Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants

Q: Why do the people in the Mediterranean area have no problems with cholesterol?

- J.S., Ocala, Fla.

A: People from the Greek island of Crete live longer than most other populations in the world, despite the fact that their diet is significantly higher in fat than what the American Heart Association recommends. Amazingly, these people are about 20 percent less likely to develop and die of coronary artery disease, and they succumb to one-third less cancer than in the United States. On closer examination of their meals, it's clear why.

The people of Crete eat many plant foods that are antioxidant-rich - colorful fruits and veggies. They live on an island, so wild-caught seafood is a staple in their diet, and seafood is rich in heart-healthy nutrients. Most importantly, their diet is free of two bad fats that Americans eat, both known to raise blood cholesterol levels: saturated fats (found primarily in tropical oils and red meat) and trans fats (found in processed foods, margarine and commercial baked goodies.) Trans fats are sometimes called "hydrogenated" oils on labels, and they stick to the insides of your arteries like glue and form gunk. Better oils include extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil or grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil can tolerate a higher heat, so it's better than olive oil, which should only be used on low heat.

Mediterraneans like to drink red wine with their meals, but while alcohol may reduce heart attack risk by raising HDL levels and thinning the blood, I think it's destructive to the liver. It also impairs your driving ability, so I think it's better if you just drink grape juice. The powerful antioxidants found in wine are found in the grapes' skin and seeds anyway.

Q: I take Sonata to help me sleep but it's not working as well as it once did. Can I take GABA, a natural supplement, with Sonata?

- T.N., Venice, Fla.

A: No, I wouldn't combine the two because sleeping pills such as Sonata, Lunesta, Ambien, and even ones like Restoril (temazepam) or Halcion work by making your brain dump out its own sources of GABA to induce sleep. Taking a dietary supplement of GABA could cause excessive sedation, breathing or heart problems.

GABA (Gamma-

aminobutyric acid) is nothing to fear; in fact, it's an important brain chemical that "slows" activity in the brain. Levels of it seem to be reduced in people with anxiety, agitation and some types of depression. If your doctor approves, try 500- to 1,000 mg. one hour before bedtime for a few weeks. GABA and melatonin are often taken together by people prone to waking in the middle of the night, but not with any prescribed or over-the-counter sleepers.

This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen's column is distributed by Tribune Media Services and published Tuesdays in the TimesDaily. Visit her at dearpharmacist.com.