Food and Heart Disease - Foods That Could Jeopardize Your Health

Heart disease is the greatest cause of fatalities in the United States, and it is thought that currently as many as 37% of all Americans have at least two of the risk factors for heart attack. These would be high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes to name the most common ones, and they are mostly interrelated and mostly attributed to poor diet practices. So these are just five of the foods that you should avoid as much as possible.

1. Soft drinks. This is one of the five we cite here that is difficult to justify, even in moderation. Throw 10 tsp. of sugar into your system every time you drink a regular soda, and then imagine drinking a few every day. A study followed young adults over a 20-year period and found that high consumption of sugary drinks had an association with high ldl cholesterol, hypertension and elevated levels of triglycerides, all known causes of heart disease. Diet soda yields the same nutritional benefits: zero.

2. Fish that is fried. We have written about the health benefits of fish, and it is well-known to reduce the risk of heart disease. But it all depends on how it is prepared if you will truly reap those benefits. Put it in the deep fryer and all those health benefits go by the wayside. When tests were conducted comparing fried fish to baked or broiled, the results showed a 50% greater risk of heart disease with the deep fried fish. So plan to eat fish at least twice a week, and stay away from deep fried and broil, steam, bake or sauté your fish in a small amount of olive oil for the best health results.

3. Any meat that is processed. This is another food that shouldn't be consumed, especially with so many more healthy options available. Even compared to red meats they had a 42% higher heart attack risk than red meat. They foods such as salami, bologna, sausages and other deli meats contain fat, salt, nitrates, cholesterol and preservatives. Better options are turkey, chicken and fish.

4. Donuts and muffins. The culprit here is Tran's fats, and it is thought that this terrible fat is responsible for a minimum 30000 premature deaths in the United States each year. They may be tasty, but from a nutritional standpoint they're a nightmare. Because of the high quantities of sugar and fat, along with refined flour makes them very high in calories, with practically no nutritional value in return. There are many breakfast options that are far superior, and really don't take much more time to prepare than standing in line for that scone.

5. The dressing we put on salad. We construct these amazingly healthy salads, and then bring them down with gobs of bottled salad dressing loaded with sugar, saturated fat, Tran's fat, preservatives and salt. All of these ingredients have been linked with heart disease, hypertension and high levels of cholesterol. Salads are a wonderful part of our diet, but enhance their health benefits with a healthy dressing. Think about making your own, as you can find many great recipes on the internet that offer much better health values than store-bought dressings.

The foods you eat can certainly make a huge difference in your health. Our website http://healtheybalanceddiet.com/ has numerous articles talking about the subject. Click here to read more about dietary fiber, something that is so important to keeping healthy. Rich Carroll is a writer and health enthusiast living in London.

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Why Is Improving and Selecting More Nutrient Dense Foods to Eat - Important?

My friend in Colorado, wanted to know why it would benefit her to change her way of eating, and why vitamin and anti-oxidant supplement would help her mitigate the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. I was telling her she needed some anthocyanins and some vitamin D3 with K. She did not know what anthocyanins were, and how they would help her eyes, where the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis started. She works in the corporate environment, and does not have time to watch Dr. Oz, and the Doctors TV. She does not have time to do research on-line, to see what everyone is saying about keeping healthy through middle age. She does not know that vitamin D3 with K is the new necessary supplement. It helps prevent multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, type I and type II diabetes, some auto immune diseases, and a lot more. 85% of the population is deficient in Vitamin D3 and K. She said that I was talking to her like a scientist would talk to another scientist. I was educated. I'll try to tone it down. Because her symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis started in her brain, affecting her eye sight, I hoped I was able to explain in lay man understandable language that would help her understand why nutrient supplement may help. We start out talking about Anthocyanins, which are a separate class of flavenoids. Interest in anthocyanin pigments has intensified because of their possible health benefits as dietary antioxidants. There has been information and research to support the importance of supplementation with Bilberry, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin. Macular degeneration is a condition affecting the eyes when the light sensing cells in the macula get damaged and stop working. It is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50.

Age Related Macular Degeneration and Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, and how these diseases are caused, are a bit of a mystery. Experts believe it is the result of oxidative stress. The body constantly reacts with oxygen as part of the energy processes of the cells. As a consequence many free-radicals are formed, which are highly reactive. (They are always looking for something to "neutralize" their unbalanced charges.) (All stable molecules have "balanced" charges)

The free radicals can interact with other molecules in the cells causing oxidative damage to membranes, proteins, and genes. Oxidative damage is implicated in the cause of certain diseases and most definitely has an impact on the body's ageing process.

The protective lens of the eye does not regenerate itself, and when exposed to the reactive oxygen, the protein in the lens clump together causing cataracts.

The retina, which uses more oxygen than any other tissue in the body, is also susceptible to damage. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the retina and lens are easily affected by oxidation, resulting in loss of function, and degradation of the structure of the eye.

Another source of oxidation is from the free radicals in cigarette smoke. It is wise to stay away from cigarette smoke as much as possible.

Too much exposure to the blue-light of sunlight can also damage the very tender lens and retina. It is wise to wear sunglasses when working or recreating outside. Especially where snow or water can reflect causing double dosing.

Lutein, helps to save our eyes from degradation by acting as an anti-oxidant, and also indirectly has been found to absorb blue-light of sunlight. Lutein is found in corn, egg yolk, and other yellow and green fruits and vegetables. (Corn is an avoid for Blood Type O, Blood Type B, and Blood Type AB). Blood Type A's have corn as a highly beneficial vegetable. Most people will benefit by supplementing leutein, especially if their digestive system is not operating at optimal level.

Bilberry is another super anti-oxidant, that is appreciated by your eyes. Bilberry shrubs grow in temperate climate, and its' berries are used to make desserts, preserves, and drinks. Its' leaves have been commonly used to treat gastro-intestinal disorders. Gorging on bilberries have been shown to improve night vision. It is rumored that RAF pilots in WorldWar II specifically used bilberries for this purpose. Studies have also shown, that bilberries may even reduce or reverse the effects of Macular Degeneration. This may be due to the action on the blood capillaries of the eye, with their antioxidant chemicals, known as anthocyanidin flavenoids.

Zeaxanthin is a third, and another excellent eye supplement. It is one of the most common carotenoid alcohols in nature, and is the pigment that gives saffron, corn and other yellow plants their characteristic yellow color. More importantly, it is another of the two carotenoids found in the retina. Zeaxanthin, and leutein. Experiments have shown that low leveles of this, zeaxanthin, can have a detrimental effect on the eye, the same way that low levels of lutein can. Hence studies support supplementation with these nutrients to preserve and protect the eye against cataracts, and macular degeneration.

These three nutrients with a nutrient rich balanced diet will help you age being able to see through old age. The nutrient rich balanced diet should include zinc from nuts, vitamin C from highly beneficial fruits and vegetables (no juices-whole foods only), and vitamin E from egg yolks. Avocados also have vitamin E and is neutral for Blood Type A, and an avoid for all other blood types.

Nutrient dense means trying to eat several combinations of food to reap maximum benefit from your meals. Chili with meat and beans, salads with lettuce plus cucumbers, plus feta cheese and maybe another vegetable. Trail mix with 2 nuts and 3 fruits. Add more variety for better nutrition.

Neutraceuticals specifically tailored for your blood type wilI enable your body to detoxify, and reduce inflammation which will reduce disease. Savings on total nutrient packages. Click into http://www.keystobasichealth.com/blood-type-diet/ and read your monograph for your blood type. Click on the hyper link for products specific for your genetics, and optional food highly beneficial for you too. Free shipping for orders $89 and more. Opting in for your health news letter will get you your free, healthy, chocolate chip cookie recipe.

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