One particular nut drops triglyceride levels by 10.2%

You’ve probably heard that nuts are a superfood. New studies come out monthly extolling the power of nuts to keep you healthy. Most of these studies focus on almonds. But two new studies say another great-tasting nut can drop your triglycerides and your LDL cholesterol.

The first study found that pistachio nuts (67 gms daily) can lower your total cholesterol by 5.1% and LDL by 7.4%. These green nuts also improved LDL to HDL ratios by 5.6%. But that wasn’t the big news. Those study participants with high triglycerides (.150 mg/dl) saw their levels drop by 10.2%. The researchers said the nuts work best in those with higher LDL cholesterol and/or with a lower body mass index.

In the second study, researchers confirmed the first study. They found that 32-63 grams (10% of daily energy needs) per day of pistachio nuts reduced serum oxidized LDL concentrations. It also raised plasma lutein, alpha-carotene, and gamma tocopherol. These are important natural antioxidants.

The bio-identical hormone you don’t need

If you’ve read my newsletter for very long, you know that I’m a big fan of bio-identical hormones. I’ve seen some incredibly positive changes in people who need them and take them correctly. However, I recently came across a particular bio-identical hormone that I no longer recommend. Let me explain.

Beware of “board certified” doctors

You may have seen doctors advertising themselves as “board certified.” If so, beware! No, it doesn’t mean they’re bad doctors. But it also doesn’t mean they're good doctors. Today, board certification doesn’t mean what it used to. And the change could have a significant impact on your health care.

Years ago, board certification was for life. After many years of rigorous training, passing the certification exam meant you had attained a certain level of knowledge, skill, and ability. In the past 25 years though, certification has become temporary. It now has an expiration date. As a result, passing the exam doesn’t mean what it used to.

I’ve experienced these changes. And I’m not happy. I was certified by both the American Board of Family Practice (AAFP) and American Board of Emergency Medicine. I also went through recertification. I did it simply to keep my credentials in an otherwise hostile environment toward alternative doctors. In my opinion, the AAFP exam was a sham.