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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Power Foods To Help Prevent Disease

Did you know that there are over thirty "power foods" that hold the key to preventing disease, slowing the aging process and maximizing your body's natural efficiency? Of course, there is no miraculous cure-all and scientists are still very much learning how the body works. But why not add some foodstuff to your diet that health experts can agree upon? Whether you want to boost your heart health or reduce cholesterol levels, the answer may be more delicious than you had thought!

For snackers, texture is a big thing. You love the crunch of a potato chip or the way a chocolate chip cookie just sort of melts in your mouth. The good news is that one of the power foods on our list has just the crunch you need to feel satisfied: almonds! Two ounces or 48 of these tasty nuts will give you 50% of your daily magnesium, which ensures heart health, as well as providing vitamin E, fiber and monosaturated fat, which is the good kind. One study last year found that participants who ate 2.5 ounces of almonds per day lowered their cholesterol significantly after just one month! Other studies suggest a link between almonds and reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Some people like complementary health foods. These are things that they won't so much taste, but can sprinkle or grind up onto other food to add an extra boost. Flax seeds are an easy addition to salads, vegetable and rice dishes, and oatmeal. This super seed is one of the few plant sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a balance within the body and fighting off heart disease, strokes and depression. Flax seeds also carry a photoestrogen, which mimics the body's estrogen, and works to reduce cholesterol, as well as circulating estrogen to prevent breast cancer.

Perhaps you find that warm foods and drinks make you feel naturally happier. Maybe you're a reformed coffee junkie. Instead, why not try a cup of tea? Chai tea is a delicious blend of vanilla, cinnamon and comforting spices. Generally black and green teas are the most doctor-recommended for fighting breast, lung and digestive cancers and heart disease. Additionally, a hot cocoa can provide you with antioxidant flavonoids, which fight heart disease and cancer, will reduce toxins in the blood and improve cholesterol ratios.

Other power foods include avocados, walnuts, soy, tea, split peas, kale, apples, broccoli, blueberries, beets, cherries, honey, onions, oranges, whole wheat, garlic, ginger, cranberries, avocados, pumpkins, olive oil, tomatoes and cocoa. By varying the fodder you eat, health experts say you can ensure that you get all the vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting elements you need to live a happy and healthy life. Of course, don't forget to take the dog for a walk or do some morning yoga! Nothing helps lower your cholesterol and boost your heart health like a little bit of exercise, no matter how big or small.

 

As we start to get older there are significant numbers that start to weigh heavily upon us. We have to worry about our weight, levels of cholesterol, as well as our blood pressure. Things we may have ignored our entire lives now suddenly they have significant importance. But these are some of the thing that should never have been pushed aside. A lifetime of mistreatment on the body gives merely unfavorable things when left unchecked.

 

Your cholesterol level is absolutely essential if you want to stay healthy and your body functioning right. High levels has the ability to lead lead to heart attacks as well as stroke, both things you do not want to have to contend with. Being mindful about your cholesterol level is not only for the elderly. It is something both young and older people have to worry and be mindful of if they hope to to conduct a healthy lifestyle. In this article we will go over the fundamentals of cholesterol and hopefully you will realize how crucial a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a lipid that is found in the bloodstream of humans and all animals. It can be there from two different sources. The first source is your body itself. The body naturally produces cholesterol. The second source of cholesterol is the food that we eat. It may surprise you to know that not all cholesterol is bad for you. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. But you have to know the difference if you want to protect your health and your heart.

What happens when cholesterol gets too high?

Well when LDL gets too high then the cholesterol begins to accumulate on the artery walls and then hardens into plaque. The build up continues until the entire artery is blocked off. This added blockage makes it hard for blood to get to the heart where it can be pumped to the rest of the body. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

When HDL levels are high this is a good thing because researchers believe that HDL helps rid the body of cholesterol build-up. That is why a diet rich in foods that promote HDL is always heavily recommended.

How is the obstruction from the arteries withdrawn?

The first stage is through medicines but if there is a acute constricting or blockage in the artery or blood vessel then a somewhat more aggressive procedure is essential. The actual processes may vary however one frequent method is done through the use of a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is inserted into the artery and then naviagted to the occlusion where the build up of plaque has taken place. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the routine is minimally invasive and most patients are able to going home on that very day.

Does a diet rich in fish really help lower my cholesterol?

You may be surprised but a diet rich in fish, particularly salmon, can help you lower your overall LDL cholesterol while helping raise the HDL cholesterol. It is the omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help the body. But do not stop at just salmon. There are other great foods that can help you reduce your LDL's and raise your HDL's such as: avocados, garlic, black beans, uncooked soy and even Shitake mushrooms.

To find out additional information head on over to Ldl Cholesterol similarly High Cholesterol Levels and Ldl Cholesterol

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