Fat and Heart Health Tips For Diabetes
    As a person with diabetes, you are at higher risk of developing heart disease than many who do
    not have diabetes.  You can take steps to decrease this risk and prevent heart disease.  If you
    already have a form of heart disease, these steps are still important for you as they can help
    prevent or delay further complications.

    The first and most critical food-related step is to decrease your intake of saturated fat.  The
    National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and American Diabetes Association
    recommend that all persons with diabetes consume less than 10% of their calories from
    saturated fat.  If your Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) level is above 100 mg/dl, lower that amount to
    7% of total calories.

    It may seem a bit tedious to count the grams of saturated fat you eat, but this is a process you
    should do occasionally.  In your food diary, write the amount of saturated fat next to each food or
    beverage you consume.  To determine the amount of saturated fat in various foods use food
    labels, reference books on fat grams, or a website that helps you analyze your intake.  Or have
    your dietitian help you, and also discuss what changes might help improve your fat choices.

    Though it is more important to decrease your saturated fat intake, the NCEP still recommends
    that you limit your cholesterol intake to 300 mg per day.  If your LDL is above 100 mg/dl, limit your
    cholesterol intake to 200 mg per day and limit your egg yolk consumption to three or four times
    per week.  The amount of cholesterol per food serving is listed in the nutrition facts panel of the
    food label so you can add up your cholesterol grams as you check out your saturated fat intake.

    Also if your LDL level is above 100 mg/dl, the NCEP also recommends that you eat 10-25 grams
    of soluble fiber and 2 grams of plant sterols or stanols a day.

    Soluble fiber helps remove cholesterol from your body.  It acts like a sponge soaking up
    cholesterol and removing it from your body.  Foods high in soluble fiber are oats, barley, dried
    beans and peas; some vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and turnip
    greens; and fruits such as apples, oranges, pears, and strawberries.

    Plant sterols and stanols limit cholesterol absorption.  They are found in some nuts and seeds,
    but are mostly easily consumed from special food products.  Several margarine-like spreads and
    salad dressings contain sterols and stanols.  Examples are the brands Benecol and Take
    Control.

    In addition to specific food modifications to decrease your risk for heart disease, managing
    weight, increasing physical activity, stopping smoking, and controlling blood pressure will also
    help.
copyright @ Illnesscuring.com
17,858 Expert Authors Sharing Their Best Health Articles
Article Categories
Counter