The debate over drinking alcohol for medical reasons has escalated a great deal over the past year, with the latest study touting its ability to lower your risk of diabetes. However, alcohol consumption -- just like smoking -- may also be the cause of several cancers. Although the researchers here still recommended drinking in moderation, I remain highly skeptical of the reports of alcohol's benefits. I believe the alcohol contained in wine, beer and liquor is a neurotoxin that can poison your brain. And, the presence of alcohol can seriously harm your hormonal balance too. If you're worried about your cardiovascular health, instead of upping your alcohol consumption, try making simple lifestyle changes such as learning how to eat the right foods for your body's unique metabolic type or starting an exercise program today. Additionally, most of the benefits from drinking wine are largely related to the polyphenolic bioflavnoids found in the grape skins and seeds. It is not the alcohol or the carbohydrate content that is helpful. I have been researching a new whole food product that is based on using these grape skins and seeds to obtain all of the health benefits and none of the problems. I hope to have more information on that product in the fall. Contrary to what you hear on the news, it is not the saturated fat in the foods we eat that is causing all of this heart disease, but rather, and far more, it is the excess carbohydrates from our starch- and sugar-laden diet. The insulin released from eating too many carbohydrates promotes fat and makes it more difficult for the body to lose fat, and excess weight is one of the major contributors to heart disease. You can find out more about the impact of grains on health in my book, Total Health Program. Also, review my nutrition plan to get your diet on the right track. It's important not to get caught up in the "no-fat" craze. Some saturated fats are necessary and beneficial to human health. For instance, coconut oil, a medium-chain saturated fat, can actually help you to lose weight, lower cholesterol, improve diabetic conditions and reduce your risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also protect against heart disease. Studies have shown that omega-3 works by preventing the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. One of the best ways to make sure you have enough omega-3 in your diet is by regularly consuming fish oil. Vitamin K, which can be found in ample quantities in leafy green vegetables and natto, a fermented soy product, and, to a lesser extent, in eggs, is another necessary component of an anti-heart-disease diet. If you feel you are unable to obtain enough vitamin K from fresh vegetables, then you might want to consider the form of vitamin K that we carry in our store. Of course, exercise is a great way to strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system. Even low- to moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking or gardening, can have great benefits.