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This is an excellent and important read from The Conversation. It argues that newspapers misreporting on the ongoing debate is likely to lead to more deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Source: BMJ vs The Lancet: there are no winners in the ‘statins war’

Whilst, I endorse the conclusion that statins can save lives. I do not accept the evidence for statins to be universally prescribed for people over a certain age. Also I believe that borderline cases should be treated by a change in lifestyle first before necessarily prescribing statins for life with their associated side affects. Also there are a number of herbal solutions which need to be considered too.

Thoughts?

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in products such as soy milk and low-fat yogurt, has been shown to reduce breast cancer incidence in rats. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Olives in olive oil. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m rather disappointed at this headline grabbing article in the Guardian. It cites a major study of UK eating habits concluding that diet rich in olive oil, fruits and vegetables could cut heart attack and stroke deaths.

Source: Mediterranean diet ‘could prevent 19,000 deaths a year in UK’ | Life and style | The Guardian

The health benefits of a Mediterranean diet are well known and have a rich research history.

The Guardian should have offered further analysis as to the barriers to reducing heart attacks and strokes in the UK. Some of the factors include: