General Article

A Look at the Connection Between Coconut and Cholesterol

If you are fond of Thai food then you may also be worried about the effects of coconut and cholesterol. This is because it is widely believed that coconut milk is rich in cholesterol. There is however no clear indication whether coconut is indeed healthy or even unhealthy.

Those who study and know nutrition caution us against the misinformation that is being spread about coconut and cholesterol. In this regard, ordinary persons as well as medical fraternities and also the media are all clueless about the truth of the matter. A lot of the disinformation being spread can be ascribed to the motives of the American oil industry that frowns on the consumption of tropical oils such as coconut oil.

Thais tend to consume plenty of coconut oil in large amounts but when these people underwent tests to find out the effect of coconut oil on their cholesterol levels, no alarming facts came to light. The reason why nothing was found was because almost fifty percent of fatty acids contained in coconut fat are nothing but lauric acid which is something that is also present in the milk from mothers.

Lauric acid provides a number of health benefits and one such benefit is that it helps to transform itself into an antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal monoglyceride called monolaurin that will normally easily destroy viruses such as those that cause influenza, HIV and herpes.

Many studies are being conducted to establish the effects of coconut consumption on cholesterol levels. Not even one study has been able to find anything seriously wrong with those who consume coconut oil in significant amounts. On the contrary, studies have shown that nothing goes wrong with the serum cholesterol levels even after consuming a lot of coconut oil.

Many people have the wrong idea about coconut and cholesterol. They actually believe that coconut is not good because it is a saturated fat that is bad for their health. Though it is indeed a saturated fat, it must be remembered that not all saturated fats are bad and so in the case of coconut oil, the saturated fat from it is in fact loaded with good cholesterol.

More than two thirds of the coconut oil fat is nothing worse than medium chain fatty acids. These medium chain fatty acids can easily be assimilated in the body and so are not dangerous.

In fact, eating coconut oil offers you a chance to enjoy many health benefits. This is because of its high amount of lauric acid content which among other things helps to ward off heart diseases.…

Controling Your Cholesterol Before It Controls You!

If cholesterol is an issue in your life, you already know the importance of taking the proper steps in reducing the levels of LDL in your body. Here are a few super foods that can put you on the right path to controlling your cholesterol.

Fish

What we are after here are the Omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish that are widely considered to be the best “good” fat. Tuna, salmon, halibut, as well as walnuts and flaxseeds are great sources of this super fat and can all help reduce your bad cholesterol. It is recommended that you get 1.5 to 3 grams of omega-3 per day for best results. If these foods don’t please your palate, try an Omega-3 supplement.

Almonds

Recent studies have found that eating about a quarter cup of almonds a day can lower your LDL by 4.4 percent. Almonds are full of good monounsaturated fats and are leaps and bounds better for you than eating chips or other snacky foods. Almonds can be high in calories however, so I recommend the dry roasted kind for snacking.

Oatmeal

Now if I was being a stickler, I’d recommend the plain rolled oats with zero flavorings or added things. However, if the only way you are going to get your oats is by those instant packets, I won’t get mad. Oats can drop your levels of bad cholesterol due to its high levels of soluble fiber. Never skip breakfast, and regularly include oats in your meal. Try adding sliced almonds, raisins, cinnamon, and a bit of honey for a delicious, healthy breakfast.

Soy

Soybeans, soy nuts, soymilk and tofu can actually help to reduce the production of new cholesterol. This is also a great way to boost protein in your diet if you are vegetarian or vegan or just want an alternative to meat. It is versatile and can be prepared many different ways. If you are at all at risk of prostate or breast cancers, you should check with your doctor before adding soy to your diet because these cancers may feed off of some of the nutrients in soy.

Red wine

My favorite recommendation; a glass of red wine has been shown to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and because of the flavanols in red wine, also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Don’t get too excited though, because these benefits only come from up to one glass per day for women and two glasses per day for men at the maximum. Anything beyond that and you actually see a decrease in the benefits of red wine.

As you can see, many of these foods are prevalent in the Mediterranean diet which accounts for why the Mediterranean cuisine is known to be heart healthy as well as delicious. Get creative with your foods and you will never be bored with your meals again. Try new recipes and think outside the box, but most Better, Fresher, Smarter!…

Want to Ward Off Heart Disease? Be Happy!

Happiness makes the heart grow fonder

Several studies have found that people with a sunny view on life had lower risk of heart disease than those with their heads hung low. Unfortunately, the studies only showed a link, so more clinical trials are underway to determine whether a positive attitude actually causes better heart health.

Doctors may not be writing out prescriptions for happiness anytime soon, but health experts believe that generally happy people are healthier both mentally and physically. These positive thinkers tend to deal with stress better, get more sleep, and are more health-conscious then their glass-half-empty peers-all of which contribute to a healthy heart. The positive connection makes sense given that cardiovascular disease and major depression have long been associated.

C’mon get happy!

Even if happiness has yet to be officially proven for heart health, it certainly can’t hurt. Many researchers feel every moment of happiness counts-especially since it’s been shown to lead to lower levels of stress-inducing chemicals, like cortisol. (Cortisol has been related to abdominal obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as autoimmune disorders.)

10 steps toward your pursuit of happiness

1.) Let it out – Don’t let pent up frustrations fester. Shut the door, scream, hit a pillow, cry – whatever it takes to release that negative mojo.

2.) Say no – You have enough on your plate. It’s okay to say no once in awhile to save your sanity.

3.) Go all out – Sometimes you have to splurge on yourself-get some pampering, take an art class, go to the gym, turn off the phone and have a “me” day.

4.) Look in the mirror and smile – Don’t dwell on that new wrinkle or gray hair. Take a good look and say one nice thing about yourself.

5.) Declare a Mental Health Day – Write it on your calendar, make it official, and enjoy doing absolutely nothing.

6.) Laugh out loud – It will raise your “feel-good” hormones and lower production of stress hormones. Plus, laughter is contagious, so you’ll be helping others improve their health too!

7.) Get your zzz’s – Sleep does wonders to brighten your mood. Catch a quick cat nap or hit the hay early tonight and wake up refreshed and in better spirits.

8.) No news is good – The nightly news can be depressing. Turn it off for a week and see how you feel without all the gloom and doom.

9.) Volunteer – Helping others in need helps put your own life in perspective. Plus, your good deed will undoubtedly make someone else’s day.

10.) Eat cake – You can’t deprive yourself all the time. One small slice never killed anyone. So have your cake and eat it too!

When life hands you lemons…

It’s easy to get sucked into anger, frustration and sadness when you’re dealt some of life’s lemons. But you know what they say, make that lemonade and serve it up …

Use Your Diet for Lower Cholesterol

Old or young, male or female, sick or healthy. Irrespective of your situation, your cholesterol level is an important consideration that is imperative for you to pay heed to. Failure to adhere to this principle and you will pay the consequences. I will show you Five Foods that you must put in your diet for lower cholesterol today and use as a starting point for a healthy, cholesterol free future,

Now everyone loves snacking. Early morning coffee break, or elevenses as we in the UK like to say. Post gym energy supplement or the afternoon craving satisfier before heading home from work. It doesn’t matter when or where, but we all snack. Fortunately, we can use this vice to our benefit. By eating the following five foods, you can effectively use your diet as a way for achieving lower cholesterol.

These five foods are high in fibre, nutrients, vitamins and complex carbohydrates. They will all help keep good cholesterol levels up and bad cholesterol levels down.

1. Soy nuts and Edamame Beans: Both are forms of soy bean and while neither would be the first food most people would reach for when craving a little treat, they are both delicious. Soy protein has long been extolled for its ability to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and both of these foods contain it in abundance.

2. Nuts: A great source of mono-unsaturated fats, these delicious treats can significantly reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol. They are a little calorie ridden, however, so keep your intake to no more than 60 grams a day.

3. Red Grapes: Dark grapes contain nutrients good for your heart. They can protect your arteries from the build up of plaque that forms as a result of high LDL cholesterol levels.

4. Hummus and Vegetables: I have placed these together because they are so well suited. Dip any raw vegetable, (carrots are my favourite) into a bowl of hummus and not only will you get a delicious taste but you will be combining two great foods for your heart. Hummus contains the Garbanzo bean, which has been shown to lower cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Vegetables are high in fibre and that fibre rich foods prevent heart disease is well documented.

5. Sunflower seeds: A great supplier of Vitamin E, which has been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease. Keep a bag handy all day to snack on whenever you feel like. Vitamin E helps to prevent blocked arteries and therefore, eventually heart attack.

I trust you will try at least some of my recommendations, if not all. Using your diet for lower cholesterol is really the best and most natural way to remain heart healthy. After all, wouldn’t we all rather keep that visit to the Doctor away for as long as possible, if not forever? Follow my steps and this can easily be achieved.…

The Positive Connection Between Fish Oil and Cholesterol

Face it. The connection between fish oil and cholesterol in the bloodstream can be complicated and difficult to understand. The information here should help you understand a little more about the subject.

What is Cholesterol, Anyway?

They are waxy hormones found in the body’s cellular membranes and transported through the bloodstream to areas of need. It is essential for all life, because it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the cellular membranes and for the absorption of some of the essential vitamins.

It is transported within the bloodstream inside of “lipoproteins”, a combination of fats and proteins. High blood levels of low and very low density lipoproteins are strongly associated with an increased risk of heart and vascular disease, specifically with atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries.

On the other hand, high levels of high density lipoproteins are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. So, we have good HDL and bad LDL and VLDL in our bloodstreams.

One of the connections between fish oil and cholesterol balance has to do with the supplement’s ability to increase HDL levels. HDL can remove cholesterols from the cells and from existing plaques in the arterial walls. LDL and VLDL, on the other hand, contribute to the formation of those plaques, which are the cause of an age-related heart disease called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

What are Triglycerides?

At the same time that your doctor tests your blood for HLD an LDL particles, normally, you will also be tested for total triglycerides. Triglycerides are a combination of fatty acids and glycerol. They are a major component of LDL particles. High blood triglycerides are believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Another connection between fish oil and cholesterol reduction has to do with the supplements ability to lower total blood triglyceride levels. The question is this.

How much effect does the supplement have and how much do you have to take to see the effect?

Results have varied in clinical trials. Modest or small to high decreases have been seen. The reason for the different results has yet to be explained. There are many possible explanations. Here’s one of them.

A person that has high triglycerides and low HDL levels, but does not want to take the mainstream medical approach, which includes the use of statin drugs, might do a number of different things to improve their health, while participating in a clinical trial concerning fish oil and cholesterol.

For many years, doctors have recommended lowering one’s intake of total fat and dietary-cholesterol, which is found in a variety of foods. Adding physical exercise to that approach has proven to be beneficial in recent years.

But, the latest studies indicate that it is also important to limit or cut out alcohol, since alcohol is a component of cholesterol and to also lower your intake of some kinds of carbohydrates. So, a person that saw excellent results in fish oil …

Is it Time For a Home Cholesterol Test?

Keeping an eye on cholesterol levels is an important part of maintaining an optimal level of health and preventing serious illnesses such as heart disease and heart attacks. Available in medical clinics as well as in a home cholesterol test, it’s now convenient and easy for everyone to keep track of their cholesterol levels. With home cholesterol tests, you can catch problems early on and speak to your doctor as soon as it becomes a concern.

What Makes Cholesterol So Dangerous?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are like fat cells that float around in the blood. The ‘bad cholesterol’ attaches itself to the arteries, hardening them and increasing your risk of heart attacks and heart disease. Triglycerides are slightly different, but have a similar effect on the body. These fats aren’t all bad however. The ‘good cholesterol’ known as high-density lipoprotein helps build the body’s defenses and protects the heart.

Many people can help prevent the bad fats from building up in and around their heart by getting plenty of exercise and watching what they eat. For others however, high cholesterol is a heredity trait. Regardless of how healthy you feel or what your lifestyle is like, you should still have your cholesterol levels tested regularly to ensure everything is as it should be. If something goes wrong and these substances begin to build up in the body, early detection will become vitally important for minimizing and even reversing the damage.

When Should Someone Take A Home Cholesterol Test?

Individuals should have their cholesterol levels tested in several situations. Anyone over the age of 20 should be tested with at the same time as their physical examinations. This can all be done with tests such as those for Triglycerides, a lipid profile, an HDL, or LDL test right in the doctor’s office.

Those who already suffer from unhealthy levels of blood fats need frequent testing. This makes the home cholesterol test the ideal option since it’s convenient and doesn’t require appointments. The physician can help determine how often a patient should be testing. The patient simply needs to track the results and follow the doctor’s recommendations to keep these substances balanced. It is also important to note that cholesterol levels should only be tested on a healthy individual who has not suffered extreme stress, injury, or illness for at least six weeks.

Taking The Test

In order to take the test and get an accurate reading, you must have consumed nothing but water for 9-12 hours. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, but this depends on your physician’s recommendations. To perform the test, you’ll prick a finger with the lancet included in the test, collect a drop on a special paper, and touch it to the test machine to find out how much cholesterol is in the blood. The entire process is relatively painless, and except for the fasting, requires only a few short minutes.

A home cholesterol test is the …

Other Uses for a Nursing Cover

One of the nice things about a nursing cover (also called a breastfeeding shawl) is its versatility. Not only does it serve as a great cover-up for breastfeeding in public, but in a pinch, it also works well as the following:

Pumping Cover

That’s right, when you need to pump out in public or at work (and don’t want to have to sit in a dirty stinky bathroom to do it), use your breastfeeding shawl and pump under cover in privacy, comfort, and style!

Blanket

When no other blanket is near at hand, a nursing cover will work great. Wrap baby in it, shield sensitive skin from sun, or ward off a sudden cool chill in the air. Additionally, lay the shawl on the ground so baby has a clean surface to lie on or on which to spend some valuable tummy-time.

Car Seat Canopy

Arrange the breastfeeding cover over the car seat to provide make-shift protection from the elements such as sun or snow, wind or rain.

Stroller Canopy

Out for a stroll and the sun is pounding down on that sensitive baby skin? Drape your light and airy cotton nursing shawl over the stroller to create a welcome shade. You can even use the strap to secure it in place.

Baby Carrier Sun Shade

While you are wearing your baby in a baby carrier, wear the nursing cover around your neck like usual, and simply adjust the strap to make the fabric hang at the desired height over your baby. Remember, the cotton fabric is breathable and light, perfect for draping over baby to provide shade from the sun. And you don’t have to hold onto it and worry about it falling or blowing away like a typical blanket.

Diaper Mat

No, a nursing shawl is not padded, but it does provide a clean surface to lay baby down on when a sudden diaper-change emergency strikes. And you know it will!

Burp Cloth

When spit-up arrives and you’re grabbing for a cloth-any cloth-to wipe up the mess, a nursing cover will do. Use just the flannel pocket corner, or the entire shawl for bigger messes. This is another reason why you want to make sure that you get a nursing cover that is machine washable!

So you see, it’s always a good idea to have a nursing cover near at hand, even if you don’t anticipate nursing under it.…

How to Raise Good Cholesterol Levels – Get 3 Easy and Natural Tips Here

Hearing good cholesterol must be something new for you. Because of the media’s rule and the apparent influence of so-called medical experts among practically everyone, not a lot of people get informed that there are two types of cholesterol. Not everything is bad, one type is actually beneficial to the body.

HDL or high-density lipoprotein is responsible in clearing the arteries of harmful cholesterol that clogs around it. Once the build up of bad cholesterol thickens, the arteries will be almost useless and the body muscles will not be able to function, often resulting to an offending case of stroke or heart attack.

Both medical conditions are scary especially for late adults so it is crucial for them to raise good cholesterol levels in their body. This way, the build up of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein will be avoided and the muscles will continue being flexible.

1. One great way to increase the levels of good cholesterol in your body is a lifestyle change. If you are fond of consuming fatty foods, you should stop your habit as soon as possible. It will take a lot of getting used to but it has a long-term effect and your body would appreciate it very much.

Other than avoiding fat-filled foods, you should also eat more vegetables and other foods that contain a healthy amount of fiber. It would help your body get rid of bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels in the process.

2. Another thing that you can do is to exercise a lot. Make sure your body remains physically active. The heart is the most affected with the rapid increase of bad cholesterol levels in the body so cardio exercises would help in making it stronger.

Cardio physical activities do not have to be intense. As long as you make sure that you continue to be active by walking or running regularly, you will have a stronger heart that will be able to have a harder shield against harmful bad cholesterol.

3. The third way to raise your good cholesterol levels is to take in food supplements with natural ingredients. D-limonene, Phytosterols, Pumpkin seed oil and lecithin oil are four very helpful ingredients that could aid in the fulfillment of your goal. There are not a lot of products that contain all four of these ingredients so a thorough research is required.

Once you have found the product for you, you will be able to easily raise good cholesterol in your body.…