Issue Date: February 27, 2005
 The miracle diet for hearts Regular intake of six types of foods and one beverage can cut your risk of cardiovascular disease a stunning 76%, Dutch researchers say. Eating these foods delays heart disease by eight to nine years. Researchers predict it adds more than six years to a man's life and five years to a woman's. See the list of foods at right. Here are other new findings about how food can cut heart disease risk: Megadose on vitamin C pills. Taking more than 700 milligrams daily for 10 years cut risk of death from heart disease 25%, finds a new Finnish-Harvard study of 300,000 men and women. Just eating vitamin C foods didn't cut risk. Drink pomegranate juice. In new Israeli studies, patients who drank 1 cup of pomegranate juice daily for a year had 21% lower systolic blood pressure and, more remarkably, 30% less plaque buildup in carotid (neck) arteries. In patients not getting juice, plaque rose 9%. The juice brand used was POM Wonderful; researchers credit its antioxidants. Watch fat and carbs. In heart patients, a diet high in trans fat (in fast foods, bakery products, margarines) doubles the signs of inflammation, a key factor in clogging arteries, according to new Harvard research. Also found: High-glycemic-index foods (carbs that spike blood sugar, such as sugar, white bread, white potatoes) promoted atherosclerosis in older women more than saturated fat (in meat, butter, cheese) did. Eat whole grains. In new Danish-Harvard research, men who ate the most whole grains (about 1 1/2 ounces a day) cut heart disease odds 18%. Whole grains rich in bran (such as oat or wheat bran) are more potent, cutting risk 30%. Contact Jean Carper, whose latest cookbook is "EatSmart," at JeanCarper.com. Eat chocolate, add years Every day, eat:
14 ounces of fruits and vegetables
2 1/2 ounces almonds
5 ounces of wine
1 clove of garlic
3 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate (less if you're counting calories) 4 times a week, eat:
4 ounces of fish Go to top  Automobile clubs: Yes, they're worth it What do you do when your vehicle breaks down or you've run out of gas? Millions of Americans call an automobile club. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the giant in this field, offering primary membership for about $71 the first year (the price varies by region), dropping to about $56 a year thereafter. There's also an enhanced plan, AAA Plus. But did you know AAA has competition? The Allstate Motor Club has five plans, from $36 to $139.95 a year in most states. The Chevron Travel Club has four levels of membership, from $3.25 to $8 a month. And the BP MotorClub has three types of membership, from $63 to $107 a year. How to choose? Many clubs offer hotel and car rental discounts. Costlier plans might offer emergency trip interruption insurance, which can provide lodging, meal and transportation costs if you're stuck more than 100 miles from home. But the best reason to join is roadside assistance. The more expensive plans typically cover higher towing costs. But in many cases, one call can recoup the cost of membership. So think of these clubs as cheap insurance. Go to top  Is that ring insured? A friend lost her engagement ring recently. Luckily, it was insured. But to her dismay, the insurance company didn't pay what her appraiser had told her the ring was worth. Instead, she ended up with far less -- what it cost the insurer to buy a replacement. Therein lies a lesson: Settlements vary by company and state. Most firms replace the item with one they deem similar or pay you that cost. Some repair or replace only -- no cash. Few offer the "scheduled" value, based on an appraisal or purchase receipt. Your best bet: Work with an agent who specializes in jewelry coverage to determine the best policy for you. To find one, visit jcrs.com. Go to top  Yo! Do yoga at work Stress in the workplace increases the incidence of back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck tension, eyestrain and headaches. A little yoga goes a long way toward reducing stress and relieving muscle tension, and you don't have to be a yoga master to enjoy the benefits. So why not unleash your inner yogi at the office? You can even have your PC guide you through the proper postures. Several computer-based programs are now available for quick-fix yoga breaks in your cubicle. My picks for the best of the bunch: "Stretch Break," a downloadable program from paratec.com, periodically reminds you to stretch at your desk and shows you how.
The "15 Minute Office Yoga" CD from bodywisdommedia.com has a variety of yoga programs, such as "Caffeine Substitute" and "Stress Reduction." You choose according to your needs. | 
