Steve Blake, ScD, Preventing Heart Disease: Fats, Antioxidants, etc. February 18, 2010

The most dangerous disease in America is atherosclerosis-the clogging of the arteries. It is an insidious disease because there are often no symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs.

What are the causes of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes?
Excess saturated fat and excess calories
Heart disease is primarily caused by rich diets. We are now learning that diet is so powerful a therapy that regression of atherosclerosis can also be also be achieved in some cases with dietary changes alone. The principle cause of atherosclerosis is excessive saturated fats in the diet, primarily from animal products such as cheese and meat.

Cholesterol
The delicate lining of our arteries can become damaged when circulating LDL (low density lipoprotein) is unprotected by antioxidants. The cells in the walls of the arteries can then become attacked by immune cells, principally macrophages. This causes a scab-like buildup of cholesterol and foam cells that restricts the flow of blood in the arteries. Thankfully, this damage does not occur if there are sufficient antioxidants to protect the arterial walls. Excess saturated fats decrease the fluidity and permeability of the cell membranes.

Vitamin C is crucial for recharging the antioxidant potential of vitamin E. Vitamin E embedded in the membrane of the LDL can only quench one free radical. Circulating vitamin C then can restore the antioxidant activity of vitamin E.
Coenzyme Q10 works as a co-antioxidant along with vitamin E to increase its effectiveness. Unfortunately, coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis is obstructed by statin drugs, which are given to reduce cholesterol biosynthesis.

Omega-3 fatty acids are very beneficial for arterial health. Eicosanoids made from EPA decrease the risk of fatal blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Walnuts and flax powder are excellent sources. Dietary intakes of arachidonic acid, largely from meats, reverse the beneficial effects of EPA.

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