Cholesterol is a type of fat, waxy material found in the blood. It fails to mix with the blood as it is a water-based medium. The liver synthesizes cholesterol, and lipoproteins carry the cholesterol in and around the body. There are two kinds of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol. The “bad” cholesterol travels using the low-density lipoprotein or LDL in the body. The “good” and useful cholesterol travels through high-density lipoprotein in the body. Although the term cholesterol is usually used in a negative context, it is essential to know that it is essential for the normal functioning of the body. Cholesterol helps in the construction of the cell wall and helps in producing digestive juices in the intestine. It also helps the body to produce Vitamin D and assists in producing certain hormones. 1. How Is cholesterol harmful? LDL carrying cholesterol is very harmful to the body. This is because it forms plaque that can clog the blood capillaries, resulting in disturbed blood circulation. This can ultimately lead to a heart attack and several other cardiac diseases. Several types of oily food have a high cholesterol content, and the body isn’t able to break these compounds. Gradually, these are deposited in the narrow blood capillaries and begin to form clots, thereby causing heart attacks.

From celebs to regular folks, the keto diet has been adopted by many who want to lose weight. The keto diet involves a low-carbohydrate and high-fat intake that helps in cutting off excess and unwanted fat. It includes sufficient protein consumption, which ensures better growth and damage repair of the cells and tissues inside the body. For years, the keto diet has been used along with conventional medications to treat epilepsy in infants and children. Read on to know all about the ketogenic diet. 1. Types High-protein keto diet A generalized keto diet involves adequate protein consumption. In this particular diet plan, there is only 35% protein and 5% carbohydrate content, and the rest of the calories come from fats. The diet involves 60% fatty acids to make the metabolism focus on fatty acids. The Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD) This involves an alternate high-carbohydrate diet followed by a strict keto diet consecutively. Traditionally, a strict CKD involves five days of a ketogenic diet, directly followed by two days of a high-carbohydrate diet, and the same is followed and repeated. Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD) More like the high-protein diet, this drives the focus toward the fatty acids. It involves a strict diet that allows 75% fat and 20% protein consumption, but the 5% carbohydrate limit remains constant, just like the high-protein version.

One of the hardest things about following a new diet is the planning they require. To successfully follow any diet, especially a low-carbohydrate one, it requires you to plan ahead to make sure you are eating all of the essential nutrients your body needs. The diet typically includes fruits and vegetables that are high in proteins to ensure that the body is provided with the nutrients it needs for healthy functioning. Here are some tips to follow when on a low-carb diet to ensure the best outcome and enjoy optimal benefits: 1. Identify low-carb foods They primarily include the following foods that can be included in your diet: Lean meats like sirloin, chicken breast, or pork Fish Eggs Leafy green vegetables Cauliflower and broccoli Nuts and seeds Oils like olive oil and coconut oil Fruits like apples, blueberries, and strawberries Unsweetened dairy products 2. Understand the servings of a low-carb diet Remember that such diets allow only 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day to ensure that the diet’s nutrient value is intact. 3. Adhere to a meal plan Daily and weekly meal plans help adhere to a proper meal plan when following a low-carb diet. 4. Meal prep It is beneficial for you to prepare your meals ahead of time.

Cancer and its treatment are strenuous on the body since treatments also affect the healthy cells. Unhealthy foods that might worsen the condition should be avoided at all costs for a fast recovery. A diet for cancer patients should include protein-rich food like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, cheese, and milk. Colorful veggies are also an important part of a healthy diet, and sugar, caffeine, and salt intake should be limited. Here are 8 snack options for cancer patients, some of which can also be prepared beforehand and stored, while some can be whipped up in a few minutes: 1. Quesadillas with mashed black beans This easy-to-make dish is a perfect snack for cancer patients. It takes less than half an hour to make these yummy quesadillas, and corn kernels, diced onions, chopped avocados, jalapenos, and olives can also be added to make them healthier and tastier. 2. Chocolate peanut butter balls Weight loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment like chemotherapy, and protein powder can help patients maintain a healthy weight. Chocolate peanut butter balls are a great way to add the requisite proteins to the diet while also satisfying the sweet tooth. 3. Hummus dip Chickpeas are a great source of fiber, which is why hummus makes a healthy and tasty snack for cancer patients.

Diabetes patients need to be extra careful about what they eat and their portion sizes, but that does not mean that their food needs to be bland. Keeping tabs on blood glucose and insulin levels can also be done while enjoying delicious meals. Apart from the three main meals, the choice of snacks for diabetes patients in between meals play a vital role in maintaining blood sugar levels. Meat, chicken or fish are rich in protein and carbohydrates, and eggs, soybeans, and nuts help in maintaining the required protein levels, so include all of these in a diabetes patient’s diet. Here’s a list of snacks for people with diabetes wanting to satisfy those cravings or hunger pangs in between meal times: 1. Fruit salad Diabetes patients can have an apple, along with some strawberries, blueberries, pomegranates, and plums as they are rich in vitamins and fiber. They also help cleanse the body through detox. 2. Cereal Cereal is one of the most standard snack options, but it is important to choose whole-grain cereal. Oats with milk is also another option that can be added to the list of healthy snacks for diabetes. 3. Sandwiches Sandwiches with peanut butter and sugar-free jelly or jam are another great snack option for people with diabetes.