Food plays a big part in our lives. It is important to eat foods that are lower in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. Yet, the traditional ways of frying foods and using fats for seasoning can increase your risk for clogged arteries and heart disease. Choose foods lower in saturated fat and cholesterol to reduce your risk. Hold on to tradition, but make a few changes to eat in a heart-healthy way.
In This Article:
Avoiding Fat In Your Food
Cholesterol In Your Body
Limiting Cholesterol
Healthy Cooking Tips
Shopping For Healthy Foods
Importance of Food Labels
Fat in your food
The two main types of fat found in food are saturated and unsaturated. Most foods have a mix of both. Together, the two are called total fat.
Why should you be concerned about saturated fat?
Saturated fat raises blood cholesterol the most. Over time, this extra cholesterol can clog your arteries. You are then at risk for having a heart attack or stroke.
Where is saturated fat found?
Saturated fat is found mostly in foods that come from animals.
These include:
- Fatty cuts of meat (beef, lamb, pork)
- Poultry with skin
- Whole and 2% milk
- Butter
- Cheese
- Lard
A high content of saturated fat can be found in some foods that come from plants such as:
- palm kernel oil
- palm oil
- coconut oil
- cocoa butter
Why should you be concerned about cholesterol?
Your body makes all the cholesterol you need. Eating foods high in saturated fat can raise your blood cholesterol levels. The higher your blood cholesterol, the greater your risk for heart disease. Too much cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries. You are then at risk for having a heart attack, a stroke, or poor circulation.
Where is cholesterol found?
Cholesterol is found only in foods that come from animals. Foods very high in cholesterol include:
- Egg yolks
- Organ meats (Liver, kidney, and brains are especially high in cholesterol.)
There is no cholesterol in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains.
If you are healthy, you should average no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. People who have high blood cholesterol or a heart problem may have to eat less. The yolk of one large egg provides about 214 milligrams of cholesterol. Aim for no more than four egg yolks each week. This includes egg yolks in baked goods and processed foods. Egg whites contain no cholesterol.
Traditional favorite cuts of meats
Choose MORE Often: | Choose LESS Often: |
Pork | Pork |
Ears | Brains (are low in fat but high in cholesterol |
Neckbone | Hog maws |
Feet | Tongue |
Ham hocks | Tail |
Beef | Vienna Sausage |
Tripe | Ribs |
Opossum | Chitterlings |
Beef | |
Oxtail |
Cut back on saturated fat and cholesterol
Try some of these new ways of cooking and shopping.
New ways for favorite recipes:
-
For biscuits- Use vegetable oil instead of lard or butter and skim milk or 1 percent buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- For macaroni and cheese- Use low-fat cheese and 1 percent or skim milk.
-
For greens-Use skin-free smoked turkey, liquid smoke , fat-free bacon bits, or low-fat bacon instead of fatty meats.
-
For gravies or sauces- skim the fat off pan drippings. For cream or white sauces, use skim milk and soft tub or liquid margarine.
-
For dressings or stuffing- Add broth or skimmed fat drippings instead of lard or butter. Use herbs and spices for added flavor.
-
For sweet potato pie- Mash sweet potato with orange juice concentrate, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and only one egg. Leave out the butter.
-
For cakes,cookies,quick breads,and pancakes- Use egg whites or egg substitute instead of whole eggs. Two egg whites can be substituted in many recipes for one whole egg. Use applesauce instead of some of the fat.
Healthy ways of cooking:
- Bake, steam, roast, broil, stew, or boil instead of frying. This helps remove fat. Try these quick tips:
-
For crispy fish: roll in cornmeal and bake.
-
For crispy chicken: remove the skin; dip in skim milk mixed with herbs and spices; roll in bread crumbs, cornflakes, or potato flakes; and bake.
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Take off poultry skin before eating.
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Use a nonstick pan with vegetable cooking oil spray or a small amount of liquid vegetable oil instead of lard, butter, shortening, or other fats that are solid at room temperature.
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Trim visible fat before you cook meats.
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Chill meat and poultry broth until fat becomes solid. Skim off fat before using the broth. Use skimmed broth to cook greens instead of fatback, hog jowls, or salt pork.
- Choose chicken breast or drumstick instead of the wing and thigh.
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Select skim milk or 1 percent instead of 2 percent or whole milk (sweet).
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Buy lean cuts of meat such as round, sirloin, and loin
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Buy more vegetables, fruits, and grains.
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Read nutrition labels on food packages.
Let the food label help you choose foods lower in saturated fat and cholesterol:
When you select a food, reading the food label can help you view its saturated fat and cholesterol levels. At first, reading labels may be confusing, but the more you do it, the easier it will become. Soon you will be able to easily make food choices for a healthy heart.
Related Articles:
- How To Improve Your Eating Habits
- Tips To Healthier Eating Habits
- Eating Healthy Within Your Budget
- Introduction to Sugar Free Cooking
- Food As Brain Medicine
- Diet Ideas For Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease
Other SeniorCareHomes.com Helpful Links:
- Seniors Online Community & Discussion Forum
- Senior Care Facility Search
- Senior Facility Registration
Source: U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.