LIFELONG HEALTH Getting sufficient fiber crucial for bowel health

March 6, 2011 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

Most Americans know that our poor diet has contributed to increased incidence of obesity, high cholesterol and impaired gastrointestinal function. But a paper published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that the classic American diet may shorten life expectancy. For the first time, researchers found a link between decreased amount of fiber and risk of death.

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Dietary Fiber for Heart Health

December 21, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol foods · Comment 

How dietary fiber protects heart health and helps lower cholesterol.

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How to Lower Cholesterol

September 11, 2010 · Posted in diets to lower cholesterol · Comment 

If you want to know how to lower cholesterol with herbs, you have to realize that lowering cholesterol is only a fraction of what you need to achieve. There are some other steps needed at the same time to ensure that your cholesterol is in correct balance. Ideally what you want to achieve is to not only lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, but also raise HDL (good) cholesterol, and in addition to that get your body working so that any excess cholesterol that is in the blood is either dissolved or turned into bile salts so it can be excreted from the body.

Listed below are some tips to lower cholesterol naturally.

  • If you are currently savoring foods that are high in saturated fats then you have to get rid of them now. Choose to eat meals that are low in fat such as turkey meat which you can substitute instead of eating beef meat. Eat fish more often and choose chicken meat without the skin.
  • If you are fond of eating snacks, try to nibble some rice crackers or tortilla chips. What you eat between meals affects heavily your health condition. Therefore choose to eat what is recommended instead of going for a bag of potato fries or hamburger.
  • Consuming foods that are high in fiber is also recommended. Whole grains, nuts, and vegetables are among the few good and healthy foods that you can eat to help lower your cholesterol. Eat more of these foods rather than eating more meat.
  • Increasing your fiber intake is also one of the natural ways to lower cholesterol. To improve your lipid profile, try psyllium husk. Fiber plays a big part in lowering cholesterol since LDL or bad cholesterol would tend to cling on this soluble fiber and eventually taken out of your blood stream instead of absorbing it.
  • Foods that contain high amount of saturated fats are to be avoided since these are the types of foods that increase your blood cholesterol level. Fats that come from fish oil are recommended for good health.
  • Eat more vegetables instead of a second helping of macaroni and cheese. Eat raw broccoli instead of fried broccoli. There are many small steps you can take that would make a big difference.
  • Therefore eating vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are recommended since these are the foods that are rich in fiber. Nuts are also included since they contain plant sterols which are also effective in decreasing your lipid profile.

Consume these healthy foods as part of your daily diet and take natural supplements specially formulated to naturally help lower bad cholesterol. There will be no other one to benefit but yourself. Staying physically fit is not that difficult after all and this will help with lowering cholesterol fast.

Does A Best Diet For High Cholesterol Exist And How You Diet To Control High Cholesterol, Revealed!

July 9, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

Many cholesterol-conscious individuals tend to worry about that one best diet for high cholesterol. The questions that keep surfacing most often in health forums about cholesterol are, “Is there a best diet for high cholesterol?” or, “What is the best diet for maintaining low cholesterol?” The answer to those questions is a straightforward, “No!” There simply is just no one best diet to lower and control high cholesterol. Yes, figuring out how to lower cholesterol through diet is important, but – I believe that is going about it the wrong way. What they should be asking themselves instead is – if there is a diet to control high cholesterol that is best for them! And I’m here to tell you how to do just that.

Your choices in diet to help lower high cholesterol are one of the most important and safest ways to control high cholesterol. In fact, planning what to eat to lower your cholesterol should be one of your first priorities even before considering consuming any kind of cholesterol-lowering medication.

Doctors usually recommend aiming to lower your level of LDL cholesterol to less than 160mg/dl. Those with coronary heart disease should target a LDL cholesterol level of less than 130 mg/dl. That is – total cholesterol of 240mg/dl and 200 mg/dl respectively.

Diets to reduce high cholesterol revolve around low fat and high fiber

There is really only one vital key in any diet for lowering cholesterol … and that every diet plan you follow includes – low fat and high fiber. It really is as simple as that. Keeping your diet low in fat and high in fiber means:

  • Reducing your sugar intake: Everything you have probably heard about sugar is true. Cutting your intake of sugar is crucial to lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. An elevated triglyceride level significantly increases your risk of heart disease and studies have also shown that elevated triglyceride levels can portend the development of diabetes.
  • Keep your eye out for harmful trans-fats: Trans-fats are found in margarine, sauces, salad dressing and sugary snack foods.
  • Reduce your intake of animal fats, fried foods and chemically induced foods

And what about that fiber that you body so badly needs? You definitely cannot go wrong with fresh fruits and vegetables where fiber is concerned. Oats, rye, dried peas, yams, beans yogurt, and cultured foods are all great additions to your diet.

Here is a tip – if possible, consume soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is found – as already mentioned – in fruits and vegetables. But, another product soluble fiber is found in, is in one of the most effective grains that should be added to your diet to control high cholesterol …

Barley – a powerful choice in any cholesterol reducing diets

Barley has been used in traditional medicine by people thousands of years back. But, it is only recently that barley had been discovered to be highly effective in lowering cholesterol. As mentioned above, fibers are usually classified as either soluble or insoluble. And it is these water-soluble fibers like barley that have shown to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event.

Like in oats, beta-glucan (a complex sugar) is also found in barley. Studies have shown that those who include a high intake of beta-glucan in their diets, are more successful in lowering their LDL cholesterol.

So, here is a short list of water-soluble fiber that should become part of your natural remedy for lowering cholesterol:

  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Oranges
  • Peaches
  • Squash
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Nuts and seeds (psyllium seeds are best)
  • Peanuts
  • Lentils
  • Peas
  • Beans
  • Oats
  • And of course, barley.

Maintaining low cholesterol includes starches

‘Complex carbohydrates’ or natural starches are needed by your body to burn fat. It is wise to include starches in your diet to control high cholesterol. Natural starches are found in breads, potatoes, pasta and cereal. Being naturally low in fat and high in fiber (everything that a diet to lower high cholesterol needs), these foods should be added to your dietary list.

Bear in mind, it is what you pile on to these foods that adds to the fat. A rising cholesterol level is due to the consumption of fat. Don’t get me wrong. Fat is a great source of energy for your body. It also helps absorb certain types of vitamin and nutrients.

But for those who are using diets to lower cholesterol, they should attempt to keep their fat consumption between 25 and 35 percent of their calories. That is the secret to maintaining a perfect dietary plan – eat less fat than your body burns everyday.

Keep in mind that just as important as the amount of fat you consume, is the type. Stay away from saturated and trans fats. These are the types of fat that are true enemies of good cholesterol. Cut that saturated fat from your diet and you lower your cholesterol.

If you’re wondering about good fats, then these are monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. Fish contain polyunsaturated fats, which are the best kind. Little wonder that so many dieticians recommend fish in many dietary plans.

So, if you are serious about lowering and maintaining low cholesterol and fighting heart disease, pay attention to your diet. Make this your first step towards combating bad cholesterol.

To sum up, your diet to control high cholesterol should and preferably incorporate these foods:

  • A diet rich in natural starches, fiber and protein.
  • Keep your diet low in bad fats as well. Preferably, stay off bad fats completely. This combination gives you a diet rich in nutrients such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, which, aid in the lowering of blood pressure and can add years to your life. Think, more vegetables fruits and whole-grain foods such as oats, brown rice (instead of white rice) and whole-grain bread (instead of white bread). This combination also keeps your diet low in calories – which means – no extra pounds. Besides keeping you in good shape, this combination prevents any build-up of toxins in your intestines. You can get the necessary proteins from beans, eggs and fish. Protein aids in rebuilding your muscle cells and tissues. A diet involving this combination will not only form a natural source to reduce cholesterol, but will also improve your cardio-vascular system and prevent arthritis.
  • And remember, keep off deep-fried foods like French fries and if possible, keep off baked potatoes too. Replace white potatoes with yams and sweet potatoes.

Maybe, there is a best diet for high cholesterol after all!

Author: Rafael Todorini
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Lower Cholesterol Naturally Using a Smorgasbord of Fiber

May 14, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

With a high cholesterol and heart disease in the family, Phil’s doctor had urged him to adhere to American Heart Association’s low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

“Your LDL cholesterol is 181–it’s down only 7%. That’s still too high, Phil,” the doctor said, sighing. “At your age (46 years old), you can’t afford to walk around with an LDL that high. You’ll end up with a heart attack. Here’s a prescription for —–, a statin drug. This’ll drop your cholesterol like a stone.”

Phil took the doctor’s prescription but never filled it. He’d read somewhere about the muscle and liver side-effects of the so-called “statin” cholesterol drugs. Despite his doctor’s reassurances, he was more scared of the drug than of the prospect of a heart attack in his life. Instead, he embarked on a program that included several readily-obtainable foods and included them in his daily routine for several months.

On his return to the doctor, Phil’s LDL was down to 112–a 38% drop. “Wow! That’s a great result on your medicine,” the doctor declared. But Phil informed him of his reluctance to take the medication and how he used foods instead.

Mention fiber and nearly everyone thinks of the dry, cardboard-like breakfast cereals found in the grocery store. It’s as if healthy ingredients come at the cost of taste. But the majority of fibers these products contain really provide limited benefits. Wheat-fiber based products like these have essentially no effect whatsoever on cholesterol in your body (though it’s good for your bowels.)

Fiber comes in a broad variety of shapes and sizes that you can incorporate into your nutritional program in interesting, delicious ways that can deliver powerful health benefits. With knowledge of superior sources of fiber in food and supplements, you can create a smorgasbord of fiber to substantially lower cholesterol.

But I already eat whole wheat bread!

Most Americans take in a meager 14 grams of fiber a day. Processed foods created for convenience and temptation (and profit) are generally stripped of fiber content. Sugary, dried, instant, microwavable, just-add-water foods in glitzy packaging are therefore miserably deficient in fiber.

The benefits of fiber begin when you take in at least 25 grams every day. This is the level of fiber intake recommended by most national organizations like the American Heart Association. But something unexpected happens when your fiber intake is 50 grams or more a day: cholesterol plummets, blood sugar is lowered, diabetes can be prevented–and you can lose weight, too.

The diet advocated by the American Heart Association lowers cholesterol around 7%. (Yawn.) Compare this to a diet with more stratospheric quantities of fiber (>50 grams per day): cholesterol is lowered 30% or more– that’s as good as the statin cholesterol medicines. (Imagine what would happen if you combined a cholesterol-lowering medicine and super-high fiber intake.)

Oat bran

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber that avidly absorbs water and transforms into a gooey gel. This gel, as it traverses the twenty-some feet of intestines, is an efficient absorber of cholesterol. Beta-glucan is responsible for the cholesterol-lowering properties of oatmeal that you’ve likely heard about. You know what’s even better than oatmeal? Oat bran. Ounce for ounce, oat bran has twice the soluble fiber of oatmeal. You can buy oat bran in bags and boxes in most grocery stores. Oat bran is also more versatile. You can use it as a hot cereal microwaved in skim milk or soy milk (add raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds, fresh berries, or sliced fruit), or you can add it to yogurt, fruit smoothies, or protein drinks. Like oatmeal, you can also use it in your baking.

One ounce of oat bran (1/4 cup) contains 4 grams of fiber, of which 3 grams are soluble. Including ¼ cup of oat bran a day in your diet can powerfully lower cholesterol.

Pectins

Pectin is the soluble fiber found in abundance in apples and citrus fruits, especially grapefruit. In citrus, the pectin is most concentrated in the white rinds, not the pulp, so don’t do such a good job when you peel. The quantity of pectin in a single piece of fruit is relatively modest (around 1.5 grams), but when reaching for a piece of fruit, an apple or citrus fruit can be one way to add modestly to your net daily soluble fiber intake.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is an ancient food, described in Egyptian writings dating back thousands of years. When the seeds are ground, the lignans, a structural fiber, are exposed and available as soluble fiber. (In addition to powerful cholesterol-lowering properties, the lignans are being intensively investigated for their cancer-preventing properties.) Flaxseed is available both as whole seeds and already-ground. Whole seeds need to be ground (e.g., in your coffee-grinder) to release the fibers. Don’t confuse flaxseed oil with the seed itself. When the oil is extracted from flaxseed to produce flaxseed oil, it can be a source of linolenic acid, which in turn is converted by your body to a small quantity of omega-3 fatty acids (as in fish). But the bulk of benefit from flaxseed is found in the lignan, or fiber, content, and the ground seeds are therefore required, not just the oil.

Use flaxseed just as you would oat bran: Mix with skim or soy milk, raw seeds, and berries to make a warm cereal; mix with yogurt, fruit smoothies, protein drinks. Two tablespoons a day provides 17 grams of fiber, of which 6 grams are soluble.

Beans

Beans are an excellent and easy addition to most dinner menus. A ½ cup serving of starchy beans–pinto, Spanish, black, red, white–provides around 2 grams of soluble fiber and 4 grams total fiber. (Green beans are great for many reasons but are not a significant source of soluble fiber.) Vegetarian chilis and bean soups are among the many ways you can use these tremendous sources of fiber. Although beans are a carbohydrate source, the glycemic index (sugar-raising effect) is relatively low.

Psyllium Seed

Psyllium seed is the main ingredient in the familiar Metamucil, as this seed has the capacity to absorb many times its weight in water, making intestinal contents bulkier and softer. But it also lowers cholesterol 7-10%, just like oat bran and flaxseed. Psyllium is useful for its convenience: Just dissolve a teaspoon in 8-12 oz of water and drink. However, it is much less versatile than oat bran and flaxseed in that you really can’t conceal it in yogurt or fruit smoothies or protein drinks. A teaspoon of psyllium (containing 2.4 grams of soluble fiber, 3 grams total fiber) is most useful when you are unable for one reason or another to use another soluble fiber source (e.g., when you’re traveling). Taken 30 minutes prior to meals, you can also use it to produce satiety, or the feeling of fullness that discourages you from overeating. Many people use this as a helpful weight-loss strategy.

Nuts

Nuts are little powerhouses of beneficial nutrients. Unfortunately, manufacturers will roast them in oils (often hydrogenated), add salt, or coat them in sugar and other less healthy additives (“honey-roasted”). Stick with the raw variety for greatest benefit. In particular, raw almonds and walnuts pack the greatest punch when it comes to lowering cholesterol. A ¼ cup serving of either each day lowers cholesterol 8%. The route by which nuts accomplish this is not entirely clear, but the content of fiber, phytosterols (in almonds and similar to that found in butter-substitutes Take Control and Benecol), and other phytonutrients likely all contribute to the effect. Nuts are also rich in monounsaturated oils (similar to that in olive oil) and this may contribute to cholesterol-lowering. What’s more, the generous fiber content of nuts has been shown to lower blood sugar and can even lower the effective glycemic index of carbohydrate foods (slows sugar release into the blood). This effect can help prevent diabetes. The wonderful satiety effect (feeling full) of raw nuts will permit you to eat a handful of nuts and feel satisfied. Up to a ½ cup a day is advised for full benefits.

Phytosterols

Phytosterols (also known as stanol and sterol esters) are found in abundance in many plants and closely resemble human cholesterol in structure. But when 2 level tablespoons are taken orally each day, they lower cholesterol around 15%. Curiously, phytosterols need to be “esterified”, or bound, to a chemical side-group that gives them an oily consistency in order to exert their full cholesterol-lowering effect in the intestine. This is the reason that phytosterols come in oil-based forms as butter substitutes (Take Control, Benecol) and more recently as a mayonnaise-substitute. You can find the butter substitute products in the dairy aisle of the grocery store. Beware of their calorie content, as excessive quantities can still cause you to gain weight despite the cholesterol-lowering effect.

Soy protein powder

Soy beans have many beneficial nutrients. Among them are isoflavones, which are believed by many to help relieve menopausal symptoms in women, as isoflavones resemble estrogen. However, it is the protein we’re interested in for cholesterol-lowering properties. The protein has been shown to lower cholesterol 15-20% by shutting off the liver’s production of cholesterol. Soy protein, in fact, is one of the foods endorsed by the FDA to lower cholesterol.

The easiest way to get the 25 grams (3 tablespoons) of soy protein required for full cholesterol-lowering benefit is through powders that you can purchase in canisters at grocery and health food stores. Use the powder as part of health shakes (with yogurt or kefir, fresh fruit, oat bran, skim milk, soy milk, etc.) Other sources of soy protein include soy milk, textured-vegetable protein used as a meat substitute, soy nuts, soy cheese, low-carb pasta, and soy butter.

Create a smorgasbord of fiber

Including just a little of one or two of these strategies will help lower your cholesterol. But if you’re looking for a super-charged benefit, combine several of these foods and nutrients. It is entirely possible to lower LDL cholesterol a full 30% or more when you put several together each and every day. A sample approach might be:

o Raw almonds–½ cup per day (total fiber 5.8 g; soluble 0.6 g)

o Oat bran–¼ cup per day (total fiber 4 g, 3 g soluble)

o Psyllium seed–2 tsp per day (6 g total fiber; 4.8 g soluble)

o Citrus fruit–e.g., 1 orange (around 1 g soluble fiber)

o Beans–1/2 cup per day, cooked (4 g total fiber; 1 g soluble)

o Soy protein powder–3 tbsp in protein shake (25 grams protein)

The fiber content of this regimen alone–over 20 grams added–packs a powerful effect on cholesterol. Most people lose a modest quantity of weight, as well, because of the feeling of fullness that fiber-rich foods provide. If you are diabetic or have “borderline” or “pre-” diabetes, blood sugars are often lower on this regimen. (Discuss this with your doctor to avoid excessively low blood sugars if you take oral diabetic medications or insulin.)

But beware. . .

Start with too much fiber all at once and you may–paradoxically–end up with constipation. The safest way to proceed if you begin with an average low-fiber American diet is to add one or two fiber sources at a time, and add another form only after two weeks. This permits your intestines to accommodate to the increased bulk. Also be sure to take in plenty of water, as these fibers will draw water into the intestine and can actually cause you to be dehydrated if you do not drink enough. If the fiber cannot draw enough water into the intestine, you can end up with a very nasty case of constipation. Not pretty! (Consult your doctor if you have a history of congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease, edema, or have been advised to follow a fluid restriction before you embark on a program that requires greater fluid intake.)

Author: William Davis,MD
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Simple Ways of Reducing Cholesterol

April 30, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

Dietary and lifestyle changes usually can lower blood cholesterol levels to acceptable ranges for most people, starting with foods low in saturated fats and high in fiber. Not only can a diet rich in fiber and low saturated foods reduce your cholesterol it may also prevent heart disease.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is carried by the blood to all parts of the body. A large amount of the cells in your body can also produce it. Some of the cholesterol comes from food (dietary cholesterol), but your body makes the bulk of blood cholesterol. If there is too much blood cholesterol, the cholesterol will then build up or form plaque on the walls of the blood vessels and even clog them over time. Causing plaque formation will narrow the blood vessels, which may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Total cholesterol (TC) levels have a desirable, borderline, and high range. It is desirable to have a TC number of less than 200 mg/dl.

Cholesterol Terms

TC = Total Cholesterol

HDL= High Density Lipoprotein (Good)

LDL= Low Density Lipoprotein (Bad)

In addition to knowing the amount of total cholesterol in your blood, the doctor usually finds out how much of the cholesterol is present as HDL-cholesterol (the good kind) and as LDL-cholesterol (the bad kind). Cholesterol teams up with protein to get through the blood vessels.

HDL, a high density lipoprotein made up of lipid (another word for fat) and protein, has more protein than fat and appears to carry the cholesterol it contains to the liver for excretion.

HDL-cholesterol is known as the “good” cholesterol. Therefore, you want a high HDL number because that indicates a high level of this good cholesterol in your blood. It is desirable to have a HDL-cholesterol of more than 40 mg/dl. An average HDL number is in the mid-forties range for a man and in the fifties range for a woman. A HDL number less than 40 is considered low and increases your risk. The higher your HDL number is, the better.

LDL-cholesterol is a low density lipoprotein (more fat, less protein). The cholesterol it contains is carried to the tissues and may be deposited in the blood vessels, which causes plaque formation. It is desirable to have a LDL-cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dl. The LDL number is always larger than the HDL number. Ideally keeping your intake of salt under 1500 milligrams a day is advisable.

A cholesterol lowering diet should first be low in total fat, especially saturated fat, as well as cholesterol, and high in fiber. Some kinds of fiber help lower blood cholesterol levels; other kinds of fiber help regulate your bowel function and may reduce your risk of cancer. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and other grain products. Animal products have very little fiber no matter how lean they are. Keep in mind animal products have cholesterol, plant foods do not.

There are two types of fiber; soluble fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol levels in most individuals when added to the diet. Though oat bran is the most common type of fiber next to whole wheat, quinoa, millet, peas, squash, figs, apples along with many vegetables and most fruits also contain soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber produces the tough, chewy texture of vegetables such as celery, cabbage, and whole grains. Cellulose, hemi cellulose, and lignin are insoluble fibers. Eating foods containing insoluble fiber is important for proper bowel function and can reduce symptoms of chronic constipation, and hemorrhoids.

Keep in mind that when you read on bread labels “Whole Wheat” it does not necessarily suggest high fiber, look closely and you will find most ingredient labels begin with “Enriched Whole Wheat Flour” or “Enriched Bleached whole wheat Flour” which is whole wheat that has been stripped away of all dietary nutrients including fiber. Always reach for heart-healthy whole grain bread without enriched flour.

How much fiber do you need? It takes just 2 ounces of oat bran a day, about 6 grams of soluble fiber, to lower blood cholesterol levels when added to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. That equals 2 servings of cooked oat bran or oatmeal but you should get more total dietary fiber than that-20 to 35 grams every day is the usual recommendation.

Fiber may cause a feeling of fullness and gas, increase fiber consumption gradually. Drink plenty of liquid to get the greatest benefit.

Though most cholesterol is produced through the consumption of animal protein realistically is it may be difficult to take meat and cheese out of our diets, however, there are ways to counterbalance these foods with fiber rich foods.

Foods that reduce cholesterol due to their High Fiber:

Millet

Quinoa

Barley

Oats

Bran

Prunes

Apples with the skin

Broccoli

Dark leafy green vegetables

Peas

Beans

Lentils

Raw and Unsalted Walnuts

Raw and Unsalted Pumpkin seeds

Raw and Unsalted Sunflower Seeds

All Fresh Berries

Cherries

Fresh Figs

Mango Kiwi

Pears

Foods that will raise cholesterol:

High Saturated Fats in meats and cheeses (read the labels)

Trans Fats in foods

Low fat, Fat free, or High Sodium processed foods that have trans fats

Canned/Instant soups

Cold Cuts

Ham

Egg Yolks (amount in baked goods is fine if your cholesterol doesn’t exceed 280)

Salt Crackers

Dill Pickles in Brine

Sauerkraut

Ketchup

Whole Milk

Butter

Red meat

Olives in vinegar or salt brine (better to use olive oil)

The lists above are just partial lists as there are many selections available in stores and on the internet. Always read the nutrition labels for the saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and fiber levels. The foods suggested to reduce cholesterol are for prevention purposes and should not be substituted by medicine prescribed by your doctor.

Some additional tips to keep in mind are:

Egg yolks can be substituted with egg whites (watch out for high egg yolk content in baked goods), when baking at home you can substitute 1 whole egg for 2 egg whites in all recipes.

Farm raised fish are great substitutes for meat protein such as cod, salmon, tuna, flounder, red snapper, tilapia, trout, halibut, and many more.

Watch your intake of smoked salmon (also known as lox), it is very high in sodium.

Keep your raw nuts fresh by keeping them in the refrigerator. The perishable oils in the nuts will go rancid if not stored properly.

Grape seed oil is naturally cholesterol free and great for two things. 1) it is high in Vitamin E, and Omega-6 and 2) it can be used for high heat cooking unlike olive oil, vegetable oil, and some nut oils, in addition to retaining the antioxidants in the high heat cooking temperatures. The one I recommend is by SADAF. You can order it online at: http://sadaf.com/Grapeseed.html or find it at Trader Joe’s in the oils section.

Use extra virgin olive oil (should be cold pressed) for salads – the greener the oil the better it is for you – younger olives are packed with phytonutrients, which are potent antioxidants that can neutralize free radical damage.

When drinking milk it’s best to opt for the 1% or skim variety which has virtually no saturated fat yet with all the calcium of whole milk.

All citrus fruits are high in soluble fiber.

All the berries, cherries, and apples also have high soluble fiber…best to eat 5 serving a day, also the berries and cherries are cancer cell blockers preventing free radical damage.

Drink pomegranate juice regularly, it’s high in fiber and reduces cholesterol along with having one of the highest levels of antioxidants.

And finally, anything white is usually best eaten sparingly…though we do have our occasional cheeseburger with the works, let’s indulge in those foods as little as possible as we do want to be on this planet as long as possible…here’s to great health and great living!

Author: Natalie Glick
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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