When patients come to Cooper Clinic, one of our main objectives is to arm them with as many tools as possible to help maintain their health. Since cardiovascular disease is our nations’ number one killer, it is something we pay particular attention to.

In the past I have discussed the various modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including the elimination of tobacco products, maintaining proper weight, a reduction of dietary saturated fat, and proper exercise. Another major risk factor is cholesterol.

If one of my patients has elevated cholesterol, anything over 200, I encourage them to try and treat the condition "naturally" before resorting to prescription medications. The cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are very effective but there are potential side effects and they are also quite costly.

PLANT STANOL ESTERS, A TERRIFIC TOOL

One of the most effective tools in lowering cholesterol naturally is the use of nutriceuticals or functional foods. For instance, we know that the soluble fiber found in oatmeal will help lower cholesterol, as will the psyllium found in Metamucil.

Another functional food we know to be very effective is Benecol, a margarine-like spread that contains plant stanol esters. These stanol esters actually help block the absorption of cholesterol. Published clinical studies (New England Journal of Medicine, 1995) have shown that two to three tablespoons of Benecol per day, used with meals and snacks, can lower total cholesterol by 10 percent and LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) by up to 14 percent. Those are very significant results considering that for every 1 percent you lower cholesterol, you lower your risk of heart attack by between 2-4 percent.

Benecol can also be used by patients taking statin medications. A study by The Cooper Institute published in the July 1, 2000 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology, showed that after eight weeks, patients taking statin therapy and using Benecol reduced LDL cholesterol by 17 percent. There was clearly a synergistic effect. In other words, one plus one equals three.

Benecol (Finnish for "good cholesterol") comes in regular and light versions and is available in most grocery stores where you find butter and margarine. You can cook with the regular version but not the light. Keep in mind Benecol is more expensive than regular butter and margarine, but is far less expensive than a statin drug.

I have received some inquiries regarding the presence of trans fatty acids in regular Benecol (the light version contains no trans fatty acids). Benecol Regular Spread contains less than 1 gram of trans fatty acids per tablespoon (14g), which is not enough to cause concern. From my perspective, the significant benefits far outweigh any potential concern.

You may also be aware of a similar spread called Take Control. This product has also been shown to lower cholesterol but it is made from a plant “sterol” ester rather than a plant "stanol" ester. I feel that the stanol ester is the superior form and will provide the greatest benefit.

NEW FORM

The makers of Benecol (McNeil Nutritionals, a division of Johnson and Johnson) have recently re-released a SoftGel version of Benecol. This gives patients the flexibility of using Benecol on the road or while eating out. Three SoftGels equal one tablespoon of Benecol (1.7 grams of plant stanol esters).

As of now the only way to purchase the SoftGels is by phone at 1-888-BENECOL or over the Web at: www.benecol.com.

You may also visit www.QVC.com or call QVC at 1-888-345-5788.

COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH

As you have probably heard me say before, cardiovascular disease is a multi-factorial disease. The use of Benecol can be a very effective tool in your toolbox, but make sure to use it with other tools as well. Controlling your weight, getting enough exercise, and eating properly are all keys in maintaining a healthy heart. If these approaches still do not bring your cholesterol under control then be sure to ask your physician for additional help. If you would like more information please refer to my latest book, Controlling Cholesterol the Natural Way, which is available in most bookstores and at www.coopercomplete.com.

Make sure to be proactive. Your health is YOUR responsibility!

Stay well and be active,
Ken Cooper, M.D.

Recognized through his writings and research as the leader of the international physical fitness movement, Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., has been credited with motivating more people to exercise in pursuit of good health than any other person.

From the time of his first book, Aerobics (1968), Dr. Cooper has advocated revolutionizing the field of medicine away from disease treatment to disease prevention through aerobic exercise. Dr. Cooper has educated millions of people through his 18 books, which have been translated into 41 languages and Braille. His message is direct: "It is easier to maintain good health through proper exercise, diet and emotional balance than it is to regain it once it is lost.

To learn more about Dr. Cooper and The Cooper Aerobics Center, click here: Biographies.