fish oil equites much higher amount of fish oil in its natural form.
 Signature Juhana
Matti Narkia - 28 May 2006 12:26 GMT >::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: >:::: [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > >I am not very happy with this comparison. The best way to compare two treatments is to compare them in the same controlled clinical study as was done in the above study.
But of course we cannot rely on this study alone.
>I think we would get a more >accurate picture by comparing the previous ALA meta-analysis to the >available fish oil meta-analysis. It could give some prespective, but it's not the best way to compare two different treatments. For the most accurate picture of efficacy differences of two treatments, they have to be compared in the same trial. That's how it's done for drugs, too.
>That comparison reveals that there is no >advantage in fish oils over ALA. (Still I would like to add that this is not >an either/or question as ALA and fish oils are both beneficial and >complementary in their effetcs.) Which fish oil meta-analysis did you have in mind?
>: See also >: [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >You are now comparing one of the worst ALA studies to one of the best fish >oil trials. :-) Not very fair I would say. :-D It was not a comparison. The comparison was made in the controlled clinical trial by Singh et al. The dutch study was just an example showing that alpha-linolenic acid may not work in every population. If you read the study, you'll notice that the subjects were elderly men, ages 64 to 84 years, and that the explanation for the result may be that the participants may have got trans-fats in connection with alpa-linolenic acid intake.
Similarly, a Norvegian CHD secondary prevention trial failed to show benefit for 880 mg of ethylester concentrate of EPA+DHA over corn oil, The reason was thought to be the relatively hy intake of fish by Norwegians, fish oil did not bring any additional benefits:
Nilsen DW, Albrektsen G, Landmark K, et al. Effects of a high-dose concentrate of n-3 fatty acids or corn oil introduced early after an acute myocardial infarction on serum triacylglycerol and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001; 74: 5056 <http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/74/1/50>
Participants resided in a coastal area and all patients received a diet rich in fish products, so they probably already had relatively high EPA and DHA level before the study, and additional EPA+DHA did not bring any benefits.
So it seems that both ALA and EPA+DHA may not bring benefit in all populations.
There is a discussion of possible mechanisms, by which omega-3 fatty acids may prevent CVD in
Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ; American Heart Association. Nutrition Committee. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation. 2002 Nov 19;106(21):2747-57. Erratum in: Circulation. 2003 Jan 28;107(3):512. PMID: 12438303 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/21/2747>
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 28 May 2006 13:08 GMT There is not much research on krill oil, but study
Bunea R, El Farrah K, Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Altern Med Rev. 2004 Dec;9(4):420-8. PMID: 15656713 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra ct&list_uids=15656713&> <http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/9/4/420.pdf> <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_4_9/ai_n9485702>
reports impressive results in lipid profile: with the highest dose tested (3 g/d) LDL was reduced 39% and HDL was increased 60%.
Krill oil contains EPA and DHA, but also some antixidants including vitamins A and E, astaxanthin, and a novel flavonoid similar to 6,8-di-c-glucosylluteolin, but with two or more glucose molecules and one aglycone.
Unfortunately krill oil is still fairly expenesive here in Finland. In USA prices seem to be much more tolerable.
 Signature Matti Narkia
William Wagner - 28 May 2006 13:24 GMT > There is not much research on krill oil, but study > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Unfortunately krill oil is still fairly expenesive here in Finland. In > USA prices seem to be much more tolerable. As I child Cod liver oil a daily event for our family/
Found this.
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1: Ann Nutr Metab. 2006 Feb 23;50(3):270-276 [Epub ahead of print] Related Articles, Links Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Diet and Breast Milk of Lactating Icelandic Women with Traditional Fish and Cod Liver Oil Consumption.
Olafsdottir AS, Thorsdottir I, Wagner KH, Elmadfa I.
Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali - University Hospital & Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Background/Aims: The proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet and breast milk of lactating women with traditional fish and cod liver oil consumption was investigated under free-living conditions. Methods: Dietary intake of 77 lactating women was investigated by 24-hour recalls and breast milk samples were taken at the same occasions. Maternal intake data was calculated and fatty acid pattern from breast milk samples analyzed with gas chromatography. Results: Women using cod liver oil (n = 18) had a significantly higher total PUFA intake (14 +/- 10 vs. 9 +/- 7 g/day; 5.0 +/- 3.4 vs. 3.9 +/- 3.0 Energy%; p < 0.05) than women who did not use it (n = 59). In particular, mothers consuming cod liver oil had higher breast milk proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 0.54 vs. 0.30%, p < 0.05). They also had higher breast milk proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 0.16 vs.0.07%; p < 0.05) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 0.22 vs. 0.17%; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The proportion of PUFA in the diet is significantly higher among women consuming cod liver oil. Its use also gives higher proportion of EPA,DPA and DHA in breast milk without decreasing other important fatty acids. As this may have an impact on the health and development of breast-fed infants in later life, regular maternal cod liver oil intake could be relevant for the infant as well as for the nutritional adequacy of the maternal diet. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.
PMID: 16508255 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Juhana Harju - 28 May 2006 15:32 GMT : As I child Cod liver oil a daily event for our family/ : [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] : : PMID: 16508255 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] The maternal intake of vitamin A should be considered also as cod live oil is very high in vitamin A. Large amounts of vitamin A during pregnancy are harmful and not more than 5.000 IU shoud be taken daily. I would not recommend cod liver oil for pregnant women! Purified fish oils + vitamin D would be a better choice.
 Signature Juhana
Matti Narkia - 28 May 2006 15:34 GMT >It was not a comparison. The comparison was made in the controlled >clinical trial by Singh et al. The dutch study was just an example [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >Am J Clin Nutr. 2001; 74: 5056 ><http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/74/1/50> Actually, each capsule contained 850882 mg of EPA+DHA as ethylesters. The daily dose was 2 x 2 capsules, which makes 3400 - 3528 mg of EPA+DHA daily. Sorry about the mistake.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Juhana Harju - 28 May 2006 15:54 GMT ::::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: :::::: [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] : The best way to compare two treatments is to compare them in the same : controlled clinical study as was done in the above study. One of the problems is that the source is obscure from a Western point of view. Mustard oil is not commonly used in the Western countries and also the quality of mustard oil is not known. Results that apply to it may not apply to common sources of ALA in Western countries.
: But of course we cannot rely on this study alone. Certainly not.
:: I think we would get a more :: accurate picture by comparing the previous ALA meta-analysis to the [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] : differences of two treatments, they have to be compared in the same : trial. That's how it's done for drugs, too. If cold-pressed canola or rape seed oil would be compared fish oils that would be a more relevant study for Westerners as it would simulate the possibilities available in real life.
:: That comparison reveals that there is no :: advantage in fish oils over ALA. (Still I would like to add that :: this is not an either/or question as ALA and fish oils are both :: beneficial and complementary in their effetcs.) :: : Which fish oil meta-analysis did you have in mind? I am aware that there are several and that they give different results. Perhaps all of them should be taken in to account although I am suspicious of the last one where no benefit was found.
::: See also ::: [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] :: : It was not a comparison. Any way, I ment that you cherry-picked examples to prove your point. That was my point.
: The comparison was made in the controlled : clinical trial by Singh et al. The dutch study was just an example [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] : PMID: 12438303 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] : <http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/21/2747> Yep, I have seen the statement.
 Signature Juhana
Matti Narkia - 28 May 2006 16:13 GMT >::::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: >:::::: [quoted text clipped - 57 lines] >quality of mustard oil is not known. Results that apply to it may not apply >to common sources of ALA in Western countries. Mustard oil contains 59% of monounsatured fatty acids, 15% linoleic acid and 6% of ALA. This profile is similar to some types of canola oil (rapeseed oil). The participants received 2.9 g of ALA/d, more than patients in the Lyon Diet Heart Study
>: Which fish oil meta-analysis did you have in mind? > >I am aware that there are several and that they give different results. >Perhaps all of them should be taken in to account although I am suspicious >of the last one where no benefit was found. Could you mention some?
 Signature Matti Narkia
Juhana Harju - 28 May 2006 16:35 GMT ::::::: "Juhana Harju" <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote in part: :::::::: [quoted text clipped - 65 lines] : oil (rapeseed oil). The participants received 2.9 g of ALA/d, more : than patients in the Lyon Diet Heart Study Even if the relationships of different fatty acids were comparable between the oils there are other factors affecting the results i.e cold pressing, the amount of vitamin E, beta-sitosterols, possible rancidity etc.
::: Which fish oil meta-analysis did you have in mind? :: [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] :: : Could you mention some? I am not sure what is the point of your request but below are some meta-analysis of fish consumption, fish oils and/or omega-3 fatty acids.
(1) Ann Pharmacother. 2002 Dec;36(12):1950-6.
Evidence for the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 Fatty acids.
Carroll DN, Roth MT.
Department of Administrative and Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa 74135, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To review available literature regarding the cardiovascular effects of marine-derived Omega-3 fatty acids and evaluate the benefit of these fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease. DATA SOURCES: Biomedical literature accessed through a MEDLINE search (1966-April 2002). Search terms included fish oil, omega-3 fatty acid, sudden death, hypertriglyceridemia, myocardial infarction, and mortality. DATA SYNTHESIS: Following an early 1970's observational investigation that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the occurrence of myocardial infarction-related deaths in Greenland Eskimos, additional trials have been conducted that support this finding. Epidemiologic and clinical trial data suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death by 29-52%. In addition, the risk of sudden cardiac death was found to be reduced by 45-81%. Possible mechanisms for these beneficial effects include antiarrhythmic properties, improved endothelial function, antiinflammatory action, and reductions in serum triglyceride concentrations. Omega-3 Fatty acids are fairly well tolerated; potential adverse effects include bloating and gastrointestinal distress, "fishy taste" in the mouth, hyperglycemia, increased risk of bleeding, and a slight increase in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 Fatty acids may be beneficial and should be considered in patients with documented coronary heart disease. They may be particularly beneficial for patients with risk factors for sudden cardiac death.
Publication Types: Meta-Analysis
PMID: 12452760
(2) Am J Prev Med. 2005 Nov;29(4):335-46.
A quantitative analysis of fish consumption and coronary heart disease mortality.
Konig A, Bouzan C, Cohen JT, Connor WE, Kris-Etherton PM, Gray GM, Lawrence RS, Savitz DA, Teutsch SM.
Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Although a rich source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that may confer multiple health benefits, some fish contain methyl mercury (MeHg), which may harm the developing fetus. U.S. government recommendations for women of childbearing age are to modify consumption of high-MeHg fish to reduce MeHg exposure, while recommendations encourage fish consumption among the general population because of the nutritional benefits. The Harvard Center for Risk Analysis convened an expert panel (see acknowledgements) to quantify the net impact of resulting hypothetical changes in fish consumption across the population. This paper estimates the impact of fish consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). Other papers quantify stroke risk and the impacts of both prenatal MeHg exposure and maternal intake of n-3 PUFAs on cognitive development. This analysis identified articles in a recent qualitative review appropriate for the development of a dose-response relationship. Studies had to satisfy quality criteria, quantify fish intake, and report the precision of the relative risk estimates. Relative risk results were averaged, weighted proportionately by precision. CHD risks associated with MeHg exposure were reviewed qualitatively because the available literature was judged inadequate for quantitative analysis. Eight studies were identified (29 exposure groups). Our analysis estimated that consuming small quantities of fish is associated with a 17% reduction in CHD mortality risk, with each additional serving per week associated with a further reduction in this risk of 3.9%. Small quantities of fish consumption were associated with risk reductions in nonfatal MI risk by 27%, but additional fish consumption conferred no incremental benefits.
Publication Types: Meta-Analysis
PMID: 16242600
(3) Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2004 Oct;18(5):581-92.
Fish oils in the care of coronary heart disease patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Yzebe D, Lievre M.
Lyon Hospitals, Service de Pharmacologie clinique, EA643, Faculte RTH Laennec, rue Guillaume Paradin, 69008 Lyon, France.
What is the place of fish oils in the care of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients? As several clinical trials have already addressed this question without giving definitive answers, we did a meta-analysis of trials regarding the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We searched the MEDLINE (1966-2003), EMBASE databases, proceedings abstracts and references of reviewed articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids among adults with recent or acute myocardial infarction (MI), or angina were selected. Two reviewers abstracted data independently. Five relevant outcomes, mortality from all causes, fatal and non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke and angina, were measured. Data were synthesized using a fixed effect model. Ten RCTs with 14,727 patients were included. No significant heterogeneity was detected. Daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids for a mean duration of 37 months decreased all causes of mortality by 16% (relative risk 0.84, 95% confidence interval [0.76; 0.94]) and the incidence of death due to MI by 24% (0.76, [0.66; 0.88]). No significant effect was found for the other outcomes. Because of the suboptimal quality of the studies included into the meta-analysis and the absence of data in patients receiving statins, these results do not justify adding fish oils systematically to the heavy pharmaceutical assortment already recommended in CHD patients.
Publication Types: Meta-Analysis
PMID: 15482380
(4) Am J Cardiol. 2004 May 1;93(9):1119-23.
Meta-analysis of observational studies on fish intake and coronary heart disease.
Whelton SP, He J, Whelton PK, Muntner P.
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Fish consumption has been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in some but not all studies. We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to determine if fish consumption is associated with lower fatal and total CHD. English language articles published before May 2003 were searched. In all, 19 observational studies (14 cohort and 5 case-control) in which there was a group that consumed fish on a regular basis and a comparison group that consumed little or no fish were included. With use of a standardized protocol and data extraction form, information on study design, sample size, participant characteristics, duration of follow-up, assessment of end points, and consumption of fish was abstracted. Using a random effects model, we pooled data from each study. Fish consumption versus little to no fish consumption was associated with a relative risk of 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.76 to 0.90; p <0.005) for fatal CHD and a relative risk of 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.81 to 0.92; p <0.005) for total CHD. The results indicate that fish consumption is associated with a significantly lower risk of fatal and total CHD. These findings suggest that fish consumption may be an important component of lifestyle modification for the prevention of CHD.
Publication Types: Meta-Analysis
PMID: 15110203
(5) Ann Pharmacother. 2002 Dec;36(12):1950-6.
Evidence for the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 Fatty acids.
Carroll DN, Roth MT.
Department of Administrative and Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa 74135, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To review available literature regarding the cardiovascular effects of marine-derived Omega-3 fatty acids and evaluate the benefit of these fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease. DATA SOURCES: Biomedical literature accessed through a MEDLINE search (1966-April 2002). Search terms included fish oil, omega-3 fatty acid, sudden death, hypertriglyceridemia, myocardial infarction, and mortality. DATA SYNTHESIS: Following an early 1970's observational investigation that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the occurrence of myocardial infarction-related deaths in Greenland Eskimos, additional trials have been conducted that support this finding. Epidemiologic and clinical trial data suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death by 29-52%. In addition, the risk of sudden cardiac death was found to be reduced by 45-81%. Possible mechanisms for these beneficial effects include antiarrhythmic properties, improved endothelial function, antiinflammatory action, and reductions in serum triglyceride concentrations. Omega-3 Fatty acids are fairly well tolerated; potential adverse effects include bloating and gastrointestinal distress, "fishy taste" in the mouth, hyperglycemia, increased risk of bleeding, and a slight increase in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 Fatty acids may be beneficial and should be considered in patients with documented coronary heart disease. They may be particularly beneficial for patients with risk factors for sudden cardiac death.
Publication Types: Meta-Analysis
PMID: 12452760
(6) Am J Med. 2002 Mar;112(4):298-304.
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Bucher HC, Hengstler P, Schindler C, Meier G.
Institut fur Klinische Epidemiologie, Kantonsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
PURPOSE: Observational studies have shown an inconsistent association between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risk of coronary heart disease. We investigated the effects of dietary and non-dietary (supplemental) intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on coronary heart disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We searched the literature to identify randomized controlled trials that compared dietary or non-dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with a control diet or placebo in patients with coronary heart disease. Studies had to have at least 6 months of follow-up data, and to have reported clinical endpoint data. We identified 11 trials, published between 1966 and 1999, which included 7951 patients in the intervention and 7855 patients in the control groups. RESULTS: The risk ratio of nonfatal myocardial infarction in patients who were on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched diets compared with control diets or placebo was 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5 to 1.2, P = 0.16; Breslow-Day test for heterogeneity, P = 0.01), and the risk ratio of fatal myocardial infarction was 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6 to 0.8, P <0.001; heterogeneity P
>0.20). In 5 trials, sudden death was associated with a risk ratio of 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6 to 0.9, P <0.01; heterogeneity P >0.20), whereas the risk ratio of overall mortality was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9, P <0.001; heterogeneity P
>0.20). There was no difference in summary estimates between dietary and non-dietary interventions of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for all endpoints. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that dietary and non-dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces overall mortality, mortality due to myocardial infarction, and sudden death in patients with coronary heart disease.
Publication Types: Meta-Analysis
PMID: 11893369
 Signature Juhana
William Wagner - 28 May 2006 17:23 GMT Hello Juhana Harju!
Thanks for the remind concerning Vitamin A. Interesting that the site never mentioned that !
I was wondering if the Fat soluble vitamins indicate possible concern with Flax, omega 3 Fish oil etc amounts. Water soluble was considered safe. I've taken 5000 unit of A for just a week usually in February when on occasion my elbows turn day and less supple. But supplementation daily may be quite different.
In our quest for longevity we seem to forget that too much of a good thing may be counter to our goal. At least I do;)).
I'm at a loss but guess that Susan with her up front Blood Sugar monitoring has much merit. Eating fresh and whole feels right, but when I had a heart attack I went to hospital not the grocer.
Bill confused.
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Juhana Harju - 28 May 2006 17:58 GMT : Hello Juhana Harju! : : Thanks for the remind concerning Vitamin A. Interesting that the : site never mentioned that ! I was astonished by the fact also. After all, it was a nutrition study.
: I was wondering if the Fat soluble vitamins indicate possible concern : with Flax, omega 3 Fish oil etc amounts. There should not be any problems with fat soluble vitamins in relation to these.
: Water soluble was : considered safe. I've taken 5000 unit of A for just a week usually : in February when on occasion my elbows turn day and less supple. That amount once a week is no risk at all.
: But supplementation daily may be quite different. : : In our quest for longevity we seem to forget that too much of a : good thing may be counter to our goal. At least I do;)). Indeed.
: I'm at a loss but guess that Susan with her up front Blood Sugar : monitoring has much merit. Eating fresh and whole feels right, but : when I had a heart attack I went to hospital not the grocer. : : Bill confused. At least you have your heart in the right place.
 Signature Juhana
Matti Narkia - 30 May 2006 00:09 GMT >I am not sure what is the point of your request but below are some >meta-analysis of fish consumption, fish oils and/or omega-3 fatty acids. Thanks. I was just interested to learn on which studies you based your opinion, thats all.
Although the results of these meta-analyses may not be directly comparable to the earlier mention meta-analysis of ALA, they give a general impression, that men who are worried about ALA and prostate cancer and use fish oil instead of ALA for prevention of coronary events and sudden cardiac death won't lose anything else than unresearched potential combined effect of ALA and fish oil, IMHO.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Jim Chinnis - 26 May 2006 20:33 GMT Matti Narkia <mna@mbnet.fi> wrote in part:
>Again calulating the ratio you get 48.2 reduction in cardiac deaths by >fish oil! I'm not sure whether calcuting ratios this way is the >correct way to estimate reductions, but at least it gives a rough >idea. Perhaps Jim Chinnis could comment on this? Yes, 48.2% relative risk reduction. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Matti Narkia - 26 May 2006 19:00 GMT >: This brings to my second point: although canola oil (or more generally >: rapeseed soil) due to its omega-3 content has a benefit of inhibiting [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >I don't think that as good results can be achived by using long chain >omega-3 fatty acids only. Evidence for ALA is much weaker than for fish oil: from
Mozaffarian D. Does alpha-linolenic acid intake reduce the risk of coronary heart disease? A review of the evidence. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 May-Jun;11(3):24-30; quiz 31, 79. Review. PMID: 15945135 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra ct&list_uids=15945135>:
"... Although substantial evidence indicates that consumption of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from seafood reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), the effect of ALA intake on CHD risk is less well-established. ..."
and from
Harper CR, Jacobson TA. Usefulness of omega-3 fatty acids and the prevention of coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol. 2005 Dec 1;96(11):1521-9. Epub 2005 Oct 21. PMID: 16310434 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra ct&list_uids=16310434>:
"... In conclusion, the evidence suggests a role for fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) or fish in secondary prevention because recent clinical trial data have demonstrated a significant reduction in total mortality, coronary heart disease death, and sudden death. The data on ALA have been limited by studies of smaller sample size and limited quality."
IMHO, according to the current evidence ALA alone may reduce CHD mortality by 20-30%, which is similar reduction as with fish oil, but the existing evidence for fish oil is stronger. And fish oil seems to be better at reducing sudden cardiac deaths.
I don't know, whether there is nay additive or synergistic benefit from using both ALA and fish oil supplements, I think that, it has hardly been researched at all.
>I am also concerned of the increased prostate cancer risk associted with the >higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid but I don't have any clear answers to >resolve the issue. For males getting alpha-linolenic acid mainly from whole >food sources like walnuts and pumpkin seeds might be a partial solution but >that does not seems like a solution for the large public. If I wanted more ALA, flaxseed would be my first option, because there is some evidence (although very little) that flaxseed's other ingredients may have some preventive effects against prostate cancer. So IMHO freshly ground flaxseed are preferable to flaxseed oil for example. I haven't looked into walnuts or pumpkin seeds as related to prostate cancer. Pumpkin seeds have to some extent been used in Europe as a traditional remedy for BPH, but I don't how this relates to prostate cancer or if it relatea at all. Lyon Diet Heart study researchers recommend ALA intake of 2 g/d. I would try to restrict my ALA intake to at most to that amount, if I were supplementing with high ALA foodstuff, and use fish oil and fatty fish as a primary source of omega-3s.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Juhana Harju - 26 May 2006 19:18 GMT :: I am also concerned of the increased prostate cancer risk associted :: with the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid but I don't have any [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] : So IMHO freshly ground flaxseed are preferable to flaxseed oil for : example. I recall that walnuts are an exceptionally high source of myricetin which is associated with reduced prostate cancer insidence.
 Signature Juhana
Juhana Harju - 26 May 2006 19:21 GMT ::: I am also concerned of the increased prostate cancer risk associted ::: with the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid but I don't have any [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] : I recall that walnuts are an exceptionally high source of myricetin : which is associated with reduced prostate cancer insidence. In this Finnish study men with the highest intake of myricetin had significantly lower prostate cancer risk.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Sep;76(3):560-8. Flavonoid intake and risk of chronic diseases. Knekt P, Kumpulainen J, Jarvinen R, Rissanen H, Heliovaara M, Reunanen A, Hakulinen T, Aromaa A. National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
BACKGROUND: Flavonoids are effective antioxidants and may protect against several chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The association between flavonoid intake and risk of several chronic diseases was studied. DESIGN: The total dietary intakes of 10 054 men and women during the year preceding the baseline examination were determined with a dietary history method. Flavonoid intakes were estimated, mainly on the basis of the flavonoid concentrations in Finnish foods. The incident cases of the diseases considered were identified from different national public health registers. RESULTS: Persons with higher quercetin intakes had lower mortality from ischemic heart disease. The relative risk (RR) between the highest and lowest quartiles was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.99: P for trend = 0.02). The incidence of cerebrovascular disease was lower at higher kaempferol (0.70; 0.56, 0.86; P = 0.003), naringenin (0.79; 0.64, 0.98; P = 0.06), and hesperetin (0.80; 0.64, 0.99; P = 0.008) intakes. Men with higher quercetin intakes had a lower lung cancer incidence (0.42; 0.25, 0.72; P = 0.001), and men with higher myricetin intakes had a lower prostate cancer risk (0.43; 0.22, 0.86; P = 0.002). Asthma incidence was lower at higher quercetin (0.76; 0.56, 1.01; P = 0.005), naringenin (0.69; 0.50, 0.94; P = 0.06), and hesperetin (0.64; 0.46, 0.88; P = 0.03) intakes. A trend toward a reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes was associated with higher quercetin (0.81; 0.64, 1.02; P = 0.07) and myricetin (0.79; 0.62, 1.00; P = 0.07) intakes. CONCLUSION: The risk of some chronic diseases may be lower at higher dietary flavonoid intakes. PMID: 12198000
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra ct&list_uids=12198000&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_docsum
 Signature Juhana
David R. Throop - 26 May 2006 23:27 GMT >: If I wanted more ALA, flaxseed would be my first option, because there >: is some evidence (although very little) that flaxseed's other >: ingredients may have some preventive effects against prostate cancer.
> I recall that walnuts are an exceptionally high source of myricetin > which is associated with reduced prostate cancer insidence. Walnuts are full of a lot of good nutrition, but omega-3 oil is not their long suit, whether it's regular walnut, black walnut or English walnut. See IUPAC lipid handbook http://www.iupac.org/publications/pac/2001/pdf/7304x0685.pdf Table 4, p 735.
Walnuts have a linoleic to linolenic ration of 5:1 or higher, which is OK but other oils have better and are cheaper.
DRT
David R. Throop - 26 May 2006 16:25 GMT >I was just trying to >demonstrate that the combination of olive oil + (EITHER >alpha-linolenic acid from other food sources than canola oil OR >EPA+DHA from fish oil) will work just as well as canola oil in >inhibiting postprandial vasoconstriction . Point well taken. And I thank you for your interpretation of Vogel - that it doesn't show so much that olive oil is causing vasoconstriction as it shows that omega 3s can prevent it. Something that hadn't occured to me at all.
It leaves me wondering about a mechanism, tho. What's a route from both ALA and EPA that leads to vasoconstiction inhibition, but doesn't involve eicosanoids? Further interesting research would look at the vasoconstriction in the Vogel experiments with * some unsaturated vegetable oil * linoleic acid rich vegetable oil * canola oil + COX-1,2 inhibitors
I know I've read about ALA having direct effects on DNA transcription, but I don't have the refs handy.
The effect might also be caused by omega-3's effects on fluidity in the lipid bilayer. But in that case, omega-6 fats should also show a beneficial effect.
Yes?
>This brings to my second point: although canola oil (or more generally >rapeseed soil) due to its omega-3 content has a benefit of inhibiting >postparandial vasoconstriction, it may also have some risks (increased >prostate cancer risk, toxic subtances produced from alpha-linolenic >acid in cooking) attached to it. Yeah, I'm not sure what to make of those studies either. For the time being, I'm telling myself * the effect of ALA on prostate cancer, if it's real, is relatively small. * the protective effect of lycopene on prostate cancer is relatively large. * I drink a lot of tomato juice. * There's cardio protective effects from ALA. * Prostate cancer doesn't run in my family; arteriosclerosis does. SO * I'm going to keep putting the flax oil on my nightly salad.
DRT
Jim Chinnis - 25 May 2006 16:00 GMT Matti Narkia <mna@mbnet.fi> wrote in part:
>even if >the results of this new study are real The study was reported more than six years ago. -- Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 16:14 GMT >Matti Narkia <mna@mbnet.fi> wrote in part: > >>even if >>the results of this new study are real > >The study was reported more than six years ago. Ok, I seem to have skipped the date. It was new to me, though ;-). It was also published later in the same year as the neeting was held:
Vogel RA, Corretti MC, Plotnick GD The postprandial effect of components of the Mediterranean diet on endothelial function. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000 Nov 1;36(5):1455-60. PMID: 11079642 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra ct&list_uids=11079642>
 Signature Matti Narkia
Juhana Harju - 25 May 2006 16:41 GMT : OOn Wed, 24 May 2006 19:13:26 +0300, "Juhana Harju" : <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] : This is a small preliminary study, which was not published, but : presented at a meeting. Actually it is published. From the full study you can find out that they used extra virgin olive oil, but not extra virgin canola oil (sic!).
J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000 Nov 1;36(5):1455-60.
The postprandial effect of components of the Mediterranean diet on endothelial function.
Vogel RA, Corretti MC, Plotnick GD.
Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the postprandial effect of components of the Mediterranean diet on endothelial function, which may be an atherogenic factor. BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet, containing olive oil, pasta, fruits, vegetables, fish, and wine, is associated with an unexpectedly low rate of cardiovascular events. The Lyon Diet Heart Study found that a Mediterranean diet, which substituted omega-3-fatty-acid-enriched canola oil for the traditionally consumed omega-9 fatty-acid-rich olive oil, reduced cardiovascular events. METHODS: We fed 10 healthy, normolipidemic subjects five meals containing 900 kcal and 50 g fat. Three meals contained different fat sources: olive oil, canola oil, and salmon. Two olive oil meals also contained antioxidant vitamins (C and E) or foods (balsamic vinegar and salad). We measured serum lipoproteins and glucose and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), an index of endothelial function, before and 3 h after each meal. RESULTS: All five meals significantly raised serum triglycerides, but did not change other lipoproteins or glucose 3 h postprandially. The olive oil meal reduced FMD 31% (14.3 +/- 4.2% to 9.9 +/- 4.5%, p = 0.008). An inverse correlation was observed between postprandial changes in serum triglycerides and FMD (r = -0.47, p < 0.05). The remaining four meals did not significantly reduce FMD. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of their postprandial effect on endothelial function, the beneficial components of the Mediterranean and Lyon Diet Heart Study diets appear to be antioxidant-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, and their derivatives such as vinegar, and omega-3-rich fish and canola oils. PMID: 11079642
Abstract: http://tinyurl.com/qbk7m
Full study: http://tinyurl.com/mp2hk
 Signature Juhana
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 17:05 GMT >: OOn Wed, 24 May 2006 19:13:26 +0300, "Juhana Harju" >: <shantigiriorama@gmail.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > >Actually it is published. Yes, I already noticed it and posted the reference, as you can see if you read my earlier reply to Jim Chinnis. After posting it, I noticed, as you did, that the full text is also availle, the url for it in the original publication is
<<http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/full/36/5/1455>>
>From the full study you can find out that they >used extra virgin olive oil, but not extra virgin canola oil (sic!). Yes, that's good to know.
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 18:13 GMT >From the full study you can find out that they used extra virgin olive oil, >but not extra virgin canola oil (sic!). The term " cold pressed" is also used in context of canola oil, it is probaly less demanding attribute than "virgin" or "extra virgin":
CanolaInfo Media Releases <http://www.canolainfo.org/html/processing.html>
Fresh Pressed Oils - Flora Health USA <http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/products/tgu6.asp>
The cold pressing normally means that oil is extracted with hydraulic press without exceeding 78 degrees Celsius (172 Fahrenheit). Virgin oil is obtained from the first pressing of oil and its maximum acid content is 3% (for olive oil). For olive oil estra virgin means virgin oil with less than 1% acidity, I don't know whether the same is true for extra virgin canola oil. In any case oil can be cold pressed without being virgin oil or extra virgin oil. Canola oil is rape seed oil. I haven't seen canola oil with that name in Finalnd, but I've seen rapeseed oil and cold pressed rapeseed oil. I haven't seen extra virgin rapeseed oil, but I confess that I haven't been looking for it very hard. So at least where I live, cold pressed rapseed oil seems to be more common tha extra virgin rapeseed oil, and they do not mean the same thing as far as I know.
Sometimes you can se both terms used together, although that should not be necessary, extra virgin should suffice, IMHO, unless extra virgin oil is allowed to be produced also by hot pressing (seems unlikely, IMHO):
Cold-pressed Organic Extra-virgin Canola Oil <http://www.abheritage.ca/abinvents/inventions/inv_ot_canola_oil.htm>
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 18:49 GMT >>From the full study you can find out that they used extra virgin olive oil, >>but not extra virgin canola oil (sic!). [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >oil with less than 1% acidity, I don't know whether the same is true >for extra virgin canola oil. The page
Olive Oil Definitions - The Olive Oil Source <http://www.oliveoilsource.com/definitions.htm>
gives slightly different definitions for the maximum acidity of extra virgin (0.8%) and virgin olive oil (2%). It also defines a third type of virgin olive oil "ordinary virgin olive oil", which can have max 3.3% acidity).
 Signature Matti Narkia
Matti Narkia - 25 May 2006 18:59 GMT >>>From the full study you can find out that they used extra virgin olive oil, >>>but not extra virgin canola oil (sic!). [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] >of virgin olive oil "ordinary virgin olive oil", which can have max >3.3% acidity). The above page also says that for olive oil "virgin" no longer means first pressing, because now the vast majority of oil is made in continuous centrifugal presses and there is no second pressing. An excerpt:
"Virgin olive oils
This oil is obtained only from the olive, the fruit of the olive tree, using solely mechanical or other physical means in conditions, particularly thermal conditions, which do not alter the oil in any way. It has not undergone any treatment other than washing, decanting, centrifuging and filtering. It excludes oils obtained by the use of solvents or re- esterification methods, and those mixed with oils from other sources. It can be qualified as a natural product, and virgin olive oil can have a designation of origin when it meets the specific characteristics associated with a particular region. ..."
 Signature Matti Narkia
William Wagner - 25 May 2006 19:20 GMT > >>>From the full study you can find out that they used extra virgin olive > >>>oil, [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > olive oil can have a designation of origin when it meets the > specific characteristics associated with a particular region. ..." Of course it costs more ;(( One of my favorite stores as they harken back to my macrobiotic days 1968. Still I know what CABG means. Still I pay the premium...junky I guess. I purchase weird wonderful food here often. Walnut acres ring a bell?
http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=27_52&products_id=1 04360
or http://tinyurl.com/kmnnu
Olive Oil, Extra Virgin, Spanish $14.03
A 100 percent blend of green and black olives grown and pressed in the Andalucian region of Southern Spain, a region famous for its olives and olive oil. Carefully selected, freshly picked, stone ground and pressed using centuries old methods. Prevention Magazine awarded it "All Around Best Buy," rating it highest in flavor and protective nutrients, and praised its "Zesty, buttery, assertive taste." Beautiful bright green hue and fruity aroma. 2005 free fatty acid results: 0.25 percent. Offers 10 milligrams of healthy monounsaturated fats. Protective amber glass bottled.
 Signature S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.
David R. Throop - 25 May 2006 20:32 GMT > Canola oil is rape seed oil. I haven't seen canola oil with that > name in Finalnd, but I've seen rapeseed oil and cold pressed > rapeseed oil. Canola is a special cultivar of rapeseed (aka Swedish Turnip), grown in Canada, with eruric acid below 1%. Other low-eruric rapeseed cultivars are grown in Europe and marketed under other names.
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Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD - 24 May 2006 18:59 GMT > : "edgardo j barbosa" <ebarbosa2@adelphia.net> wrote in part: > : [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > To my knowledge the body makes palmitic acid also from excess of protein, > not only from excess of carbohydrates. So, excess is the key word here. Yes, excess as from overeating.
Prayerfully in Christ's amazing love,
Andrew http://tinyurl.com/jjl29
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