Double Whammy to Fight Heart DiseaseChicago, Ill.-based Quaker Oats Co., a unit of PepsiCo Inc., rolls out Quaker Take Heart Instant Oatmeal, instant oatmeal that helps to reduce cholesterol with 50 percent more soluble fiber from whole grain oats (1.5 g per serving) and supplies higher potassium levels to help lower high blood pressure — a double whammy to fight heart disease.Health experts at the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Disease Control, and the National Academy of Science recognize the strong relationship between increased potassium intake and lower blood pressure. Despite the fact that 100 million Americans could benefit from lowering their blood pressure, 95 percent of all adult Americans do not consume the recommended amount of potassium. "This truly is the next evolution of oatmeal with more oat soluble fiber to fight heart disease, antioxidants to protect cells from oxidation, B vitamins for heart health, and the well established blood pressure lowering effects of potassium," says Mark Andon, Ph.D., research fellow for The Quaker Oats Co.Quaker Take Heart Instant Oatmeal supports healthy arteries by delivering 100 percent of the daily value of heart-healthy B-vitamins, B6 and B12 and folic acid, which help to break down an amino acid called homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been related to a higher risk of heart disease. It also serves as a rich source of the antioxidant vitamins E and C."With the introduction of Quaker Take Heart Instant Oatmeal we've made the best even better," says Mary Dillon, president Quaker Foods. "It's an ideal choice for people with a greater interest in heart health because of age, genetics or family history." Quaker Take Heart Instant Oatmeal will be available in January in two flavors: Golden Maple and Blueberry.Suggested retail price is $3.49 for an eight-serving box.
