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Can Coenzyme Q10 Prevent a Heart Attack?

4/19/2012

1 Comment

 
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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a cofactor required for the electron transport chain which is an energy producing process that occurs in every cell in the body.  This process is especially important in the heart which needs a vast amount of energy production in order to pump blood through our bodies.  The theory is that providing adequate amounts of CoQ10 should help with more efficient energy production, thus, a stronger and healthier working heart.  Research has shown that people with high blood pressure, chronic heart failure and heart disease all have low amounts of CoQ10.  Coq10 is also a very strong antioxidant which further benefits the conditions listed above since one thing they all have in common is the production of oxidative stress.  Oxidative stress in the body can cause negative health effects and antioxidants are necessary for repair.  CoQ10 also stabilizes and protects smooth muscle cells and blood vessels which could be the reason it has shown to be so effective in the treatment of high blood pressure.

I believe that CoQ10 can also prevent secondary coronary events.  Secondary coronary events include a second heart attack or any issue regarding the heart, occurring after a first event.   If a person has never supplemented with CoQ10 and has had a coronary event then they will have an even higher demand for energy production so it would definitely be beneficial to consider adding CoQ10 into a treatment plan.  It has been shown that CoQ10 is most effective when given within the first 3 days and for the first year following a coronary event in order to prevent a second one.  CoQ10 is non-toxic with little to no side effects and does not typically interact with conventional medications that are given for cardiovascular issues.  It is important to note that CoQ10 production in the body is blocked in people taking cholesterol lowering medications called statins (ie. Lipitor and Crestor) and every person on these medications should be taking a CoQ10 supplement.  

Overall, I feel that the use of CoQ10 will not harm and will most likely result in positive health benefits so should be considered in treatment plans for people with past coronary events or current cardiovascular risk.

Please consult a physician before taking CoQ10 to find out whether it would benefit you and what dose would be appropriate.


1 Comment

Book Review - Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

4/14/2012

0 Comments

 
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Eating Animals is a brilliant, in depth look at the state of the modern food industry from the farm to your plate. This book is the conclusion of years of research put together by Foer who delves into several different perspectives of the treatment of our food to deliver and unbiased view of how food is produced. Not only does he ask tough questions to those he interviews in the book, but he also asks thought provoking questions to the reader, allowing for moments of introspection to search the consciousness for answers to why we make the choices we do when preparing or sitting down for a meal. He offers a chance for everyone to understand exactly what they are buying from fast food chains grocery stores or farmer’s markets. He puts faces to the farmers that raise, feed and tend to the animals that we mindlessly consume and fosters awareness to those that go about it respectfully and those that do not. This work is an intriguing and important read for anyone that has ever stopped to think about what was on their plate or wondered where it came from and how it actually ended up there.


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Cold Rolls

4/5/2012

2 Comments

 
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If you made it to our open house these were a popular item so we thought it was definitely a good time to post this blog and recipe.

Have you ever been out to a Thai restaurant and wanted a healthy alternative to spring rolls?  Thai cold rolls are usually the alternative option typically filled with shrimp or tofu.  These rolls can be fairly expensive so today we will share the recipe to make them right in the comfort of your own home.  They are incredibly easy to make and can be served with a homemade almond or peanut sauce making them even more delicious.  You can essentially put whatever you would like in these rolls.  We have experimented and this is our favourite but feel free to try many different combinations.  The amount of ingredients really depends on how many rolls you would like to make so we have just put some estimates beside each of the ingredients.  If you have extra almond or peanut sauce, tofu and vermicelli left over it is also delicious with some stir fried veggies.

Cold Rolls Recipe

·         Rice papers (round and dried)

·         Brown rice vermicelli (1/2 package)

·         Sprouts (Make your own-see previous blog post)

·         Lettuce (Boston leaf, red leaf, romaine or argula –really whatever you prefer) (can rip pieces off as you go)

·         Shredded carrots (about ¼ cup)

·         Cucumber cut in long strips (about ½ cup)

·         Green onion cut in long strips (about 4 onions)

·         Extra Firm Tofu (preferably organic) cut in strips (1 package)

·         1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions

Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.  Cut tofu in strips and stir fry till browned and set aside.  Boil a pot with water and prepare brown rice vermicelli as listed on package (typically boil 3 minutes) and rinse with cold water.  Prepare vegetables as instructed above.  Now you are ready to assemble the rolls.  Note: if tofu is still warm place in freezer till cooled down. 

Place 1 rice paper in a flat bowl of water and soak for 1 minute and then towel it dry.  Transfer to a cutting board.  Place another rice paper in water to let it soak.  With the rice paper on the cutting board place all ingredients horizontally in the centre of the wrap.  Start by rolling the wrap and then fold in the sides and continue rolling.  Be careful not to roll too tight or they will break.  Repeat until you have rolled the desired amount.

Almond or Peanut Sauce

·         1/3 cup Natural almond butter or peanut butter

·         2 tbsp Bragg’s liquid aminos or tamari sauce

·         ¼ cup water

·         1 ½ tbsp. rice vinegar

·         1-2 garlic cloves minced

·         ¼ tsp chilis

·         ½ tsp agave nectar

Directions

Whisk together all ingredients together. 

Dip cold rolls in sauce and enjoy!

2 Comments

    Chris and Darcie

    Health tips and delicious recipes.

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