FOODS THAT FIGHT FAT

By K.K. Bajaj

Diseases rob us of    the pleasures and joys of life. Foods mentioned below help in fighting fat and cholesterol   levels in the body and assist in maintaining good health by protecting us from hypertension, artery blockage and other cardiac ailments. If we eat healthy we can fight fat which results in many serious diseases. Therefore, we should eat right type of foods, mentioned below, to lead a healthy, happy and     disease-free life. A sick person is a burden on the family, the society and the nation as well.

Apples : “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. All of us have been hearing this proverb which tries to emphasize the importance of apples, since childhood. The medicinal secrets of an apple are attributed to the various chemicals in it that if taken on a daily basis, helps in getting rid of the extra fat. Apples contain pectin (a type of fibre) which promotes digestive health by avoiding constipation. Pectin has been known to reduce the appetite and the urge to eat as the fibre swells up or thickens in the digestive tract leading to a feeling of fullness. It also helps in eliminating/lowering cholesterol levels in the body.

Garlic : Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and has been credited with fighting heart disease and lowering blood pressure. Numerous clinical trials have shown the positive benefits of garlic in heart disease, lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.

When garlic cloves are crushed, chewed or cut they release a sulphur-bearing compound called allicin the chemical that gives garlic its pungent taste and smell. Allicin is the ingredient thought to be responsible for garlic’s therapeutic qualities. Garlic also helps in reducing the fat content in blood (helps in blood thinning) and thus reduces blood pressure. The American Dietetic Association suggested that in order to obtain the potential health benefits of garlic, one must take about one fresh garlic clove per day.

Oats : Oats are a very good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, unsaturated fats, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Oats are a very good source of fibre, containing approximately 10g of fibre per 100g of whole grain oats. Most studies have demonstrated that oats have a high content of soluble fibre. High fibre foods are digested slowly, which postpones hunger pangs and trigger a feeling of fullness.

Soya beans : Soya beans are a good source of protein. They are rich in calcium, iron, B vitamins, and fibre. Soya is also low in saturated fats. It also contains photochemical (substances found in plants that play an active role in protecting the body against many diseases)....