SPREADING THE NEWS: MAYONNAISE PREVENTS HEART ATTACKS

SPREADING THE NEWS: MAYONNAISE PREVENTS HEART ATTACKS

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Wireless Flash) -- Sandwich lovers might jump for joy when they hear this: a new study from Harvard University reveals that mayonnaise may actually help prevent heart attacks. Nutrition researcher Dr. Frank B. Hu reports that folks who eat two tablespoons of mayonnaise or salad dressing every day are less likely to have heart attacks than folks who don't touch the fatty stuff. The vegetable oils in dressings and mayonnaise contain a type of polyunsaturated fat known as "a-linolenic acid" which helps reduce cholesterol. Unfortunately, fat free mayonnaise and salad dressings don't contain the special acid. Dr. Hu suggests switching to the full-fat versions as long as you don't exceed two tablespoons per day.

CONTACT: Dr. Frank B. Hu, ***; Cambridge, MA; (617) 432-0113