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From the desk of Dr Nandita Shah...
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Cholesterol-lowering medications, or statins, are widely regarded as highly beneficial, with some enthusiastic doctors suggesting that everyone might benefit from taking them. Typically, once prescribed, patients are expected to take these medications for life.
Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. However, it’s worth considering that the body raises cholesterol levels as part of its survival mechanism. The body rarely makes mistakes when it comes to self-preservation.
Dr. John McDougall offers an insightful perspective on this topic: “The cholesterol molecules in the bloodstream are relatively non-toxic. If cholesterol were the problem, then their predictive value for heart attacks and strokes would be close to 100% — high cholesterol would always mean sick arteries. However, many people with cholesterol levels over 300 mg/dL have perfectly clean arteries. Conversely, some individuals with levels below 170 mg/dL have suffered major heart attacks. Furthermore, when the arteries of patients taking statins are studied over time, regression of the underlying artery disease, atherosclerosis, occurs in only a minority of patients, even if the serum cholesterol drops profoundly under the influence of powerful medications.”
You can read the full article here.
This suggests that high cholesterol is not the root cause of health problems but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. Addressing the root cause eliminates the need for statins and their associated side effects.
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Highlights
Valentine is the month of love. Pause and take time to love your body too, as that is the only one guaranteed to be with you till your last breath. We have so much happening to help you build or keep that love alive. Check out our events page here. Trust us, it’s worth it.
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Are doctors misleading patients about statin risks and benefits?
Leading American physician Dr Michael Greger, who authored the best-seller How Not to Die, shares what is the dirty little secret of drugs, such as statins, for lifestyle diseases.
A Healthy Burger!
Ingredients
- 100 g kidney beans, cooked and drained
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ¼ tsp chilli powder (optional)
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup (home-made)
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- 4 tbsp coconut milk (if required)
Method
Preheat oven to 375 ºF (175 ºC). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, mash the beans with a fork until there are no whole beans, but do not puree.
Add the spices, onion, garlic, ketchup and oats. Stir thoroughly to combine.
Taste to see if the flavour is intense enough. Otherwise, add more dry spices.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and roll into balls. Flatten with the palms, shape into a patties and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes. Gently turn over and bake for another 8 minutes. Coat with coconut milk, if required, to prevent drying.
Turn over again if required and bake for another 5 minutes to obtain a firm and evenly cooked patty.
Serve with green coriander/mint chutney.
Serves 4
Food For The Mind
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP
If you love Facebook, then join us to be supported on your plant-based journey. We offer 2 possibilities.
1. SHARAN India is SHARAN’s main Facebook page which you can like and follow for getting useful daily updates and news from the plant based health world. You will also get news about the latest SHARAN events, see testimonials, and more.
2. SHARAN’s Vegan Support Group is an open support group to know more about vegan/plant-based lifestyle. Here you can ask questions and share inspiring stories, tips, recipes, etc.
All our doctors and presenters will be here to answer your questions and give you tips. If you have attended our events join this group to be a part of our family.
Please like the main SHARAN page and join the group(s) applicable to you.
Other platforms to be connected and know more…
- WhatsApp
- Instagram
- YouTube – English & Hindi
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Understanding Cholesterol and Diet
Cholesterol is produced exclusively by animals. As humans, we naturally produce cholesterol, but excessive levels are typically linked to the consumption of animal products, including dairy. Adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet can naturally lower cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol may indicate a flawed lifestyle, so addressing dietary and lifestyle habits is the key.
Reasons to Avoid Statins
Here are several reasons why statins may not always be the best option:
1. Cholesterol in Arteries vs. Bloodstream
Cholesterol is more harmful when it lines the arteries rather than when it circulates in the bloodstream. The arterial lining causes narrowing, which is not measured during standard blood cholesterol tests. This explains why individuals with normal cholesterol levels can still suffer from serious heart attacks.
2. Impact of a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet
A plant-based diet can thin the blood, dissolving cholesterol deposits in arterial walls and lowering blood pressure as arteries widen. This process may temporarily raise blood cholesterol levels, but it is not harmful.
3. Essential Role of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is vital for the body, particularly for brain function. Many people on statins experience dangerously low cholesterol levels, which can have adverse effects.
4. Statin Side Effects
Statins come with a range of side effects, including: elevated blood sugar levels or diabetes, muscle pain and damage, liver damage. neurological side effects.
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All Events
Most of our events are online now, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. Click to know more…
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| What is SHARAN? |
Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals
and Nature (SHARAN) is a social enterprise with
the goal of spreading awareness about holistic
health and an ecologically sustainable
compassionate lifestyle.
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| Compiled & Edited by: |
This newsletter is compiled by SHARAN Head of Mumbai, Reyna K Rupani. She facilitates the Six Weeks to Health Gain & Weight Loss program and also conducts health talks for schools, groups, corporates and more.
Jan 2024 | Issue: 236
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