About Heart Friendly Meals
Many Tender Loving Cuisine meals have been approved as Heart Friendly. They are approved for meeting strict standards for saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, energy, protein and fibre or vegetable content.
You can be assured that these Heart Friendly meals are a healthier choice and a healthy diet is one of the important ways you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Avoiding Saturated Fat
Eating saturated fats raises the total level of cholesterol in your blood, as well as the level of LDL (bad cholesterol). This contributes to problems with blocked arteries. Ensure you eat a well-balanced diet including plant-based foods. Include a variety of vegetables, whole grains, fruit, some fish and seafood. Protein such as lentils, beans and tofu are also a great option. Try to restrict unprocessed beef, veal, pork, and lamb to 350g per week. Chicken without skin is a good option. Best to restrict baked goods and fried foods when possible.
Tender Loving Cuisine meals are independently tested to show they meet the nutrition standards and we aim to actively contribute to a healthier community by continuing to develop Heart Friendly approved meals. Compared to other meals, our Heart Friendly range has reduced levels of unhealthy saturated fat, trans fat, salt and kilojoules (energy) and more healthy nutrients like fibre, vegetables and calcium.
Benefits of lowering salt
Salt is sodium chloride. When we talk about cutting down on 'salt' we really mean cutting down on sodium. People need a very small amount of sodium to be healthy, which is present naturally in foods like seafood, meat, dairy, eggs and some vegetables. Reducing salt intake reduces the risk of high blood pressure and ensures better cardiovascular health for most people.
Dairy and Eggs
The latest guidelines from Heart Research Australia has reduced concerns regarding full-fat dairy products. Latest research has shown little evidence to restrict them as they have a neutral effect on a healthy person's risk of heart disease or stroke. It is still advised however to stick with reduced-fat dairy for those with high cholesterol, heart disease or type 2 diabetes. In recently announced heart healthy guidelines, the weekly limit on eggs is gone. However, if you experience heart disease or type 2 diabetes the recommendation is to stick with 7 eggs or fewer per week. Eating more has been linked to a higher rate of heart disease or stroke.
Increase your fruit & vegetable intake
Eat at least two pieces of fruit daily. Vegetables have been shown to be protective against heart disease and certain cancers. Aim for four or five veggie serves per day.
Eat Fibre
Soluble fibre can help lower cholesterol reabsorption and assist with blood glucose level control. Find it in oat bran, barley bran, wheat bran, rolled oats, legumes (e.g. kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils), wholemeal breads and cereals, psyllium husks, fruit and vegetables. Insoluble fibre is good for bowel health. Sources include fruit, vegetables and bran.
Weight management
It is very important to eat a well-balanced healthy diet with plenty of plant-based foods to help you to lose or manage your weight and to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Of course, always seek medical advice if you are concerned about your health and dietary intake.
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