What To Eat To Reduce Your Cholesterol Levels

Posted by Owen Jones | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 04-05-2012-05-2008

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The Western world is under assault from a disease of our own making! Health officials in each Western country are ringing the warning bells about general public levels of obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol. The foremost culprits of this are said to be over eating, eating junk food and not exercising sufficiently.

At one time, not so long ago, the majority of the sufferers of these issues were middle-aged Americans. That extended to middle-aged Europeans. Then to American children and now it is spreading to European children. None of the warnings concerning eating too much junk food and not exercising enough seem to be having any effect at all.

All of these three conditions are related and that is why heart disease is the primary killer of adults in the West. Cholesterol plays a big part in these conditions. However, not all cholesterol is bad. LDL cholesterol is generally known as the ‘bad cholesterol’ and HDL is called the ‘good cholesterol’, because it helps mop up LDL.

Small amounts of cholesterol are also necessary for the production of vitamin D and bile salts and it is also helpful in the balancing of hormones particularly in women. However, LDL cholesterol occasionally clings to the walls of the arteries and if it is permitted to mount up too much, can block them.

If the arteries become clogged, the heart will have to pump more to get enough blood to where it is required and this can lead to the first stages of high blood pressure.

The best way to get rid of excess LDL is to have high levels of HDL, because HDL captures LDL and takes it back to the liver where it is dealt with and excreted.. HDL cholesterol can be eaten by eating nuts, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, soya and remarkable spreads that were designed to lower LDL.

However, the best way of reducing LDL is by not eating it in the first place. LDL is most prevalent in saturated fats and hydrogenated trans fats. Saturated fats are usually in red meat and full-fat dairy products like milk, cream, butter and cheese. Trans fats are mostly in junk foodstuffs like potato crisps, potato chips, pies, pasties, hamburgers and hot dogs. Cut these out and that is half the battle for a great deal of individuals.

Replace the red meat in your diet with soya products like tofu, of which 25% grammes a day is said to be able to lessen bad cholesterol by 15-30%. Walnuts and almonds have a similar reputation as do olive oil and rolled oats.

In fact, all grains, pulses and beans are friends in the fight against LDL. In general, the foods that will help you are those that contain plenty of fibre and roughage; fresh is better than tinned (which will contain a preservative such as salt); and white meat or fish is superior to red meat like beef and pork.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on several subjects, but is now concerned with low cholesterol diet recipes. If you want to know more, please visit our site at What Foods Lower Cholesterol?

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3 Recipes Involving Cantaloupe

Posted by Owen Jones | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 02-05-2012-05-2008

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The variety of melons called muskmelons consists of a juicy, edible fruit that is characterized by its round shape and a ribbed exterior. Cantaloupes are a type of muskmelons..

Considerable variation occurs in this fruit. Some cantaloupes are large yet others are small; some have pink or yellow flesh but others have white or light-green flesh. The flesh of these fruits contains a lot of water; therefore, their food value is not high, being just a little more than half as much as that of apples.

If melons suitable for the table are required, they ought to be selected with care. To be just at the right stage, the flower end of the melon ought to be a trifle soft while pressed with the fingers. If it is very soft, the melon is maybe too ripe; yet if it does not give with pressure, the melon is too unripe.

Various methods of serving cantaloupes exist. If they are to be served natural as a breakfast food or a luncheon dessert, cut them crosswise into halves, or, if they are big, divide them into sections lengthwise.

With the melons cut in the desired fashion, remove all the seeds but keep the melons on ice until they are to be served. The pulp of the melon can also be cut from the rind yet then diced and used in the formation of fruit salads.

Again, the pulp may be partly scraped out of the melon and the rinds then packed with fruit mixtures and served with a salad dressing for a salad or with fruit juices for a cocktail. The pulp that is scraped out may be diced and used in the fruit mixture.

Recipe 1

FRUIT IN CANTALOUPE SHELLS

During cantaloupe season, a delightful fruit salad can be made by combining a number of different types of fruit with the flesh of cantaloupe and serving the mixture in the cantaloupe shells. Such a salad is a fantastic one to serve if light refreshments are desired or when something unusual is required for a light lunch.

Cut cantaloupes in half crosswise, but, using the French cutter, cut some of the meat into round balls. Dice the rest yet mix with any combination of fruit desired. Place this in the cantaloupe shells after cutting points in the top edge. Garnish with the balls cut from the cantaloupe yet serve with any desired dressing. You can also sprinkle nuts on top to add a variation of textures.

Recipe 2

FRESH FRUIT COMPOTE

1 cup fresh blueberries 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved 1 cup sliced fresh peaches, peeled 1 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries 1 cup watermelon balls 1 cup cantaloupe balls 1 cup seedless grapes 1/2 cup sparkling wine (or sweet) wine, chilled 2 tbs thawed orange juice, frozen, concentrated, undiluted

Mix together all of the fruit in a large glass or ceramic bowl then gently toss to mix. Add the orange juice and wine and lightly stir again. Chill with a wrapping on it for at least 20 minutes. Toss again lightly before serving.

Recipe 3

ERDBEER BOWLE (Strawberry Wine Punch)

1/2 pt strawberries, stemless, rinsed, cut in half 1 tbs granulated sugar 1/2 bottle German Riesling, well chilled 1 tbs brandy (preferably Alsbach Uralt) 1/2 bottle German Sekt well chilled

Bowle is a classic German party wine punch. During the month of May, throughout Germany, bowle is served flavoured with fresh woodruff (Waldmeister), a sweet scented herb with white flowers, which grows especially well in wooded and shady fields away from hot sun. Later, during strawberry season, bowle is prepared with strawberries which grow abundantly everywhere. As German summer season progresses, bowle is willing with other fruits like peaches, chunks of juicy watermelon, pieces of bright orange cantaloupe, or plump raspberries.

Put the strawberries in a substantial covered glass jar (a sun tea jar is fine), sprinkle them with sugar and drizzle them with the brandy. Put them aside to marinate for two hours to allow the sugar to draw out the juice from the berries.

Add white wine, stir, and set aside for two more hours. When finished to serve, pour into a punch bowl. Add Sekt and serve chilled in wide champagne style glasses, making certain to dispense strawberries with the wine.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on a variety of subjects, but is at present concerned with Recipes to Lower Your High Blood Pressure. If you want to know more, go to our website at Gourmet Recipes and Good Health.

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Do You Wonder How To Reduce Weight?

Posted by Ken I Smith | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 29-04-2012-05-2008

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Most people who have more body weight than they would like often think about reducing their body size. The question is always how to reduce weight. People adopt different methods of reducing their size and this will usually call for a change in lifestyle. Changing to a healthier lifestyle that involves watching your diet, exercising and getting a good amount of sleep is always encouraged.

Lifestyle change is paramount if you are considering reducing your size. This will first involve having a clear understanding of your diet. Consider changing to healthier diets with calories that your body can effectively burn. It will be necessary to avoid certain fatty foods and junk foods.

Lifestyle change will involve taking a closer look at activities such as your diet, training and drink habits. This will trigger a permanent life style change rather than something short term. If you watch your diet carefully for a short period and then return to your unhealthy lifestyle, you will not have helped yourself at all.

Remember to expect results slowly. Reducing the size of the body is not something that you will wake up one morning and accomplish. You will have to be patient as well as continuously follow your work out schedules. If you expect too much from just a week of eating healthy and exercising, you might get frustrated.

Keeping track of your progress can be encouraging. This will require you to keep records and measuring your weight after some constant duration, such as after two weeks. The project should be long term in order for you to gain maximally.

Before starting, you will have to set the goal you want to achieve clearly. Set the strategies to achieve this objective and then fully follow through. Remember that short cuts can have adverse effects to your body health. This is an initiative that should be done on a long-term basis for maximum benefits.

About the author: Ken Smith can help you pick the best weight loss plan. For how to reduce weight info, grab his free tips on how to reduce weight.

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May Massage Chairs Better Your Weight Reduction Goals?

Posted by Betty Kennington | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 27-04-2012-05-2008

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Everyone seems to want to shed a few pounds here and there. Many of us have tried different approaches to diet and exercise. Why shouldn’t we consider a massage chair to lose some pounds? A massage recliner can assist to help you shed a few pounds at certain stages of your weight loss program. But just like any weight loss program, it consists of a proper diet and exercise as well as relaxation.

In order to live healthy, you need a whole some and relaxed body, mind and spirit connection. Massage is used routinely to help induce relaxation of the mind and body. It provides for a time for you to focus on yourself. Getting frequent treatments is important to sustain a healthy body and mind connection.

Normally, when we want to lose weight, need to watch our diet and maintain a routine exercise program. As we begin this program, we see a steady improvement of weight loss per week. Then it seems we hit a wall. We are unable to drop a few of these lingering pounds.

Early on in our weight loss program we start to implement our diet and exercise routine. We then start to lose weight. However, most of the early weight loss is water weight. To facilitate greater water weight loss, massage chair therapy helps to release excess water being held.

Our body needs to regularly clean itself. This is performed by the lymph system. The lymphatic system removes waste materials from the cells and disposes of it. Massage chair therapy may assist in the removal of toxins from the cells to be flushed by the lymphatic system.

Want to increase your muscle tone? Regular massage treatments have been shown to improve muscle tone. Massage penetrates through the muscles to help restore elasticity. This is important after physical exertion or workouts. By increasing the elasticity, the muscles become stronger and will burn calories at a higher rate.

Massage therapy targets the penetration of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. It uses specific movements to penetrate through these soft tissues. The soft tissues also contain what is known as fat capsules. When these fat capsules are penetrated then their contents of fat can be removed. This may aid in the weight loss of fat when applied to certain areas of the body.

Let’s face it as we get older our metabolism begins to slow down. It is normally thought that at 40 years old, your metabolism will begin slowing down. This makes it even harder to lose weight. Steps must be taken to increase the metabolism providing the body with greater energy. Receiving periodic massage chair treatments helps with blood and fluid circulation. Improved circulation is critical to maintaining a have higher-level of metabolism.

Invigorating the muscle tissues helps with the release of fluids used to repair the tissues. Regular treatments which involve stretching and manipulating the soft tissue areas can break down scar tissue much more rapidly. This is associated with faster recuperation times.

When he began to exercise regularly after a period of inactivity, then you realize that your muscles get tired and sore quickly. Soreness comes from them becoming tight and stiff after being worked out. This is a normal situation occurring from the buildup of lactic acids. Receiving regular treatments reduces the buildup of lactic acid.

A massage chair provides a natural set of treatments to help you reach your weight loss goals. It helps you recover faster from exercise and removed waste products from your body. It provides a sanctuary for relaxation of your mind. This is important to maintain a healthy and positive perspective. Massage chairs may be that extra needed motivation to beat your health goals.

Further your health targets with a Massage Chair for in-home use. Massage chairs are simple to include into your weight loss and light exercise program. Warm up just before you exercise or warm down after. Massage Chairs are tremendously convenient.

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Water And Dehydration

Posted by Owen Jones | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 23-04-2012-05-2008

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We, as human beings, as very reliant on water. We are approximately 70% water and we cannot live without it. In fact, we can go weeks without food, but merely about three days without water.

One of the sad things about the Western diet is that a great deal of people no longer drink water. They have completely replaced water with sugary soft drinks, which of course contain enough water but also contain too much sugar or sugar substitute.

The first step that these people have to take in order to get back on track is to give up this silly, childish habit and begin drinking plain water again. It has been estimated that around two-thirds of people do not drink enough water, which means that they are in a permanent state of partial dehydration.

Water has several important functions in our bodies, but one of the most important ones is to flush out toxins. It is worth knowing that if you feel thirsty, your body has reached a state where it is crying out for water. In other words, it has already passed the state where it requires water, so endeavour not to wait until you are thirsty before you take a drink.

Another fact is that tea, coffee and alcohol (some of our most well-liked adult drinks) are diuretics, which is to say that they force urination, often more than they replace. So you can put 250mm in but you may lose 270mm. This is naturally not the purpose of drinking if you are thirsty

Exercise is another reason why we lose water. In fact, just by being alive, we lose water due to body heat and evaporation, but whilst we are actually doing something, we lose water fairly rapidly. You may get worried about drinking water before going to sleep, but if you can do it, it is a very healthy thing.

If you wake up a bit groggy each day and have to have breakfast, tea or coffee before you can actually wake up, it might be because of dehydration, not because you have problems waking up. Being dehydrated causes drowsiness and lack of concentration.

In fact, dehydration is a major killer in the Third World. This is not because there is no water, but because the water is contaminated. This contaminated water causes diarrhoea which causes dehydration. It is vital to continue drinking when you are sick even if you do not feel like eating.

It is suggested that we drink at least eight glasses of water (say, of 250mm each) a day. More if you are exercising or sick. It sounds like a great deal of water, but most individuals are awake for about 16 hours a day, so eight beakers works out to just one each two hours.

It is more of a difficulty to get into the habit of drinking water on a regular basis than it is to really do the drinking, but once you have acquired the habit, you will feel better on a day-to-day basis. It will not prevent you from getting sick, but your general degree of health will improve, because you are getting rid of toxins.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on a number of topics, but is now concerned with Sundance hot tubs. If you would like to know more, please visit our web site at Hot Springs Spa Parts

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Some Enlivening Natural Massage Chair Therapy

Posted by Ron Madden | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 16-04-2012-05-2008

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There is a huge trend for people looking for more natural healthcare. Unfortunately, most of Western medicine has not focus much on prevention. The majority of the health care and its associated costs are on very expensive surgeries and procedures. If people adopted more healthy and natural lifestyles then many of these problems could have been avoided. Massage chairs are becoming a natural ally in providing on-demand therapy when needed.

There are many different natural massage and other therapies which have been practiced for many centuries. Most of these natural methods have not undergone the rigorous of clinical trials. This is not to say that they are not valid, but instead are really under funded.

Massage chairs have developed a variety of massage techniques. Many of these techniques are based upon more famous massage school practices. Techniques such as shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue and reflexology can be found in many massage recliners.

Massage chairs have standard programs which provide shiatsu massage or Swedish massage, for example, on demand. Simply push a button. The massage chair commences a full body massage specializing in the technique that you selected.

The technology used in many massage chairs is a highly developed. The goal of these manufacturers is to replicate the movements to effectively stretch and pull the muscles and soft tissues. This helps to retain the flexibility of these soft tissue areas.

Massage chairs also use various sensor systems. The sensors are used to determine the height and location of your shoulders and neck. Other types of sensors are also used to determine an individual’s acupoints for shiatsu massage. This type of sensor technology enables massage chairs to deliver a truly customized massage.

As part of your total health program, it is important to stretch your muscles. Stretching helps to elongate the fibers of the muscles and other soft tissues. This helps to keep them more elastic and flexible. Massage chairs have incorporated new technology to perform stretching of the lower body.

One very common and natural therapy is the application of heat. Heat is routinely used in sports medicine. Heat is applied to reduce swelling of the muscles and joints. Massage chairs have now integrated heating systems which allow the user to select the area in which to apply heat.

Why not relax to your favorite music? Massage chairs have MP3 players with headphones. This enables you to download your favorite soft music for relaxation. While you relax, the headphones also eliminate the ambient noise. This enables your mind to relax letting go of the tension in the body.

If you need relief for tired and aching feet, then try a reflexology foot massage. Many massage chairs have specially designed reflexology foot massage capability. These systems enable you to put your feet in the foot wells and the massage chair delivers a relaxing and soothing reflexology foot massage.

Massage chairs have come a long ways since the first versions using vibration. Now you can find virtually every massage technique programmed into a massage chair. Additionally, many other complementary therapeutic treatments have been added as well. It is typical to find lower body stretching, music therapy and heaters integrated into massage chairs. Massage chairs are fast becoming centers of health and well-being.

Prevention is your best medicine for your health and well being. Receive frequent Massage Chair Therapy and stop your stress when it starts to build. Natural Massage Chair Therapies help to reduce muscle pain, relieve tension and induce relaxation. Get the daily benefit of relieving your tension and sleeping great at night.

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Some Tips To Weaken Weight From Pregnancy

Posted by Sandra Beckwith | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 14-04-2012-05-2008

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Pregnancy brings so many changes to a woman’s body. Some woman fly right thru their pregnancy and drop the weight like nothing. Others have a tougher time as they now have two full time jobs. Be as it may, you just have to work a bit harder and you can have it all. You should look at your diet, you know you have to exercise and why not recuperate with massage chair therapy?

One reality that pregnant women must face is that they naturally gain weight during pregnancy. Many women find that after their pregnancy that they may have more weight than they wanted. This can be caused by the body retaining more fluid. Usually retained fluids will be lost within the first three weeks after giving birth. You may notice more sweating than usual and more frequent trips to the bathroom.

However, you need to prepare yourself for the worst case scenario. Understand why you have this additional weight gain. Also realize that it is only temporary. This is necessary for your emotional well-being. It can be conquered and you will lose the extra weight with hard work, perseverance, and an iron will.

Is anyone not giving advice about losing weight? You can find many suggestions, but like anything, it starts with the basics. We have heard them all before. You will hear them again. Diet. Exercise. Massage Therapy. Write them down and memorize them, because you will see them again.

First and most important is your diet. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes lean meats, grain-type breads, fruits, and vegetables is critical. Junk food is not advised and should be avoided. Instead, indulge in a healthy snack such as nuts, popcorn, fruits, vegetables, raisins, and a wheat-type cracker.

The problem with fast food is it contains high levels of sodium. Sodium helps to retain water. A good portion of the weight gain in pregnancy is water weight. Water intake is essential in flushing out the toxins of our bodies. Replace any soda or juice drinks, which contain sugar, with mineral water.

The next important step is exercise. First, get your physicians approval for when exercise is appropriate for you. Go for a walk! It is the perfect exercise. Your baby will love it too. Push the stroller and get your baby used to going out with you. It is a win-win.

One way to help shed some pounds is with breast feeding. Breast feeding can negate up to 500 calories of intake per day. This is a dieting dream for women. Breast feeding makes diet and nutrition even more important as your intake is for two. You can consult with your doctor about how you can go about losing weight and breastfeeding.

Massage therapy has been used throughout the ages for recovery and healing. Your body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy and after as well. You have to deal with improving your diet and exercising. You also need time for you to recover. A quick massage from a massage chair is ideal. It is the friend you need, when you need it. Relief is finally on your schedule.

Stepping on the scale after pregnancy can be very intimidating and you may be very hesitant. Ease up on yourself and remember what your body has been through. You have just given life and your body was stretched to the max. Since the pregnancy process occurred over a 9-month period of time, allow yourself at least 9 months to get yourself back into shape again.

Make sure you check with your health care provider on the best options for you. Everyone is different and your doctor can advise you on what and when you should exercise during pregnancy. Find out their opinion on diet, exercise and massage chair therapy. You need to discover the new harmonious balance and replenish your energy.

Why not integrate a Massage Chair into your bustling lifestyle. Give yourself the chance to heal and rebound for a harmonious lifestyle. Massage Chairs are an excellent complement to your diet and exercise.

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3 Delicious Vegetarian Main Courses

Posted by Owen Jones | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 12-04-2012-05-2008

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Here are three delicious vegetarian main courses:

No. 1: Portabello Mushroom Lasagne

6 Servings

1 pound ground soya 4 vegetarian sausages (mild or hot) 1 medium onion garlic salt to taste pepper to taste 6 large Portabello mushrooms 1 substantial container ricotta cheese 1 egg Plenty of grated mozarella cheese Canned spaghetti sauce (or make your own)

How to Prepare:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees Remove soya sausage meat from skins. Brown soya sausage and minced soya beef with onions, adding garlic salt and pepper to taste. Wash mushrooms and scrape out the black gills.

Beat egg into ricotta cheese. Spread a small amount of spaghetti sauce in a large baking dish or shallow roasting pan to prevent sticking.

Generously fill each mushroom cap with ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish or roasting pan ricotta side up. Top each cap with a handful of the grated mozarella. Then top every cap with a liberal amount of the soya meat/onion mixture. Top each cap with another handful of mozarella.

Pour spaghetti sauce on top of every cap and in the bottom of the pan. Top with the remaining mozarella cheese.

Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Permit to cool for about 10

No. 2

Baked Tomatoes With Proven?ale Stuffing

4 Servings

4 md tomatoes – unpeeled, cored, pulp removed 1 T olive oil 3/4 c onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, ground 1/2 T fresh parsley, chopped 2 t fresh basil, chopped 1 1/2 t fresh thyme, chopped 1/2 t salt 1/4 t black pepper 3/4 c bread crumbs 1/4 c plus 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Bring the oven to 375F. Core tomatoes and scoop the insides out to leave whole skins.

Heat skillet with oil to medium heat and saute onion with garlic for around 3 minutes. Stir in tomato cores, herbs and seasonings. Saute for around 4 minutes or until the liquid evaporates.

Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs and a cup measure of the Parmesan cheese. Reserve the rest of the cheese for later.

Stuff the tomatoes with the mixture and sprinkle evenly with the remaining measure of Parmesan cheese.

Bake for around 15 minutes.

No. 3

Franconia Root Vegetables

6 Servings

6 lb potatoes, peeled 1 1/2 lb small carrots, trimmed and scraped (or substantial carrots, cut carefully in ovals) 1 lb small turnips, peeled, sprout end (or large turnips, trimmed 12 small white onions a little margarine 1 t dried thyme leaves, crumbled Salt and freshly minced pepper to taste 1/4 c parsley, chopped 1 large marrow, cored

Drop potatoes into a saucepan of cold, salted water. Over high heat, bring water to a boil, lower heat to medium |and cook potatoes for 12 minutes. Drain, let cool for a few minutes, pat dry, and cut into quarters (or halve horizontally and trim each half into ovals).

Meanwhile, drop carrots, turnips, and onions into boiling salted water to cover. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and boil until barely tender (10 to 15 minutes, depending on size). Drain, at once cool under running water, and set vegetables aside.

About one hour before marrow will be served, place potato quarters in margarine (at least 1/2 cup) and turn them to coat. (If you are allowed you can use a little unsalted butter).

Position in oven (wherever there’s room, including the bottom shelf) and roast for 45 minutes, turning each 10 minutes or so to brown all sides uniformly. Add carrots, turnips, and onions. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Continue roasting and turning frequently until vegetables are tender and evenly browned (about 15 minutes or slightly longer). Using tongs (or a slotted spoon) and draining off excess fat, remove to serving dish and sprinkle with parsley.

Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on a number of subjects, but is at present concerned with Recipes to Lower Your High Blood Pressure. If you want to know more, go to our web site at Gourmet Recipes and Good Health.

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Methods To Reduce Cholesterol Without Medication

Posted by Owen Jones | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 11-04-2012-05-2008

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Most individuals think that cholesterol issues just affect older individuals, but this is not true. High degrees of cholesterol can also be discovered in the young. In one study, 75 % of those checked had a yellow waxy substance in their blood – LDL cholesterol – it is considered to be a reliable indication of future heart problems. The surprising thing about this study was that they were all fit American soldiers with an average age of just 21.

Now we do need some LDL cholesterol because it is used by the body to control some important functions and we definitely need HDL cholesterol because it assists regulate LDL cholesterol. The only issue is the volume of these substances. High levels of LDL have been linked to atherosclerosis, which leads to heart disease.

If you would like to begin working on your cholesterol levels in a maintenance type of way, you can do so with the aid of exercise and diet. The exercise element does not have to be arduous. Walking for an hour a day will do the trick if it is in conjunction with healthy dieting.

The diet ought to include plenty of fibre and roughage because not only will it lower LDL cholesterol, but it will also help your bowels to function properly which reduces your chance of acquiring bowel cancer, the rate of which is rising these days.

Foods that are rich in fibre and roughage are fruit and vegetables, particularly greens; beans, pulses and grains, particularly oats as in porridge; nuts and soya. It is quite easy to raise your intake of these foods without drastically changing you normal diet, although it is wise to substitute skinless chicken and fish for beef and pork.

For example, you could eat porridge for breakfast and add a handful of barley to your soup. You could add a few leaves of lettuce to your sandwich and eat fruit as snacks throughout the day. You could have beans on toast every now and again. Whole grain bread, obviously.

Some foods have a particularly healthy reputation for lowering cholesterol levels. Avocado is one because it contains a great deal of mono-unsaturated fats which raise the degree of HDL and HDL counteracts LDL. Raw carrots are another one. Raw carrots contain lots of pectin, which reduces LDL. Pectin is also there in substantial quantities in citrus fruits, apples and berries such as strawberries, raspberries and red and black berries.

Then there are other famously healthy foodstuffs like garlic and shitake mushrooms which are also considered to ward off cancer and boost the immune system as a whole. Ginger is another healthy food that is easily incorporated into dishes.

Nuts, particularly walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and almonds are high in Omega 3 fatty acids which has a beneficial impact on LDL cholesterol. Sesame seeds contain phytosterols, which also lowers LDL. Other foodstuffs containing phytosterols are: celery, lettuce, asparagus, spinach and tomatoes.

You ought to strive to eat mono- and poly-unsaturated fats as they will improve your HDL. You can find these fats in cannola, safflower, soya bean and olive oil. They also contain Omega 3. Other sources of Omega 3 are fish, especially the fatty fish like tuna, salmon and mackerel.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on numerous topics, but is now concerned with food that lowers cholesterol. If you want to know more, please visit our site at What Foods Lower Cholesterol?

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Foodstuffs You Should Avoid To Lower Cholesterol

Posted by Owen Jones | Posted in weight loss | Posted on 10-04-2012-05-2008

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Cholesterol is a colossal difficulty in Western countries and the problem is spreading from older individuals to younger people and from Westerners to Easterners. Health authorities all over the world are warning of the heart disease time bomb that is ticking away. That is all well and good, but the difficulty is is that not many individuals are taking any notice until it is too late.

One of the biggest problems is that individuals do not think before purchasing a meal or a snack – if they are hungry, they will simply buy a hamburger or a pie. Another big problem, is that the generation born in the Seventies did not learn how to cook, but instead depended on junk food. They have also passed that on to their children and so it goes on.

This state of affairs has led to the increase in heart disease. So, what can be done about it? Well, the best thing would be for individuals to go back forty or fifty years and begin again, but since that is not possible, it is useful to look into that earlier lifestyle and see how we differ these days from it.

Forty or fifty years ago, there were junk foods, but most people consumed them just very infrequently. They went home to a cooked meal prepared either by their mother or their wife or they cooked it themselves. It is not important who cooked it, the fact that it was cooked at home is the significant bit.

How often do you eat take-aways and how frequently do you eat home cooked meals – meals that were made from fresh, raw ingredients?

There were fewer labour-saving devices in those days, so individuals worked harder. ‘Harder” I said, people probably work longer hours now, but they do not expend so many calories. In those days, individuals walked further and worked more strenuously and ate meals prepared from raw ingredients.

We do not do that now and those are the foremost reasons why we are all having problems with heart disease. OK, you have to be pretty far gone for it to be too late. You can make lifestyle alterations now and you will recover or you can take tablets and help to make the pharmaceuticals even richer.

If you want to do something about your circumstance, it is quite simple. The first thing to do is avoid red meat, full-fat dairy produce like milk, cream, butter and cheese and stop eating junk food, such as hamburgers, store-bought pizzas, hot dogs, pies, pasties, crisps and chips entirely. This will vastly reduce most people’s sources of the prime culprits of high cholesterol – namely, saturated fats and hydrogenated,or trans, fats..

The second thing to do is raise your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. You should also eat more peas, beans, lentils, grains and nuts. Soya is also very (very) beneficial for you.

Avoid eating animal skin of all kinds, because a lot of the fat content is in the skin and try to replace red meat dishes with those made using fish, chicken and tofu.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on numerous topics, but is now concerned with low cholesterol diet recipes. If you want to know more, please visit our site at What Foods Lower Cholesterol?

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