http://articles.gourmetseafoodmarket.com/rss.xml A blog about gourmetseafoodmarket.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.gourmetseafoodmarket.com/?a=35710 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Cholesterol in the body comes from two sources. Most cholesterol is made by the lover from various nutrients and especially from saturated fats. The liver makes just about all the cholesterol the body will ever nee. Since all animals can make their own cholesterol, some cholesterol in the human body comes directly from eating animal products. These foods include meats, egg yolks, organ meats, whole milk, and milk products. This cholesterol is absorbed through the intestines and added to what the liver makes. It is also known that a diet high in saturated fat seems to increase cholesterol production in the body. Therefore, reducing dietary cholesterol and fats helps keep blood cholesterol levels within a healthy range.<br /><br />Dietary Fats<br /><br />Dietary fats can be saturated or unsaturated. An easy way to remember the difference is that saturated fats solidify or remain solid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats do not; they are liquid at room temperature. To reduce blood cholesterol levels, it is especially important to limit saturated fats. Saturated fats are found mainly in meats and dairy products made with whole milk. Unsaturated fats are found are found mostly in plants, and are less likely to raise blood cholesterol levels. In fact, there is evidence that monounsaturated fats may even help to lower blood cholesterol. There are a few vegetable fats such as, coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter that act like saturated fats in the body, so they should be avoided.<br /><br />Risks of High Cholesterol<br /><br />The body needs cholesterol for digesting dietary fats, making hormone, building cell walls, and other important processes. The bloodstream carries cholesterol in particles called lipoproteins that are like blood borne cargo trucks delivering cholesterol to various body tissues to be used, stored, and excreted. But too much of this circulating cholesterol can injure arteries, especially the coronary ones that supply the heart. This leads to accumulation of cholesterol laden plaque in vessel linings, a condition called atherosclerosis.<br /><br />Lifestyle<br /><br />Cholesterol can be brought under control by a change in lifestyle. Several ways to achieve this is to diet, lose weight, exercise, or quit tobacco use. Cholesterol lowering drugs may be necessary for some with people with genetic history of early heart disease. A low cholesterol diet is not hard to follow, given the variety of foods available. Many food manufacturers also have low fat, low cholesterol foods available for people who do not have the time to fix elaborate meals. When you are shopping for such foods, be sure to look at the labels. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables; they are low in calories and fat. Try to lower your intake of saturated fats, since consuming foods with these fats could raise your cholesterol levels and place you at a higher risk of acquiring heart disease.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Gourmet Seafood Market at <a href="http://www.gourmetseafoodmarket.com/">http://www.gourmetseafoodmarket.com</a></p> 2006-09-10T15:34-04:00 http://articles.gourmetseafoodmarket.com/?a=35709 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Eating seafood is part of a healthy diet. Since we are living in a health and weight conscious society find foods that are high in beneficial proteins and low on saturated fats are quite important. The health benefits of seafood can be the lowering of cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease, lowering the risk of stroke, and building muscle. <br /><br />It is easily apparent to see the effects of a high seafood diet when visiting a coastal community. In general these people live longer healthier lives. Fish and seafood with higher protein can prevent weight gain naturally, and it is easier to digest. It is a natural and easily obtainable food source in some areas making is a good alternative for red meat or poultry.<br /><br />Omega 3<br /><br />The essential oil in seafood is Omega 3; this can be found in fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines. These have high levels of two kinds of Omega 3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is recommended by physicians to have at least two portions in a week. They keep the heart healthy and help to prevent future cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. There is also evidence that fish can help prevent and possible alleviate some mood disorders, making it not only heart healthy but brain food too.<br /><br />White fleshed fish, in particular, is lower in fat than any other source of animal protein, and oilier fish contain substantial quantities of omega 3s or the &quot;good&quot; fats in a diet plan. Fish does not contain the &quot;bad&quot; fats, omega 6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in red meat.<br /><br />The high content of poly unsaturated fatty acids in seafood lowers serum cholesterol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids change the critical balance of certain blood components called lipoproteins, reducing low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins that deposit cholesterol along the artery walls. Fish is low in saturated fat and provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals, such as, vitamins A, B, and D; zinc, iron, and selenium. <br /><br />Dietary Advantages<br /><br />Seafood can go a long way toward helping consumers achieve dietary goals. Most shellfish are low in fat, with a total composition of less the 5% fat; many varieties have less than 1% fat. Thus, with such a small amount of total fat, most seafood provides only 190 calories for a 3 ounce serving, cooked. But for a healthier choice, go for the poached, baked, or grilled fish, rather than fried. Fried fish is much higher in fat, especially if it is cook in a batter. This does not mean you can't enjoy the occasional fish and chips; it is just healthier not to counteract the good oils with the bad.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Gourmet Seafood Market at <a href="http://www.gourmetseafoodmarket.com/">http://www.gourmetseafoodmarket.com</a></p> 2006-09-10T15:31-04:00