Between 2017 and 2020, 10% of American adults over age 20 had total cholesterol that exceeded 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Nearly 17% of those people had high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol levels below 40 mg/dL. About half of the adults in the U.S. could benefit from lowering cholesterol levels. Additionally, 86 million adults over the age of 20 have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL.

It’s a sad reality when the statistic is that most adults in the U.S. have blood cholesterol levels higher than they should be. Health experts explain that there are many steps that can aid cholesterol-lowering efforts. In fact, it may be as simple as making some dietary changes and exercising on a regular basis. 

Which Foods Can Lower Cholesterol?

There are various foods that can help keep your LDL cholesterol levels in check. Some of those same foods can help elevate HDL cholesterol levels, which are beneficial to your heart. The following foods that may benefit cholesterol levels in various ways are:

• Nuts
• Apples
• Grapes
• Fatty fish
• Eggplant
• Okra
• Oats
• Barley (and other whole grains)
• Strawberries

Not all foods that are high in cholesterol are necessarily bad for your health. For example, eggs are relatively high in cholesterol, but they don’t raise them as much as saturated fats or ultra-processed foods. 

What Foods Cause High Cholesterol?

If foods are rich in saturated fats or trans fats, you should steer clear of them because they can elevate cholesterol levels and cause weight gain. What are the absolute worst foods to eat if you have high cholesterol, though? Baked goods, red meat, fried foods, and others are notorious for raising LDL cholesterol. Avoid the following foods to help keep cholesterol levels in check. 

Processed Meats

Hot dogs, deli meat, bacon, sausage, and more all fall under the umbrella of processed meats. They tend to be high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Bacon or sausage made with turkey might seem healthier, and even though they are somewhat lower in cholesterol than red meat alternatives, they are not cholesterol-free. 

Baked Goods

Cookies, pies, and cakes, oh my! Yes, all of these things are highly addictive and easy to eat, but they usually contain large quantities of butter or shortening, making them high in cholesterol. You don’t have to give up your sweets altogether, because you can still bake with different substitutions. You can use applesauce or bananas in place of butter, or have low-fat Greek yogurt topped with berries for dessert.

Red Meat

Lamb, beef, and pork generally contain a lot of saturated fat, especially the fattier cuts. Hamburgers, ribs, pork chops, shanks, and roasts tend to have more fat than leaner cuts of meat. You can eat meat on occasion, so long as you opt for smaller portions of leaner cuts, such as sirloin, filet mignon, or pork loin. Alternatively, replace meat with proteins that are much lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as turkey breast, wild caught fish, beans, lentils, quinoa, and boneless skinless chicken breast.

Fried Foods

Any food that takes a dip in the deep fryer is not going to be great for your body. Common fried foods include mozzarella sticks, onion rings, French fries, chicken wings, or fried chicken. Frying increases the energy density (calorie count) of foods. If you enjoy the crispiness of fried food, use an air fryer and toss your food in a little olive or avocado oil. Alternatively, you can bake foods at higher temperatures to achieve that crispy, golden-brown crunch.

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For many Americans, the predominant feasting days are Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Super Bowl Sunday. The Super Bowl, also known as the big game, is not just an ordinary watch party to cheer on football teams. It is a day to enjoy everyone’s favorite snacks, comfort foods, and drinks. The spread is almost more important than the game, commercials, and halftime show. 

Super Bowl Statistics

During Super Bowl Sunday, an estimated 48 million Americans order take out. 60% of those take out orders are pizza, which is partially attributed to all the advertisements. Plus, pizza is an easy entree that can feed a lot of people. In addition to pizza, chicken wings and chips and dips are the most popularly ordered foods. Did you know that an estimated 1.25 billion chicken wings are eaten during Super Bowl Weekend? That equates to nearly 162.5 million pounds of chicken, proving that this weekend is responsible for 7% of chicken sales for the year. 

Food and beverages account for the majority of spending on the game. Total spending on food, drinks, apparel, and decorations for the 2024 game is expected to reach $17.3 billion, which equates to $86.04 per person. An analytics survey found that a record 200.5 million U.S. adults plan to watch the big game. The game is important to 44% of viewers, with the halftime show being most important to 19% of viewers. Commercials interest 18% of viewers, and some people bet more on commercials than the actual game!

If you want to take a different approach to your game day spread, we’ve got some great recipes for you. The following appetizers and dips may not even make it past the first half! That’s how good they are! Let us know which ones you end up making on game day in the comments. 

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

If you have extra tomatillos, the best thing to do is transform them into a tangy and slightly spicy salsa verde. Once you make your salsa, grab your favorite chips and get ready to dip. Just be warned that this salsa packs a little heat!

Click here to make the recipe. 

The Best Guacamole

Can you have a game day spread without guacamole? When you make authentic guac, you will never go back to the way you used to make it. This dip is the best guacamole ever, and we hope you agree!

Click here to make the recipe.

Raw Vegan Pineapple Salsa

Not only does the presentation of this salsa look amazing, but it also impresses your taste buds! This salsa is juicy, refreshing, and the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. It’s definitely a dip that you’ll save in your recipe book.

Click here to make the recipe.

Vegan Potato Salad With A Mustard Dressing

This recipe is just as appropriate at a family dinner or potluck as it is on your game day food table. This vegan potato salad is slightly tangy and herbaceous, making it the perfect side dish to accompany the game. 

Click here to make the recipe.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

If you love sweet potato fries, stop what you are doing and make this recipe before the other ones in this article. This recipe is perfect if the weather permits, because you don’t want to stand out in the cold or snow just to grill some fries. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

Churn out a batch of crispy kale chips in a matter of minutes! They are simply seasoned and a great alternative to unhealthy chips. They are especially great if you want to reduce your caloric intake on game day.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Crispy Baked Avocados With A Chipotle Dip

We saved the best recipe for last! We love guacamole, but sometimes you need a break from that tasty dip. Instead, do something incredibly unique with avocados. This may be your new favorite appetizer or healthy snack. You’re welcome.

Click here to make the recipe.

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In the U.S. the chickens are rinsed with an antimicrobial chlorine wash to protect consumers from food-borne diseases. It’s banned in the EU because they’re concerned with hiding poor hygiene.

Chapters:
0:00 Prologue
0:14 Chlorinated Chickens
0:33 USDA Approves Chlorine Baths
0:42 UK Bans Chlorine Chickens
0:54 Undetectable to 99% of humans
1:18 Wash Your Chicken
1:40 End Credits

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A recent study found that a very low percentage (just 12%) of Americans are responsible for eating most of the beef consumed in the country on any given day. This discovery may help consumer groups and government agencies develop educational messaging about the impacts of beef consumption. 

The study found that those 12% are most likely men or people between the ages of 50 and 65. These people eat what researchers noted as a disproportionate amount of beef on a daily basis. That is a distinction that differs from the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, suggesting four ounces per day of either meat, poultry, or eggs. Four ounces is a quarter pound patty, if you think about it in the form of a burger patty. That measurement is in line with a 2,200-calorie per day diet.

The Data Behind The Study

The study analyzed data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. That survey kept track of more than 10,000 adults over a 24-hour period. Researchers note that the global food system emits 17 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year, which equates to a third of all planet-warming gases produced by humans. It’s estimated that the beef industry is a heavy contributor to those gases, producing eight to 10 times more emissions than chicken, and over 50 times more than beans.

That makes beef an environmentally extravagant protein. Beef is like a car that gets nine miles per gallon. Every time you rev the engine, you lose $20 worth of gas. The reason that beef was the focus of the study is because of its environmental impact and saturated fat content. Plus, the study’s intention was to inform educational programs about those who eat disproportionate amounts of beef. By honing messaging about the environmental impact of beef, programs can implement changes and educate students about their impact on the environment. 

Reactions To The Study

If only 12% of Americans account for half the country’s beef consumption, you could make plans to help change their eating habits. On the other hand, they may be the group that is most resistant to change. The glass-half-full takeaway may be that the remaining 88% of Americans have information about dietary guidelines, or some knowledge of a food guidance system. Does that mean that dietary guidelines can effect change for eating behaviors? Or does it mean that more people have access to information about health, eating plans, and better foods to eat nowadays? 

The Beef That People Consume

About one-third of the beef consumed came from cuts like brisket or steak. Researchers note that some of the top 10 sources included dishes such as burgers, tacos, meatloaf, spaghetti with meat sauce, and burritos. People who eat a disproportionate amount of beef may be able to alter eating habits if they choose beef-less versions of those foods. For example, choose chicken or fish in place of beef if you get tacos or burritos. You can always go meatless and opt for veggies!

Researchers note that the people below the age of 29 and above age 66 were least likely to eat large amounts of beef. There is hope in the younger generation, then, considering that they will inherit the planet and want to implement positive change. Plus, more and more young people have a deeper interest in diet, how it impacts the environment, and what they can do about it. Grass-fed, grass-finished beef has beneficial nutrients, but poultry, fish, and nuts can have the same nutrients. That just goes to show you that there are many food options out there and being resistant to them won’t benefit the body or the future of the planet. Only time will reveal if people’s beef-eating habits change. Let’s hope they do!

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Eggs are a grocery store staple for many, but soaring prices may deter people from enjoying their traditional breakfasts. Recent data revealed that average egg prices jumped 49.1% in November 2022 compared to a year earlier. That is the largest annual percentage increase for a small grocery item in that period. 

Today, Americans have to shell out an average of $3.59 for a dozen Grade A eggs. Compare that to the average $1.72 per dozen in November 2021. Depending on the quality of eggs and the area in which you live, you may pay up to $8.99 for a dozen cage-free eggs. Eggs have not seen such a dramatic price increase since 1973? So what is the reason behind the soaring egg prices? You could almost say that prices are eggs-orbitant!

Serious Bird Flu Plays A Role

One factor behind the egg shortage and inflation of egg prices is an avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak. This is a highly contagious virus that is typically fatal to chickens. In fact, since the beginning of the outbreak, which was detected in February 2022, more than 57 million birds in hundreds of commercial and backyard flocks have been affected. The U.S. hasn’t seen an avian flu outbreak like this since 2015, but that one was effectively contained. Flocks that were either infected or exposed are culled (selectively slaughtered) to prevent the spread of the virus. This measure led to the depopulation of more than 44 million laying hens in the U.S., according to the Agricultural Department.

Because of the depopulations at commercial facilities, the domestic egg supply has dramatically decreased. Experts have seen a 7.5% average supply decrease each month since the beginning of the outbreak. Spokespeople for the Agricultural Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said that after facilities are fully sanitized and restocked with healthy laying hens, it can take about four to five months to reach “peak productivity.” That means that each hen lays about 24 eggs per month. 

Egg Prices Soar Outside The U.S. As Well

United Egg Producers state that the virus has been detected in Canada and countries in Europe and South America. This trade group represents most commercial egg farmers in the United States. Emily Metz, president and chief executive of the American Egg Board, said that although bird flu has influenced the increased prices for eggs, it isn’t the sole reason. 

Input Costs Soar

Energy, transportation, and feed costs have pushed up prices. Due to these rising costs that farmers have faced within the last year, egg prices have had to increase as a result. Experts argue that bird flu isn’t even the biggest factor for these higher egg prices. When you account for rising fuel and feed prices, you realize that they play a larger role in egg prices than some bird flu. In some states, from Colorado to New York, egg shelves are empty. A bagel store owner in New York said that he used to pay $70 to $80 for 30 dozen eggs. He now has to pay $150 to $160 for the same 30 dozen, so breakfast items may increase in addition to grocery store egg prices. According to local media in Arizona and Massachusetts, people started buying their own chickens! 

Some Relief Soon?

The pain of paying higher prices for eggs may end soon enough. During the holidays, people typically purchase more eggs to make holiday-specific foods and beverages. Since holiday egg consumption is down, more stock of eggs will be available soon. Economists observed that the price pressures of eggs seem to be easing, and that the U.S. will likely see relief in the coming months. Egg farmers have steadily replaced their flocks that they lost to the bird flu last year. As the spot prices fall, the market will follow and you’ll probably see a 25-30% decrease in egg prices. However, additional bird flu outbreaks could disrupt this trend.

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Could it be that this recipe is actually vegan? Yes, 1000% yes. It looks like chicken salad, but in reality it is “chik’n” salad made from chickpeas. When you take your first bite, we recommend that you do so with your eyes closed. Really savor the bite because you may never go back to regular chicken salad ever again. Identify the familiar flavors on your palate and see if you can identify every ingredient. Then go for another bite, followed by another, and another, until you are dusting the crumbs off your fingers as a proud member of the clean plate club.

The real secret to this recipe is the double dill combination. By that, of course, we mean the duo of dill pickles and fresh dill, which brings that acidic brininess that is signature to chicken salad. Everyone has their own variation of a chicken salad, though, and dill or pickles may not be in the recipes you know and love. Think of this as a hybrid between some of the best recipes out there. To balance out the acidic briny pickle flavor, we added diced red grapes for their inherent sweetness. Fold in the chopped celery, dijon mustard, lemon juice, vegan mayo, garlic powder, and sea salt and pepper and you got yourself an impressive chickpea “chicken” salad.

Now, a sandwich isn’t complete without some toppings, but the real start of the show is the bread. Get yourself some beautiful multigrain bread or a fragrant sourdough baguette. When you figure out the bread you want to use, you can prepare tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado to go in the sandwich. Since you have to get pickles for “chicken” salad, you might as well serve the sandwich with a pickle, right? Yes, that is an excellent idea!

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The TOP 5 facts about chicken.

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When you type in “fast food” on the Internet, the first results you get are a series of chain restaurants near you. In a world where our every day lives tend to be fast-paced we tend to rely on a type of food consumption that is just as fast. Unfortunately, fast food is less nutritionally valuable than whole plant-based foods, which you can prepare at home. Depending on where you live, plant-based restaurants may be more abundant than you realize.

As much as fast food may ease our hunger for a while and facilitate things when we are in a hurry, we should learn what is really behind the ingredients we consume. Here are 5 things you may want to know before you skip a nutritious meal and choose to step foot in a fast food establishment.

1. Are chicken nuggets really chicken? The short answer is yes, but researchers found that nuggets contain very little meat and, instead, are mostly leftover pieces of the bird, such as its bones, fat and tendons. Click here for more information on why it is beneficial to avoid chicken.
2. Fountain drinks are not only extremely fizzy and full of added sugar; 48 percent of soda fountains at fast food restaurants contain coliform bacteria—bacteria that commonly grow in feces. This study was done by a team of microbiologists at Hollins University, where they also reported that 11 percent of these fountains contained E. Coli, a bacterium responsible for intestinal sickness such as diarrhea, as well as urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and pneumonia.
3. Fast food hamburgers contain meat from up to 100 different cows. After cattle are slaughtered, the cheaper bits are all tossed together into a machine for processing, where they are cut and mushed into pieces for sale, before given a pump of fat for good measure. Not to mention, burgers are flash frozen and contain preservatives to keep them from going bad.
4. Ever wondered why milkshakes at fast food chains taste so good? That is because they are pumped with chemicals aimed for a better look and a “better” artificial taste. These include artificial strawberry flavor, high fructose corn syrup, guar gum (also found as a thickening agent in lotions and creams), and sodium phosphate, (though seemingly harmless, getting too much phosphate from your diet could cause an imbalance between phosphorus and calcium in your body, increasing your risk for osteoporosis.)
5. A recent research study, focused on the egg-based breakfast sandwiches sold at some fast food places, has shown that they are made from a concoction of real eggs and what is called “premium egg blend.” This blend of preservatives and additives includes glycerin, a solvent found in soap and shaving cream, and calcium silicate, a solvent found in roofs and concrete.

Perhaps knowing what on goes behind the curtains of fast food chains will make us opt for healthier, more natural food choices that will benefit us in the long run.

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Americans have managed to convince themselves that eating chicken is much healthier than eating beef or pork. In reality, a single serving of chicken contains just as much cholesterol as beef, and eggs contain three times the amount. Even if you buy chicken, which has been organically and ethically raised, you still run into the cholesterol issue.

Chickens are the most abused animals on the planet and roughly nine billion chickens are killed in the United States for consumption every year. 305 million hens of those nine billion are solely used for their eggs. The environment, specifically the crammed warehouses in which they live, is extremely detrimental to the health of the birds and the people who work there. The workers can develop respiratory problems from exposure to microorganisms, gasses, disinfectants, detergents, pesticides, and formaldehyde.

Why are we telling you all of this? Today, March 19^th, is National Poultry Day and we hope to guide you in a healthier direction in life. We want you all to live longer and healthier, and if that means telling you the dangers of eating chicken, well, that’s what we are going to do.

Factory Farms Produce Chemical Waste

The smells that emit from these farms are extremely hazardous to human health. The combination of manure, feed, chicken carcasses, and chicken waste is also an environmental threat. The sad part is that the air and odor emissions for such farms aren’t entirely regulated. Why is this? Chicken farming is over a $34 billion industry and stricter environmental regulations would “harm” the business.

Exposure To Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria

Thousands of chickens are crammed into massive sheds and fed large amounts of antibiotics and other chemicals, which prevent them from dying in their living conditions. These antibiotic food additives are considered high risk and may expose people to antibiotic resistant bacteria via the food supply. This can make it hugely difficult to rid the body of those bacteria.

E. coli and Salmonella

According to a USDA study, roughly 65% of broiler chickens contained E. coli in 2012. Because chickens live in such confinement, there is constant fecal contamination during processing. Additionally, a Consumer Reports analysis revealed that 83% of fresh broiler chickens had high levels of salmonella or campylobacter, which is the leading cause of food poisoning in America.

You Are Being Manipulated

When it comes to buying chicken, companies like to trick you into buying “healthier” options by using the terms “organic” and “free-range.” Hens that are raised for eggs are typically subject to crammed, unsanitary living conditions until they can’t produce any more eggs, referred to as “spent.” This is true for organic and inorganic poultry alike. Then these hens are slaughtered and thrown in high-speed grinders because they can no longer produce eggs, making them worthless.

Chickens Are Fed Arsenic

The chicken industry commonly feeds chickens arsenic, which makes them grow faster. This chemical is toxic to humans and can increase a person’s risk of neurological disorders, dementia, some cancers, and other general health problems.

We hope you take all of this into consideration next time you think about buying or eating chicken.

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