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CardioCurrents
News and tips for the heart-conscious

Low-carb diets may do the trick in the short term
Chalk up a victory for devotees of the low-carb diet: Researchers at the University of Cincinnati say that people who take the low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LCHP) approach to dieting experience more weight loss than people on a low-fat diet—and without any heart complications. Their study, which looked at 53 obese women who followed LCHP diets, found that the subjects lost 10 more pounds of body weight and six more pounds of body fat than those who participated in low-fat diets. However, researchers caution that this kind of dieting may have only short-term benefits—the long-term benefits of LCHP diets remain unclear. Remember to consult your physician before beginning any diet program.

Women have the upper hand when controlling anger
Ever wonder why men tend to be more hot-tempered than women? Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found evidence that brain differences between the sexes cause more aggression in men than in women. After studying the brain tissue of 59 women and 57 men, the researchers found the women had more of the brain tissue that censors anger, while the men had a higher volume of the brain tissue that promotes aggressive responses. Findings such as these may help uncover more behavioral differences in women and men.

Pet owners enjoy better health
Cats and dogs don't just make great companions—they also lower stress and reduce cardiovascular problems in their owners. That's according to a recent study from the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, which found that pet owners had lower heart rates and blood pressure levels than non-pet owners, especially when their pets were present. The study suggests that pets bring lower stress levels because their owners see them as totally accepting and nonjudgmental.

Grilled lemon-sage chicken
Fresh sage and rosemary impart a different flavor to grilled chicken. Tomato halves and corn on the cob can grill along with the chicken.
Serves 6

Marinade
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (1 to 2 medium lemons)
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tbs. chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 tsp. dried, crushed
2 or 3 medium cloves garlic, minced, or 1 to 11/2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 tsp. whole black peppercorns, cracked
1/2 tsp. salt

6 lemon slices, cut in half (optional)
fresh sage leaves (optional)

In an airtight plastic bag, combine marinade ingredients.
Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Put chicken smooth side up between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a tortilla press or the smooth side of a meat mallet, lightly flatten chicken to 1/8-inch thickness. Add to marinade and turn to coat evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, turning bag occasionally. Discard marinade.
Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until done.
To serve, garnish with lemon and sage.

Per serving: calories 122, protein 23 g, carbohydrates 0 g, cholesterol 63 mg, total fat 3 g (saturated 1 g, polyunsaturated 1 g, monounsaturated 1 g), fiber 0 g, sodium 241 mg