National Cholesterol Education Month-Pont 4
In Michael Washburn’s article -(described and discussed in the post titled”Cholesterol-Some Helpful Hints” previously published on this blog) he makes reference to seven things we should do to manage our cholesterol and risk of heart ailment. This article addresses the fourth point-LEARN HOW TO READ A LABEL.
If you are reading this post-you can read a label as good as I can. The problem comes, for me, when I need to interpret what the label is telling me, and how it relates to me. That again is why I must see the physician and know the particulars of my risk factor and my safe zones where cholesterol levels and other health indicators are concerned. Heredity plays a role in my cholesterol level, but I can do my part to keep the numbers in the safe zone for me.
After my diagnosis of congestive heart failur my safe zone changed. A heart that is already weak does not need the added strain of blockage in the arteries caused by the build up. So my doctor changed my “safe zone” to an even lower level of bad cholesterol, and told me to change my diet and increase my exercise. That is why I need to know what is being said in the information given on all food labels.
Cholesterol comes frome animal products. Meat of any kind,poultry, fish, seafood, and dairy products all contain cholesterol.
Saturated fat is the main “badguy” when it comes to raising levels of cholesterol, which, in turn raises the risk of heart disease. So, if a label indicates a large saturated fat number (measured in grams), we need to watch the portion size—perhaps we should stay away from this food all together. Again, I would say to consult your health professional for your individual recommended cholesterol intake.
The other part of reading a label is the math. I will admit it—I sometimes take my calculator to the grocery store and see what is good and what I must stay away from. Sometimes the math is not easy to do in my head, so my health is more important than my ego—I carry a calculator. If I don’t have my health my ego won’t be an issue anyway.
There are many places to get help reading labels some are linked from here and it might be fun to just do a web search for reading labels and see what happens. It may be an adventure to new places and other helpfu HealthyHeartFolks.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you will visit again soon.