Incorporating low cholesterol recipes into a daily diet plan can not only help those who have high levels of the bad category of cholesterol lower their counts, but also keep others from becoming at risk for stroke or heart attack. Many over the age of forty are discovering that their low density lipoprotein (LDL) counts are high and into the levels that put them at risk for serious health complications. Nation wide, those in middle age ranges and beyond are addressing their eating habits in an attempt to get LDL levels into healthy ranges. America has eaten her way into a very poor state of health. Now, thousands upon thousands are looking into low cholesterol menus and exercise plans to live the second half of life in a healthier manner. It must be noted, however, that not everyone that eats fatty foods is at risk for high cholesterol counts and not everyone that eats healthy meals is protected from high LDL levels. Cholesterol can be closely related to heredity, so if a parent had unhealthy LDL counts, then children are at risk. But, for most, a diet in high fats and fried foods has lead to the build up of plaque in the arteries, a condition that can have deadly results.
There are two types of cholesterol. Doctors who check levels through blood samples will have counts for the LDL and an HDL types of blood sugars. The LDL counts are considered as a bad substance and the HDL counts are considered as a good substance. Low density lipoprotein can build up in the arteries and turn to plaque with time. Thick plaque can clot and block an artery, restricting blood flow. The HDL, or good cholesterol, is thought to be an agent that actually carries this fatty substance out of the blood stream and into the liver where it is expelled from the body. When LDL counts are too high, doctors may require patients to look into low cholesterol recipes and when HDL levels are lower, doctors may want patients to eat foods that can boost these counts.
Research has proven that eating a balanced and low calorie diet is key in controlling both LDL and HDL levels in the blood. Developing low cholesterol menus will help those, seeking to gain control, can easily plan meals and stick to the new eating regimen. Also there are sample menus that can be found throughout the Internet. Many different organizations post healthy diets and low cholesterol recipes that can be easily downloaded. And, for those that want to get creative with their cooking, there are cook books dedicated to making meals that will improve cholesterol levels. These cook books can be found online, as well, or in most local book stores.
The best possible low cholesterol menus will be menus that reduce blood sugar levels because they are low in saturated fats. Foods that have high fat totals will be full of saturated fats. This means that avoiding fatty foods altogether will help in avoiding those that are most harmful to the diabetic. A healthy breakfast would include a boiled egg, English muffin with light margarine, one cup of orange juice, and a slice of low-fat ham. For lunch, the diabetic might consider a skinless chicken breast baked or grilled with a leafy green salad. Nuts and low fat cottage cheese make nice side dishes. Dinner could include baked fish with squash and carrots topped off with a low fat slice our pound cake. Snacks throughout the day may consist of low-fat yogurts, skim milk, and reduced calorie crackers. It is also fun to get creative with menus, making one’s own recipes. Low cholesterol recipes that are developed should always include items that are rich in vitamins and low in saturated fats.
For many who are diagnosed as diabetics, a complete lifestyle change utilizing low cholesterol menus is eminent. But, the benefits of eating foods that are good for you and implementing an exercise program into a weekly routine will be far beyond controlling blood sugar levels. God created our bodies to work for Him to His glory and He knows what we need to eat and how much exercise is needed to keep this earthly body in fit condition. Turning to the Bible can encourage anyone with an illness to discover God’s plan for their lives, including His guidance in eating right and taking care of this earthly tent that we must, for now, dwell in. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a n house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven.” (2 Corinthians 5:1-2) There is great hope in our future and for now, we must endure, but take care of this vessel that He has chosen to use on earth.