< previous page | page_129 | next page >
Page 129
| lesterol and should not be a concern unless you suffer from very high cholesterol levels. Eggs are low in saturated fat, the real culprit in heart disease; studies show that saturated fat raises blood cholesterol six times as much as dietary cholesterol does. Still, researchers admit they don't yet know everything about how cholesterol works, so for the time being it's wise to keep your egg yolk consumption within the four-a-week range. |
| SMART DEFINITION |
| Lactose intolerance |
| Inability to digest cow's milk, caused by lack of a normal digestive enzyme, lactase, which is essential for the breakdown and digestion of the milk sugar, lactose. |
| If you experience bloating, gas, or constipation from drinking milk, you're probably lactose intolerant. But don't give up: new varieties of milk are more digestible for many people with this problem. |
| Many people who have trouble drinking milk find it much more digestible when consumed with food. |
| Milk |
| Low-fat or skim milk doesn't have as many nutrients as the full-fat variety, but it's still a much better choice, healthwise, since the saturated fat in whole milk is far more detrimental than its nutrients are beneficial. Drinking two one-half cups of milk will give you more than the RDA for calciumunless you're pregnant or lactating, in which case you'll get half your requirement. Milk's a great beverage choice for all women, since they are susceptible to the brittle-bone disease osteoporosis, against which calcium is a prime weapon. Calcium also helps reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure; researchers believe other substances in milk may help reduce cholesterol production as well. |
| Milk is also a valuable source of energy, protein, and other nutrients, including zinc, vitamin D, potassium, and riboflavin (vitamin B 2). These vitamins and minerals work together with calcium to keep bones healthy, making milk a much better choice than supplements. So drink up! |
< previous page | page_129 | next page >