Cook With Trans Fat Free Oil

photo credit: Tony.L.WongAccording to many of us, there is nothing better than a good fried food. However, think for a
moment that all of the oil that the item is cooked in is now being placed directly into your blood
stream and going to clog up your arteries. Not so appealing anymore now is it.
However, it may not be this drastic; this is exactly what is happening at a much slower rate.
However, this can be slowed even more if you are eating products that are fried or you are
doing the frying on your own.

The best way to do this is through the use of oil that is trans fat
free. This is because the trans fats that are in some oils are the ones that lead to the bad
cholesterol in your system. There are two different types of cholesterol that your body
contains. One of course is good for you and helps your body to function at a normal rate. The
other type of oil that one can intake is what your doctor will tell you is bad cholesterol, which
primarily comes from trans fat.
The primary source of trans fat is animal fat. This is why it is now recommended that when
cooking the oil that is used should come from sources other than animals. This would mean the
use of vegetable, corn and canola oil. However, not using things such as lard and animal fat to
cook in is no longer considered to be a good idea.

When shopping for items to fry with, look for the labels that say trans fat free. This will not only
allow you to eat a few more of the fried foods that you so desire, than to have to worry
constantly if you are clogging up something. Choose the healthier option if you are going to
enjoy a fried product and use it to your advantage so you can lead a healthier life without all of
the guilt.

Use only what will help you to live healthy and to enjoy life. Switching to trans fat free oil does
not mean a longer life, and is not a green light to go and gorge yourself on fried foods. Even if it
is trans fat free, there are still other fats and those can lead to bigger waistlines. As with all
eating, moderation is the key.

Garlic For Heart Health

photo credit: Wayne InteressiertsOne thing that people who are looking to eat healthy are going to want to consider is the
addition of garlic in the diet. Garlic not only has multiple health benefits, but can add a great
amount of flavor to any dish as well.

Garlic is one of the most universal additives that one can use to help with almost any type of
dish. It can be an additive for breakfast to add flavor to eggs. You can use it in a salad as well as
in a dressing or in a topping. It can be used to help with both entrees and side dishes as well to
make some taste better or to add a bland dish or to give a roast a bolder flavor.

Garlic is also a wonderful additive to any meal as it is also good for the heart. It helps to
promote heart function as well as to make the body work better. The garlic works to protect
the heart from cardiovascular disease by releasing a component called allicin. This is the thing
that makes breath smell in garlic, but also helps to make the heart work better and keeps it
functioning at a higher level. The garlic that one will consume should be in the form of whole
clove garlic as much as possible.

You should not necessarily be eating cloves, but using cloves
and not powder and salt as much in your cooking. This is because the allicin is released when
the clove is broken and thus it is not nearly as prevalent in the dried forms of the garlic.
Garlic is something that one can use for a multitude of different things in cooking, and can
enhance many different foods and dishes. Even if it is not included in the recipe, it can be used
in the food. Garlic is one of those universal items that does not need to be listed in order for it
to be able to be used. Use it sparingly or profusely. However, make sure not to use it to the
point where it becomes the overwhelming flavor of the dish and the actual food it is being
added to no longer is the spotlight of the dish.
Protect your heart and make great food all at the same time with the simple additive for life
and for flavor. Maker it taste good and good for you.

Say Hello To the Grill Again

photo credit: bumpOne of the best ways that you can prepare your meals to create a healthy lifestyle is on your
grill. It does not matter if it is propane, wood or natural gas, this is one of the best ways to not
only prepare a healthier food, but a better tasting one as well.
The wonder of the grill is just how many different dishes that one can prepare on it as well as
the ability to make an entire meal while standing in the grass. Here at the grill one is able to
make all sorts of protein dishes as well as starches and vegetables all in one simple cooking
device.

Consider all of the meat options that are available from a grill surface other than the obvious
hamburgers and hot dogs. The ability to grill any type of fish without the need to use a fat to
keep it from sticking to the pan. Preparing almost any type of beef or pork portion on a grill as
well as almost any other type of meat to not only give it a flavor of the grill, but if using wood,
the flavor of the type of wood that is being used. Some grills even have the option for a
rotisserie as well so as to be able to cook whole chickens or to possible make a roast of some
type on one also.

Vegetables are another great item that one can prepare on a grill as well. Choose from corn,
asparagus, mushrooms and peppers. Use of any of these or a combination of any to make a
wonderful and flavorful side dish in order to make any meal better. Another option of course is
to mix the protein together with the veggies on a kabob. This way you will almost ensure better
portions as well as healthier options.