Tag Archives: Omega 3

Attention to Reducing your Cholesterol

Reduce Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

New Years with a fresh new start to keep you on your toes and modeling ideal habits for those you love.  Follow these basic steps to reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure, impacting and leading to a stronger lifestyle.

In brief, it’s important to know very basic facts.

  1. The body’s liver makes its own cholesterol everyday.  Cholesterol is a key factor the functionability of our hormones and to the elasticity of our veins and arteries.
  2. HDL is a healthy cholesterol needed to keep our hormones, organs, muscles, veins and arteries operating properly.
  3. LDL is an unhealthy cholesterol when it becomes oxidized.
  4. Reduce Stressful Lifestyle:  walk away from or limit interaction with stress triggers, avoid comfort foods that can contribute to increasing cholesterol. (salty & fried foods, dairy products, red meats)                                                                                                                              

Knowledge to influence better habits

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.

Check the grocery cart before before bringing home the bacon! LDL cholesterol is established through nutrition and found in hydrogenated fats and animal fat.    Hydrogenated fats can be found in margarine, shortening, cookies, and oil-frying. By switching grocery purchases of high caloric fats for fresh seasonal fruits, you are already stepping up!

It’s easy to do!  Reduce consumption of animal fats, or saturated fats; found in milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, meats and pork.  Although we need a certain amount of meats and fats  they should be consumed in small amounts.  A meat serving is 3-4 ounce (84-112 g) servings consumed once or twice a day, while a fat serving is 2 Tbsp of oil per day

3 Effective Steps to Increase HDL

  1. Walk 30-60 minutes five times a week for a total of 2 1/2-5 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.
  2. Consume foods that increase HDL levels:  Omega-3 rish foods: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Canola, Walnuts, Almonds, Fish and Fiber.  Fruit and Vegetables , total of 9 1/2 cup servings a day.  Please refer to:  Daily Serving Guidelines.
  3. Beverages that assist in increasing HDL levels: Cleanse your body with lemon water or green/black/white tea throughout the day.  Wine and alcohol in moderation; 1 glass for a woman, 2 glasses for a man.
    Reducing cholesterol levels puts into place the first step to reducing blood pressure. It is important to note that attention to reducing salt levels and increasing potassium intake will impact a decreased blood pressure as well. By establishing a plan to  healthier eating and daily exercise, you will feel stronger sooner than expected!

By: K. Crocker-Scardicchio

References

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:

Savory Seasoned Sirloin

Savory Seasoned Sirloin is high in Vitamin B, Omega 3, Potassium and Potassium. Fantastic dinner anytime! Suggested Salad for a Surf and Turf meal included at end of recipe.

Seasoned Sirloin Steak with Mushrooms

  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Mint Leaves
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 oz Sirloin Steak
  •  2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter

    10 oz Sirloin Steak Serves 2

  • Peeled and Sliced ½  Onion
  • Sliced Portabella Mushroom
  • ¼ cup  Red Wine (optional)

Directions

Combine in a bowl all salt pepper, mint and thyme.
Place Sirloin on a plate, rub seasonings into meat slices on both sides. Set aside.
Place skillet on medium-high heat.
Add olive oil, butter, sliced onion and sliced portabella mushroom. Remove vegetables from pan place into a serving dish and set aside.
Allow to cook covered for 2-3 minutes.
With fork turn meat to other side and cook another 2-3 minutes.
Consider a Surf and Turf meal. Serve meat with mushrooms/onions along side  Skillet Scallops Citrus Almond Salad

Almond Spinach Pasta with Burrata

Almond Spinach Pasta with Burrata Cheese

  Burrata is a luscious Italian cheese made by mixing cream and unspun mozzarella curds together, having the consistency of Ricotta/Cottage Cheese. The mixture is then inserted into the center of fresh smooth mozzarella, making a ball.
A nutrient rich recipe, packed with Calcium, Vitamin B, C & D, Omega 3 and an assortment of minerals.
Burrata can be found in some supermarkets (Krogers, Fresh Market and Trader Joes) or at specialty foods shops and at Italian markets. Substitute fresh mozzarella for this recipe if you can not find Burrata.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (480 g) Fusilli (spiral-shaped pasta)
  • 1 tablespoons  butter
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • lemon juice of 1 whole lemon
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
  • 4 cups Fresh Leaves Baby Spinach (may substitute with Champagne Mushrooms)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1 pound burrata cheese, cut into 1-inch chunks (or Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella)
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper flakes
  1. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite (9 minutes), stirring occasionally.

    Saute`: Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon

  2. Meanwhile, melt butter with oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to warm. Add lemon juice and lemon peel.
  3. Drain water from pasta. Add pasta back into a pan. Place spinach and almonds a on top of hot pasta. Pour hot lemon mixture over spinach. Toss until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
  4. Divide pasta among plates. Top with burrata cheese, sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes, and serve.

More great Information on how to improve your skin.

Home Remedy Facial! Stimulate Your Skins Collagen & Elastin

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