It is the month of December once again, the season of merry making and over indulgence. It is that time of year when lots of monies are being spent by individuals, not only on unnecessary items but on foods and alcoholic beverages as well. The types of foods and beverages which are incline to have a negative impact on one’s health.
Those with health related issues find themselves immersed within the festivities often compromising their health, as they focus more on eating for pleasure rather than health. Many with high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressures have a tendency of acting foolishly, forgetting that their health issues do not go on break for the season.
While we would like to enjoy eating all those tasty, fatty and sweet things, we do have the propensity of over using on alcohol as well. As adults we need to act responsibly. We need to be disciplined enough to eat and drink with moderation at all times. Our health must be number one on that priority list.
All fats are not bad, it is the excess that is dangerous. A healthy balanced diet consist of a minor amount of fats; fat is vital and produces fatty acids which the body needs but does not create. The body also needs fat to assist in the absorption of vitamin A and vitamin E which are fat soluble or cannot be absorbed without the help of fat.
Most fats and oils comprise of saturated and unsaturated fats in various quantities. In order to maintain a healthy diet, foods high in saturated and Trans fats, must be limited or avoided, some of which can be replaced with unsaturated fats.
A high quantity of saturated fats are found in animal products inclusive of: meats, palm and coconut oils. Fatty cuts of meats, sausages, pies, butter, shortening along with dairy foods and cheddar cheese. They can also be found in: sour cream, ice cream and some popcorn.
Elevated levels of saturated fat in the diet places a person’s health at risk, for it raises the bad cholesterol LDL and increases the risk of heart attack or Stroke. Another dangerous element to good health is high cholesterol which can lead to stroke as well as heart disease.
Cholesterol is usually manufactured in the liver then passed into the blood as low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). The good cholesterol or HDL produces positive results; by reducing the amount of cholesterol from areas of the body and takes it to the liver where it is disposed.
For those living with non-communicable diseases NCDs, unhealthy and healthy diets are contributing factors to good or poor health. Excessive use of saturated and Trans fats are harmful, since not all fats are utilized by the body’s cells nor converted into energy; some portions are transformed into body fats.
In 1994, a guideline to reduced saturated fatty acids in the UK was established by the government. The fats should be no more than 10% of the total dietary energy. The maximum amount recommended per day is: 30gs for men, 20gs for women and less than both for children.
Keeping that blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol under control necessitate a strong will, to: eating reasonably healthy preferably from all food groups, taking medications as prescribed and exercising often.
The phrase “a little wine for the stomach sake” must not be taken out of context or as an excuse for abusing alcohol. Unless prohibited, small amounts of alcohol is permissible for the season. However, the consumption of large volume of wine, champagne, vodka and whisky should be no, no, not, me.
While Fats and grease add flavour and most humans like tasty foods, risking your health for the sake, of your belly, should never be an option. The ancient Latin writer Publilius Syrus, said it best “Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.”
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
