Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur) - Hindustan Times (Jaipur) - City
Pistachios, natural and complete nutrition for a healthy heart
Cardiologist Dr HK Chopra, launched Mission Nutrition to focus on power and promise of ‘perfect nutrition for perfect health’. In an article, he states that ‘perfect heart health’ is physical, mental, social, psychological, emotional and environmental wellbeing and not just the absence of disease. The time has come for a paradigm shift from ‘illness to wellness’. India is the world capital of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and stroke. Most of these diseases have links with deficiency of macronutrients and micronutrients such as protein, Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA), Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA). Micronutrients also include antioxidants vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Deficiencies are responsible for premature coronary artery disease, hypertension, increased heart rate, insulin resistance, oxidation of bad cholesterol, increased renin angiotensin activity, sympathetic activity, inflammation, self proliferation, vascular and left ventricular stiffness. Micronutrient deficiency increases levels of jittering molecules such as steroids, epinephrine, norepinephrine, renin and decrease of serotonin, endorphins, acetylcholine, oxytocin, etc. This causes plaque erosion, rupture, platelet aggregation and clot formation, leading to angina, heart attack, stroke or sudden cardiac death. According to Dr Chopra, California Pistachio is complete nutrition for a healthy heart. It improves heart in multiple ways. Some include: Lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non- HDL cholesterol, small dense LDL and triglycerides Decreases oxidation of LDL Increases blood phytosterols and level of antioxidants Provides beneficial antiinflammatory properties Provides adequate micronutrients Reduces acute stress by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and peripheral vascular responses. One ounce of California Pistachio a day (49 kernels of
Disclaimer: The veracity of any health claim made in the above article is the responsibility of the concerned hospital/doctor. pistachio) helps in keeping a heart healthy. To read more views of Dr HK Chopra and other Indian and global nutritionists about California Pistachios, log on to www.americanpistachios.in.