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
In this bulletin...
Turkey & Potato Breakfast Casserole 6 serving | 1 hora Ingredients 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided) 1 1/2 lbs Extra Lean Ground Turkey 1/4 tsp Sea Salt (divided) 2 Russet Potato (peeled, shredded, squeezed and drained of excess liquid) 1 1/2 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk 4 Egg 1/4 tsp Oregano 6 ozs Cheddar Cheese (shredded) Method Preheat the oven to 400oF (205oC). Use half the oil to grease a baking dish. Heat the remaining oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess liquid, season with half of the salt, and transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded potato evenly over the cooked turkey. In a bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, oregano, and the remaining salt. Pour the mixture over all the ingredients in the baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese over top and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares. Enjoy! Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: A 9- by 13-inch baking dish was used to make six servings. Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese instead of cheddar cheese. Nut-Free: Use rice, coconut, or oat milk instead of almond milk. More Flavor: Add garlic when cooking the turkey. Additional Toppings: Serve with mixed greens or grilled vegetables. Nutrition Facts Amount per serving 349 calories 40gs protein 10gs carb 17gs fat
In this bulletin...