Understanding Fats for Heart Disease - eliminating fat, counting fat grams may not helpWhen most patients told they have heart disease, they set out to eliminate fat in their diet. Many people start counting fat grams and when they do have fat, they opt for their favorite foods with fat: fried foods, sugary baked goods, dairy and red meat. Unfortunately, eliminating fat and counting fat grams is not going to be helpful for the heart. The heart needs fat. Choosing the right types of fats ' the type that protect the heart - is the best option. The Lyon Diet Heart Study proved that those who eat a diet rich Mediterranean-style food such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, grains and olive oil lowered their risk of cardiac events by nearly 70 percent. This diet is low in dairy and red meat, but rich in good heart-healthy fats. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, and even if you have not and just want to keep yourself healthy, the best types of fat to choose are unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil, canola oil, avocados, fish and nuts offer unsaturated, heart-healthy fats that have been proven to decrease triglycerides and blood pressure, while increasing high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol). Studies have shown that patients who trade a high fat, high carbohydrate diet for one rich in these foods can improve their cardiovascular health in as little as six weeks. Cold water fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have numerous health benefits. Omega -3 rich fish has been shown to lower blood pressure, slow plaque buildup in the arteries, and prevent blood clots, all while reducing the risk of sudden death by 50 percent and lowering the risk of heart disease by more than 35 percent. While knowing which types of fats protect the heart and offer protection against a future heart attack is a good start, it is also important to know which kind of fats to avoid. Partially hydrogenated oils (trans fat) and saturated fats decrease your high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol), clog arteries and generally weaken your body's natural defense systems. Trans fat is found in margarine, baked goods, many highly-processed foods and fried foods, while saturated fat is mostly found in dairy and meat. Researchers have found that some 225,000 heart attacks that happen to Americans each year could be prevented by eliminating trans fat from the diet. Research done on fats suggest the same thing: reduce red meat, dairy, baked good, processed foods and fried foods, and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, cold water fish, avocados, nuts, olive oil and grains. Be heart healthy! About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: The Social Security Award Notice Spinal Stenosis and Filing for Disability Will the Social Security Disability Judge Read your Medical Records? Questions about the SSDI exam Will Social Security Disability will send you to Rehab? Garnishment of Social Security Disability Can you be approved for disability without a hearing? Applying for Disability with high blood pressure Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability? How to file for disability in Delaware Can You Get Disability Benefits If You Were Self-Employed? Can if I win disability if I file for back problems? How much SS backpay do you get? Disability approvals over age 50 Developmental Delay and Filing for Disability How much time for a decision on a disability claim? |
