The term "low fat" isn't so simple these days. With trans fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat and all the other convoluted terms, how do we know what to look out for? What is a normal fat intake, and how does it change from person to person? What is the link between cholesterol and fat? There are so many questions that we'd rather not ask our general practitioner, but education is the first step toward prevention of congestive heart failure, strokes, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Let's discuss "good fats" to include in your otherwise low fat diet. In addition to transporting vitamins, protecting the body and filling us with energy, some of these fats are deemed so essential because they deliver omega-6 and omega-3, which the body cannot make on its own but relies very heavily upon. These essential fatty acids help the body to regulate hormones, stimulate the metabolism and boost the immune system, thereby fighting off cancer, preventing blood clots, controlling cell growth and regulating all intracellular processes.
"Bad fats" are trans fats: margarines, shortening, deep fried chips, fast food, baked goods, hydrogenated vegetable oil. The reason they have such a bad wrap is that they're known for lowering HDL cholesterol, which is the kind your body needs to function, as well as increasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol that leads to heart disease and diabetes. Saturated fats found in whole milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, red meat, coconuts and chocolate should also be limited for the same reasons. Fat from these sources should be 16 grams or less for a 2,000 calorie diet. For those looking to actually lose weight, the saturated fats should be less than 12 grams.
A low fat diet doesn't have to taste gross. Think of your new diet as a "detox" program for the heart and body. Like with alcoholism or drug abuse, you'll experience some initial discomfort as you attempt to wean yourself off the sugar, the salt, the cholesterol and the calories your body was so accustomed to getting. With such an abundance of junk food and "convenience" foods on the market, it's understandable how many Americans can fall into this trap. However, you've made the right decision to control your eating before it kills you!
As we get older there are critical numbers that start to weigh heavily upon us. We have to concern ourselves about our blood pressure, weight and our cholesterol level. Things we may have ignored our entire lives now all of a sudden have great importance. But these are some of the thing that should not have been ignored. A lifetime of mistreatment on the body yields simply damaging things when left unchecked.
Your cholesterol level is certainly all-important if you want to stay healthy and your body functioning in good order. High levels has the ability to lead lead to heart attacks and stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to deal with. Being mindful when it comes to your cholesterol level is not merely for the aging. It is something both younger people as well as older people must worry as well as be conscious of if they want to conduct a healthy life. In this article we will go over the basics of cholesterol and hopefully you will realize just how crucial a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.
What is bad cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is bad. All cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins but the low-density lipoproteins moves in the blood stream and allows the cholesterol to begin to accumulate. If there is too much LDL then the cholesterol begins building up on the walls of the arteries. It begins to form plaque which makes the arteries hard and not as flexible. When clots form and block the artery a heart attack or stroke can occur.
How can you prevent high cholesterol?
You can help take steps against having too much LDL cholesterol in your body by exercising, not smoking and eating right. These three things are the primary reasons why people have excessive LDL. Yes, some of your cholesterol levels have to do with family history but doctors have proven time and time again that a diet rich in fish and Omega-3 along with a healthy weight will reduce the overall LDL numbers. The body needs to have plenty of exercise as well.
In what way is the blockage from the arteries removed?
The initial stage is through medicines but if there is a acute constrictive or obstruction in the artery or blood vessel then a slightly more aggressive operation is required. The actual procedures might vary however one common method is through a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is entered into the artery and then naviagted to the blockage where the build up of plaque has occurred. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the operation is minimally intrusive and the majority of patients are capable of going home that day.
Does a diet rich in fish really help lower my cholesterol?
You may be surprised but a diet rich in fish, particularly salmon, can help you lower your overall LDL cholesterol while helping raise the HDL cholesterol. It is the omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help the body. But do not stop at just salmon. There are other great foods that can help you reduce your LDL's and raise your HDL's such as: avocados, garlic, black beans, uncooked soy and even Shitake mushrooms.
To learn more educational information go here Cholesterol Numbers with more helpful material at Cholesterol Drugs as well as Cholesterol Ratio
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