6 Ways To Lower Your Houston Homeowners Insurance Costs

Posted by admin | Posted on 26-04-2011

Category : Region IV

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6 Ways To Lower Your Houston Homeowners Insurance Costs

If you are a new Houston home buyer and have just spent a lot of money on inspections, surveys, closing costs, mortgage charges and many other things that come along with buying a home, you are probably looking for savings anywhere that you can. Well good news Houston home buyers. We have some tips that may save you some money on your home insurance. Remember, once you buy a home you will want to get it insured and if you have a loan you will be required to get it insured. Below are some tips that can save you money once you have bought your dream home.
Homeowner’s insurance prices can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on the company you buy your policy from.  Here are some things you need to consider.

1.    Shop Around.   It may take some time, but it could pay off big in the end.  Ask your friends, contact your national and state insurance departments where you may find information on typical rates charged by major insurers.  Also check consumer guides, insurance agents, etc.  This will give you an idea of prices ranges, but don’t consider price alone.  The insurer you choose should offer a fair price AND deliver quality service.  Talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the type of service they would give.  Last, check the financial stability of the companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s.  When you have narrowed the field to three, get price quotes.
2.    Raise Your Deductible.  A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay toward a loss before your insurance company starts to pay a claim, according to the terms of your policy.  Nowadays, most insurance companies recommend a deductible of at least 0.  If you can afford to raise your deductible to ,000, you may save as much as 25%.
3.    Don’t confuse what you paid for your house with rebuilding costs.  Don’t include the value of the land under your house when deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy.  If you do, you will pay a higher premium than you should.
4.    Improve your home security.  You can usually get discounts for smoke detector, burglar alarms or dead-bold locks.  Some offer even more discount for sprinkler systems and fire/burglar alarms that ring at the police, fire or other monitoring stations.  Find out what your insurer recommends, how much the device would cost and how much you’d save on premiums.
5.    Maintain a good credit record.  Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs.  Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price homeowners insurance policies.  Check your credit record regularly to be sure your record remains accurate.

And finally, a tip that can be very important when buying a home.

6.    When you’re buying a home, consider the cost of homeowners insurance.  Check the CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report of the home you are thinking of buying.  These reports contain the insurance claim history of the property and can help you judge some of the problems the house may have.  Many factors can be involved in the pricing of homeowners insurance on a particular home.  Choosing your home wisely could cut your premiums by 5 to 15 percent.

When you buy your Houston home there are many things to consider and many items to cover. Homeowners insurance really counts when you have to make a claim. Look at what you are getting or losing when you shop and see if the price you are being quoted will really take care of you in the event you need it. Do not buy the home of your dreams only to have your dreams wiped away by an insurance policy that does not replace your home or repair it the way you expect. Many homebuyers have found out too late that their insurance sounded a lot better than it performed. As a real estate broker in Houston I have seen the story play out over and over from both satisfied and dissatisfied homeowners, especially after Hurricane Ike. As in most things, if it sounds too good to be true, well you know the rest.

Mike Gray is a real estate broker in Houston, Texas for Exit Complete Realty. He specializes in selling single family homes, townhomes and condos in the inner loop, Bellaire, Galleria, West University, Rice Military, Meyerland and close in areas of the city. He also is an expert in distress and foreclosure properties as well as investment real estate.

Mike Gray is a real estate broker in Houston, Texas for Exit Realty. One specialty is selling in the Houston townhome market as well as single family homes in the inner loop, Galleria, West University, Rice Military, Meyerland and close in areas of the city. He is also a resident and specializes in Bellaire, Tx homes.


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Choosing Meditation to Lower High Blood Pressure? New Research Reveals Which Meditation is Most Effective

Posted by admin | Posted on 25-03-2011

Category : Region III

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Choosing Meditation to Lower High Blood Pressure? New Research Reveals Which Meditation is Most Effective

A new scientific research study conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine provides further evidence that people with high blood pressure can find relief through meditation—but the study also found that not all forms of meditation are equally effective. The study compared findings from research on several well-known types of meditation and relaxation practices, and found that the only mind/body practice that produces significant changes in blood pressure is the Transcendental Meditation technique. 

 

According to a definitive new meta-analysis of 107 previous studies on stress reduction programs and high blood pressure, published in the American Journal of Hypertension (Vol. 21, 3: 310-316), the Transcendental Meditation technique was found to produce a statistically significant reduction in high blood pressure—an effect not found with other forms of relaxation, meditation, biofeedback or stress management. 

 

Significant Reductions in Blood Pressure

 

The new meta-analysis reviewed randomized, controlled trials published in peer-reviewed scientific journals over the past decades concerning stress reduction and relaxation methods used by participants with high blood pressure. Blood pressure changes through the Transcendental Meditation technique included average reductions of 5.0 points of systolic and 2.8 points of diastolic blood pressure, changes which were statistically significant, according to the review. These changes associated with Transcendental Meditation practice were consistent with other controlled studies showing reductions in cardiovascular risk factors, improved markers of heart disease, and reduced mortality rates among participants in the Transcendental Meditation program. 

 

Transcendental Meditation “equivalent to adding a second hypertensive agent”

 

“The magnitude of the changes in blood pressure with the Transcendental Meditation technique are at least as great as the changes found with major changes in diet or exercise that doctors often recommend,” said Dr. James Anderson, principal author of the study. “Yet the Transcendental Meditation technique does not require changes in lifestyle. Thus many patients with mild hypertension or prehypertension may be able to avoid the need to take blood pressure medications—all of which have adverse side effects. Individuals with more severe forms of hypertension may be able to reduce the number or dosages of their BP medications under the guidance of their doctor.”  

 

Dr. Anderson stated further: “Adding Transcendental Meditation is about equivalent to adding a second hypertensive agent to one’s current regiment, only safer and less troublesome.” 

 

Reduced Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

 

Anderson added that long-term changes in blood pressure of this magnitude are associated with at least a 15 percent reduction in rates of heart attack and stroke. “This is important to everyone because cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide,” Anderson said. The study’s biostatistician, Maxwell Rainforth, assistant professor of Physiology and Health Statistics at Maharishi University of Management, said the meta-analysis used state-of-the-art statistical methods to review 107 published studies in the field of stress reduction, relaxation and blood pressure. “The twenty-three separate studies included in the final analysis met well-known criteria for high scientific quality. That is, these studies used repeated blood pressure measurements and participants were randomized to either a stress reduction technique or placebo-type control for at least eight weeks. The data we used are all published in peer-reviewed scientific journals,” Rainforth said. 

 

Side Benefits of TM vs. side effects of drugs

 

According to Dr. Robert Schneider, director of the Institute of Natural Medicine and Prevention and co-author, this rigorously conducted meta-analysis indicates that the Transcendental Meditation technique is distinctively effective compared to other scientifically studied techniques in lowering high blood pressure. “For those 100 million Americans with elevated blood pressure, here is a scientifically documented, yet simple and easy way to lower blood pressure without drugs and harmful side effects. In addition, related studies show an integrated set of positive ‘side benefits,’ such as reduced stress, reduced heart disease levels and longer lifespan with this technique to restore balance in the cardiovascular system, mind and body,” Schneider said. 

 

Overturns a previous study on meditation

 

The new meta-analysis was co-authored by researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, in Louisville, and at the NIH-funded Institute of Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa. 

 

According to Dr. Anderson, the findings of this new study rebut a July 2007 report sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the NIH-National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which concluded that most research on meditation is low quality and found little evidence that any specific stress reduction effectively lowers blood pressure.  

 

The new meta-analysis identified all high quality meditation studies published through 2006 and rigorously analyzed their results, which the previous government report failed to do. Anderson said the new meta-analysis includes only high quality studies on all available stress reduction interventions. The studies on the Transcendental Meditation technique were conducted at five independent universities and medical institutions, and the majority of them were funded by competitive grants from the National Institutes of Health. 

 

 

 

Gary P. Kaplan, M.D., Ph.D., is a neurologist and associate professor of clinical neurology at New York University School of Medicine. He is also a recipient of the Albert H. Douglas Award from the Medical Society of the State of New York for outstanding achievements as a clinical teacher interested in promoting and improving the medical education of physicians. http://www.doctorsontm.com/high-blood-pressure


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Lower Your Blood Pressure through Massage Therapy in Tampa

Posted by admin | Posted on 24-01-2011

Category : Region II

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Lower Your Blood Pressure through Massage Therapy in Tampa

Hypertension or high blood pressure can be deadly. It can, however, be treated and prevented with massage therapy in Tampa.

According to the American Heart Association, one out of every three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. That adds up to some 73 million adults. Hypertension also afflicts some two million US teens and children. All of these people have higher risks for heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, arterial aneurysm, arterial hardening, chronic renal failure and eye damage. Chronic high blood pressure often results in organ damage in the end. Invariably, high blood pressure shortens life expectancy.

High blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted on the arteries as they carry blood pumped out by the heart to the tissues and organs throughout the body. The blood pressure is measured by the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the higher pressure measured as the heart contracts and pumps out blood to the arteries. The diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure measured when the heart relaxes right after the contraction. To be within normal range, blood pressure should measure below 120/80. Blood pressure is considered pre-hypertension at 139/89 and high at 140/90.

It is important to detect high blood pressure early so that measures can be taken to normalize it. This prevents further complications. Medication is usually prescribed, accompanied by other treatments.

Emotional tension and stress are proven triggers of high blood pressure. Stress reduction therapies are, therefore, recommended for hypertensive patients. These include meditation, mind-body relaxation techniques, biofeedback techniques and progressive muscle relaxation techniques.

Massage has been proven to be most effective in decrease stress, anxiety and depression and in lowering blood pressure, though. This was shown in a study done by the Touch Research Institute, the University of Miami School of Medicine, and the Nova Southeastern University in Florida in May 1999.

The study observed thirty hypertensive adults whose blood pressures have been controlled in the last six months. They were divided randomly into two groups. One group was the massage therapy group while the other was the progressive relaxation group.

The massage therapy group was given thirty minute massage sessions twice a week for five weeks. Sessions were done in the afternoon or early evening.

The progressive relaxation group was taught to do self-administered progressive muscle relaxation exercises which they were made to do for thirty minutes twice a week for five weeks as well. Their sessions were also done in the afternoon or early evening.

Both groups were assessed before and after treatment. Current emotions were measured with the state anxiety inventory (STAI) Levels of the stress hormone cortisol were measured with saliva samples. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured. Depressive symptoms were rated with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaire. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and hostility were further inventoried with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) self-report symptom inventory. Urinary cortisol and catecholamines were also measured. These biologically active amines affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

When results were compared, both groups showed lower anxiety levels in the STAI and lower depression levels in the CES-D after five weeks of treatment. The massage therapy group, however, was the only one that showed decreases in sitting blood pressure levels, decreases in both salivary and urinary stress hormone levels, and lowered scores for depression, anxiety and hostility.

Various massage therapy styles can lower your blood pressure, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage and – depending on your condition – pregnancy massage in Downtown Tampa, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Macdill AFB and 33629. You can go and cool down any time at your convenience.

Massage Envy – South Tampa
Contact Name: Rachel Dunning
3830 W. Neptune St. C-2
Tampa, FL 33629
Work: (813) 251-3300
Email: rachel.dunning@massageenvy.com
Website: http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/FL/South-Tampa.aspx


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To lower risk of heart disease, women should regularly visit the dentist

Posted by admin | Posted on 06-01-2011

Category : Other Students

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To lower risk of heart disease, women should regularly visit the dentist

According to the results of a study published in Health Economics, women who receive dental care may reduce their risk of future heart disease by at least one-third. In order for dental care to have a protective effect against heart disease, dental care should occur early in the early stages of the disease development. Isn’t it a great reason for women to somehow make time for dental visits every six months, especially if they have kept on postponing them?

According to lead author Timothy Brown, assistant adjunct professor of health policy and management at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, quoted in Science Daily, “Many studies have found associations between dental care and cardiovascular disease, but our study is the first to show that general dental care leads to fewer heart attacks, strokes, and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a causal way.”

The study which analyzed data from nearly 7,000 men and women between ages 44-88 who were enrolled in the Health and Retirement looked at multiple factors including age, race, education, marital status, foreign birthplace, as well as cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular risk factors include the person’s health status, body mass index, their alcohol use and smoking, levels of physical activity, depression  and whether they had diabetes and high-blood-pressure and related data. The finding may not be universally applicable to all women because the data set only included married middle-aged and older individuals.

While women in the group seemed to benefit from regular dental care, the analysis found no similar effect on men. This finding—that women who visited dentists during the previous two  years were less likely to develop heart disease compared to others, but that there was no similar benefit for  men—is not surprising to researchers who have known all along that there are differences between the sexes in the development and occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). When researchers refer to CVD, they include new occurrences of heart attack, stroke and death from heart attack or stroke, as well as angina, and congestive heart failure.

According to study co-author Dr. Stephen Brown, a first-year obstetrician/gynecologist resident at the West Virginia University Charleston Division School of Medicine, other studies suggest that estrogen has a protective effect against heart disease as it helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis. “It’s not until women hit menopause around age 50 to 55 that they start catching up with men,” says Brown.

So what happened during the dental visits that made the difference? While the researchers did not have data on the type of procedures used during the dental visit, other studies have indicated that three-fourths of older adult dental visits involved preventive services, such as cleaning, fluoride and sealant treatments.

Oral health experts recommend twice-yearly visits to the dentist. And it is accepted that, at the least everyone should brush and floss twice a day. If you wear dentures, ensure that they stay clean to prevent the growth and buildup of bacteria and plaque.

Free Dentist Finder a dentist directory. You will find local dentist, implant dentist Arizona, implant dentistry Florida, implant dentist Georgia, find a dentist California. Use our online search or call 800-669-4869 for live help 24/7.


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Nike Zoom Kobe V Usc & Rice & Lower Merion Aces

Posted by admin | Posted on 28-10-2010

Category : Region V

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Nike Zoom Kobe V Usc & Rice & Lower Merion Aces

Kobe Bryant and Nike have funded a number of the colleges, the college players also have the opportunity to get their own players version shoes of the school color, Zoom Kobe V is no exception to be introduced of campus color, in addition to the improved performance, the appearance is also more beautiful and magnificent. Three match colors are from Rice High School of Harlem, New York, the long history University of South Carolina, and finally is Kobe Bryant’s alma mater, Lower Merion High School.

The first pair is the Zoom Kobe V Rice High School owns an almost maize upper with some perforations on the toe box. Green used on the outline of the mudguard to lace panels and along the tongue edge to the inner. As well as the Nike Swoosh and the front sole. The special section maybe the green & yellow shoelaces. The next pair is the Zoom Kobe V “USC” realesed as a PE for the University of Southern California. The capital words “USC” is printed in Yellow & White color on the rear ankle. It certainly be coveted by a lot of students in the university. With the USC color scheme and texture on the whole upper, there is some yellow accents as the Nike Swoosh and the shoelaces on the multiple sections. The last is the Zoom Kobe V Lower Merion Aces, which used a lot of called maroon color on the front sole and the quarter panel section. Also can be seen at the inner, with multicolor shoelace. Accompanied with the silver toe box and mid panels. All of the above three shoes are all have a plastic cap covered the heel with Kobe Bryant’s signature very unique.

Therapeutic Back Massage May Lower the Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Persons in Charlotte NC

Posted by admin | Posted on 18-06-2010

Category : Region II

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Therapeutic Back Massage May Lower the Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Persons in Charlotte NC

Research has shown that therapeutic back massage may lower the blood pressure of hypertensive persons. Even other types of massage have been proven by studies to have beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure. People with hypertension could try therapeutic body massage services, including back massage therapy, foot massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy from professional massage therapists in Charlotte NC.

A study done by Christine M. Olney, MSN, RN for the University of South Florida in Tampa, titled “The Effect of Therapeutic Back Massage in Hypertensive Persons: A Preliminary Study”  was published in Biological Research For Nursing, Vol. 7, No. 2. According to the study, hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States and it is also very dangerous since it can cause damage to vital organs. No single primary cause has been identified for hypertension but one of the main factors is long term or chronic stress response that goes unchecked. Since massage therapists have long maintained that massage therapy can decrease blood pressure and mitigate hypertension by producing the relaxation response in patients, the study tested the effects of applying regular back massage on patients who have clinically diagnosed hypertension.

The study covered 14 patients. Eight patients were in the massage group. They were given 10 sessions of 10 minute back massage done three times a week. Six patients were in the control group. They were given 10 sessions of 10 minute relaxation also done three times a week. By the end of the study, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of patients in the massage group showed a significant decrease.

Another study of the Touch Research Institute in the University of Miami’s School of Medicine and the Nova Southeastern University in Florida, done in May 1999, showed similar findings. It involved a group of thirty adults with hypertension whose blood pressure levels were under control in the previous six months. The participants were divided randomly into two groups – a massage therapy group and a progressive relaxation group.

Patients in the massage therapy group were given massages for thirty minutes in the afternoon or early evening two times a week for five consecutive weeks. Patients in the progressive relaxation group were taught progressive muscle relaxation exercises thy could do by themselves and were instructed to perform these for thirty minutes in the afternoon or early evening two times a week for five consecutive weeks.

Assessments and evaluations on the patients were done before and after the treatment period. The State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure their emotions. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaire was used to rate any symptoms of depression. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) Self-report Symptom Inventory was used to check other symptoms of anxiety, depression and hostility. Saliva samples were taken to measure levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Urine samples were taken to measure levels of cortisol and catecholamines which are biologically active amines that impact the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The patients’ blood pressures were also monitored.     

By the end of the five week study, both the massage group patients and progressive relaxation patients showed lower levels of anxiety and depression. Only the patients in the massage group, however, showed lowered levels of sitting blood pressure, lowered levels of stress hormones in both urinary and salivary tests, and lowered scores in tests for anxiety, depression and hostility.

You can surprise your family and friends with hypertension with massage gift cards so that they could relax and enjoy various therapeutic body massage services, including back massage therapy, foot massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy from professional massage therapists in Charlotte NC while lowering their blood pressure in the process.

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Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky Hospitals Report Lower Profits

Posted by admin | Posted on 13-02-2009

Category : Region III

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Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky Hospitals Report Lower Profits

Patients delaying or even canceling hospital visits to save money continues to crimp hospital profits     Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky hospitals saw combined profits of only .8 million in 2008 as the national financial crisis struck, according to a new report from a Minneapolis-based health care consultant.

That compares to profits of 0.5 million in 2007. The 2008 data is the latest available from an analysis of federal Medicare cost reports.

While investment losses played a part in the decline, the main culprit appears to be a 4 percent decline in inpatient hospital days. Even if they have insurance, patients are facing higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.

“Even patients with insurance are putting off elective procedures,” said Colleen O’Toole, president of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council, which includes the region’s hospitals as members. “And if you don’t have insurance, not only do you put off elective things, but you put off things you need.”

The Ohio Health Market review from consultant Allen Baumgarten is further confirmation of the toll the recession is inflicting on health care services. Hospitals say they’re seeing more uninsured patients in their emergency rooms and fewer paying patients. They say the trend could delay investments in new doctors, new equipment or new facilities for patients.

Among the region’s major hospitals, those earning profits in 2008 included sister hospitals Bethesda North and Good Samaritan, Drake Center, Jewish Hospital, University Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, according to the report.

Those suffering 2008 losses include Mercy hospitals in Mount Airy, Westwood and Anderson Township, Christ Hospital and St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky.

Hospitals weren’t the only ones losing profits.

Profits from health-insurance plans in Ohio fell to .7 million in 2008 from 1.1 million two years before, the report said.

Baumgarten said profits at two insurers, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Medical Mutual of Ohio, were especially strong.

Baumgarten said Anthem, one of the biggest health insurers in Greater Cincinnati, posted a 2008 profit margin of 12.7 percent in all of its Ohio operations.

Anthem said it makes only 3.7 percent profits to operate health insurance plans and that 87 cents of every premium dollar goes toward actual health-care costs.

Foods That Lower Weight And Cholesterol

Posted by admin | Posted on 09-02-2009

Category : Region V

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Foods That Lower Weight And Cholesterol

The commitment given to lowering cholesterol is what will determine the level of success in solving this crucial problem. Many people have a high cholesterol level because they consume too much fatty or saturated oil. By changing this aspect, the cholesterol level may be reduced by as much as 20 percent.

Lowering HDL cholesterol is without a doubt a huge benefit in bringing total cholesterol down to a safe level. The most important benefits of lowering cholesterol level include: reduces the formation of new cholesterol plaques, eliminates plaques, prevents the rupture of these plaques and decreases the chance of heart attack and stroke.

By changing a bad life style to a healthy diet consisting of the right foods people can improve their health and also reduce weight. Foods that are higher in fiber or starch are the best choice in diets to overcome weight and cholesterol problems.

Some recent studies prove that some foods can assist in the reduction of cholesterol and could be used in diet programs. Cholesterol Lowering Margarine has been recently introduced to the market. This margarine does not affect your HDL, or your good cholesterol and the sterols trick your body into thinking they are cholesterol based and it is not able to absorb them, therefore blocking cholesterol.

Also helping to lower cholesterol are nuts such as almonds and walnuts that have high amounts of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. A team of researchers from Loma Linda University found that the Mediterranean style diet lowered cholesterol by using walnuts. Oats and barley have played an important role in lowering cholesterol because it has a soluble fiber known as Beta Glucan which is the key for lowering the cholesterol.

High in soluble fiber and pectin are fruits and vegetables such as apples, citrus fruit, berries, carrots, apricots, cabbage, and sweet potatoes and it helps in lowering cholesterol.

Olive oil is a mono-saturated fat and studies show that it lowers blood cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is better than other varieties.

Soy protein is considered by FDA as efficient on heart disease and also in lowering cholesterol.
New research suggests that soy-based shakes can be just as effective as behavioral therapy and even more effective than weight loss medications and it also appears to help lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Dr. James W. Anderson, of the University of Kentucky said in a statement that soy is healthy, and its benefits go beyond weight loss toward increasing overall health even though it may not have a more dramatic effect on people waistline than other nutrition plans.

Recent research has shown that liquid meal replacements are effective in both weight loss and weight maintenance.

Soy-based liquid meal replacements, licensed by NutriPharma from Norway had been compared with a milk-based liquid meal replacement in a study of weight loss during a 12-week period. This study was conducted by Dr. James W. Anderson and Dr. Lars H. Hole. Those assigned to the soy-based shakes group consumed five servings of Scan-Diet daily along with fruits and vegetables.

Those in the milk group consumed two servings of Slim-Fast each day and also fruits, vegetables, chicken breast, turkey or other lean meat, two servings each.

The volunteer study participants were asked to note their tolerance during the meal-replacements, their physical activity and also food intake.

Data about Anderson and Holes study were reported in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. In the third months of study both groups achieved weight loss to about 8.5 percent of initial body weight consuming 3.7 shakes daily which is 74 percent of the recommended amount for the soy group and tow shakes daily for the milk-based group.

This study shows that the weight loss was two times greater than the weight loss reported among individuals who use medications. Also the soy group registered a considerable lower cholesterol level and a reduction in their blood level of triglycerides while there was no change among those in the milk group.

Dr Andersons conclusion was that soy protein is very effective at lowering cholesterol but the milk-based shakes are almost as effective for weight loss and also better tolerated by many people.

john savage used to work full time in health education and has always taken a keen interest in health matters.

He has an amazing weight loss blog which can be visited by Clicking Here