February 26, 2007
What About Cholesterol?
To many, cholesterol and fat sound similar. But cholesterol and fat are not the same thing. According to information from the United States Department of Agriculture, cholesterol is a fat-like substance present in all animal foods. This includes meat, poultry, fish, milk and milk products, and egg yolks.
Both the lean and the fat of meat and the meat and skim of poultry contain cholesterol. In milk products, cholesterol is mostly in the fat. This means lower fat products like skim milk contain less cholesterol. Whole milk has 33 milligrams in one cup while skim milk only has 4 milligrams of cholesterol for the same amount (one cup).
Egg yolks and organ meats like liver are high in cholesterol. Three ounces of cooked liver has 331 milligrams and one egg yolk has 213 milligrams. Plant foods don't contain cholesterol.
Dietary cholesterol, as well as saturated fat, raises blood cholesterol levels in many people. This increases their risk for heart disease.
Some health authorities recommend that dietary cholesterol be limited to an average of 300 milligrams or less per day. To keep dietary cholesterol to this level, USDA recommends following the Food Guide Pyramid to keep your total fat to the amount that's right for you.
It's not necessary to eliminate all foods that are high in cholesterol. USDA states most can have three to four egg yolks a week, counting those used as ingredients in custards and baked products.
One final suggestion - use lower fat dairy products often and occasionally include dry beans and peas in your menus.
Posted by Paula Robinson at 11:20 AM
February 19, 2007
February 27 is International Pancake Day.
The tradition of whipping up batches of pancakes this time of year began in the Middle Ages and is a direct result of the Christian holiday, Lent. Since Lent is a time of abstinence for all participants, everyone prepared by ridding their pantries of rich foods such as eggs, butter, and milk. The favorite dish to use up all the soon-to-be-forbidden ingredients was pancakes. Shrove Tuesday - also known as Mardi Gras - is the day before Lent begins and is everyone's last chance to indulge.
Posted by Paula Robinson at 10:44 AM
February 15, 2007
Seafood Safety
Seafood food safety is a concern for many. There are some food safety points to remember when choosing seafood.
First, buy only from reputable sources.
Buy only fresh seafood that is refrigerated or properly iced.
Don't buy cooked seafood, such as shrimp, crabs or smoked fish, if displayed in the same case as raw fish. Cross-contamination can occur.
Don't buy frozen seafood if the packages are open, torn or crushed on the edges. Avoid packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer. If the package cover is transparent, look for signs of frost or ice crystals. This could mean that the fish has either been stored for a long time or thawed and refrozen.
Put seafood on ice, in the refrigerator or in the freezer, immediately after buying.
Posted by Paula Robinson at 9:05 AM
February 5, 2007
Healthy Heart for Valentine's Day
Take Heart. With a little planning, you can give a loved one a gift from the heart that is good for the heart.
Having a special dinner – Try salmon or other cold-water fish such as herring, sardines, halibut, bluefish, tuna and mackerel. These fish are rich in omega 3's, a form of polyunsaturated fats that is beneficial for your heart.
You don't have to say goodbye to dessert – Many restaurants offer sorbet and other fruit based desserts. Or, order a dark chocolate dessert and share it with your loved one.
Tired of the same old box of chocolates – A basket containing a variety of whole wheat pastas and a couple different kinds of spaghetti sauce. Or a basket containing different kinds of nuts and dried fruit. Have a healthy tea time with herbal teas and a jar of honey and some biscotti.
If your sweetie can't eat sugar, you can still deliver a sweet Valentines Day chocolate gift. Many candy companies offer a variety of sugar-free chocolates.
Posted by Paula Robinson at 12:45 PM
