From: www.BasilAndSpice.com

Book Review: Cholesterol Down by Dr. Janet Brill

Cholesterol Down is for the 105 million Americans who have high cholesterol. The author, Dr. Janet Brill, a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and certified wellness coach has spent years counseling patients on cardiovascular disease prevention, researching, and writing on the subject of cholesterol. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Obesity and the International Journal of Sport Nutrition.

Cholesterol Down provides readers with the information they need regarding cholesterol -- what it is and how it works both for and against the body. It is significantly endorsed by Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres, the National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association. She states, "The simple, consistent, and inexpensive lifestyle therapy outlined in her {Dr. Janet Brill's} Cholesterol Down Plan could be the most important investment you make in your future health." Dr. Brill explains LDL, the bad portion of cholesterol, and offers an effective combination therapy of foods, scientifically based, that are as effective as statins. Besides lowering LDL, the following ten-step program also offers further health benefits.

First, eat 1 cup of oatmeal every day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends three whole-grain servings daily. This is linked to reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, some cancers, lower blood pressure, and improved bowel movement. Oatmeal lowers LDL, may raise HDL--the good portion of cholesterol, and studies show that the more consumed, the greater the benefit.

Second, eat a handful of almonds daily, approximately 30. In addition to warding off heart disease, they also are particularly preventive toward colon cancer, and help with weight loss. The FDA, American Heart Association, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute all recommend eating almonds to lower heart disease risk, possibly by 50%.

Third, eat at least 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. Flaxseed has been shown to be preventative toward breast, colon, and prostate cancers, and is known to lower LDL cholesterol and aid in brain functioning.


Fourth, consume 3 grams of psyllium husk daily, gradually increasing to 10 grams. For the average consumer that means Metamucil. Dr. Brill states that psyllium husk, the active ingredient in Metamucil is "the most powerful LDL-lowering viscous soluble fiber in existence....For every 10 grams of total dietary fiber intake per day, risk of heart attack dropped by an estimated 14% and risk of dying from the disease by 27%." Metamucil also promotes digestion, moving toxins out of the body quickly.

Fifth, eat ½ cup of beans, peas, or lentils daily. Legumes help reduce blood pressure, provide minerals and vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Beans help fight obesity, diabetes, constipation, hemorrhoids, and various cancers--lung, colon, breast, esophagus, and stomach.

Sixth, eat an apple every day. Pectin, the soluble fiber within the apple lowers LDL cholesterol. Apples also help maintain a steady blood sugar level, aid in weight loss, provide nutrients, antioxidants, and tannins helpful with preventing urinary tract infections. The fruit is known to promote healthy lung function as well.

Seventh, consume 2-3 grams of phytosterols per day at two separate meals. This chapter is titled, "Step 7: Eat Margarine with Phytosterols." During the last twenty years we've been moving away from margarines. But recently, new healthier versions -- those without hydrogenated oils and now containing phytosterols, have arrived in the supermarket. The National Cholesterol Education Program asks Americans to eat 2-3 grams of phytosterols daily, to aid in cholesterol reduction by 6-15 percent. Phytosterols are also a protection against colon, breast, and prostate cancers. I highly recommend this chapter is thoroughly read by consumers to raise awareness of how their purchases affect their bodies. A small decision such as which type of margarine to use can yield significant results.

Eighth, eat 20-25 grams of soy protein every day -- also recommended by the U.S. government. This Dr. Brill says, does not include soy oil nor soy sauce. Soy consumption reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and various cancers. It promotes kidney function in diabetics, prevents osteoporosis, eases menopause symptoms, and possibly prevents male balding.

Ninth, eat a clove of fresh garlic and one Kyolic One Per Day Cardiovascular aged garlic extract supplement daily. Modern research reveals garlic's effectiveness against cholesterol. Garlic is also the food of history used for bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. Its phytochemicals work naturally against stomach, colon and larynx cancers. Further research shows positive results with garlic's use in possibly treating leukemia.

The last step of the Cholesterol Down Plan is to walk for 30 minutes every day. The American Heart Association regards the lack of physical activity as the biggest risk factor for heart disease. Exercise prevents diabetes, increases length of life, lowers LDL cholesterol, reduces risk of breast and colon cancers, prevents loss of muscle mass, reduces risk of senility, and will save you money when compared with those who are sedentary.

Dr. Brill provides a fresh approach to cholesterol reduction in her simple ten-step plan, freeing patients of undesirable prescription drug side effects. The book includes a daily checklist, a progress chart, meal plans, and recipes. Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks -- Without Prescription Drugs should be read by every person with high LDL cholesterol, or who is at risk of heart disease. An affordable paperback and a best-seller, it receives 5 Stars.

I have long known we are fearfully and wonderfully made but now understand how true it is when reading this book and seeing how much goes into affecting our cholesterol. This book was informative and interesting.

Cholesterol Down is a great book for people who want to lower there cholesterol without the risks of prescription drug side effects . The science behind high cholesterol is explained in detail and the ten steps to lower your cholesterol are easy to follow. Many great recipe suggestions are provided. Best of all is the fact that Dr. Janet Brill's program really works! Thank you Dr. Janet

Cholesterol Down: Ten Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in Four Weeks--Without Prescription Drugs

All I can tell you is that this Cholesterol Down eating and exercise plan works! When I decided to get this book, I had already tried to take two different prescription cholesterol medications, but I could not tolerate the side effects. Well, the side effects with this plan turned out to be my total cholesterol going from 234 to 166, triglycerides going from 133 to 89, LDL (bad cholesterol) going from 167 to 69, and HDL (good cholesterol) went from 56 to 80. At the same time, totally unexpected, my diabetes A1c test was PERFECT (5.8) for the first time since I was diagnosed 4 years ago.

The book is well written and easy to understand. She explains what cholesterol is in a way that a lay person can understand. She also explains the science behind choosing the foods she includes in the plan.

The second half of the book includes a daily planner for working these foods into your diet, numerous suggested menus and recipes. I really didn't use her recipes much, although they looked good. I worked the foods into my diet using menus I was already comfortable with. I was already exercising 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy diet, but did not know which foods were best for lowering cholesterol before I read the book.

If you're serious about getting that cholesterol down, this is the book for you.

Too many of us in the US want a "quick fix" to every "problem" that comes our way, whether personal issues or public policy. The plan outlined by the author is just that - a quick fix - - or so the cover leads us to believe. We much prefer to treat symptoms than address the cause of the problem in the first place.

That said, I bought it because (1) I'm educated ( a continuing process ),(2) statistical correlation between elevated cholesterol and adverse health conditions exists, (3)"they" keep lowering the bar re total cholesterol levels, (4) the use of statins can be dangerous, in addition to being costly, and (5) my historical levels of cholesterol exceed currently accepted average guidelines.

Brill's plan had a positive impact on participants cited. It may be doing the same in my case - though I've chosen only 8 or the 10 steps. We'll see. That said, a CT scan of my heart shows zero plaque, and my calculated cardiovascular age is 15 years less than actual. I believe I'm in good health - and intend to stay that way. This is proactive choice on my part. I'm not under a physician's care and even if my cholesterol levels remain the same, I expect to continue most of the steps chosen. I've concluded they make sense.

Brill educates well in the first 42 pages. Whether you choose to adopt any of her suggestions in principle or with a specific objective, the subject matter is important. In truth, the broader issue as it relates to overall health is that of oxidation and free radical generation. LDL levels are indicators, but the culprit in CV disease from what I've read is VLDL and inflammation - - triglyceride levels are a more important focal point than LDL by itself. Neurosurgeon author, Russell L Blaylock, can provide interested readers additional comprehensive knowledge of basic mechanisms of disease and how nutrition impacts the process.

Cholesterol DOWN is worth your time and the few dollars it costs. BUY IT. READ IT. SHARE IT WITH OTHERS. Most importantly, learn to identify and focus on the CAUSE of things you believe to be problems. Quick fixes are a foolish waste of time.

This is one of the best books available on market today for anyone struggling with the dos and don'ts of meal plans. It is direct and to the point and no matter where your learning curve is you will have no problem reading and gaining all of the necessary tools and tips with this very well written book. A must have for folk who have no idea where to start when the doctor says "we must lower your cholesterol".

On 11/30/2007 my total cholesterol was 220, LDL 166, HDL 43, and triglycerides 53. My Doctor recommended that I start Lipitor. Before staring Lipitor I researched the drug and side effects and decided that there must be a better way. Today 2/5/2008 after using the "Cholesterol Down" recomendations since 12/15/2007 my cholesterol total is 134, LDL 91, HDL, 31, triglycerides 58. This is an amazing turn around. I did not use the Metamucil as recommended because I was prescribed a blood pressure med at the same time. The concern was that the Metamucil would bind to the blood pressure medication and limit its benefit. I am thrilled and have thanked Janet Brill for showing me the way without drugs. Let me tell you however that you must be dedicated to the diet. It worked for me.

This is a well written book that really teaches the reader how to lower their cholesterol. The book fully explains why each of the 10 foods were chosen and backs it up with research. I have just started the program and the foods (oatmeal, almonds, beans, apples, etc.) are simple to eat and taste great.

I look forward to my cholesterol being lowered when I retest it in the spring. This is a must have book for anyone serious about lowering their cholesterol.

This book is an excellent read with practical, easy to follow diet changes. My cholesterol went from 257 to 187 in 3 months time. In addition to reading this book, I used recipes from the American Heart Assoc. cookbook, excersized almost every day, and read the "8 Week Cholesterol Cure" book. This book has helped me understand how to change my life for the better, giving me to information to understand why I needed various diet adjustments.

The book promises "10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol" and it delivers. The first section of this book deals with what cholesterol is and what it does, and as this reader-friendly author suggests, "If science is not your cup of tea, simply cut to Part II." Part II is the meat of the book, listing the ten simple - and they are - steps to lowering your cholesterol. Not only simple, but affordable, too - much more so than prescribed medicine. With each step, the good Doctor explains how each process helps us reach our medical goal, gives the medical proof that exists for each, presents case histories, and lists further options and tips on how to additionally simplify each step. Yet, if you're not into the medical jargon, this section of the book is formated so you can skip over much of the material presented and get the basic information you need in a few short paragraphs. She does make it easy. The third and final section of the book offers charts to help you follow this course, if you're into such regimentation. There are also a few dozen healthful recipes, few of which appealed to me. Now here's the bonus part: as Brill explains, each of these steps will also help in lowering blood pressure, aiding diabetics, fighting obesity, forestalling aging, even stopping hair loss. So, if you suffer from any of these ills and more, you can't go wrong with this basic recipe for good health. I'll be back in a month with an update on how my medical numbers responded to this information.

This book can be quickly scanned for the information that you need, or you can read it fully and understand the underlying principles. It is a "do" book and not a "don't" book: so is really quite palatable.

I used the ideas and they worked! Was able to get off cholesterol statins and keep it low (below 200) using some of the ideas presented here.

The 10 steps outlined by Janet Brill really works. As a result of following the plan, I lowered my cholesterol 40 points in 3 months, without prescription drugs. Having cholesterol problems on both sides of my family, I followed the plan, but had no idea that my results would be so dramatic. I was a skeptic, who hoped for the best. My doctor was so surprised by my numbers that I have referred the book to him. He took a few extra minutes during my visit to find out how I was able to make such a dramatic improvement.

The recipes that are provided in the book are very tasty and enjoyable, making it easy to follow the 10 steps. Quite frankly, I am enjoying feeling and looking better, and I look forward to introducing healthier eating options to my family and friends. I have already purchased additional copies to share with friends who have been struggling to improve their cholesterol.