Cholesterol is an essential substance in our body and it has several important functions. Our blood, brain, liver and other organs need cholesterol. If there is no cholesterol then there are no female and male sex hormones and vitamin D..Cholesterol is made a villain by many vested interests to make business and earn money. LDL-cholesterol is dangerous when it is oxidised with oxygen free radicals and this may be the reason to form the plaque. If we can control this, by lowering cholesterol and reducing the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol, it is a great thing.
Most of the persons are afraid of nuts because of the high fat content. Most of these fats are monounsaturated fatty acids which reduce the LDL or bad cholesterol. The almonds are similar to olives and have the same effect. Walnut is also good to lower cholesterol.
Remember, all plant foods including nuts do not have cholesterol. However the problem of weight gain is due to the high calories of energy in the nuts. Eat nuts but reduce the other fatty foods to lower the weight, gain.
All nuts are good, but eat without salt.
Dear Dr. K.P.,
ReplyDeleteDoctor, you said it right. Use of nuts and fruits are very much required for having HDL cholesterol.Consuming a hand-full of nuts varieties during the morning breakfast time, may help improving the blood circulation in the body and the brain.
It is very apt, as you advised, taking nuts together with fatty and oily foods, fried items etc.,may cause oxidation of the oxygen-free radicals and to develop increase in weight and hormone imbalances, all due to increase in LDL,or bad cholesterol. In other words,taking of nuts as specified and prescribed by doctors with caution not to take along with them, any more fatty foods would be well remembered.
Proportionately, fiber contents the nuts have, will also be helpful for body functions.Weight reduction is yet another area wherein continuous exercises, preferably morning and evening walking practices will go a long way.
Thank you Dr.,
Regards,
TV Narayanan
I think you have some problems to understand the very complicated fat metabolism Mr. Narayanan. I say nuts are good and at the same time only LDL-Cholesterol is bad. If we heat the oil and fry something the fat gets oxidised. There are more articles about cholesterol and fatty acids here. In weight reduction the nuts play a vital role and a good dietician can explain you this well. Or, come and chat with me once.
ReplyDelete