Cardiovascular Disease

Dairy: why full fat is best

Dairy consumption is pretty much dependant on the individual as some people are  allergic or intolerant to the proteins in dairy, or are sensitive to its lactose content. The point that I would like to make is that if you are going to consume dairy, choose the full fat versions. Although most people reach for the low-fat/no-fat dairy options with the belief that full fat is harmful and may cause them to gain weight, recent research suggests the opposite may be true.

For the love of butter

Vilified for years and substituted with other lesser 'butter-like' substances such as margarine and vegetable oil spreads, butter was thought to contribute to heart disease due to its saturated fat content. However, critical analysis of the evidence between certain types of saturated fat and cardiovascular disease, do not support its link to heart disease.  Real butter, especially the organic and from grass-fed animals, offers a number of benefits as a healthy fat. Butter has the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 which, help brain function and are necessary for skin health.

Olive oil: liquid gold

This Mediterranean food staple is full of healthy fatty acids and antioxidants with a myriad of benefits on a number of health conditions. Olive oil is made by crushing olives and putting them through a press to squeeze out the oil. The crushed olives can be pressed numerous times. the first pressing creates what is known as extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the preferred oil to be consumed as it has the most amount of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols.