Tag Archives: fiber

Foods that Increase HDL and Reduce LDL

“Consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is critical to lowering blood cholesterol levels and in turn limits excess cholesterol absorption in the intestines.” According to Net Wellness, “you might be interested in how quickly blood levels of other things change with diet and exercise, since they are all related to heart disease. Insulin and triglyceride levels (in the bloodstream) will fall within two weeks, HDL (high density lipoprotein/’good’ cholesterol) is slightly slower and reductions may take up to 6 weeks (and you may not want to reduce this part of the cholesterol), and LDL (low density lipoprotein/’bad’ cholesterol) is the slowest of all with the maximum reductions taking 3-4 months. ”

Biosynthesis of cholesterol is one way that cholesterol is found in our bodies, however, cholesterol is also taken in from dairy and meat products

Biosynthesis of cholesterol produced in the body’s liver  is key to an individual’s overall health. About 20-25% of cholesterol is made in the liver and its production is needed as:

  • A precursor to bile acids,
  • Assisting in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K across the digestive tract
  • It plays a part in the synthesis of vitamin D,  estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and other various hormones.
  • Properly structures membranes allowing for the function of proton, hydrogen and sodium ions. The insulation of the brain’s myelin sheath also comes from cholesterol and maintains the proper conduction of impulses.

Cholesterol comes from the Greek language; chole (bile), stereos (solid), -ol (AN alcohol referred to as an organic substance, such as a waxy steroid or fat) 

Not all fats are created equal. Fats found in fried foods and baked goods should be eaten in lesser amounts. Aim for including healthy oils that come from vegetables, seeds and nuts

There is little use for animal cholesterol which comes from dairy, meat and fish products. Cholesterol from animals is responsible for increasing LDL cholesterol known as the non-healthy cholesterol, leading to blocked or hardening of arteries.

Plants have very little cholesterol which comes from phytosterols,  (flax seed, peanuts and olives), responsible for competing with LDL cholesterol and reducing it’s negative impact on the body.

HDL is a healthy cholesterol needed to keep our hormones, organs, muscles, veins and arteries operating properly. It works as a sponge, collecting loose cholesterol within the blood stream.

Consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is critical to lowering blood cholesterol levels and in turn limits excess cholesterol absorption in the intestines.

FRUIT 4 servings/day Great for Reduction of LDL Cholesterol and Increase HDL Cholesterol:

  • blueberries
  • apples
  • prunes
  • pears
  • plums
  • apricots

Choose fruits whose skin can be eaten. Eating fruits with membranes or seeds are also helpful for reduction of LDL and increase of HDL cholesterol:

  • oranges
  • grapefruit
  • pomegranates

VEGGIES 5 servings/day Great for Reduction of LDL and increase HDL Cholesterol: Any leafy green, introducing roughage into the diet:

  • Avocado
  • broccoli
  • lentils/legumes
  • rapini
  • kale
  • collard greens
  • spinach
  • lettuce
  • zucchini

WHOLE GRAINS promoting soluble fiber: 

  • 1 cup of oatmeal
  • Seeds: flax, pumpkin or sunflower seeds added to salads
  •  add barley to soups.

Cholesterol from meat is linked to increased LDL cholesterol overtime and should be consumed in moderation. 4 ounces twice a day is considered sufficient. LDL cholesterol should be less than 100

 Fish, Lean Meat, Poultry 2 servings/day. 3-4 ounces per serving. Eat more Fish which contains healthy omega 3  oils such as;

  • Mackerel
  • Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Anchovies

Nuts about 1 tsp 4 times a week.  (Monounsaturated fats.)

  • Almonds
  • Chestnuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Pecans
  • Pistacchios
  • Walnuts

Cholesterol from phytosterols found in seeds and olives is considered effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and known to be linked to healthy cholesterol or HDL which should be measured between 40-60.

OILS 2 tbsp per day Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a monounsaturated fat and contributes to raising HDL (healthy cholesterol) and causes LDL cholesterol to be reduced.
Water 8 glasses / day

LDL is an unhealthy cholesterol only when it becomes oxidized.  Oxidation of LDL is due to free radicals floating around in our body which are  O+ broken off from degenerating protein called homocysteine. The positively charged oxygen then attaches itself to LDL cholesterol and plaque begins to form in your arteries and veins. Hence forth, why anti-oxidants from fruit and vegetables need to be a part of ones daily intake, to clean up the free radicals.

LDL cholesterol is established through our nutrition,  it is found in trans fats and animal fat.  Trans fats or elaidic acid, is defined as a carbon within a molecule that has been transcended, commonly through hydrogenation of oils, making the trans fat “plastic like” within arteries and veins.  Trans fats are found in margarine, shortening, cookies, and oil-frying.

Animal fats, or saturated fats, are found in milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, meats, poultry, pork and fish.  Although we need a certain amount of meats for vitamin B and fish for Omega-3, they should be consumed in small amounts 3-4 ounce (84-112 g) servings, twice a day.

3 Effective Steps to Increase HDL

  1. Walk 30-60 minutes five times a week for a total of 2 1/2 hours per week.  Walking twice a day for 20-30 minutes each time will increase your metabolism, strengthen bones, muscles and keep your heart pumping…increasing the HDL cholesterol, which removes LDL cholesterol from your arteries.
    z’From an overall health promoting angle it is advisable to endeavor to have 2-3 bowel movements per day to eliminated waste, toxins and cholesterol from your system. For everyday that goes by without having a bowel movement, the toxins are reabsorbed.”
  2. Consume foods that increase HDL levels:  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Canola and vegetable oils, Walnuts, Fish and fiber,  which are Fruit and Vegetables . Shoot for a total of 4 1/2 cups servings a day of fruits and vegetables.  Please refer to:  Daily Serving Guidelines.
  3. Beverages that assist in increasing HDL levels: Cleanse your body with water and lemon water  throughout the day.  Wine and alcohol in moderation; 1 glass for a woman, 2 glasses for a man.

By: K. Crocker

References:

Acne, Healing Foods

Skin is made up of: Protein, Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin C and Zinc. So it stands to reason that daily nutritional intake should be planned and followed so that skin remains healthy. Follow this link for Home remedy for acne topical treatment

This article reviews:

  1. Understanding the structure of skin
  2. What behaviors to monitor
  3.  Foods to reduce and eliminate
  4. Active ingredients important to skin care pharmaceuticals
  5. Which foods to include in a dietary intake

The  integumentary system comprises of: Skin, Hair, Nails and various Glands. The largest organ of the body is skin, having two layers, the epidermis and the dermis.

The Epidermis is the outer layer of skin that is visually seen and is made up of dead skin cells.  Caution is often given to scrubbing and facials, as to not negatively effect the epidermis, in which these dead skin cells monitor protection to the body from pathogens i.e. bacteria and virus, toxins, injury and water.

The Dermis is new skin, that is a deeper and thicker layer housing: blood vessels, sweat and oil secreting glands, nerve endings and hair follicles.

The appearance of skin, hair and nails are important to understanding the health of the individual, or any present deficiencies. Dry skin means that the body is dehydrated and needs water.

Research has shown that the presence of Acne is associated with, but not limited to: Anger and Stress, Nutritional Intake, overproduction of Androgens and Type 2 Diabetes. PCOS  is acne commonly found in overweight women, who are told to follow a diabetic diet, obstaining from trans fat, saturated fat and to consume a diet with OMEGA 3.

Skin creams sold over the counter or are prescribed to heal acne contain vitamin A and zinc. Vitamin D is also critical to a skin’s health, but needs to come through nutrition and activated by the sun.

In many studies, the common link to reducing, or eliminating acne lesions are Nutrition Related and reduction of acne is evident within one week to 3 months.

  1. Eliminate trans fats
  2. Reduce, or eliminate for a period of time saturated fats: Butter, cream, ice cream, cheese, pork, salami, ham, sausage, red meat, cookies, chips, white breads, sugar, chocolate candy, carbonated drinks and processed grains

Introduce into your diet:  Protein, Vitamin A and C, Zinc, Omega 3. This can be easily done by preparing meals made up of:  multi-grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish for omega 3 Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Additionally, following a Low Glycemic Index Diet, according to research, is just as critical.

The following foods contain minerals and vitamins that are needed for flushing excess sodium, toxins and metals out of muscles and organs.

  • Protein, Vitamin B: oatmeal, multi-grain breads, egg, skim or 1% milk, lean red meat, chicken
  • Zinc: Wheat germ sprinkled onto salads and soups, pumpkin and sesame seeds, red meat, lamb,liver, oysters, peanuts, cocoa powder, watermelon
  • Omega 3 for reducing inflammation of skin: 4-6 oz or 112-168g of Fish / Salmon. walnut, almonds and flaxseed 2 tbsp.
  • Green Tea contains ployphenols and flavenols which are two antioxidants that promote cellular DNA and membrane structure, ( Great for Acne!). 
  • The listed fruits vegetables have the highest Vitamin A (RE value).

Foods high in Vitamin A (RE)

Vitamin A Fruits:  Apricots fresh or dried, Avocado, Cherries, Guava, Grapefruit, Oranges, Cantaloupe melon, Mango, Plantain, Pomegranate, Watermelon

  • Vitamin A Vegetables: Raw, or cooked, for no more than 7 minutes. Carrots, Broccoli, Dandelion Greens (chard) Mustard Greens, Cooked frozen vegetables no salt, Turnip, Squash, Spinach, Pumpkin, Tomato Sauce, Peas, Sweet Potatoes and Yams
Lastly, drink water 6-8 times a day and for an extra benefit of expelling excess sodium, toxins and metals out of muscles and organs, drink lemon water (1/2 lemon with it’s contents squeezed into glass of water  twice a day).
A home remedy to heal acne: Combine in a bowl 1/2 tsp water, 1/4 tsp turmeric and 1/8 tsp salt. With a cotton ball gently dab a small amount of paste onto acne and allow skin to absorb ingredients overnight. In the morning, gently cleanse to remove and refresh skin.

Servings Defined:

  • Fruits and Vegetables 1/2 cup = 1 Serving
  • Fats/ Oils 1 tbsp = 1 Serving
  • Lean Meat, Fish, Poultry 4 oz = 1 Serving
  • Glass of Milk or Water 8 oz =1 Serving

Recommended Daily Nutritional Intake

3 servings (use sparingly) fats, oils, sweets
2 servings (6 – 9 ounces) meat/protein
2 servings dairy
4 servings fruit
5 servings vegetables
4-6 servings bread/starch

Thank You to Pubmed for making available the research needed for this article.
By: K. Crocker-Scardicchio

References

Grocery Shopping List for Weightloss in 5 Tips

2-3 pounds a week weightloss in 5 tips just by sharpening your grocery shopping skills!  Purchase more: lemons, teas, fiber, fish and buy packaged items with high potassium content.

Reading Food Labels

  1. Sodium values should always be less than Potassium values. (Sodium values under 200 mg and Potassium levels, above 300 mg.) Juice from half of lemon squeezed into glass of water will help body rid of excess sodium. 
  2. Choose foods with Mono/Poly unsaturated fats (plant based oils): Olive Oil, Canola and Vegetable Oil, Nuts Tofu, Soy etc.  
  3. Consume fish four times a week, which is higher in Omega 3 and lower  in saturated fats. Contrastly, consume Beef, Pork, Poultry, Chicken three times a week.  
  4. Drink Tea.  Oolong, Green, Black teas have all been linked to weightloss due to their high tocopherol content, which contribute utlimately to how a body can more effectively utlilize calories.
  5. Check label for fiber on ALL prepared foods. Fiber is needed for carrying out unused fats, food products and waste. Some packaged foods  have fiber content ranging from 1g-6g. The more fiber the better!  (Fiber: Grains, Nuts, Fruits, Vegetables.)

Fluids are equally important to a successful diet. Consider adding 1-2 glasses of water with 1/2 to 1 whole lemon each day.  (1/2 lemon for under 150 lb’s. 1 whole lemon if over 150 lb’s)

It’s important to include a variety of foods in your daily diet in order to achieve good health and reasonable weightloss.

Carbohydrates from fruits. Vegetables and whole grains. Fats should be healthy oils. Protein must be lean avg. of 4-6 oz., card deck in size.

Plan for Weightloss

  1. You must eat 5-6 small meals to lose weight.
  2. Plan for a 1400-1600 calorie diet
  3. Consume a eight 8 oz glasses of fluids a day.
  4. Exercise: Aerobic 30 minutes a day (walking, jogging, running, swimming, roller bladding, bikeriding, spinning, stairs.)

Listed below are diet plans that will help you to achieve weightloss and a healthier body.

Meal Plan, Which Calories do you Reduce?

Down Shift to 1350 Calories

Mediterranean Diet Low Sodium Meal Plan

TLC diet, You Choose the Food!

Weightloss! Easy Diet, Keep it Off!

Starting your 2009 Healthy Beginings

Begin
Breakfast
Tea, coffee or 4 oz glass of 100% juice.
Milk…. (choices: 8 oz. skim or 1% milk, 4-6 oz low or nonfat yogurt)
Fruit of choice
Bread….Bran Cereal or Oatmeal (low Sodium high Potassium)

Snack am
Fruit with water or tea

Lunch  * may avoid bread and substitute filet of fish (3 oz)
Vegetable….Pepper, Carrot or Celery sticks (1/2 cup)
Bread…. (Aunt Millies multi- grain 2 slices = 1 serving)*
Protein…2 slices turkey
Fruit…….3 slices tomato
Vegetable…..lettuce leaves for sandwhich or salad
condiment….mustard or low sodium vinagrette
Milk….1 oz cheese (optional. May trade for serving of skim milk)
Fresh Fruit Choice (Not canned!)
Lemon with water or tea

Snack pm
Protein and Fat…1 oz nuts (28 pieces= Almonds, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, Soy)
Vegetable of choice

Dinner
Bread… 1/2 cup cooked whole grain pasta, multi grain dinner roll
3 Vegetables  (baked or steamed) condiments for cooked vegetables= Mrs Dash salt substitute, pepper, herbs
Fat…for salad = low sodium vinagrette or Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Protein…3 oz lean meat, chicken breast or fish filet baked, broiled or grilled
Fruit of choice
Fluid…water or skim-1% milk 8 oz glass

wine or beer 5 oz only 3 days in the week otherwise they contain 90+ calories each. Opt for water. 0 calories!

Dessets no more than 3 in the week.

By Kimberly Crocker

“Going Banana’s”

The Bountiful Benefits of Banana’s are known to those of us who’ve studied dietetics.  Upon receiving this well put together piece of information, I knew I had to pass it on to the readers of “EAT KNOW HOW”. Thank You to the Psychology Professor at CCNY for giving such a fun and informative article.

“A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas.  He said the expression “going bananas” is from the effects of bananas on the brain.”  Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with 6 grams of fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain 20.2 mg of tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
< BR> Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.  

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. 
 

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.  

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

 

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, “A banana a day keeps the doctor away!”


PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe…polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!  

http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts-C00001-01c20Tm.html

Weightloss Tips

Curving Your Appetite when hunger hits and you don’t want to break your momentum and cave into temptation; focus on ways to keep your hands and mind busy:
  • Do your favorite hobby.
    Participate in sports.
    House Cleaning
    Play with your children
    Drink milk in place of water and have your water at meal times. Adults need an 8 oz glass of milk 2-3 times a day. It has more satiety than water and may hold you over until you next snack or meal.
    Exercise. Brisk Walk, Jogging, Yoga, Swimming.
    Talk with your support system: family or friends.
    Plan your daily meals for the next day.
    Eat your favorite fruit or vegetable. (Excellent fast food or on the go nutrition!)
    Review your goal chart and applaud yourself for the great job you’ve done.
    Eat a SMALL portion of your temptation.

What are Healthy Fats?
Healthy Fats and Oils(nothing solid at room temperature.)
EVOO (extra vergin olive oil),
Smart Balance omega 3-6, Canola, Avocado, Peanut oilfor
salad dressing: olive oil 1/4 cupbalsalmic vinegar 2 tbsp1/2 tsp oregano1 minced garlic clovepepper flakes

What about Salt?
Substitute Salt….Avoid salt, or reduce sodium. Instead spruce up meals with herbs and salt substitutes.
Watch out for Meats and Meat Substitutes. Include them in your daily sodium count. Sodium or saline water is often injected into meats for etended shelf life and meat preservation.
Prepared frozen foods.
Canned foods.

Other Good source of Protein
Eat Fish!! Fresh caught fish is higher in omega 3-6 fatty acids, because the fish can eat algae necessary for making the omega’s. This contributes to higher HDL intake. (also found in healthy oils and various nuts.)
Tofu
Nuts. Almonds and walnuts have the highest fiber at 6 grams /1 oz.

Fiber Intake (fat and sodium reducers!!!)
Fruits high in fiber are a great way to promote weightloss.
Avocado
Papaya
Guava
Cantaloupe
Orange
Apricots (dried, unsulfured)
Pear with skin
Apple with skin
Mango
Strawberries (organic)
KiwiGrapefruit (pink or red)
Tomato

Vegetables high in fiber are excellent calorie burners.
Baked Potatoes
Corn
Peas
Broccoli
Carrots
Brussel Sprouts
All Legumes
Portabella Mushroom Breads and Cereals High in Fiber
Aunt Millies multi-grain breads
Bran
Flaxseed

About Nuts
Even healthy fats need to be monitored in the right amounts.
Enjoy them in small amounts, 1 oz per day 4 x’s/ wk. They also contain great fiber and are high in Mono/Poly unsaturated fats. Hickory, cashews, black walnuts, filbrets, macadamia, peanuts, pecan, pine nuts, pistachio.

DRINK Lemon Water.  It is a natural laxative used to rid your body of toxins.


http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs01.htm

By: Kimberly Crocker