How Do Heart Bars Work?

Oct 9

Heart Bars, a new designer food, are supplemented with a fairly large amount of L-Arginine (Arg), a nitrogen-rich amino acid that serves as the natural precursor to nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells. NO is also known as endothelial derived relaxing factor (EDRF or EDNO). The release of NO from endothelial cells causes the blood vessels to relax and this increases blood flow. NO reduces the tendency of platelets and macrophages to adhere to the blood vessel wall and inhibits the proliferation of smooth muscle cells. This can slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the tendency for blood clots to form.Nitroglycerine is a drug that also simulates the production of NO. Nitroglycerine tablets can quickly relieve angina by relaxing constricted coronary arteries. The effects of Arg on dilating coronary arteries are not as quick and dramatic as those of nitroglycerine, but they are longer lasting. Research has shown that an extra 6-9 grams of Arg daily improves vascular function.The average American diet supplies about 5-6 grams of Arg, but this may not be enough, particularly for individuals with advanced atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, most of the Arg in the American diet comes from meats and dairy products with their high saturated fat and cholesterol content, which increase LDL-C. A high level of LDL-C damages the endothelial cells and reduces their ability to produce NO from Arg. In addition, high levels of dietary L-methionine (Met) increase the production of homocysteine (Hcy). Higher levels of Hcy have been shown to promote atherosclerosis and impair endothelial cell function by destroying NO. Soy products, beans, nuts and seeds are all low in Met but are a good source of Arg, low in saturated fat and contain no cholesterol. They contain fiber and plant sterols, which actively lower LDL-C. These foods, along with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are also good sources of antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals, which help protect the artery’s endothelial cells from the damaging effects of excess Hcy and LDL-C. By contrast, a diet high in fat and sugar has been shown to impair endothelial cell function and reduce vasodilatation of blood vessels in animals. Constricted blood vessels in these animals resulted in a higher blood pressure, compared to a high complex carbohydrate diet. A more vegetarian diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans is far preferable to the typical American diet.

Uncategorizednutritionheart healthDr James J Kenney

Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

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