by Jean Carper

Lowering your bad LDL cholesterol is one way to stop heart disease. But, more important, says new research, is boosting your levels of good HDL cholesterol.

An Australian study of 9,770 patients published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that people with the highest HDL compared with the lowest were 40% less likely to have a "major cardiovascular event," such as a heart attack, over a five-year period.

Conclusion: Regardless of how low your bad LDL is, it's still heart-smart to get your good HDL up. Here's how:

Skip foods that spike blood sugar. British researchers note that people who are on a low glycemic index diet have higher HDL. This means consuming more vegetables, legumes, yogurt and vinegar, and less sugar, white bread, white potatoes and sugary soft drinks.

Make exercise a habit. In a new Japanese study, regular aerobic activity raised HDL enough to reduce cardiovascular disease by 5% to 7%. The subjects exercised for 40 minutes, about four times a week. The longer each workout session, the greater the HDL rise.

Ask your doctor about niacin. High doses (more than 1,000 mg daily) of an "extended release" niacin supplement (like Niaspan), prescribed by doctors, can significantly raise HDL. Over-the-counter niacin does not have the same benefit.

Lose weight. HDL rose 9.6% in overweight or obese patients on a DASH diet (high in fiber, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables) who lost 11 pounds over several years. They were told to exercise 30 minutes a day.

Try soy. Soy protein (soybeans, tofu) with isoflavones raises HDL slightly. So does alcohol. However, if you don't drink, don't start; excess alcohol can hurt your heart more than low HDL.

This EatSmart column is reprinted from USAWEEKEND Magazine and is copyrighted by Jean Carper. It cannot be reprinted without permission from Jean Carper.

Protect your heart with our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS with Cholesterol Support, a complete and powerful multi-vitamin, formulated with four key ingredients, including 300 mg of phytosterolsl, which have been clinically-proven to help keep cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a healthy range.

by Jean Carper

The bad news: Up to 640,000 Americans under age 65 have early onset Alzheimer's and other dementias, says the Alzheimer's Association.

The good news: What you eat may influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer's. Here's the latest:

Go Mediterranean. People who eat a Mediterranean-type diet are 40% less apt to develop Alzheimer's, says new research at Columbia University Medical Center. The Med diet is rich in fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, wine and olive oil -- and low in red meat.

Bring on fatty fish. Eating oily fish rich in DHA (a particular omega-3 fat) cuts your odds of Alzheimer's and other dementia nearly in half, say researchers from Tufts University. Salmon is especially rich in DHA.

Drink the right stuff. A Vanderbilt University study finds that drinking fruit or vegetable juice at least three times a week cuts the risk of Alzheimer's 76% compared with less than once a week. Coffee drinkers are 30% less apt to get Alzheimer's than coffee abstainers, says a Spanish study. Possible reason: caffeine. In Israeli research, EGCG, the main antioxidant in green tea, helps remove Alzheimer's culprits, such as iron, from brain cells.

Control weight, blood sugar. Borderline diabetes (high blood sugar and insulin) ups risk of dementia about 70%. And people who are obese at midlife are more than three times more apt to get Alzheimer's later in life.

This EatSmart column is reprinted from USAWEEKEND Magazine and is copyrighted by Jean Carper. It cannot be reprinted without permission from Jean Carper.

Stop Aging Now's Brain Energizer is a proprietary blend of seven all natural ingredients, each of which possess strong scientific evidence backing their ability to provide broad-spectrum attack on multiple mechanisms that underlie age-related neuro-degeneration and cognitive dysfunction.

by Harry Preuss, MD, MACN, CNS

There are many reasons why an excellent weight-loss regimen that should theoretically work fails. Here are some things to consider prior to taking supplements for weight loss:

1. Purchase supplements only from a trusted manufacturer. There are several reasons why this is important. Many supplements do not actually contain the amount of active ingredients claimed on their labels. Hoodia, a well-publicized weight-loss ingredient, is a perfect example. Many people in the nutrition field are aware that much of the hoodia being sold now is actually counterfeit. Also of great importance is that the active ingredient in a form that is bioavailable, or easily absorbed and functional. In the case of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) supplements, the type of mineral or electrolyte they contain can influence the bioavailability. Thus, an HCA compound containing purely calcium is poorly absorbed when compared to one that replaces much of the calcium with potassium.

2. Use the proper dose. If the directions say to take two pills three times a day, that’s what is needed -- not one or two twice a day. The dosing can be influenced by the form of the active compound. To illustrate this point, we can draw on HCA once more as an example. For many years, the accepted dose was derived from an early scientific paper in the literature showing success. In many cases, poor results were found when the accepted dose was used. Based on a suggestion from a sales person that higher doses worked well, we conducted research to reexamine the dosing and found that the HCA compound we studied was consistently effective only at higher doses.

3. If you don’t comply, don’t complain. Assuming we have an high quality dietary supplement and know the proper dosing, do we have the willpower to follow directions and take it correctly? In a recent clinical study, we found at its end that only 40% of the people were taking the right dose at the proper time. It is important to know whether your supplement should be taken on an empty or full stomach. Interestingly, that compliant group lost between five and six pounds of fat over two months, while the non-compliers actually gained some fat poundage while taking a perfectly good supplement.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Being overweight can detract from your quality of life in many ways, especially as you age. However, you can set the proper conditions for fat loss with a natural weight-loss product. In order for it to be effective, the ingredients in the product must be bioavailable and taken in the proper dose according to instructions. You can have the best product in the world and if you don’t take it properly, it will perform like a dud.

Stop Aging Now’s first-ever weight-loss formula, SynergySlim PLUS, combines five all-natural, non-stimulant ingredients which each play a different role in helping you lose weight. Burn calories, reduce fat, curb appetite, block carbs and build lean muscle – all at the same time!

by Carey Rossi

Skin and eyes are some of the first places that aging rears its head. You can diminish the signs of aging, especially sun-induced wrinkles by supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin, according to a new study, the first to examine the impact of these two antioxidants together on human skin. Researchers found that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin can promote healthy skin by increasing hydration and elasticity and providing a four-fold increase in protection from UV radiation-induced skin damage. (Palombo, P. et al. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 20: 199-210, 2007.)

Well known for its eye health benefits, lutein is also known to bolster the skin’s natural antioxidant production. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidant carotenoids found naturally in high concentrations in foods like dark leafy greens.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Supplement with lutein and zeaxanthin to ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of these antioxidants to protect the health of your skin as you age. These carotenoids are effective scavengers of the UV-induced free radicals which are at the source of skin damage and aging.

All of our Multi Nutrient Formulas contain therapeutic doses of 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin, far more than most multi-vitamins. Our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS with Eye Support contains double doses of lutein and zeaxanthin for even more protection.

by Gale Malesky, MS, RD

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease (after Alzheimer’s), but little research has been done on the dietary factors which may affect its development. However, a new study has shown that over time, healthy eating can reduce your risk.

People eating healthy diets, characterized by large amounts of fruits, vegetables and grains, and small amounts of meat, were found to be 25-30% less likely to develop Parkinson’s than people eating typical American diets. (Gao, X et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:1486-94.)

How does a healthy diet protect against Parkinson’s? There is substantial evidence that oxidative stress contributes to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Also, low folate can mean high blood levels of neurotoxic homocysteine. And that, researchers say, can damage nerve cells in the area of the brain affected by Parkinson’s.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Eating a healthy diet which provides plenty of dietary antioxidants and folate and is low in saturated fat can help ward off Parkinson’s disease.

Now you can get the antioxidant capacity of 15 servings of fruits and vegetables daily with Stop Aging Now's Multi Nutrient Formula GOLD, our most powerful multi-vitamin yet.

by Gale Malesky, MS, RD

High blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, may improve both mental health and outlooks on physical health, a new study shows.

Researchers found that people with the highest blood levels of omega-3s also had the highest self-reported physical well-being. One reason for this is the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3s, which may lessen symptoms in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

Mental well-being, however, was not linked to higher blood levels of omega-3 fats by themselves, but was seen in people who had a higher ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s in their blood. It’s known that omega-6s compete with omega-3s for similar metabolic pathways, but that omega-6s don’t have the same anti-inflammatory power that omega-3s do. It’s possible that the effects of omega-3s on the brain are particularly sensitive to this ratio. (Crowe, F et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:1278-85.)

Some experts believe the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s should be 1:1. However, the typical American diet provides far more omega-6s from polyunsaturated oils such as corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower, and in corn and soy-fed animals. You can cut back on omega-6s by limiting your intake of these oils and by eating grass-fed beef. And you can increase your intake of omega-3s with fish oil capsules or fatty fish such as wild salmon, sardines or mackerel.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Research has linked chronic inflammation to a wide range of health problems. This study confirms that taking fish oil can significantly impact your quality of life, not only by curbing inflammation, but also by improving mental well-being.

Our Omega-T Fish Oil contains pure, all-natural fish oils from Norweigan salmon and is certified to be contaminant-free by independent testing.

by Carey Rossi

Extracts from the bark of the pygeum tree have been used for many years in Europe for prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. Therapeutic preparations of pygeum have also been marketed in the U.S. for prostate cancer prevention and treatment.

Recent studies have examined compounds found in pygeum to determine how they might inhibit the growth of prostate cells that can affect bladder function or become cancerous. The findings of a large study suggest that a combination of pygeum and saw palmetto supplements is more effective than tamsulosin, the most commonly prescribed medication for BPH, at lessening the BPH symptoms. (Hutchison A, et al. Eur Urol. 2007 Jan;51(1):207-15; discussion 215-6.)

Some preliminary research has shown that pygeum may also have anti-cancer potential.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: If you are concerned about the health of your prostate, you should take a very serious look at pygeum. With few known side effects, it is building a solid reputation as an alternative to prescription medications.

Our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS with Prostate Support is a complete, high-potency multi-vitamin that supports a healthy prostate with powerful, standardized extracts of pygeum and saw palmetto, and the essential trace mineral, boron.

by Maggie Spilner

For the first time, specific instructions have been issued by the American Heart Association and the College of Sports Medicine regarding exercise for seniors. Steven Blair, PED, from the University of South Carolina, an internationally known fitness expert who helped craft the original recommendations as well as the new ones, calls sedentary living “the biggest public health problem we face.”

Now everyone over 65 can take note: you are not off the hook when it comes to aerobic activities and strength training! You, like your younger counterparts, should be getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise that noticeably accelerates your heart rate, such as moderately brisk walking, at least 5 days a week. (Or you can do 20 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 days a week, or some combination of the two.) To keep your strength and flexibility, do 10-12 strength training exercises, 10-15 repetitions each, twice a week. If you are at risk for falls, you should add balance exercises. That means you need to develop a well rounded exercise plan.

Adults over 65, or those between 50 and 65 who have special needs, such as those with arthritis or diabetes, should create their plan with their doctors so that their particular needs can be taken into account. Once you have a plan, joining a gym or YMCA might be the answer. Or getting a personal trainer to help you set up a training program at home might work best.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: If you want to live independently into advanced age, regular exercise may well be the key factor. In addition to protecting your heart, staying fit will allow you to and take care of yourself and maintain your home. And don’t worry if you skip a few days here and there. Research shows that the positive regulatory effects on cholesterol levels are retained during short breaks in activity.

If you have joint pain, taking a glucosamine supplement can make it easier to exercise. Our Osteo-GC and Super Osteo-GM are safe, effective ways to support optimal joint, cartilage and bone health. Also, our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS with Joint Support combines our well-rounded PLUS multi-vitamin-mineral formula with 1500 mg of glucosamine HCL and 250 mg of Paractin.

by Maggie Spilner

A few years, a study conducted by Dr. Heinz Drexel in the Austrian Alps reported on the exceptional ability of downhill walking to lower blood sugar levels almost three times as much as uphill walking.

No one was really sure why the downhill walking impacted blood sugar so much, but recent research at Columbia University, led by Gerard Karsenity, points to a startling discovery. Bones have a surprising influence on how the body regulates sugar, energy and fat. In particular, a hormone produced in bones, called osteocalcin, affects the way the pancreas produces insulin and causes fat cells to store less fat and to release a hormone called adiponectin, which improves cells’ sensitivity to insulin.

Researchers are studying osteocalcin as a possible treatment for type II diabetes. (Previous research has shown that people with type II diabetes have low blood concentrations of osteocalcin.)

In the meantime, you and I can better understand why adding hills to our walking regimen can have beneficial effects on blood sugar. It is thought that the eccentric contractions of muscles that occur with downhill walking stimulate the release of osteocalcin from bone-forming osteoblast cells.

Some people are put off by the exertion of hill climbing or are just too out of shape to do it. In most cases, what goes down must also go up. One exception would be walking downstairs in a multistoried building whenever you get the opportunity, rather than using an elevator. Treadmills, so far, only have an uphill component. But watch--- downhill treadmills could be the next “big thing.”

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Ultimately, walking both uphill and downhill will add to your overall health and fitness, so add hills to your walks and take the stairs when you get the opportunity.

Our cinnamon extract, Cinnulin PF, has been shown to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support weight loss and is also a powerful antioxidant.

Oatmeal cookies are good for your heart! Just remember, these treats are 100 calories apiece, so indulge only occasionally and limit your portions! The oats in this recipe provide cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. Other ingredients provide heart-healthy beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin E, magnesium and other trace minerals.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Dry ingredients:
2½ c. old-fashioned oats
½ c. whole wheat flour
3/4 c. lightly-packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ c. each chopped dry fruit and nuts, such as raisins, apricots, apples or cranberries, and walnuts, almonds or shredded coconut

Wet ingredients:
¼ c. canola oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1½ tsp. vanilla, almond, coconut or orange extract
½ c. water

•    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
•    Chop nuts and fruits.
•    In a bowl, mix dry ingredients together. Add nuts and fruit and toss lightly to coat.
•    In a separate large bowl, mix wet ingredients together.
•    Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir to wet all ingredients. Allow to sit for five minutes. Stir briefly.
•    Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheet coated with no-stick spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. •    Transfer to a wire rack to cool.     

Nutritional Information per Serving (one cookie): 103 calories, 1.9 g protein, 14 g carbohydrates, 4.8 g fat (.4 g saturated), 8.8 mg cholesterol, 1.5 g fiber, 106 mg sodium.

Chickpeas, walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice and turmeric make this delicious dip a brain-boosting bonanza. It’s great for a late afternoon snack or a light lunch. It’s quick to make and keeps in the fridge for several days.

Makes about eight ¼ c. servings.

1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained
¼ c. walnuts
3 T. lemon juice
3 T. olive oil
2 cloves garlic
½ tsp cumin, ground
½ tsp coriander, ground
½ tsp. turmeric
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
Salt to taste

•    Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until mostly smooth, with some chunks. If needed, add a bit of water to thin.
•    Dish out and drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving.
•    Serve with raw veggies and whole wheat pita bread.

Nutritional Information per Serving: 160 calories, 16 g carbohydrates, 5.3 g protein, 8.8 g fat (1.1 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 4.4 g fiber, 300 mg sodium.

QUICK TIP: If you have extra hummus, spread it inside a half of pita bread, then stuff the bread with lettuce, tomato and grated carrot for a portable salad.