Meet our writers

Win $1,000







Health July 2017

Ban the Chicken Fat?

By Lois Greene Stone

Stearic acid, found in cocoa butter, doesn't seem to raise cholesterol concentrations, unlike fats high in lauric, myristic, or palmitic acid.... Perhaps can we bite into a steak sandwich instead of broiled fillet of fish while scientists investigate why stearic acid doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels?

Once, a “wholesome” diet was listed with allowance and encouragement for eggs, red meat, butter, milk, cheese. Some were convinced a raw egg boosted health, and Europeans called the beverage a “googala-moogala.”  Then, some 20th century practitioners said saturated fats are out. Raw eggs, or runny yolks are considered dangerous because of bacteria. Making and then using chicken fat isn’t popular now, and cooks use olive oil or spray-can grease. However, five years before the century changed, the “in,” sensible-for-health food from the sea began to have a fishy smell when the Harvard School of Public Health announced that risk of heart attack didn't change when healthy middle-years men made six meals a week of fish.

Plaque once meant either a wall decoration or something that formed on unflossed teeth; the word was redefined in the 1990s – cholesterol. Cholesterol deposited inside the arteries is called plaque, and accumulation of such is labeled atherosclerosis.

High density lipoproteins (HDL) which carry almost 25% of our body cholesterol are thought to have a protective power against low density lipoproteins (LDL) which contains about 75% of total body cholesterol. Technical language is confusing. Genetic inheritance, obesity, diet may work separately as well as together in causing hyperlipoproteinemia. (Try using that word playing a word game!)

Stearic acid, found in cocoa butter, doesn't seem to raise cholesterol concentrations, unlike fats high in lauric, myristic, or palmitic acid. But the general public hasn't yet name-dropped these acids. Perhaps can we bite into a steak sandwich instead of broiled fillet of fish while scientists investigate why stearic acid doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels?

Yes, the statin drugs have given some of us a way to control high cholesterol without too many harmful side-effects. For some, however, even adding niacin isn’t enough to keep the blood-lab numbers closer to “desirable.” Currently, the LDL is the number to watch; 10 years ago it was the total cholesterol thought to be the more harmful. Medicine is always evolving.

To add to our confusion we wonder: can exercise “cure” high cholesterol? No one can positively say yes, but active people seem to feel better all-around and may actually have fewer diseases.

Rather than figure out why or how this is possible, stay active. Exercise before meals, if possible. Appetite goes down when body temp goes up. Try the theory out: spend 20 minutes, at least three times a week, doing some sort of exercise. It will release fat from cells, but don't be fooled into thinking you burn fat from exercise – only burning calories reduces weight.

Treat yourself kindly. It matters that you are consistent with your exercise and nutritional concerns. Walk, swim, do whatever you're capable of, as the object is to raise your HDL. Instead of hearing your inner-self say: lose weight, lose calories, lose what is clogging up your arteries – just think ELEVATE and your frame of mind might adjust to that also.

 

Lois Greene Stone, writer and poet’s work has been included in hard and soft-cover book anthologies. Collections of her personal items/ photos/ memorabilia are in major museums including 12 different divisions of The Smithsonian.