health sectionhealth sectionEthylenediaminetetraacetate, or EDTA, is used to keep fats and oils in foods from becoming rancid and to retain color and flavor. It works by sequestering and deactivating trace metals in foods, which can hasten spoilage. EDTA is FDA-approved in amounts from 110 to 300 parts per million, according to the College of Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University.
L-theanine, or gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid, is an amino acid which is derived from Camellia sinensis. Green, oolong and black tea is produced from the leaves of C. sinensis, a shrub native to Eastern Asia. L-theanine was first discovered in 1949 and is available as an herbal supplement. Reportedly, L-theanine is useful for stress relief, decreasing cholesterol levels, moderating the effects of caffeine, enhancing cancer-related treatment and enhancing the flavor of foods, as well as cosmetic use.
If it's fried in grease or derived from an animal, the odds are significant that the cholesterol content of a particular morsel is high. Foods that are bad for cholesterol start with unhealthy "bad" fats of the saturated or trans variety.
The waxy substance that is found in your cells is called cholesterol. Your body needs cholesterol to produce cell membranes, bile salt, sex hormones and vitamin D. Produced mainly by the liver, bad cholesterol can build up in the body's arteries, leaving plaque that could eventually block the flow of blood to the heart. Raising your good cholesterol level is an important step in keeping your heart healthy.
What we eat may influence our blood's cholesterol level. In addition to lowering saturated fat in our diet, we must also lower cholesterol intake.
Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by a high level of lipids, namely cholesterol and triglycerides, in the bloodstream. Lifestyle is its most common cause, but you may also suffer from this condition as a complication of diabetes, hypothyroidism or kidney disease. As lipid levels rise, there is a greater potential for the accumulation of fatty deposits along the arterial wall. This often prompts a narrowing or hardening of the arteries, putting you at a greater risk of heart attack or stroke. To prevent the development of this condition, most people respond well to a combination of personal and medicinal measures.
Excess amounts of cholesterol in the blood can have serious consequences. Cholesterol can build up inside the arteries and vessels, resulting in blockages. These blockages can result in a heart attack. Eating certain foods can help to lower cholesterol numbers and preserve healthy vessels and arteries.
Even if your total cholesterol level is acceptable, your doctor may tell you that your "good" cholesterol levels should be a little higher. This is because high levels of good HDL cholesterol are linked to protection against heart disease. When choosing a heart-healthy diet, eliminating high-cholesterol foods is a good first step. However, adding certain foods to the diet is also important for increasing your good cholesterol.
The word "cholesterol" has very negative connotations. The truth is that cholesterol is needed by the body. It is the basis for healthy cell membranes, hormone production and the metabolism of certain fat-soluble vitamins. The problem with cholesterol happens when our body produces and ingests too much of it. Excess cholesterol ends up being stored along the lining of arterial walls. This can result in heart disease, stroke and the hardening of arteries.
Grapeseed extract is absorbed into bodily cells to help brain function and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Absorb grapeseed extract more efficiently by finding foods that contain a grapeseed and phospholipid blend with tips from a licensed dietitian in this free video on health and nutrition.
Learn about Cholesterol from food labels in this free healthy living video.
