Thai Diet, Post Heart Attack

[November Rain]

Not sure whether to put this here or on health forum, but as it's mainly asking for recipes, I've plumped for here.

I have a friend who has recently had a heart attack. He is married to a Thai lady & eats mainly Thai food. Obviously, he now has to be careful about diet. Problem is, his wife (understandably cautious) is now serving up to him what he calls "tasteless bodge". I've researched a bit & found that garlic, chillis & onions are really good, but frying, salt (so I assume soya & nam bplah) & things like coconut milk & red meat aren't good. I don't really cook Thai (too much hassle & it doesn't turn out well, so I eat out when I want Thai food), so I'm not very good on the recipe front.

He wants some recipes he can give to his wife to cook that will be heart-healthy, but tasty. Can anyone help? Thanks

[Mossfinn]

I'll ask the wife later NR, she's asleep at the moment and I'll get back to you later.

Good Luck

Moss

[JimmyTheMook]

Not sure whether to put this here or on health forum, but as it's mainly asking for recipes, I've plumped for here.

I have a friend who has recently had a heart attack. He is married to a Thai lady & eats mainly Thai food. Obviously, he now has to be careful about diet. Problem is, his wife (understandably cautious) is now serving up to him what he calls "tasteless bodge". I've researched a bit & found that garlic, chillis & onions are really good, but frying, salt (so I assume soya & nam bplah) & things like coconut milk & red meat aren't good. I don't really cook Thai (too much hassle & it doesn't turn out well, so I eat out when I want Thai food), so I'm not very good on the recipe front.

He wants some recipes he can give to his wife to cook that will be heart-healthy, but tasty. Can anyone help? Thanks

I am dealing with trying to lower my high blood pressure & Thai food is not only loaded with salt but also MSG (pungcharot) - both need to be avoided and asked to be limited in what is ordered.

Good Thai foods are non fried (Duh!) , Somtam, Jok for breakfast, Larb Gai , all the fresh fruit sold all over the place, grilled chicken.

[suegha]

Thai food is not loaded with salt unless you choose to load it with salt! MSG has been discussed before but once again, no MSG unless you choose to add it. Think about it, a veggie Thai curry home made with a splash of Nam Pla is one of the healthiest dishes ever. Even the coconut milk mentioned - not bad for you! Easy to digest and no cholesterol! The herbs spices and other additives are all good for your heart.

Also, if you wish to add meat, keep it lean and less of it. I just made a healthy chicken and veg Thai curry for four earlier tonight, using two small chicken breasts and a shed load of fresh organic veggies. Yummy! All washed down with a glass or two of vino. Ther's nothing healthier!

[November Rain]

Coconut milk has no cholesterol, but is high in saturated fats so bad for a heart attack patient. Isn't that correct? Or am I getting mixed up again?

[Bisto]

Coconut milk has no cholesterol, but is high in saturated fats so bad for a heart attack patient. Isn't that correct? Or am I getting mixed up again?

cooking This article in templeofthai relates to thai cooking with coconut hope this helps.

Coconut and Cholesterol

Coconut is integral to the Thai diet but is nutritional? Get the facts regarding the effects of coconut milk on cholesterol levels.

Many customers and friends have expressed concern regarding consuming coconut milk and its effect on the cholesterol level. Coconut is integral to the Thai diet so we have tried to present a balanced picture of the most recent research here.

What is Cholesterol?

"Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in all animal cells, human and otherwise. It is essential to life. The human body manufactures all the cholesterol it needs-thus we can live without eating any cholesterol. Cholesterol is attached to protein packages called lipoproteins, which are assembled in the liver and circulate in our bloodstream. Two of the better known types of lipoproteins are HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" type that carries cholesterol out of the system; and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" or "lousy" type that deposits cholesterol in arterial walls, where it can build up and narrow arteries. High blood cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart attack." (Source:UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, Answering Nine of Your Cholesterol Questions).

What is the Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Fats?

"By consuming oils we effect our bloods cholesterol. All vegetable oils are pure fat, and all are combinations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids vary in their degree of saturation and in the length of their molecules. Saturated fats carry all the hydrogen atoms they can hold. Such fats come chiefly from animal sources, such as meat and whole milk. Three vegetable oils- coconut, palm and palm kernal - are also highly saturated. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated fatty acids are missing some of their hydrogen atoms and are liquid at room temperature. If one pair of hydrogen atoms is missing, the fatty acids are called monounsaturated. Olive, peanut, and canola oil are made up chiefly of monounsaturated fatty acids. If two or more pairs of hydrogen atoms are missing, the fatty acids are called polyunsaturated. Corn, safflower, soybean, and sesame oils are largely polyunsaturated. Fish and nuts are also rich sources of mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

No fat or oil in our diet is made of just one kind of fatty acid. Even olive oil is about 20% saturated fatty acids; butter is about 65% saturated fatty acids, with the rest mono- and polyunsaturated." (source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, February 1999; Olive Oil, Beyond the Hype)

The Real Culprit - Trans Fatty Acids

"Recently what has become apparent is that trans fat is a key part of the picture. Gram for gram, trans fatty acids are actually much worse than saturated fats because they have about the same adverse effects on LDL cholesterol, but unlike any other type of fat, trans fat reduces HDL cholesterol and increases triglycides and another undesirable blood fat, lipoprotein (a). That all adds up to a potent adverse effect on heart disease risk.

Unfortunately, trans fats are a prominent part of the U.S. diet. If you look at grocery shelves, almost everything in a package contains partially hydrolyzed vegetable fat - meaning trans fats." (source: Got Fat? Exploding Nutrition Myths-interview of Harvard Prof. Walter Willet)

A Voice for Saturated Fats

Today, not everyone in the scientific community is in agreement regarding the effect of saturated fats in the diet. One woman in the forefront of defending saturated fats, is Dr. Mary G. Enig, Nutritional Sciences Division Enig Associates, Inc. Recently she published a book(available on Amazon) entitled "Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol". As a research scientist, she has published numerous studies on saturated fat, including tropical oils.

She proposes that there is much misinformation and misunderstanding in the medical community and press regarding the effects of natural saturated fats in the diet. Tropical oils in particular have received much undue criticism in large part because of economic motivations of the American oil industry. Tropical oils may in fact actually help prevent Chronic Heart Disease (CHD) according to some studies.

For instance, a study in 1981 showed that islanders with high intakes of coconut oil showed "no evidence of the high saturated fat intake having a harmful effect in these populations". When these groups migrated to New Zealand, however, and lowered their intake of coconut oil, their total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol increased, and their HDL cholesterol decreased.

Beneficial Lauric Acid in Coconut

One possible reason that the saturated fat in coconut had no harmful effect on the islanders, Dr. Enig proposes, is the lauric acid. Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, found naturally in mother's milk. Lauric acid has the beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the body to destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, and influenza.

One of the real culprits in CHD is in fact trans-fatty acids, found in hydrolyzed vegetable oils (like Crisco). Ironically when fast food chains and bakers were forced to discontinue using tropical oils, these types of oils were their replacement. Mainstream medical research still believes that tropical oils are not any more healthful though and continue to propose that the most healthful cooking oils available today are vegetable oils like canola, olive, etc. (made largely of monounsaturated fatty acids).

Dr. Enig would disagree saying that when these types of vegetable oils are heated to a high temperature their molecular structure changes for the worse making them unhealthy for the body. Tropical oils, on the other hand, are much more stable when heated.

More recently researchers have recognized that the ratio of LDL to HDL is more important than the number by itself. Dr. Enig's studies show that a diet including coconut oil while having a higher level of LDL, it is counter balanced by a higher level of HDL. Trans fatty acids on the other hand decrease HDL and increase LDL- a dangerous effect.

More information on Mary G. Enig and her work

"Mary G. Enig, holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and was a Faculty Research Associate in the Lipids Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland. She is the Director of the Nutritional Sciences Division, Enig Associates, Inc.; President of the Maryland Nutritionists Association; and a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. She is an expert in fats and oils analysis and metabolism, food chemistry and composition, and nutrition and dietetics, and a consulting nutritionist/biochemist of international renown. Enig has authored numerous journal publications, mainly on fats and oils research and nutrient/drug interactions, has written "Know Your Fats" (published May 2000 by Bethesda Press, Silver Spring, MD) for consumers and clinicians on fats and oils, has appeared on national radio programs, international and cable television programs, and is a popular invitelecturer for medical and allied health groups in the U.S." (source)

More information about the benefits of coconut from Raymond Peat.

Note: These ideas are presented here so that you can make your own decisions about your diet. We are in no way affiliated with Mary Enig and do not necessarily agree with her conclusions or for that matter with any of the research mentioned above.

[suegha]

Excellent post Bisto! Let's dispose of some of the myths regarding food. Thai food is good for you!!!

[stub]

So did that article actually have a conclusion I missed, or is it just the usual 'some people say this' and 'other people say that'?

I coconut milk has been ruled out by the doctor, you can substitute with soy milk. The taste is different but the recipies still work (and some of us prefer the taste).

Maybe get a list of ingrediants he likes and get them explicitly ok'd by the doctor so the wife doesn't worry? Duck and prawns may be out but spices, herbs, most vegetables, lean steak, pork & chicken, fish no probs. Just go easy on the oil and anything borderline like red meat of course until the danger periods are over.

A thai cook with a list of do's and don'ts should be able to adapt things no problems - most likely just means use better quality meat with fat trimmed or a substitute and very little oil.

[November Rain]

Substitution with soy milk is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that, thank you!

[realthaideal]

I say start very simply then branch out. Forinstance there is steamed food, which can sound boring, but not if done right. Alot of bigger tallats will sell Pla Neung - stramed fish. I prefer Pla Tabtim, the red colored freshwater snapper. The name can vary from nueng khing to neng buay (steamed with ginger, or steamed with plum). BOth usually involve ginger and fromt here can also have green onions and chinese salted plum slices. These are low fat and low sodium and very tasty. I eat mine with sticky rice and light soy sauce- which refers to color not neces. the sodium content. There are many other steamed fish options. This is one you can find made already for 60 - 100 baht in the markets, or you can cook it yourself.

There are also many chili dips around, especially in the north, where they make eggplant and chili based dips. These can be higher in vitamin and vegetable content and lower in salt content at many places. THough also very hot alot of the times. TO do it your way is probably best. You ought to google recipes for Naam Prik Num (or maybe 'Noom') for a green chile one that is great. Thee is also one called Dam Makua made of green eggplants, garlic and chiles. I play around with the ingredients and get somehting very similar to baba ganoush. Tastes great and low calorie.

Alot will depend on your tastes. YOu like spicy ? Simple ? Easy to make ? Or does any of that matter, you just want 'good' ? Also maybe tell us what you ate b4 the heart attack n we can tell you how to change the preparations or what are simlar things but healthier choices. YOu give us a tall bill to fill, not knowing you and not being nutritionists. The hospital made no suggestions to you ?

[suegha]

If coconut milk is a problem, how about Jungle? Doesn't use milk at all. Bambi posted some recipes on this forum not too long ago, search and find.

[JimmyTheMook]

Excellent post Bisto! Let's dispose of some of the myths regarding food. Thai food is good for you!!!

Fried Food Is Not

[November Rain]

I say start very simply then branch out. Forinstance there is steamed food, which can sound boring, but not if done right. Alot of bigger tallats will sell Pla Neung - stramed fish. I prefer Pla Tabtim, the red colored freshwater snapper. The name can vary from nueng khing to neng buay (steamed with ginger, or steamed with plum). BOth usually involve ginger and fromt here can also have green onions and chinese salted plum slices. These are low fat and low sodium and very tasty. I eat mine with sticky rice and light soy sauce- which refers to color not neces. the sodium content. There are many other steamed fish options. This is one you can find made already for 60 - 100 baht in the markets, or you can cook it yourself.

There are also many chili dips around, especially in the north, where they make eggplant and chili based dips. These can be higher in vitamin and vegetable content and lower in salt content at many places. THough also very hot alot of the times. TO do it your way is probably best. You ought to google recipes for Naam Prik Num (or maybe 'Noom') for a green chile one that is great. Thee is also one called Dam Makua made of green eggplants, garlic and chiles. I play around with the ingredients and get somehting very similar to baba ganoush. Tastes great and low calorie.

Alot will depend on your tastes. YOu like spicy ? Simple ? Easy to make ? Or does any of that matter, you just want 'good' ? Also maybe tell us what you ate b4 the heart attack n we can tell you how to change the preparations or what are simlar things but healthier choices. YOu give us a tall bill to fill, not knowing you and not being nutritionists. The hospital made no suggestions to you ?

Sorry, I thought I'd made it clear, it's not me. I'm a female in her 30's, the friend who had the heart attack is a guy of 60. I have gathered that he does like quite spicy food, seafood, pork & chicken. He likes veggies & strong tastes (heavy smoker up until the heart attack). As for simple or easy to make, his wife is Thai & does the cooking. I assume she's a pretty accomplished cook, but I wouldn't know. Thanks for the suggestions

[solid]

I cook Thai food a lot for myself, almost everyday. I am really careful about content of food I consume each meal. So, here are my tips.

People who have heart attack or artery problems should avoid coconut milk (once in a big while is not gonna kill you), fat from land animals such as pigs, cows, chickens (fish oil is very good for you in term of heart problem), PALM OIL, high sodium stuff like salt (NaCl). Avoid sweet treat coz it will bring you Diabete (well I shouldnt say this coz people know all about the sugary thing)

As for (deep) fried food, if they fry it with fat from animals like pigs, that's is a big no no. Be careful when somebody say they use vegetable oil. Ask them what kind of vegetable. 95% will turn out to be palm oil which is really bad for you.

Thai food is good but not all Thai food is good for you. Many Thais are facing heart attack also.

Know your food and know what people put in your food. It will make you enjoy food longer.

ps. I just started my blog. It's also about food.

Edited March 28, 2007 by solid