February 23, 2021
CHOLESTEROL
Does food really affect cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally made by our liver. It's essential for life and we would not survive without it.
Every cell in our body contains cholesterol. It contributes to the cell membrane structure and also produces vitamin D and our other hormones.
The body constantly regulates how much cholesterol is in the blood.
It does this by controlling production. If we eat cholesterol-rich food the body will make less to compensate. The same goes for if we are not eating cholesterol-rich foods the body will make more.
Because of the body's ability to regulate and control blood cholesterol levels food will have very little effect in raising cholesterol for most people.
In some people due to their genetics, high cholesterol foods will raise blood cholesterol levels. To compensate for this the body will produce a high amount of HDL which shuttles the excess cholesterol back to the liver, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Studies have shown that cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs have no effect on heart disease. In fact, the health benefits of eating eggs have been shown to reduce heart disease.
Most high cholesterol foods are also the most nutritionally dense. Foods such as grass-fed beef, eggs, fat-free dairy products, shellfish, sardines, and liver.
High cholesterol can be lowered by simple lifestyle changes such as;
- Weight reduction and exercise
- Eating soluble fibre like; beans, legumes, whole grains, apples, and citrus
- Increase your vegetable intake
- Increase your unsaturated fats such as; avocados, olives, fatty fish, and nuts.
- Avoiding trans fats and sugars
- Drink green tea
- Follow a Mediterranean diet
One Pan Salmon & Fennel with Lime 2 servings | 35 minutes INGREDIENTS 1 bulb Fennel (medium, thinly sliced) 3 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 12 ozs Salmon Fillet 2 Lime (divided) 1/4 tsp Fennel Seed (ground) METHOD Preheat the oven to 400oF (205oC). Place the fennel in a baking dish. Drizzle with half of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Zest some lime over the top and sprinkle with the fennel seed. Slice half of the lime and set aside. Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the salmon on top of the fennel. Drizzle with the remaining oil. Scatter the lime slices around. Place back in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until cooked through, depending on thickness. Quarter the remaining lime. Divide fennel and salmon onto plates and serve with the quartered lime, squeezing more lime juice on if needed. Enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately 3/4 cup of fennel and one salmon fillet. More Flavor: Season the salmon with ground coriander or cumin. Nutrition Facts Amount per serving 450 calories 29g fat 12g carbs 4g fiber 5g sugar 39g protein 87mg cholesterol 195mg sodium 2mg iron
Chicken & Broccoli Stew 2 servings | 30 minutes INGREDIENTS 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 10 ozs Chicken Breast (cut into cubes) 1/2 tsp Sea Salt (divided) 2 Garlic (clove, minced) 1 1/2 pints Bone Broth 2 cups Broccoli (chopped into florets) 1/2 cup Canned Coconut Milk (full fat) 1/2 Lemon (juiced) METHOD Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with half of the salt. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté for about five minutes or until browned on all sides. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the broth, cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Add the broccoli and coconut milk and add the remaining salt. Stir and cover the pot again. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until everything is cooked through. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze for up to two months. Serving Size: One serving is equal to approximately 1 1/2 cups. More Flavor: Add carrot and celery. Nutrition Facts Amount per serving 515 calories 27g fat 15g carbs 4g fiber 4g sugar 49g protein 156mg cholesterol 1285mg sodium 3mg iron
Sheet Pan Smoky Sweet Salmon & Potatoes 2 servings | 35 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 cups Mini Potatoes (halved) 1 1/2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil(divided) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 12 ozs Salmon Fillet 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika 1/4 tsp Cumin 1 tsp Raw Honey 1 tbsp Parsley (finely chopped) METHOD Preheat the oven to 425oF (220oC). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and toss with half the oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, pat the salmon dry and then drizzle with the remaining oil. Season with the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper and then drizzle the honey over top. Rub gently to incorporate with your hands. Move the potatoes around on the baking sheet to make room for the salmon. Place back in the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Divide onto plates and garnish with parsley. Enjoy! Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately one cup of potatoes and one salmon fillet. More Flavor: Toss the potatoes with smoked paprika and cumin or your favorite spice blend. Additional Toppings: Top with a squeeze of lemon juice. Nutrition Facts Amount per serving 441 calories 18g fat 30g carbs 3g fiber 4g sugar 41g protein 87mg cholesterol 144mg sodium 2mg iron