If you had to rank the most important factors for a healthy heart, hormones would likely show up last on your list. But the truth is that these chemical messengers have a strong influence on just about every single one of your body’s delicate systems… and your cardiovascular system is no exception.

You may not realize it, but your blood vessels are lined with estrogen receptors, which play a key role in regulating healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and normal clot formation in both men and women.1 This may be one reason why pre-menopausal women enjoy more optimal heart health statistics than their male and postmenopausal counterparts—and why heart health becomes an important focus for women as they grow older.

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In my latest Q & A I answer questions about supplement usage for raising testosterone and gaining muscle while offering advice to a reader who lost prescription drug coverage. I also delve into the “calorie theory,” below, explaining how burning food in a calorimeter just isn’t the same as eating it. Yum.

Q: Hi Mike,
First I just wanted to say I find you articles very informative, and am glad you’re debunking the myths of saturated fat and cholesterol causing heart disease. These myths just won’t die.

I was curious though as to what you suggest someone do to get shredded. I believe you have mentioned that you believe reducing carbs is the best way to get lean, as Vince Gironda did? But do you believe in calories in vs calories out as well? If you are cutting weight do you reduce your food as well (same as reducing calories) or do you just drastically reduce or eliminate carb sources of food (grains, fruits, veggies, dairy)?

Thanks for your help,

Antaeus

A: Antaeus,
A calorie is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 kilogram of water 1 degrees Celsius at sea level. What does this mean? A Double Whopper with cheese contains 990 calories. If we were to burn this burger, it would produce 990 calories. This is enough energy to raise 990 kilograms of water 1 degree Celsius.

Calories are measured in sealed device called a “calorimeter” which locks in heat of burning food. A small vacuum of water is contained above the food. Once the food is completely burned, the temperature of the water is measured. The rise in temperature will determine the amount of calories. The calorimeter can show the total amount of energy of a Big Mac, but it cannot account for what the body doesn’t absorb, or the energy used in the digestion and assimilation of it.

Does counting calories consumed matter, or even necessary when trying to lose weight? In a word, NO. Counting calories is completely inaccurate and a waste of time. Our bodies do not process food like a calorimeter. Our bodies do not use all the food we consume as energy, nor do we assimilate it all in the same manner. More-over, we do not store food we consume with the same efficiency. The assertion that macro-nutrients are all processed the same between individuals is just foolish. This is the basis for the calorie theory.

The best thing one can do is eliminate as much sugar and processed foods from their diet as they can. Eat as many whole natural foods as you can, including: beef, fowl, fish, vegetables, raw dairy products and some fruit. The following Nutritional principles will help anyone on their way to getting leaner.

Plan your meals in advance.

Prepare your food in advance.

Do not starve yourself. Eat when you?re hungry and stop when your full.

Eat at least 4 times per day.

Eat protein with every meal.

Q & A with Mike Furci

If you’ve always been skeptical of the supplement industry, you’re not alone. But Bullz-Eye.com Fitness Editor Mike Furci says that the right testosterone supplement will not only help you build muscle, but also boost your sex drive. In the first part of this two-part series, Mike looks at supplements that work, and those that don’t.

And for those of you looking for Part 2 of Mike?s series, see below.

In the first part of his “More Muscle & More Sex” series, Mike explained that the right testosterone supplement can not only help you add muscle, but also boost your sex drive. In Part 2, he extols the importance of zinc and magnesium to your body, and warns of using supplements with the “wrong” ingredients.

Click here for More Muscle and More Sex Part 1

Click here for More Muscle and More Sex Part 2

“Over the last several years, Biotest has released new versions of their tribulus product. I’ve taken them all and have been very satisfied. I just finished six weeks of the latest version simply called Tribex. It’s their tribulus stand-alone product with no additional extracts in the formula. Biotest has also bumped up the potency due to new technology and research, which allows you to get the maximum dose in just two capsules.

I have to say, this product is a must for guys who want a boost to their workouts and libido. Especially those of you who are in your 40s like myself, who find it a little more difficult to recover from their workouts. Tribex is a must for anyone’s arsenal to beat back Father Time.”

More Muscle More Sex Part 1

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