Heart Disease: Cardiologist and Registered Dietician talk about the Heart Health Benefits of Tomatoes
What is Local Registered Dietician
A local registered dietitian is a healthcare provider who has taken specialized training in nutritional health. A local registered dietitian may work in a private clinic, a hospital, nursing home or school. They can help patients with a variety of health conditions lose weight, lower cholesterol, understand the glycemic index, reduce depression symptoms through diet and more. They can also help you understand how exercise and nutrition work together and the connection between physical health and mental health. Whether you want to learn more about lactose intolerance, manage your diabetes or treat constipation, a local registered dietitian can be a great addition to your healthcare team.
Fat is essential in our diet, helping us absorb nutrients, gain energy, keep us warm and support cell growth. Eating fat alone will not cause you to gain weight. However, it’s important to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats. Saturates mainly come from animal products, while unsaturated fats are plant-based.
Different types of fat have different effects on your cholesterol levels. Saturated fats and trans fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in your blood, while monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can lower them. Most nutritionists recommend replacing saturated fats and trans fats with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Pay attention to labels when you’re shopping. Don’t be fooled by foods that say “0 trans fat,” as they can contain a lot of saturated fats and/or be high in added sugars. Your local registered dietician
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. While your body does need some triglycerides for energy, having high triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease and may be a sign of metabolic syndrome. Causes of high triglycerides include obesity, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, poorly-controlled diabetes and certain medications.
If you've been diagnosed with high LDL cholesterol or you're just trying to make more heart healthy choices, there are several things you can do with your diet, in particular, lowering your dietary saturated fat. You can do that by aiming for lower-fat animal products, adding nuts and seeds to your diet, limiting egg yolks to two per week and eating more vegetarian meals. You can increase your intake of omega 3 fats. Omega 3 fats are found in fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, trout, mackerel, sardines and herring.
Seeing a regisitered dietician to help you understand fast food better is oftena great starting place. If you do find yourself at a fast food chain, you can make healthier choices. To save calories and fat, opt for smaller portion sizes – maybe choose a kids’ meal. Keep an eye on the calorie count of salad dressings and sauces, as they can be deceptively high. Many fast food restaurants offer side dishes that can be healthier, such as baked potatoes, yogurt and salad. If the restaurant offers a grilled meat option, choose that over fried. Order a water or a diet soda to drink.
Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that contains a range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can have positive effects on the body, including potential anti-inflammatory properties. However, it's important to note that lettuce alone may not be a "great way" to reduce inflammation in your joints. Arthritis is a complex condition, and a comprehensive approach to managing it typically involves various strategies, including medication, physical activity, and a balanced diet.
Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamin C are indeed present in lettuce and are known for their antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which may contribute to inflammation. However, the specific effects of these compounds on arthritis and joint inflammation are still being studied, and the research is not conclusive.
The concept behind probiotics is that by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut, they can enhance the microbial diversity and promote a healthier gut environment. Some studies suggest that probiotics may have potential benefits for certain conditions, such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and certain types of allergies. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is still limited and often mixed.
The Registered Dietitians on this site are in good standing with the Dietitians of Canada,
