(ARA) – Heart disease remains the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. Elevated cholesterol levels are a major risk factor in developing heart disease and contributing to heart attacks.
More than 100 million adults in the U.S. have counts the American Heart Association considers borderline high: more than 200 mg/dl, and 40 million people have cholesterol levels of 240 or higher.
We’ve all heard that a heart-healthy lifestyle begins with a good diet and exercise. Saturated fats in high-fat dairy foods raise levels of total cholesterol and the “bad” cholesterol LDL. Trans-fats not only raise the LDL but also lower the protective “good” HDL cholesterol. So we want to cut back on both.
But diet and exercise alone often will not bring cholesterol levels in the blood into a safe zone. There are a number of safe, natural approaches to cholesterol control, according to Robert E. Kowalski, author of the New 8-Week Cholesterol Cure.
Kowalski introduced oat bran to the American diet in 1987 with his best-selling book. The soluble fiber in such foods yields an additional 5 to 10 percent cholesterol drop, he says; and today, the author champions the use of plant sterols, natural extracts that have been proven to block the absorption of dietary cholesterol. “Studies routinely show a cholesterol reduction averaging 10 percent or more,” says Kowalski.
“One great way to get these plant sterols into your heart-healthy diet is to replace milk with the delicious beverage, Rice Dream Heartwise,” he says. Each 8-ounce serving contains 650 milligrams of Corowise plant sterols. Foods that contain at least .4 grams (400 milligrams) per serving of plant sterols, consumed twice daily with meals, for a daily total intake of at least .8 grams (800 milligrams), as part of a diet low in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Replacing milk with Rice Dream Heartwise not only cuts out the fat and cholesterol found in dairy foods, but also provides these exciting plant sterols. Kowalski points out that Rice Dream Heartwise works wonderfully in many recipes, as well as in cereals and as a beverage.
Start with a Heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, plenty of whole grain foods, fish at least twice weekly, and lean choices of meat and poultry, the author says. Then add plant sterols in foods such as Rice Dream Heartwise, available in supermarkets nationwide. For more information on Rice Dream Heartwise, log onto www.imaginefoods.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
SIDEBAR
Recipes that Can Be Made with Rice Dream Instead of Cow’s Milk
* For Breakfast -- Pancakes
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup unbleached white flour
1 cup Original Rice Dream
2 Tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon egg replacer powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Directions: Mix all ingredients. Let batter stand for two minutes. Mix in 2 more tablespoons of Rice Dream. Lightly oil pan or griddle; heat over medium-high heat. Use 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Enjoy with your favorite pancake toppings. Serves: 2 to 3.
Variation: To make this recipe using an egg, eliminate egg replacer powder and add 1 egg, lightly beaten. Change the use of the following ingredients to these quantities: 1 Tablespoon canola oil, 2 teaspoons baking powder.
* For Lunch or Dinner -- Fettuccini Primavera with Béchamel Sauce
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup frozen baby peas, thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil, cut into strips
1 head broccoli, thinly cut
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1 large red pepper, thinly sliced
12 ounces fettuccini pasta
10 large mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 cups Béchamel Sauce (Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter, ghee or olive oil, 1 cup Original Rice Dream, 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, 1/2 cup water or vegetable stock, 1 clove garlic, minced, pinch dried dill, 6 tablespoons wheat or brown rice flour, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, optional splash of white wine or lemon, pinch white pepper. Directions: In a heavy saucepan, over a low flame, sauté onions and garlic in butter/oil until soft and translucent. Sprinkle in flour and stir frequently for 5 minutes. Slowly add Rice Dream, water/stock and seasonings. Whisk until well blended. Increase heat and allow mixture to come briefly to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often. Taste, adjust seasonings and/or sauce thickness by adding more water or flour in small increments. Serve immediately or allow to cool and refrigerate for later use. Yield: 2 cups)
1 small red onion, sliced
Garnish basil flowers
Directions: In a medium pan, sauté broccoli and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes. Add peppers and mushrooms; sauté over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes or more depending upon how well cooked you prefer your vegetables. Stir in peas; cook a few more minutes until mixture is hot. Add olives and basil; cover and set aside.
Cook pasta following package directions. Serve immediately topped with sautéed vegetables and a generous portion of Béchamel sauce. Garnish with basil flowers. Servings: 4 to 6.
* For Dessert -- Stove Top Rice Pudding
1 cup sweet brown (mochi) rice
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups Vanilla Rice Dream Heartwise
Pinch sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch cardamon, nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 currant
Topping: slivered, roasted almonds
Directions: Bring to a boil sweet rice, water, salt, and cinnamon stick, then cover and simmer on very low heat until the water is absorbed (about 30 minutes). Add the Rice Dream, currants, and spices and then simmer on low, stirring regularly, until the rice is soft and gooey. Top with almonds. More Rice Dream can be added to each serving if desired. Serves 4.
Variation: For a sweeter pudding, add 2 tablespoons maple syrup when adding Rice Dream.