Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Eat Your Heart Healthy - Avoiding Trans Fats
By now I trust most of you are aware of the dangers of trans fatty acids (TFAs). These oils are hydrogenated to increase their shelf life. During this process the oils break down and the TFAs created pose many dangers to your health including heart disease and cancer. They also lower "good" HDL cholesterol and raise "bad" LDL cholesterol.
"TFAs may also have adverse effects on cell membranes and the immune system, and may promote inflammation and aging" according to Dr. Andrew Weil. Increasing research proves that inflammation is a significant factor in an incredible number of diseases.
To better your health and extend your life, you'll want to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids from your diet.
The first step is a thorough kitchen cleansing. Go through your cupboards, pantry, refrigerator and freezer and start reading labels. Look for the words "hydrogenated oils", "partially hydrogenated oils", "margarine" and "vegetable shortening". When you find any of these words, toss the offending item directly into the trash bin.
Do not hesitate. Yes, you spent money on these foods and it feels wasteful. But the money and suffering you will save later in hospital visits well outweighs the cost of that pack of cookies.
Next, become a grocery store detective. I never buy anything without reading the ingredients label first. This is even more important, in my opinion, then the Nutrition Label. I like to know exactly what I'm putting into my body. Knowledge is power.
As you get started in your detective work you may be surprised how hard it is to find foods without hydrogenated oils in certain parts of the supermarket.
It's not impossible though. As consumers are becoming more educated, food manufacturers are trying harder to meet this new demand. If you do take the time to read labels, you can find alternative versions of your favorite foods. Look for 0g next to Trans Fats on the Nutrition Label.
Of course the best way to avoid trans fatty acids and other toxins is to reduce or eliminate processed foods from your diet. Fast foods and baked goods are the best sources of these dangerous oils.
So leave the bright, shiny packages on their shelves. Do most of your shopping in the fresh food aisles of your grocery store and choose lots of organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lean protein. You'll make a tremendous difference to your health.
"TFAs may also have adverse effects on cell membranes and the immune system, and may promote inflammation and aging" according to Dr. Andrew Weil. Increasing research proves that inflammation is a significant factor in an incredible number of diseases.
To better your health and extend your life, you'll want to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids from your diet.
The first step is a thorough kitchen cleansing. Go through your cupboards, pantry, refrigerator and freezer and start reading labels. Look for the words "hydrogenated oils", "partially hydrogenated oils", "margarine" and "vegetable shortening". When you find any of these words, toss the offending item directly into the trash bin.
Do not hesitate. Yes, you spent money on these foods and it feels wasteful. But the money and suffering you will save later in hospital visits well outweighs the cost of that pack of cookies.
Next, become a grocery store detective. I never buy anything without reading the ingredients label first. This is even more important, in my opinion, then the Nutrition Label. I like to know exactly what I'm putting into my body. Knowledge is power.
As you get started in your detective work you may be surprised how hard it is to find foods without hydrogenated oils in certain parts of the supermarket.
It's not impossible though. As consumers are becoming more educated, food manufacturers are trying harder to meet this new demand. If you do take the time to read labels, you can find alternative versions of your favorite foods. Look for 0g next to Trans Fats on the Nutrition Label.
Of course the best way to avoid trans fatty acids and other toxins is to reduce or eliminate processed foods from your diet. Fast foods and baked goods are the best sources of these dangerous oils.
So leave the bright, shiny packages on their shelves. Do most of your shopping in the fresh food aisles of your grocery store and choose lots of organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lean protein. You'll make a tremendous difference to your health.
# posted by Medical Information : 12:38 AM
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