New study finds chocolate chip cookies lower cholesterol

Right Direction Chocolate Chip CookiesTM lower cholesterol and improve lipid subfraction profile, lowering the risk of heart disease, according to a published study in The Journal of Nutrition (October). The chocolate chip cookies, made with a combination of psyllium and plant sterols, are a tasty all-natural approach to reducing cardiovascular risk associated with cholesterol.

The American Heart Association estimates at least 50 percent of the American adult population has high cholesterol. The study revealed eating two Right Direction Cookies daily showed a ten percent decrease in LDL cholesterol as well as shifting the LDL particles toward a less atherogenic pattern.

Normal cholesterol levels are usually associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, but not always. Recent studies reveal small, dense LDL particles have been linked to increased formation of fatty substances and cholesterol buildup in the arteries, even for individuals with total cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dl.

The randomized, double blind study researched 33 healthy adults with moderately high cholesterol between the ages 35–65 at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. Participants were randomly assigned to the Right Direction Cookie group or the placebo cookie group. Two cookies per day were consumed for four weeks. After a three week washout period, subjects received the other cookies for an additional four weeks. At the end of each treatment period, two blood samples were drawn on different days (to control for day-to-day variability) and collected.

Final results revealed a ten percent decrease of LDL cholesterol levels in the plasma of the participants of the Right Direction Cookie group. The decrease was in the worst kind of lipoproteins, those that were smallest and most likely to raise risk for heart disease. Body weight did not change and there were no changes in HDL (good) cholesterol. According to the Center for Disease Control, a 10 percent decrease in total cholesterol levels may result in an estimated 30 percent reduction in the incidence of coronary heart disease.

The soluble fiber in Right Direction Cookies absorbs fluids, cholesterol, fat and bile, carrying them through the digestive tract and out of the body in the stool. The plant sterols lower blood cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption from food during digestion. Psyllium is an excellent source of soluble fiber and when consumed regularly, it has a positive effect in the treatment of obesity, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, hemorrhoids and coronary artery disease.

"Our results suggest dietary treatment with Right Direction Cookies significantly affected the total number of lipoprotein particles and reduced plasma concentrations," said Jay Udani, a key researcher of the study and Medical Director of Medicus Research. "LDL levels dropped due to the high amount of plant sterols and soluble fibers in Right Direction Cookies."

About Right Direction Cookies

Created by two nutritionists in Kenilworth, NJ, Right Direction Cookies are a novel product with enough soluble fiber and plant sterols to help lower cholesterol. Currently, Right Direction Cookies are available at specialty stores and online at www.rightdirectioncookies.net for $13.99 per box, for a one week supply of 14 cookies. For more information, visit the Web site or call 866.535.3696.