US research - cholesterol-lowering power of dietitian visits
The research involved 377 patients with high cholesterol who were counselled by 52 registered dietitians at 24 sites in 11 states across America.
In the group of 175 patients who started the study with triglycerides less than 400 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL), and who had their cholesterol measured before they changed or added medication, 44.6 percent either reduced their levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol by at least 15 percent, or reached their cholesterol goal.
The results reflect progress in approximately eight months, after three or more appointments with a dietitian. But the results add further evidence that medical nutrition therapy, as it is called, can make a big difference in a patient's life.
The cholesterol lowering effect of oat beta-glucan was recognised by the Joint Health Claims Initiative in 2004, which supports the claim ‘the inclusion of oats as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce blood cholesterol,' being stated on products containing at least 0.75g of oat beta-glucan per serving.
Oats are one of the richest dietary sources of beta-glucan, and are found in oatcakes, oat flour, and the ready-to-eat cereals made with added oat bran such as Kellogg's Optivita.
For further information on cholesterol, risk factors and lifestyle modifications, you can download a booklet Taking Control of Cholesterol from Healthzone or alternatively contact the Careline for a free copy on 0800 626 066 or ROI 1800 626 066.
Similarly you can download or order a copy of Four Seasons Guide to a Healthy Heart, developed by an independent nutritionist, for your patients to help them to look after their hearts and get on the road to healthier diet and exercise habits.
Better yet...the first fifty people to order one of these booklets from the Careline will also receive a FREE cyclometer!