Medifast Offers 5 Heart Healthy Tips in Recognition of Friday's National Wear Red Day

OWINGS MILLS, Md., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In recognition of National Wear Red Day, Medifast, Inc. is offering 5 heart healthy tips to help Americans fight heart disease, the #1 killer among women in the country. National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 1, when Americans nationwide will take women's health to heart by wearing red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness.

Everyone has women in their life, whether it's your wife, mother, girlfriend or sister, but not everyone knows that heart disease in the number one killer of women in America. Heart disease is killing women at an alarming rate, with 1-in-3 American women dying from the disease.

"As a nation we put a lot of effort and money into how we treat heart disease after it happens, but we don't put enough effort into fending off the initial warning signs," said Lisa M. Davis, Ph.D., PA-C, C.N.S., L.D.N., Director of Research and Development, Medifast, Inc. and co-author of the book, 'Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Health' (Fair Winds Press 2008). "A weight loss of 5-10% can greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, so a lot of these problems can be solved by following a healthier diet and an overall healthier lifestyle."

In support of National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 1st, Medifast is offering the following 5 heart healthy tips:

-- Incorporate soy protein into your diet: The FDA approved heart healthy claim arose from 27 studies demonstrating soy protein lowers levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol). -- Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy cardiovascular system by reducing LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, plaque build-up, inflammation and blood clots while increasing HDL (the "good" cholesterol). -- Incorporate low glycemic index (GI), high fiber foods: Individuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome have a 400 percent risk of having a heart attack. Low GI, high fiber foods decrease cholesterol and modulate blood sugar levels which help to reduce inflammation, a known risk factor underlying heart disease. -- Minimize saturated fat and trans fat: Avoid saturated fat and trans fat by staying clear of the center aisles at the grocery store where pre-packaged baked goods with long shelf-lives are found. Stay clear of those packages containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils which often contain significant sources of trans fat. According to the Nurses Health Study, women who consumed 2 grams of trans fat per 1000 calories of food were shown to be at greater risk of developing heart disease. -- Incorporate Antioxidant-rich foods and Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices: Fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate (70% cocoa), and red wine (1 glass for women) all contain heart-healthy antioxidants. Anti-inflammatory herbs like curcumin and ginger have been shown to decrease the release of inflammatory molecules by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme, which is the same way many anti-inflammatory drugs work.

The Medifast Program is an excellent resource for fighting this deadly disease, as weight loss is a key factor in reducing the risk of heart disease. For more than 25 years Medifast has been prescribed by practitioners as a safe and effective program that yields significant results and has been proven to provide significant weight loss of 2-5 pounds per week.

Among its meal replacement options Medifast offers 33 choices that contain high amounts of soy, to meet the requirement for the FDAs Heart Healthy Claim. The claim arose from 27 studies demonstrating soy protein's utility in lowering levels of total cholesterol and low-density LDL. Medifast also recently launched Super Omega-3, capsules which contain the optimal ratio of fatty acids EPA and DHA. The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least 1 gram daily of these essential fatty acids.

"After having two heart attacks the Medifast Program literally saved my life", said Medifast client Adrene Christian, of Dayton, OH. "I was actually turned away by other weight loss programs because they said I was too unhealthy. I found Medifast and after losing the weight I have now been off my heart medication for three years, and my doctor recently told me he was shocked by the progress I've made."

Adrene Christian lost over 92 pounds in six months on the Medifast Program. Prior to finding Medifast, Adrene was on 32 different medications per day, for a variety of medical issues including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, but due to her success on Medifast she is now medication free.

To support National Wear Red Day Medifast is also urging its employees to wear red on Friday, February 1. The company will hold a best dressed contest, with the Medifast employee sporting the Best Red Outfit winning an autographed copy of "Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Health," co-authored by Dr. Lisa M. Davis.

Medifast will also have a Heart Healthy Booth for employees with free blood pressure screening, heart healthy facts, information on new Medifast products and the opportunity for employees to win a free bottle of Medifast's new Super Omega-3 capsules.

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About Medifast:

Medifast is the leading easy-to-use, clinically proven portion-controlled weight loss program. Medifast has been recommended by 15,000 physicians and used by over one million customers. It is committed to enriching lives by providing innovative choices for lasting health. Medifast programs have been proven effective through studies by major university teaching hospitals. The company sells its products and programs via four unique distribution channels: 1) the web and national call centers, 2) national network of physicians, 3) medically supervised Medifast Weight Control Centers, and 4) the Take Shape For Life direct-selling division, a network of health coaches. Medifast was founded in 1980 and is located in Owings Mills, Maryland. For more information log onto www.choosemedifast.com.

Medifast

CONTACT: Brian Gleason of Medifast, +1-410-504-8260,
bgleason@choosemedifast.com

Web site: http://www.choosemedifast.com/
http://www.medifastdiet.com/