Page 14 - Fall2013

Caustic Commentary

reported whole-fat dairy and butter intake, and was inversely LOW CHOLESTEROL DANGER IN BABIES
associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and A new genetic study suggests that the most common form
coronary heart disease. No association of cardiovascular or of gastrointestinal obstruction in infants might be linked to
heart disease was found with palmitic acid (14:0) and a natural low cholesterol levels. Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
trans fat (trans-16:1n-7), both prevalent in butter (J Am Heart (IHPS) occurs in one to three per one thousand live births in
Assoc 2013 Jul 18;2(4):e000092). The finding that palmitic Western countries and is the leading cause of gastrointestinal
acid is not associated with the prevalence of heart disease obstruction in babies. The condition is considered genetic
is especially interesting because in the absence of dietary and is commonly treated with surgery. (JAMA, August 21,
saturated fat, the body transforms carbohydrates into satu- 2013, Vol 310, No. 7). Researchers measured plasma levels
rated palmitic acid. This is given as a reason to avoid grains, of total, low-density lipoprotein, and HDL cholesterol as well
potatoes and other starchy foods by paleo dieters, who claim as triglycerides in prospectively collected umbilical cord
that palmitic acid causes heart disease. blood from forty-six IHPS cases and one hundred eighty-
nine controls. On average, the total cholesterol level for the
COPPER AND HEART DISEASE cases and controls was 65.2 and 75.2 milligrams per deciliter,
In these pages, we have published articles on the dangers of respectively. The risk of IHPS was inversely and significantly
copper overload; but we shouldn’t forget that copper is an associated with total cholesterol. No doubt researchers will
essential mineral, especially important for cardiovascular continue down the path of genetic research, and doctors will
function. In new research involving mice, copper supple- perform more surgeries for this tragic condition, but this re-
ments restored normal cardiac function in rodents with en- search suggests that the solution lies in giving better dietary
larged hearts, otherwise known as hypertrophy. Researchers advice to pregnant women. Pregnant women need plenty
attributed the beneficial effects to increased production of of cholesterol-rich animal fats and organ meats to prevent
cardiac blood vessels and to improved function of vascular IHPS in their offspring, not the lowfat diet that is currently
endothelial growth factor, a molecule involved in function of recommended.
the delicate lining of those blood vessels (JEM vol. 204 no.
3 455a). While the research may lead to an increase in use of MORE DANGERS OF STATIN DRUGS
copper supplements, copper expert Dr. Leslie M. Klevay notes We recently reported that some statins, such as Lipitor and
that supplements don't work well. One reason is that copper Zocor, can raise a patient’s risk for diabetes by as much as 22
needs iron for efficient assimilation. Klevay recommends percent (BMJ 2013;346:f2610), although the medical establish-
food sources such as grains and nuts, liver and peanut butter. ment continues to insist that the benefits of cholesterol lower-

SHOPPING GUIDE CORRECTIONS
1. New phone number for TruRoots, under Grains and Legumes: 925-218-2205.

2. New phone number for Wills Valley Farm Products, under Lacto-Fermented Vegetables: 717-284-5751.

3. New phone number for Wonderfully Raw under Cookies, Bars and Muffins: 831-786-8773.

4. New phone number for Wise Choice Market under Lacto-Fermentation Starters, Lacto-Fermented Vegetables, Condi-
ments, and Beverages: 541-613-1165.

5. New phone number for Aqua Vitea kombucha under Beverages: 802-453-8590.

For corrections to our Shopping Guide, or to suggest new products, please contact us at shoppingguide@westonaprice.org.
12 Wise Traditions FALL 2013 FALL 2013 Wise Traditions

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