Aspirin provides NO benefit for patients who have or are at risk of heart disease

Books:

Published 19 November 2008 in the British Medical Journal 2008;337:a2583 and a recipe for fajitas with grilled pineapple salsa.

Study title and author:
Time for a proper study of aspirin after a vascular event?

John G F Cleland, professor of cardiology1

1 Castle Hill Hospital, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU16 5JQ

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/337/nov19_1/a2583
 
Professor Cleland observes aspirin may have no benefit for patients who have or are at risk of heart disease. He notes how some studies show that heart attacks increase when aspirin is taken.

More information on this subject: Books : Scientific Studies : Other Websites : Videos : Food Mall 

Recipe of the day

Fajitas with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients:

◦1 lb skirt steak, sliced thin

Food Mall: Skirt Steak

◦3/4 red onion, sliced thin

◦2 red bell peppers, sliced thin
◦5 cloves garlic, minced
◦2 limes, juiced
◦2 T tomato paste
◦1 t coriander
◦1 t cumin
◦1 t smoked paprika
◦1 t garlic powder
◦1 t red pepper flakes
◦3 T bacon fat

For the Pineapple Salsa:
◦1/2 pineapple (cored, about 6 rings)
◦1/4 red onion onion
◦2 T red wine vinegar
◦1/4 c fresh cilantro
◦s&p

For the Fajitas:
Heat your fat in a skillet (cast iron works well if you have it) over medium high heat. Add the garlic, sliced onions and peppers. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring ocassionally, until they start to soften. Add your steak strips. They won’t take too long to cook, another 5 minutes or so. When the beef is just about cooked through add the the rest of the ingredients.

For the Grilled Pineapple Sauce:
Grill the pineapple rings over medium heat, until they are caramelized (outdoor grille/indoor grille pan/Foreman grille) on each side, about 12 minutes. In a food processor combine all ingredients and pulse until desired consistency. No food processor? No problem. Just chop all the ingredients and make more of a chunky salsa. It’s all headed to the same place.

Scoop your steak, onions and peppers into a serving bowl and top with the salsa.



Does aspirin increase the risk of heart disease and stroke?

This post includes a summary of a study published in the British Medical Journal 2008;337:a1840 and a recipe for crock pot pork-stuffed peppers.

Study title and authors:
The prevention of progression of arterial disease and diabetes (POPADAD) trial: factorial randomised placebo controlled trial of aspirin and antioxidants in patients with diabetes and asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease

Books:

Jill Belch, professor of vascular medicine, Angus MacCuish, consultant diabetologist

Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY

This study can be accessed at: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/337/oct16_2/a1840

The objective of the study was to determine whether aspirin and antioxidant therapy are more effective than placebo in reducing the development of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. The study involved 1,276 aged 40 or more with diabetes who were assigned aspirin, antioxidants or placebo.

The study found;
(a) There was a 23% increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke in those who took aspirin compared to those who did not take aspirin.
(b) There was a 21% increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke in those who took antioxidants compared to those who did not take antioxidants.

This study demostated aspirin or antioxidants had no favourable effects in the prevention of heart disease.

More information on this subject: Books : Scientific Studies : Other Websites : Videos : Food Mall 

Recipe of the day

Crock Pot Pork-Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Pork

■2 pounds ground pork

■4 large green peppers
■1 large onion
■2 carrots
■4 cloves of garlic
■1/2 head of cauliflower
■6 ounce can of tomato paste
■1 tablespoon dry oregano
■1 tablespoon dry or fresh tarragon
■Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Cut the tops of the peppers and clean the seeds out.

Arrange peppers in the Crock-Pot standing up and make sure they fit securely.

Grate onion, carrots, garlic and cauliflower in the food processor. You can also just chop them into small pieces with a knife if you don’t have a food processor.

In a big bowl, combine ground pork, shredded vegetables, seasonings and tomato paste.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and arrange leftover meat between the peppers. Add half a cup of water, cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

If you don’t have a slow-cooker, the dish can be cooked in the oven, covered, for 1-2 hours.