Nutrition

Winning battle against high cholesterol using diet

Eat healthy

In this week’s edition, we will be looking at certain diets and lifestyles that influence our body cholesterol, and how we can modify them.

Cholesterol is a “fatty” substance which accumulates in our blood from usually years of consuming high fat meals, and also from a lifestyle devoid of physical activity. There are two variants of cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is good for the body, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride, which are bad for the body and can lead to hypertension, stroke, heart diseases, among other diseases.

Foods to avoid

To reduce the bad cholesterols, foods like red meat, deep fried foods, cheese, butterhigh processed foods like white bread, pastriesand pizza should be reduced to a minimum in our diet.

Foods to consume

It will benefit us greatly to include foods like;

Oats and barley

Low fat diet like fish, skinless chicken or turkey and lean meats

Nuts and seeds

Beans and lentils

Fruits and vegetablesregularly in our diet. These increase the good cholesterol, and thus help to fight against the conditions mentioned above.

Lifestyle modification

Modifying our lifestyle from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle to incorporating exercises like going for walks, jogging, and riding bicycles, as well as avoiding late-night high-calorie meals, excessive alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking will serve to prolong our healthy life and prevent high cholesterol from being our burden.

In summary, dietary and lifestyle management plays a pivotal role in controlling high cholesterol levels. By focusing on whole foods, reducing saturated fats, and embracing heart-healthy choices, we can take vital steps towards improving our cardiovascular health. Making these simple yet impactful changes can lead to a healthier, cholesterol-friendly lifestyle.

The writer is a Dietitian and CEO of Holistic Health Consult E-mail: info@holistichealthconsult.org

By Bernice Korkor Asare

Nutrition

Benefits of Dawada

Dawadawa has a lot of nutritional benefits

The African Locust bean, commonly referred to as “Dawadawa” by Ghanaians is a local seasoning used in soups and stews. It is rich in diverse nutrients and has great health benefits to Africans who consume it.

-Good vision

Due to the natural ingredients and nutrients found in the African locust bean, it makes it therefore one of the best treatments of bad vision and eye issues such as Myopia, Cataract and even minus eyes.

-It can treat stroke

Stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly obstructed by any substance which is fatal and dangerous to the health of individuals.

Research shows that consuming a good amount of African locust beans will definitely help you against such sickness.

-Reduces cholesterol

Cholesterol can cause blockage within the blood vessels thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart which will definitely lead to heart issues. Eating locust beans can help your body burn the amount of cholesterol found in our bodies.

-Treat Diarrhoea

Due to the amount of tannin found in the African locust beans, it can cure diarrhoea, which is a gastrointestinal disorder with the symptoms of frequent watery bowel movements. Consuming African locust beans will help relieve you of diarrhoea

-Treat hypertension

Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increasing above the normal level. Therefore consuming a good amount of African Locust beans will help people with hypertension.

-Helps control blood sugar level

The human body requires sugar to produce enough energy but it should be stable otherwise if unstable, it will cause diabetes. Therefore consuming African locust beans will help you control blood sugar level.

-Improve digestion

Eating a good amount of African locust beans can improve digestion. Good digestion will give you a healthy body as the excretion process in the body will be facilitated which will prevent constipation.

-Healthy weight

Underweight is not healthy and vice-versa. It is not easy to have normal weight or for the underweight to gain weight. Eating African locust bean will help you gain weight in a natural way.

-Heal Wounds

As mentioned above it can be used to treat ulcer wounds internally as well as external wounds. The leaves when pounded can be applied on wounds and the beans can be put on the wound to heal the wounds.

-Reduce Fever

Consuming a good amount of African locust beans can reduce fever. It was traditionally used to reduce high fever which is still practiced in some rural African communities and also send away evil spirits because of its unpleasant smell.

African locust beans is one of the best gift of God to Africans but sadly, only a few see this, it consist of many vital nutrients which are cherished by the body. Therefore regular consumption of healthy African locust beans will give you good health

Source: https://gh.opera.news