the causes of Heart Disease and methods of preventions Team Diversity – Names of Team Members April 8, 2005

Purpose We would like to explain: -what heart disease is -how it is caused -and how to prevent it

Coronary Heart Disease Did you know? Coronary Heart Disease accounts for 45% of all deaths today American men age 45 – 65 have the highest rate for heart disease

What causes Heart Disease? If a person has high cholesterol, cholesterol is deposited in the arteries in the form of plaque that causes blockages. If the blockages are severe, the heart is starved of blood and a heart attack occurs.

What are proteins? Polymers of amino acids 20 α-amino acids required to make proteins 10 essential amino acids needed in a diet 10 amino acids synthesized by the body

What do proteins do? Compose much of the physical body (hair and fingernails) Basis for enzymes, which are the catalysts for chemical reactions in the body (body temperature) Controls cellular activity and hormones Transport substances from organ to organ (oxygen in lungs to blood)

Complete vs. Incomplete Complete = essential amino acids needed for conversion into human protein (ex. – meat, fish, dairy) Incomplete = lack some amino acids needed to build human protein Two incomplete proteins can be combined to provide the essential amino acid Corn and beans in Mexico

Lipoproteins Lipoproteins – proteins that combine with lipids Lipids - fatty, water-insoluble molecules Have water-soluble coat for transporting cholesterol. NOT cholesterol, but they contain cholesterol.

A Lipoprotein -

Two Types of Lipoproteins LDL = Low Density Lipoprotein (rich in cholesterol) “bad cholesterol” HDL = High Density Lipoprotein (rich in protein) “good cholesterol” Low HDL + High LDL = high risk of heart disease

Food Certification Program Requirements: Low in fat Low in saturated fat Low in cholesterol Sodium value of less than or equal to 480 milligrams in a single item

Samples of Manufacturers Kellogg’s Nutri-grain bars Starkist Tuna Dannon Yogurt Quaker Oats

American Heart Association Recommendations for a heart-healthy diet: Sample a variety of fish twice weekly (preferably rich in omega-3) Lean meat Fish Skinless poultry Dry beans Eggs Nuts Fat-free or low-fat yogurt Cheese Milk Whole grains

Yoplait Yogurt Two servings per day can help lower cholesterol Plant sterols are added to lower cholesterol. Extracted from vegetable oil. Can inhibit cholesterol from being absorbed in small intestine.

Dark Chocolate Can reduce mild blood pressure Must balance the extra calories by eating other (healthy) things Is a potent antioxidant Milk chocolate does not have any effect Eating dark chocolate and drinking dairy negates its positive effects

Soy Can be a good substitute for animal products  offers a “complete” protein profile. Animal products also contain all amino acids but they also contain saturated fat, which soy does not; soy contains lower levels of cholesterol. Soy is rich in fiber, vitamin B, calcium, omega-3

Additional Ways to Prevent Heart Disease Avoid external stresses Maintain a common sense diet Avoid all processed foods labeled “low-fat” Consume high-quality animal products Do not smoke Exercise regularly Avoid being overweight Don’t work too hard

More ways to prevent Heart Disease Avoid exposure to fumes, chemicals, pesticides, and pollutants Ensure sufficient mineral intake by using WHOLE dairy products Supplement the diet with foods rich in vitamins

Sources American Heart Association. 4 April 2005. <www.americanheart.org/> Baird, C; Gloffke, W. Chemistry in Your Life, 1st ed.; W.H. Freeman and Company: New York, NY, 2003; pp 325 - 363. “Dark Chocolate May Be Healthier.” BBC News 27 August 2003. 4 April 2005 <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3185363.stm> Fallon, S; Enig, M.G., The Weston A. Price Foundation, <http://www.westonaprice.org/moderndiseases/hd.html> Henkel, John. “Soy: Health Claims for Soy Protein, Questions About Other Components.” FDA Consumer Magazine May-June 2000. 4 April 2005 <http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/300_soy.html> Warner, Jennifer. “Dark Chocolate May Lower Blood Pressure.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition March 2005: vol. 81 611-614 pp. 4 April 2005 <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46236> Yoplait Healthy Heart Frequently Asked Questions. 4 April 2005. <http://www.yoplait.com/YHHealthFAQ.htm>