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
‘Yake Yake’ is a traditional Ghanaian dish from the Volta Region made from steamed, grated cassava
It is similar to Attieke but typically steamed in a different, more rustic, or water-free style
Ingredients
-4 tubes of cassava
-4 tablespoonfuls of salt
Preparation
–Peel the cassava tubers, remove the fibrous inner core, and wash thoroughly to remove soil and starch
– Grate the cassava using a blender or grater until it is fine and grainy
–Place the grated cassava into a muslin or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible
–Squeeze cassava through a strainer to separate coarse chunks, ensuring a fine, powdery texture
– Line a steamer (or a pot with a perforated insert) with a cheesecloth. Pour the cassava flakes into the cloth, forming a dome shape
– Steam for about 3–4 minutes until fluffy
–Turn the ‘Yake Yake’ out onto a plate. It should appear as a soft, cake-like dome
-Pair with tilapia, hot pepper, and sliced onions for a complete, authentic Ghanaian meal.
The cassava plant (Cassava) is a perennial woody shrub with edible roots rich in Nutrients with a higher carbohydrate content than rice and corn.
Used to make traditional tapioca flour but also the key ingredient for a diverse range of common products including sweeteners, alcohol, confectionery, animal feeds, personal care and cosmetics and many other commercial, pharmaceutical and industrial uses.
The best part is that this plant can survive for very long in soil that is poor in quality. Cassava is thought to improve health by boosting immunity and regulating digestion.
The root of the plant is rich in vitamin C, while the leaves contain beta-carotene, lysine, and other compounds beneficial to the skin and metabolism. Below are the various possible benefits of Cassava.
– Cassava sugar is healthier than sucrose
-Improves digestive system, weight loss
-Boost energy and improves brain functions
– Strengthens immunity
– Prevents cancer
– Lowers blood pressure
– Supports healthy muscles
– Helps prevent rheumatic disease
– Healthy eyesight
