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Post by Angela Fuller Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:07 am

I have been told to lower my cholesterol by the doctor here.  I already have a low cholesterol diet and have done for years and eat mainly fish and chicken.   I have been sent a link to a BBC programme all about lowering cholesterol by a friend and it seems oats and certain nuts are the way to go.....  However, I find nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds) very expensive to buy here, even in Eurospin !  Does anyone know of any cheap suppliers that sell big bags at a reasonable cost ?  Many thx.
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Post by Angela Fuller Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:09 am

Oh yes, here is the link incase anyone is interested...http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33601171
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Post by Vicino Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:52 am

Walnuts abound around here so I am sure there will be neighbours who can get you some ? I got a couple of bags a few years ago from friends and there are still some left in a drawer, mainly alright.

Will your doctor not prescribe statins, as you already have a healthy diet it seems a sensible route ?

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Post by Angela Fuller Thu Jul 30, 2015 11:40 am

Yes Vicino, we too have walnut trees all around us and many a neighbour has told us to help ourselves but over the last fewyears the crop has been poor and the walnuts, when developing have been covered in black spots, the end result being a wormy nasty nut....  I do go through what I collect and sort into edible and inedible.....the birds enjoy the not so good ones 90% of them and we do enjoy the rest...the nasty ones go on the compost heap.... Dr is reluctant to prescribe statins as there are other issues involved and he is very holistic so prefers herbal type medicines and acupuncture etc....Will try to do what I am advised and go back in 6 weeks for more tests......Thx anyway.
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Post by Gala Placidia Thu Jul 30, 2015 11:54 am

Two handfuls of nuts a day? !!! Absolutely crazy!!! That is double the recommended daily amount. http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/frequently-asked-questions/general-nutrition/nuts-and-health
Eating that many nuts a day will only give you extra fat that you do not need if you are fighting what, without being a doctor, I feel it is genetic cholesterol (the one we inherit together with the family jewels). If you have been following a diet for years and your levels are still high, your cholesterol (and possibly triglycerides) are not going to be controlled by diet alone. As Vicino rightly says, you need statins. And I can confirm this, as I have endured this kind of problems for years. I had a further complication. Statins would not suit me, until a new generation of statins was made available. I was on a strict diet, but nothing worked. I was prescribed a new statin and, in a matter of a few weeks, my cholesterol levels were perfect. I still follow a healthy diet and yes, I always have oats for breakfast and just a handful of nuts. But Angie, I have some bad news for you, as you seem to be very fond of cheese... You will have to reduce its intake.
And no need to buy nuts in bulk Very Happy
P.S. Angie, I will further advise you to change doctors. You are going nowhere with his own preferences. I tried those also when I was unable to take statins...Rolling Eyes
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Post by Gala Placidia Thu Jul 30, 2015 12:04 pm

Here you are, Angie. This is what I am talking about http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000392.htm
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Post by ghiro Thu Jul 30, 2015 12:52 pm

Gala Placidia wrote:P.S. Angie, I will further advise you to change doctors. You are going nowhere with his own preferences.
This is the best advice ever Angie.  Follow it!

I'm a (retired) doctor.  I take a statin every night.  They are literally life saving.
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Post by Casa Monal Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:22 pm

Trust Me I'm a Doctor – great programme and I think the second episode was about reducing cholesterol. They tried three diets and the one with nuts showed no reduction in cholesterol levels.
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Post by Angela Fuller Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:37 pm

Yes Casa Monai, I think the nut one didn't show much of a reduction in cholesterol levels bur the 'Portfolio diet' a combination of the 3 diets and included eating and drinking nuts, oats, plant sterols and soya products did reduce the presenter of the programmes 'bad' cholesterol by 40 plus %.  Makes you think .....
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Post by stevegwmonkseaton Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:42 pm

... also good advice on the cheese which is a well know problem regards cholesterol.

Nuts, in particular walnuts, are very expensive here and nearly all imported (hence dear), probably because of the very reason quoted by Angie - poor quality. We eat around 5-6 halves of walnuts every day... that is quite a few in a week... Not much good for you I would guess Angie, but we bring them back every time we go to the UK (3-4 times per year), where they are half the price! I know about the snob supermarket factor, that's us! I would never go to lidls until someone told me they sold wonderful California walnuts, so as Sainsbury's had none we went - they indeed do! They were also a lot cheaper than Sains... (about £7/kg as opposed to £12/kg). Was over the moon to see they sold the very same make here in Italy - BUT very disappointed to see they were much dearer here.... Still the cheapest place and very nice too... Almonds do not have as many pests here (a few) and are not quite so expensive, problem is that I don't think they have quite the same benefits as walnuts. Did the doctor tell you exactly what your cholesterol values were? Did they get you to fast before they took the test? I'm sure "G" as an ex-doctor would be able to provide good advice. No too much piave for you then....

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Post by Gala Placidia Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:55 pm

This article on diets is very interesting http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-katz-md/best-diets_b_950672.html
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Post by Angela Fuller Thu Jul 30, 2015 4:05 pm

Steve, I had my bloods done here and collected the results.....As you know you are responsible for carrying around your medical records here....your doctor does not see them or keep them until you show them to him / her and then hands them back to you.  The cost of the tests, all 50 of them was 50 euros.  The results also show you the min / max levels so can see for yourself what is not good..... I have almost given up cheese which is my downfall although did enjoy some shavings of parmesan on a pear, rocket and walnutsalad for lunch !  and yes, nuts are silly prices here compared to UK, very cheap there after Christmas when reduced....!
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Post by ghiro Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:14 pm

stevegwmonkseaton wrote:I'm sure "G" as an ex-doctor would be able to provide good advice.


Well I did so not long ago.  TAKE A STATIN!

But Angie appears to have chosen to ignore my post.  I suspect that the reason she has chosen a doctor with a 'very holistic' approach is because that's what she's most comfortable with.  Her doctor is reluctant to prescribe statins 'as there are other issues involved'.  Presumably this refers to the occasional side effect reported.  Nothing is without risk Angie.  When driving a car or flying in an aeroplane 'there are other issues involved'.

However everyone is entitled to make their own life style choices and I have never, or ever would, wish to deny them that choice.  If they would rather discuss the price of nuts rather than the benefits of statins - then that's fine with me.
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Post by Angela Fuller Fri Jul 31, 2015 4:02 am

No Ghiro, I was not ignoring your post and I did thank you for it.  The issue with the statin is not just with the occasional side effect but another medical issue which I choose not to discuss on a forum.  I am thoroughly aware of the benefits of statins and did take them some years but now have been advised to try other treatments that do have a statin like effect. 

All I asked in my original post was if anyone knew of a good affordable supplier of nuts, no harm in that I thought, and yes Ghiro, totally agree it is up to the individual to make lifestyle choices. Having spent many years in the 'Occupational Therapy' world, I do like holistic ways of dealing with various situations.
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Post by modicasa Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:12 am

Im with Angela on this  - I took statins until I literally couldnt get out of bed because of the pain.  No doubt they work for some people but loads of people I know have had appalling 'side effects' which miraculsouly disappear as soopn as they stop taking them.    This idea that you should be fotce fed statins is bizarre, and Im sure the Lancet will shortly produce an article that debunks all the previous 'opinion'.  

As regards nuts - they are expensive here - you're meant to avoid brazils - which is no bad thing cos they cost a fortune here - but I reckon you can replace the nut thing with pulses - especially lentils which are high in all the same stuff (except the fat) - its just that lentils are a bit boring.  Pleaase dont start with 'tastu' lentil recipes, because they wont work.  lentils are about as exciting as ceci - but they are good for you.  Personally Id rather eat gravel.

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Post by Angela Fuller Fri Jul 31, 2015 6:02 am

Yes, thx Modi, I have incorporated alot more pulses into my diet which is easy in the wintertime in soups and stews but more difficult in the summer,I need to be more adventurous and eat them in salads etc..

As you also say. Dr's, if you have high cholesterol (the amount acceptable seems to get less and less year by year), automatically prescribe a statin which suits many but not all...Like all things it will probably be deemed not a good drug to take give it a year or two..things come and go in waves.

Thx Gala for your input, always informative and food for thought.
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Post by modicasa Fri Jul 31, 2015 7:10 am

Why dont you have a couple of days in Sicily (round Avola) in september, which is the almond centre of Sicily and you can buy a sack full of this years harvest for much less.

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Post by Gala Placidia Fri Jul 31, 2015 7:37 am

Angie, I do understand your doubts and worries. In spite of my high cholesterol levels, which could not be controlled through diet, I could not take statins (after trying three different varieties) because all of these were creating big problems with my liver. I decided to continue with my diet, but I really needed more help, as my heart and circulation were suffering. I had a few angina episodes, which were controlled with nitroglycerin... But the outlook was not nice. I started questioning myself why I had all those problems and started going through my family tree. The majority of my ancestors, on both father and mother's side had all died of cardiac arrest or stroke, quite a few at a young age. Then, I found out that one of my aunts, a nun who followed a very Montcalm life, ate almost nothing, weighed less than 45 kilos, suffered from extremely high cholesterol levels, which could not be controlled through a strict diet and had just been put on a new generation statin and her levels were improving dramatically. I decided to write down those details, including a mini family tree, went to see my doctor and asked her for a full check up and diagnose from a specialist. I endured all sorts of tests, including being tied up for 24 hours to a machine that recorded everything my heart did. The specialist confirmed the genetic origin of my problems, put me on specific medication to lower cholesterol and triglycerides plus a new generation statin (no side effects this time) and advised me to continue with a diet, loose some weight ( loosing weight helps) and take an Omega 3 supplement. The angina episodes diminished and now I simply carry the nitroglycerin in my purse, just in case. Heart function has dramatically improved and I am ready to live quite a few more years.
In any case, my advice would be as follows and I would like Ghiro to check if it is correct:
1- do the family tree study to see if there is a genetic link.
2- put yourself on a strict, but sensible diet. Something like this http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192?pg=1
3- take an omega 3 supplement
4- after all this, have a blood count and ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist who will conduct the necessary tests and give his advice.
Then, it will be up to you to decide.
Pulses are excellent and there is a basic summer recipe, which is healthy, delicious and cool. You can use any type of pulses you may prefer. Simply boil the pulses, allow them to cool. In a salad bowl, mix them with finely chopped onions, garlic, tomatoes, cucumber, plenty of parsley and mint. Season with a small amount of olive oil and lots of lemon juice (minimum 3 lemons). Salt and pepper according to taste.
Angie, please look after yourself Very Happy
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Post by modicasa Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:23 am

I have some American clients who had terrible problems with statins - and they now have B12 injections and B6 complex therapy - they swear by it.  I eat marmite in industrial quantities, so perhaps am fine! Smile

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Post by stevegwmonkseaton Fri Jul 31, 2015 10:23 am

modicasa wrote:Im with Angela on this  - I took statins until I literally couldnt get out of bed because of the pain.  No doubt they work for some people but loads of people I know have had appalling 'side effects' which miraculsouly disappear as soopn as they stop taking them.    This idea that you should be fotce fed statins is bizarre, and Im sure the Lancet will shortly produce an article that debunks all the previous 'opinion'.  As regards nuts - they are expensive here - you're meant to avoid brazils - which is no bad thing cos they cost a fortune here - but I reckon you can replace the nut thing with pulses - especially lentils which are high in all the same stuff (except the fat) - its just that lentils are a bit boring.  Pleaase dont start with 'tastu' lentil recipes, because they wont work.  lentils are about as exciting as ceci - but they are good for you.  Personally Id rather eat gravel.

Thanks Modi ,cos it was funny seeing images of you eating gravel.... It depends on your tastes/ taste buds etc.... Ceci are the basic ingredient of humus of course which we love, especially with fresh green ceci... As for lentils, since Neil said they were really groovy I've been convinced they must be good for you, well at least they made him (and the show) funny. Throw a few in your spag bol and/or salad, you like won't notice the difference... I have to admit, although we eat lentils often they are not my favourite, other half and kids love dhal, but it would be a close thing with gravel for me Exclamation

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Post by stevegwmonkseaton Fri Jul 31, 2015 10:51 am

modicasa wrote:I have some American clients who had terrible problems with statins - and they now have B12 injections and B6 complex therapy - they swear by it.  I eat marmite in industrial quantities, so perhaps am fine! Smile

... just where do you get those jars of marmite then Modi Question  We go through a 500g jar per month and have to get lots of nice people to ferry it over here for us, good job it keeps for so long....

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Post by Gala Placidia Fri Jul 31, 2015 11:25 am

Steve, this may help... A bit...http://marmiteinitaly.com/where-can-you-buy-marmite-in-italy/
Angie, Lidl (at least in Spain) sells some excellent packets of Californian walnuts, ready to eat. I have not checked whether they do the same in Italy, but worth a try.... Actually, walnuts would be the ideal kind of nuts for you. That brown skin apparently contains some fabulous substances for your heart. The recommended daily amount will be 6 walnuts a day... Not the whole bag Razz
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Post by stevegwmonkseaton Fri Jul 31, 2015 11:51 am

Gala Placidia wrote:Steve, this may help... A bit...http://marmiteinitaly.com/where-can-you-buy-marmite-in-italy/Angie, Lidl (at least in Spain) sells some excellent packets of Californian walnuts, ready to eat. I have not checked whether they do the same in Italy, but worth a try.... Actually, walnuts would be the ideal kind of nuts for you. That brown skin apparently contains some fabulous substances for your heart. The recommended daily amount will be 6 walnuts a day... Not the whole bag Razz

Thanks Gala, but the cost looks astronomical, not that we wouldn't pay whatever it costs, but our deliver man costs nothing and even goes to the compare supermarket site and then buys it at the cheapest £3.50 for 500g the last lot on offer.... Yes, as I said Lidl Italy do sell the exact same walnuts as the UK, just twice the price, but still a little cheaper than IPER. Best deal we have found (much to my disgust) is French walnuts which come in the shops here in Italy around November, much cheaper, but not as good as Californian and you have to shell your own, good news is that they keep for months if not the whole year...

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Post by Gala Placidia Fri Jul 31, 2015 12:03 pm

Steve, Carrefour sells Marmite in both France and Spain. They have some jars in the "foreign products" section. Perhaps they also have them in Italy....
As for nuts, I think that there has been a price increase worldwide...
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Post by Angela Fuller Fri Jul 31, 2015 12:55 pm

Gala Placidia wrote:Angie, I do understand your doubts and worries. In spite of my high cholesterol levels, which could not be controlled through diet, I could not take statins (after trying three different varieties) because all of these were creating big problems with my liver. I decided to continue with my diet, but I really needed more help, as my heart and circulation were suffering. I had a few angina episodes, which were controlled with nitroglycerin... But the outlook was not nice. I started questioning myself why I had all those problems and started going through my family tree. The majority of my ancestors, on both father and mother's side had all died of cardiac arrest or stroke, quite a few at a young age. Then, I found out that one of my aunts, a nun who followed a very Montcalm life, ate almost nothing, weighed less than 45 kilos, suffered from extremely high cholesterol levels, which could not be controlled through a strict diet and had just been put on a new generation statin and her levels were improving dramatically. I decided to write down those details, including a mini family tree, went to see my doctor and asked her for a full check up and diagnose from a specialist. I endured all sorts of tests, including being tied up for 24 hours to a machine that recorded everything my heart did. The specialist confirmed the genetic origin of my problems, put me on specific medication to lower cholesterol and triglycerides plus a new generation statin (no side effects this time) and advised me to continue with a diet, loose some weight ( loosing weight helps) and take an Omega 3 supplement. The angina episodes diminished and now I simply carry the nitroglycerin in my purse, just in case. Heart function has dramatically improved and I am ready to live quite a few more years.In any case, my advice would be as follows and I would like Ghiro to check if it is correct:1- do the family tree study to see if there is a genetic link.2- put yourself on a strict, but sensible diet. Something like this http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192?pg=13- take an omega 3 supplement
4- after all this, have a blood count and ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist who will conduct the necessary tests and give his advice.
Then, it will be up to you to decide.
Pulses are excellent and there is a basic summer recipe, which is healthy, delicious and cool. You can use any type of pulses you may prefer. Simply boil the pulses, allow them to cool. In a salad bowl, mix them with finely chopped onions, garlic, tomatoes, cucumber, plenty of parsley and mint. Season with a small amount of olive oil and lots of lemon juice (minimum 3 lemons). Salt and pepper according to taste.
Angie, please look after yourself Very Happy
Gala, I do thank you for your advice, and due to taking statins in the past I too have had problems of the sort you describe and a few others.  It is not very easy to re-trace my family tree on my mothers side as she died when I was 3yrs old (nothingto do with hearty stuff but the dreaded Ca.)  Father had a number of MI's and was waiting for a by-pass op when he sadly passed away before he was called in for said op.  The few family members I do know are not that easily contactable but my one and only sibling has recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol and BP.  She is 2 yrs older than me (57) and is a vegetarian, exercises daily, carries no extra weight and was told her high levels were probably hereditary and to get any siblings checked out asap.   I have only been registered with my current Dr  for a month...I will continue with his treatment advice and return for more bloods to see what improvements, if any have been made.  In the meantime I will buy some Omega 3 supplements, take the meds he has prescribed, stick to a good diet and dig deeper re: family tree and health issues.  Pulses boiling as I type and I am looking forward to my 'summer salad' with a slice of integrale bread and marmite !  Thx again Gala, I do, as always appreciate your input and learn from you. Angie.
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