Around the world, nearly seven million people die of coronary heart disease every year. And despite the continuing advancements in surgery, diagnostic techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions, that number keeps going up.

Mainstream Drug Treatments

As a cardiologist, I’ve treated many patients with heart disease. For years I prescribed drugs to patients who were suffering from high cholesterol and high blood pressure as the first step in treatment – because that is what I was taught to do.

But somewhere along the way, I started to notice that even though my patients’ “numbers” were improving, most didn’t look or feel any better. In fact, many patients were telling me that the drugs I had put them on, especially those for lowering cholesterol, were making them feel worse.

I knew there had to be a better way. And it turns out there is!

The Better Alternative

In fact, the data is right there for everyone to see – changing what we eat is the key to treating and preventing heart disease. So much so that studies have shown heart disease REVERSAL when lifestyle (and especially diet) are optimized.

The best part is, there are no side effects from eating better – just side benefits like lower blood pressure, better blood sugar control, weight loss, and a reduction in inflammation.

In one food-based study, 24 patients with severe coronary artery disease were offered an “experimental” dietary therapy on top of traditional medical care.

They were instructed to switch to a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet which consisted of whole grains, beans and lentils, vegetables and fruit. Of the 24 patients, 17 adhered to the WFPB diet and 7 opted out.

In the eight years before the study, those 17 patients collectively had 49 heart events including heart attacks, strokes, angioplasty, bypass surgery, and worsening angina. In the 12 years following their dietary change, they suffered no additional events.

None.

The Role of Medications

This doesn’t mean medications don’t have a place. There’s plenty of data to support their use as well. But medications need to be thought of as an adjunct to optimized lifestyle – not the complete answer.

I saw this first hand when I started to incorporate nutrition into every treatment plan I created. All of a sudden, my patients were requiring less and less medication to control their health issues – and best of all, they FELT better!

I’ve even had some patients become non-patients because their health improved so much through dietary change.

This isn’t a diet that’s restricted or bland or even expensive. And because we eat multiple times per day, every day, even small sustained changes can yield dramatic health effects over time.

Implementing Diet Changes that Help Your Heart

So, if you’re not ready to go all-in on a WFPB approach, you can still significantly improve your health by focusing on adding these nutrients to your diet:

Plant Sterols

Plant sterols are found naturally in many grains, nuts, seeds, veggies, and fruits. This nutrient helps lower cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Broccoli, blueberries, and corn are rich in plant sterols. They’re also plentiful in almonds, walnuts, pecans, and flax.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3’s are the good fats. These fatty acids are essential to your health and can be found in fish like tuna, salmon, and halibut – as well as in nuts and seeds, including walnuts, flax, and chia. Omega-3’s help lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels, while helping promote brain health.

Antioxidants

Found naturally in vegetables, fruits, coffee, and wait for it… chocolate and wine, antioxidants help prevent and stop cell damage. By incorporating these into your diet, you’re helping your body fight off disease and chronic ailments.

Whole Food Fiber

This plant-based nutrient is found in beans and grains, as well as fruits and vegetables, and helps keep food moving through your body. Fiber also aids in regulating blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol.

Supplements or Diet?

Together, these four nutrients play an essential role in keeping the main culprits of heart disease – diabetes, high-blood pressure, and high cholesterol – at bay.

But an important point needs to be made – getting these substances from food is preferable than getting them from supplements. Unlike the studies on food, studies on supplements have yielded generally disappointing results.

So, I encourage you to start incorporating more of these nutrients into your diet through small sustained dietary changes. It will make a big difference in how you feel, and most importantly, it will give you the best chance to improve your heart health and help you live well, longer.

How do you treat your high cholesterol, blood sugar level, and blood pressure? Do you use medications, or do you count on a healthy diet? Please share any experience you have with nutrients that have aided in improving your health.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

I’ve had enough snow and ice and freezing temps. And long days indoors.

Like everyone else, I’m eager to pack a bag and escape. I dream of travels to a sandy beach or a windswept island or a city with winding streets to wander. Even though I must wait to visit relatives, attend a wedding, and cheer on a baseball team, I can travel the world with books. 

These selections transported me to Australia, France, England, and Ireland. All destinations I crave to explore. So, put on a big pot of soup, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy!

The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little

When we hear Chanel, glamour comes to mind. But Coco’s and Antoinette’s poor and parentless childhood, along with heartbreaking losses, make their success all the more impressive. Their constant search for “something better” led them to create a fashion empire that flourished, even during the war.

As she told me in our interview, Judithe Little loves to research and uncover “little nuggets” for a story. When she looked up information for The Chanel Sisters, she pored over old French newspapers. She discovered Antoinette’s tiny notices, announcing her whereabouts, so her wealthy clients knew where to find – and shop – with her. 

“I didn’t understand why I couldn’t find anything else about Coco or Antoinette in the papers,” Judithe says. But, in the early 1900s, the sisters were tradespeople. They were something better, but not “good enough” for society newspaper coverage.

I predict lovers of historical fiction, fashionistas or not, will devour Judithe’s latest novel.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

This page-turner examines a privileged, young crowd who gathers for a wedding on a creepy island in Ireland. 

Quick chapters, which encourage me to read “just one more” before I turn off the light and go to sleep, keep the story moving along at a rapid clip.

During the wedding festivities, the public schoolboys temper their cocky behavior when someone turns up dead. With lots of twists and turns, the story – named one of the New York Times’ best thrillers of last year – is told in alternating viewpoints.

I’m glad I read this novel on my Kindle because – confession – I had to look up some of the “youthful” terms!

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

“Accept people for who they are, not for who you want them to be.” 

Yes, another war book. But, in The Paris Library, readers glimpse a slice of history most of us know nothing about. 

Based on true people and events, this novel traces the courageous steps of the librarians at the American Library in Paris. The library remained open during World War II, supplying books to those subscribers banned by Hitler.

In 1939, Odile works at the library – a dream job in troubled times. Lily, in 1983, lives in small-town Montana and shares a love of literature and independence with her elderly neighbor. 

Both learn lessons the hard way.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

“Oh, brother.”

Last month my virtual book club selected this novel, by English author Matt Haig, as our next read. I grumbled to myself. The woman who proposed this book described it with phrases like “science fiction” and “time travel” and “alternate universe.” Nothing I’d EVER choose to read on my own. 

Two chapters in, I continued to complain about this New York Times bestseller. “I was right. This is not my kind of book.” But something kept me going. 

We tend to ponder the what-ifs in life – or at least I do. But what if we let go and completely enjoy the hand we’re dealt. Reminiscent of the beloved holiday movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, the book follows Nora through a library of her regrets and mistakes. 

And that’s the beauty of book clubs. They encourage us to branch out, expand our worlds, and fall in love with new sorts of books. 

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

Before reading The Good Sister, I was not familiar with Australian author Sally Hepworth and her books. But I’m a fan now!

Everyone has a story…

In this psychological thriller, twins Rose and Fern seem to experience a normal, up-and-down sister relationship. One has control issues (sound like any sisters you know?!) and the other suffers from hypersensitivity to sound, light, and touch. 

The novel kept me guessing the entire way. As it rolls along, the story weaves and flips and readers learn, “Maybe when it comes to sisters, boundaries are always a little bit blurry.” 

Another Hepworth novel, The Mother-in-Law, is in my “to read” pile, and I hear wonderful reviews on this one too. 

What are you reading right now? Me – The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin. When was the last time you enjoyed a book you didn’t expect to like? Where are you craving to escape to?

If you’re home a little more than usual right now, you might want to give your space a little love. If you’re anything like us, you’ve neglected your home during your busiest times. Well, not anymore. With the best cheap candles, you can give your space a serious upgrade for less than $20 a pop. Whether you live in a tiny studio apartment, an expansive farmhouse or you’re a suburban dweller, a chic scented candle or two in your home gives your space a tiny bit of luxury at a time we need self-care the most.

There’s a candle for every mood and home decor, including pretty florals, fresh linens and handmade earthy scents — there’s even a few that smell strikingly similar to high-end and luxury cult candles. Some of these are smaller sizes but they’re a great way to see if you love a scent before you invest in a full-size candle. Of course, you can pick up a big, affordable candle, too, that’ll last you months of fragrance. These containers are also really pretty, so we recommend cleaning out the excess wax when you’re finished and reusing the container for makeup brushes, lipstick, hair ties or really anything.

Get started on nesting with these expensive-smelling but surprisingly budget-friendly candles, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Courtesy of Lulu Candles.

Lulu Candles Fresh Linen Luxury Scented Soy Jar Candle

This eco-friendly soy wax candle makes your home smell like fresh laundry.

Courtesy of Seda France.

Seda France Japanese Quince

This premium candle smells super similar to Diptyque’s Baise scent.

Buy: Japanese Quince Candle $27.99

Courtesy of Target.

The Collection By Chesapeake Bay Candle Lidded Black Jar Candle in Vanilla Birch

A soothing vanilla fragrance like this one exudes has is perfect for the bath.

Courtesy of Lulu Candles.

Lulu Candles Tobacco, Spice & Vanilla Scented Candle

This luxury candle emanates a strikingly similar aroma to Tom Ford’s pricier candle.

Buy: Lulu Candle Tobacco, Spice & Vanilla $14.99

Courtesy of CoCo Benjamin.

CoCo Benjamin Hand Poured Soy Candle in Basil, Lime & Mandarin

This vegan soy candle has garden vibes with basil, lime and mandarin orange.

Courtesy of Target.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Glass Candle in Cedar Magnolia

This chic soy candle contains floral magnolia and woodsy cedar notes.

Courtesy of Bath & Body Works.

Bath & Body Works Honeysuckle Bouquet Single Wick Candle

This creamy candle smells like spring with floral essential oils.

Kristin Cavallari’s Camel Teddy Pullover

Kristin Cavallari Instagram Fashion

There’s nothing like hanging with your bestie. Unless you’re hanging with your bestie in a cozy camel teddy pullover like Kristin Cavallari was this past weekend on Instagram. And if you act fast, you can be cozy just like Kristin (Justin Anderson not included).

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her ALO Stateside Hoodie

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock in Black

Photo: @KristinCavallari

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Camel Teddy Pullover

In the heyday of my interior design career, I noticed that many mature women surrounded themselves with pink. Consultations took me into the homes of women in their 60s and 70s who lived alone.

I could have wagered a bet, sight unseen, that I would find significant traces of that delicate hue lurking in their decor. Attempts to steer them into other color palettes almost never succeeded. Nor did they want magenta or fuchsia. They wanted soft, fleshy, little-girl pink.

I was curious, but not curious enough, to delve into the psychology behind that fascinating inclination. I took note and learned how to be creative within those limited parameters.

Now, I myself am in that shadowy period of time between old-ish and just plain old and – you guessed it – I’ve lost my aversion to pink. Although I refuse to decorate my home in that color, I’m drawn to fabrics, clothing and accessories in various shades of blush.

On a recent shopping spree, I barely noticed anything that wasn’t some rendition of rose. When I realized what I was doing, I remembered those design days. Why, at this stage of life, had my preferences changed?

When it became personal, my interest level spiked. A Google search brought me to an article about the psychology of color. It asked a simple question:

How Does Pink Make You Feel?

The ‘aha’ moment came with a woman’s answer: “Although green used to be my favorite color, pink has the strongest and deepest emotional influence to me. The color pink to me has a deeply joyful vibe to it. Like being “home.”

She continues, “A familiar friendly place deep within everyone’s heart where there are no worries, you are never lonely, you have everything in life that you ever wanted. You are loved and accepted by everyone. You feel as if you’ll never get old. Anyone you’ve missed or lost in life, you are able to meet once again and rejoice.”

I read it once, then twice, then again, isolating the words: joyful, friendly, no worries, never lonely, loved, accepted, forever young, no losses, a feeling like being home. Isn’t that what everyone longs for? If a color could manifest such wellbeing for one person, maybe it worked in similar ways for others.

Another woman wrote that since she no longer has to compromise with her husband, she surrounds herself in pink. Her words were even more revealing. “Pink makes me think of springtime flowers and all things fresh and new. It seems like a really inspiring color. If I could, I would paint my room all pink so that I could always feel that sense of inspiration and renewal.”

The Ultimate Rebellion

If she could – why couldn’t she? Was pink the ultimate rebellion against all the inhibitions, restraints, and compromises of a lifetime of pleasing others? Was it the indulgence in self-pleasure that only seems possible after the work’s all done?

Looking back, I see those elder clients sitting serene on their cushy pink sofas and Queen Anne chairs. I remember feeling mild nausea and now I’m thinking about that, too. Was I jealous of their freedom?

I was still bound by self-imposed obligations to others. Did I long to break the chains and become what their pink homes signified? Or did I just detest pink, and if so, why was that?

I read on and more clues appeared: “Feminine, attractive, vibrant… bright pink or paler, no matter what age, makes me feel flirty…,” shared Jill Cleggett

“Hot pink is vivacious and joyous. I think that hot pink embodies who I try to be as a person: full of life and character… More muted pinks represent youth and innocence, while loud forms of pink exude sexiness and boldness… Pink is my euphoria.” That from DrEbz.

Pink Is Our Euphoria

Did she say, “Pink is my euphoria?” At the time I hated pink I was about as far from euphoria as Earth is from Neptune. I didn’t feel sexy, vivacious, flirty or joyous. Everything in my life was a compromise.

In fact, it wasn’t even my life. I was living another’s dream. No wonder I avoided that happy color like it were death. It represented what I wanted but didn’t have.

Perhaps pink is the reward. Once we have identified our goals, are moving toward who we are meant to be, are using the talents we were born with, and have learned to love ourselves – even the shadows within – we finally deserve pink. It’s a bold statement of self-affirmation. Until then, lesser colors will do.

What is your favorite color? Do you like different colors now than when you were younger? How does pink make you feel? Please share your thoughts below!