When it comes to eating chicken and turkey, statistics show that the majority of North Americans prefer white meat over dark meat. However, new information has emerged that suggests women might be better off choosing dark.
A recent study conducted at NYU Langone Medical Center revealed that the dark meat of chicken, turkey, and some fish is linked to significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease in women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men and women. It’s caused by the build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart.
The NYU research team evaluated the impact of taurine in dark meat and discovered that the higher intake of taurine, the lower heart disease risk there was among women with high cholesterol levels. Taurine is a natural nutrient found in the tissue of dark meat.
Until now, the only research that linked taurine in dark meat to reduced heart disease risk came from animal studies. The human study was extensive; more than 14,000 women participated. The study concluded that women with high cholesterol who had high levels of taurine were 60 per cent less likely to develop heart disease or die from it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, taurine is an amino acid that helps regulate water and mineral salts in the blood. Some studies suggest it improves athletic performance. Today taurine can be found in many different types of energy drinks, but these drinks can also be high in sugar and caffeine which are both substances that can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, leading to heart disease.
Taurine is also available in supplement form and is said to have antioxidant properties. Dieticians who work in consultation with the Canadian Heart Association say there are natural heart disease remedies that people can apply on a daily basis.
Natural Remedies
Eating the right foods and exercising regularly can go a long way in lowering a woman’s heart disease risk. For instance dairy products are known to have taurine in them; however, they can also have fat so instead of 2 per cent milk and whole milk products like cheese and yogurt, try skim milk and non-fat cheeses and yogurt. Avoid red meat, sausage and fried foods and have fish, white meat from poultry, or shellfish that has taurine in it. Eat less white bread and substitute with whole grains. Lastly, avoid trans fats and saturated fats. You can have healthy fats found in nuts, olive oil and flax seeds.
Lowering your heart disease risk doesn’t necessarily have to involve a lot of heavy medications either. Studies have shown that exercise is one of the best natural heart disease remedies. In fact, Harvard Medical School research indicates that even as little as two hours of activity a week can make a difference in women’s heart disease risk level.
Exercise and proper diet are not the only natural heart disease remedies. Several studies, including one published in the well known medical journal “Circulation” states that magnesium is good for your heart. Magnesium seems to increase heart muscle strength and decrease abnormal heart rhythms.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre both ginger and garlic could be natural heart disease remedies. There appears to be some evidence that they reduce blood clotting. Researches on these, as well as many other herbs such as rosemary and cayenne are being conducted globally; as more consumers demand natural remedies to serious medical problems like heart disease.
Related Reading: 10 Foods to help prevent clogged arteries
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