5 Best Foods For Reducing Cholesterol Levels

By Joanne Suan

Fight the war on high cholesterol with these natural foods. Knock down your Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels naturally. These powerful foods in conjunction with a healthy diet and consistent exercising can easily help you win the war against bad LDL high cholesterol. High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol at high levels is actually good for you as it aids in bringing down the LDL cholesterol levels.

*Oats

The message being driven home by a multitude of companies is that 'the oat' is a powerful, cholesterol-kicking agent. Coming from the proud country of Scotland, the oat is a big part of the diet there. Brought over to America by immigrants, the oat is now a very popular food and remains true to its roots in the proud state of Vermont.

The property of oat that helps in the fight against cholesterol is its soluble fiber. Soluble fiber makes it harder for LDL cholesterol to be absorbed into the blood stream while food is digesting in your intestines. Thus there is less bad LDL cholesterol that makes it into the bloodstream and therefore less to stick to and harden inside the walls of your arteries.

Oatmeal is not the only way to get your oats. Companies have added oats to cereal, bread and pasta thus giving you a wide variety of ways to consume your oats. Don't be afraid to put more oats in your diet. They really are good for you.

*Garlic

This little bulb has been around and used for centuries. The bulb was nailed to doors and hung around necks to ward off vampires and other evil spirits. Some believe that eating the bulb can increase desire or the body's chi. Garlic is also used heavily in Mediterranean and Chinese cooking, which is probably why you don't hear much about Chinese vampires, lol.

The natural antioxidants in garlic are just part of the link that it is thought allows it to fight cholesterol. The thought is the antioxidants keep the LDL from sticking to arteries. Somehow Garlic also seems to have the ability to lower high blood pressure. Garlic when added to a healthy diet can also keep at check many flu and flu symptoms.

Garlic is most often used in cooking, adding flavor to many different foods. The strong flavor and smell of garlic often prevents people from eating it raw. One of the favorite ways to take garlic is in pill form but ensure that the pill format has allicen as this is thought to be the active ingredient and some steam distilled garlic pills apparently dont have it.

*Onions

It is hard to speak of garlic without mentioning its cousin, the onion. Even more widely used than the garlic, it was heavily consumed in ancient times. One of its most surprising purposes was that the onion was used to pay rent.

The onion is an important source of the nutrient chromium and B6 vitamins. Both nutrients are linked to reducing cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. On top of its cholesterol controlling properties, the onion has other benefits including reducing the risk of cancer.

Tragically, there are only two ways to eat an onion, raw or cooked. Yet with such a wide variety of onions available, it is relatively easy to find a variety that appeases your taste buds. If you don't like the sharp taste of stronger onions, try the sweet variety.

*Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is another extremely strong toolin the war against high cholesterol. Produce mainly in Greece, Homer once stated that olive oil was liquid gold. The highly valued oil holds a high place for use in religious ceremonies. Perhaps its most unusual use was a mouthwash for bad breath.

Olive oil contains good fat or monounsaturated fat. These fats assist in your efforts to lower your cholesterol. Switching your high bad fats with these good fats is a simple way to keep those bad fats out of your system.

Olive oil can be bought in any supermarket as cooking oil. Companies are adding this cholesterol-lowering oil to salad dressings and in the creation of mayonnaise. Olive oil is also available to take as a supplement in pills.

*Primrose Oil

The primrose is one of the native plants of North and South America. The pretty yellow flowers open at night instead of during the day. Once it was known as Kings cureall, For its variety of unsubstantiated healing properties.

Primrose oil provides essential fatty acids to the cholesterol lowering equation. Primrose oil is also known to relieve eczema and ease the symptoms associated with PMS.

Primrose oil is available as a supplement. Usually found in pill form, it can be obtained in most grocery stores. If you are on existing medication or have a known heart or cardio related ailment, it is wise to consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement. If your doctor disapproves of any kind of supplement, consider alternate medical advice and see a certified naturopath.

Lowering your cholesterol is up to you. Combined with a healthy diet, these powerful foods will help you conquer those life threatening high ldl levels. You can conquer your high LDL cholesterol with the right food decisions. - 32389

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Critical Information On Heart Disease And Diabetes

By Keira Adams

If you're aware of your heart health, you've doubtless come across a lot of information about the hazards for people who have diabetes. This is because there's a major correlation between both kinds of illness. The truth is, those who are diabetic are two times as prone to have heart disease as people who aren't diabetic. It's likewise true that someone who is diabetic who suffers a heart attack can be more prone to die from it.

Part of the explanation behind this might be the mutual attributes of individuals who are diabetic and those who have a higher chance of developing heart disease. For instance, lots of individuals who are diabetic weigh more than they should, and that is likewise a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Those with diabetes are also more prone to be inactive and also to have hypertension. This combination of risk factors could make anyone vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.

One more factor that ties diabetes to heart problems is the resistance to insulin that's characteristic of it. Resistance to insulin has been proven to raise triglyceride and LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and also cause HDL (good cholesterol) to fall. This can cause hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, which is the main contributing factor in heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, folks who have diabetes tend to be more apt to have high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.

Yet there is a bright side to the situation. While those with diabetes have a much greater probability of developing heart disease, there are methods by which it is possible to stop this problem. Making a commitment to lifestyle improvements and appropriate professional treatment for your diabetic issues will help to prevent the possibility of cardiovascular disease that goes along with diabetes. It can also help to manage the symptoms of your diabetic condition and even reverse it in some instances.

These lifestyle adjustments entail eating a healthy diet low in sugar and rich in fiber, participating in a fitness program, and the use of your medicine as recommended by your physician. If you're unsure how to manage your healthy eating plan, you may want to find the assistance of a nutritionist who can evaluate your current eating style and offer tips for improving it. Many individuals overhaul their diet, merely to find they've gone about it all wrong. As an example, all sorts of fat-free food products contain more sugar than their standard equivalents, which makes them unhealthy for diabetics. Before you make this type of nutritional adjustment, pay a visit to a healthcare professional.

Nothing is more precious than your health. If you have a family history of diabetic issues and heart disease, you will want to make sure that your lifestyle is as healthy as it can be even if you haven't been diagnosed with either condition. This could keep you from ever having to deal with the damaging effects of these conditions. - 32389

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The Top 9 Benefits Of Fish Oil Proven By Trials

By Brittany M. Wallace

A great deal of research demonstrates that, not only are the benefits of fish oil numerous, some of them are actually quite extraordinary! It seems like new research is being written about all the time, as researchers and physicians learn even more about how and why it is so good for health. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are "good fats" that are necessary for well-being. They are essential for human health but the body can't produce them - you must get them from your diet. Here are some proven fish oil health benefits that should convince you to eat more oil rich, wild-caught fish and start taking a quality fish oil supplement if you're not already!

Promotes Cardiovascular Health & Prevents Heart Attacks and Stroke

Fish oil continues to grow in scientific reputation as a significant promoter of heart health. According to statements from the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in lessening the occurrence of heart disease and aids in reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Research trials of heart attack survivors have discovered that daily consumption of omega-3 supplements drastically minimize the risk of death, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also lower blood triglycerides, help correct irregular heart rhythms, and can help avoid and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Reduces Pain & Inflammation

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Clinical trials show that diets high in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammation-based disorders -- anything ending with -itis!. Omega-3s have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, enabling study participants to reduce their consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Promotes Healthy Joints and Minimizes Arthritis Symptoms

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce tenderness in joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few lab studies have found that omega-3s actually inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. More than 13 published clinical trials have demonstrated that fish oil supplements are extremely effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their dependence on pain killers.

Supports Mental Focus & Long-Term Cognitive Functioning

Did you know that omega-3s, especially DHA, are highly prevalent in the brain? They're essential for optimal cognitive (brain memorization and performance) and behavioral function, as well as proper growth and development. Trials demonstrate that omega-3s may aid in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in avoiding or holding off the onset of Alzheimer's disease. We also have learned that it's very important that pregnant women get enough DHA, because it's essential to the developing fetus -- in the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus' brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons every minute! Kids are also aided by fish oil consumption, as myriad studies have shown that omega-3s increase learning, concentration, vocabulary and reading skills. Numerous studies have also shown benefits in treating ADD.

Produces Positive Mood & Emotional Well-being

In nations where fish is a significant part of the diet, nationwide rates of depression are lower. So, it's not surprising that studies have shown that fish oil capsules can mitigate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Several studies have found that those that took omega-3s in addition to prescription anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those that only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilizing effect and less mood swings. Trials have also shown that, when those in prison were given omega-3s, there was a significant drop in violent behavior. Omega-3s also seem to lower the risk of postnatal depression.

Promotes Eye Wellness

Evidence shows that people with a greater fish oil intake seem to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary research also shows that omega-3 supplementation helps in lessening dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for those already developing it and improves eye health in general.

Pregnancy, Infancy Brain/Eye Development & Reduced Occurrence of Childhood Conditions

DHA makes up 15-20% of our cerebral cortex and approximately 30-60% of the retina, so it is absolutely essential for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also seems to lessen likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the child's life. Omega-3s also assist in lowering the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.

Enhances Metabolism of Fat and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s transmit "I'm full" messages to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight. Study participants who were given fish oil with their diet showed greater weight loss as contrasted with people who didn't consume fish oil. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the participants.

Decreases Chance of Colorectal, Breast & Prostate Cancers

Though additional research in this area is certainly needed, we now know that the omega 3's found in fish oil assist in the prevention and treatment of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Early studies suggest that consuming fish oil everyday can help retard the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may possibly have the capacity to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.

Much more could be said about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and doctors continue to research omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep producing news as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so essential to our bodies. Even if you're currently in great physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to realize and maintain optimal health! - 32389

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Keeping Bad Cholesterol In Check

By Ned Dagostino

It is common knowledge that high cholesterol levels in the blood can cause a number of health problems, some of a very serious nature. It is in your own interest to reduce the level of blood cholesterol.

There is good cholesterol and there is bad cholesterol. The good cholesterol is called HDL and is required for healthy tissue growth and general health. The bad cholesterol is called LDL and accelerates tissue degeneration, leading to general poor health and some specifically dangerous conditions. The body itself regulates the level of both these types of cholesterol in the blood. You can unknowingly work against the body in this critical function and fall into the clutches of various real dangerous illnesses, or you can choose to act wisely and help the body to regulate these substances so that you are healthy naturally.

Is a high level of cholesterol a disease in itself? No, it is not. A high level of bad cholesterol in the blood causes tissue degeneration and accumulation of fatty substances in the body. The arteries are most prone to the effect of high cholesterol levels. They become hard, and they get coated with a fatty substance from inside. This constricts the flow of blood in the body, which in turn, leads to high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks. If you are a patient of any of these diseases then you should learn how to cut down the level of bad cholesterol. It's easy, as easy as 1, 2, 3! Read on and you'll see how.

The body regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood. As long as this regulation proceeds as required, there is no problem. There are times when this regulation fails. There are two common situations which lead to such failure. One is when we overdose the body with bad cholesterol. How? By eating of course! Oils, fats, animal produce, and some substances like sodium lead to a build up of bad cholesterol in the blood. Keep these villains off your diet and the bad cholesterol will drop back to normal level.

A sedentary lifestyle is equally bad news. Inactivity makes the circulatory system sluggish, and the evacuation of LDL is impaired. So the LDL accumulates to dangerous levels. The American Heart Association has advised a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise every day to keep heart disease at bay. You are free to do it in one spell or to spread it over two, three or more spells. Be regular in exercising. Thirty minutes every day means thirty minutes every day, come rain or shine! Maintain a comfortable exercise regimen. Don't get carried away and strain yourself. Jogging, going for long walks, cycling, and swimming are favored exercises. Make exercise a part of your schedule. Be moderate, be comfortable, be sensible!

Apart from dietary intake and a sedentary lifestyle, some lifestyle activities can be harmful for you as far as high LDL is concerned. If you smoke, then you'll do yourself a load of good by stopping that habit. Even secondary smoke is harmful, so avoid places where there's a lot of cigarette smoke.

There is another factor which can cause high levels of bad cholesterol. The problem is that the body's regulatory mechanism is not working properly. This is usually a genetic problem and it could be hereditary. The only way out of this situation is medication. Your doctor will do the needful.

Excessive levels of LDL in the bloodstream can have dire consequences on your health, your lifestyle, and your longevity. Before you are forced to make drastic changes in your lifestyle by your doctor, it is better that you prevent the situation from getting out of hand while you can do so at your convenience. You may have to alter or moderate your lifestyle a bit now. Make exercise a part of your schedule. Go easy on fats and animal produce. Don't smoke. Choose good health over bad health - keep those LDL levels in check! - 32389

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5 Tips to Augment General Health and Lower Triglycerides

By Grace Isabel

Meaning of triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat that the body creates from excessive calories, alcohol and sugar. Your body naturally utilizes triglycerides for energy.

High triglycerides could amplify your chances of getting coronary diseases and may be a forewarning of metabolic syndrome. Even though a small measure can be good for your health.

A combination of high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, too much fat around the waist, low HDL the good cholesterol, and high triglycerides, metabolic syndrome raises your likelihood for cardiac disease, diabetes, and stroke.

What are the determinants of elevated triglycerides?

A few instances of what causes triglycerides are:

* Overweight.

* Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

* Hypothyroidism or non-active thyroid.

* Kidney disorders.

* Not enough physical activity and eating too much.

* Elevated alcohol consumption.

A few medications may cause triglycerides to rise. They are:

* Beta-blockers.

* Birth control.

* Steroids.

* Tamoxifen.

* Estrogen.

* Diuretics.

In some cases, increased triglycerides also could be hereditary.

Counteracting triglyceride levels:

Simply follow these five painless methods of lowering the levels of your triglycerides and enjoy improved health.

Get your body moving! Because elevated levels of triglycerides mean increased quantities of fats stored in the system, you have to take advantage of the potential energy by taking an interest in indoor and outdoor activities.

It is not necessary for your workout to be strenuous either. Should you run errands within walking distance, you definitely must refrain from driving a car. Carrying out your everyday routines, for instance, household chores, will also torch calories and decrease overall triglyceride levels.

Frequently pick smart foods to eat because research has shown that the wrong food would raise levels of triglycerides. If you change from vegetable oil to canola oil, you could greatly improve the quality of your diet.

If you want to limit your food consumption, cooking your own meals and not dining out is a smart idea. Selecting foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed or salmon, would greatly improve ones health. When cooking meals, add more veggies and fruits and lean proteins.

Be sure to drink plenty of water. You may avoid overeating by filling your stomach with water. Health care professionals advocate consuming 64 to 80 ounces of water per day to flush your system and heighten feelings of fullness.

Another way to reduce triglycerides is by loading up on vitamin B3. There are studies which show that niacin or vitamin B3 are very effective in helping lower your triglyceride levels. You can add Vitamin B3 in your daily diet by consuming meals that include mushrooms, eggs, nuts, milk and chicken.

Many nutritionist and dieticians suggest eating smaller meals throughout your day. It is important to eat a healthy breakfast to avoid going empty and over-eating later.

Listen to your body when it comes to your health. Your body would indicate to you when it is hungry and when you need to stop. Do your best to eat right, and do not judge yourself too harshly should you indulge in junk foods.

It is vital that you make healthy food choices and abstaining from foods that are high in sweets, as well as foods that are fried, processed and refined carbs.

All of these are effective solutions to lower triglycerides. Since these are reasonable and easy to do, you definitely would not have any problems enhancing the health of your body. - 32389

Bad Cholesterol - Facts

By Robbert Williams

People have such bad opinion about Cholesterol that it becomes very surprising that the human body actually requires it. Two different types of cholesterol are available in the human body which is known as HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol and LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol. The human body requires cholesterol to generate the necessary vitamin D, bile salts and hormones.

The bad cholesterol on the other hand can cause you lots of problems. The main worry with LDL cholesterol is that it will dump cholesterol onto artery walls that will create plaque. The plague in turn will narrow and block the arteries. This may cause blood flow to be blocked, which is bad news for your heart.

The cause of cholesterol

There are a lot of confusing terms being thrown around when it comes to cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is one of those terms. You might think that all dietary cholesterol is bad, but in fact dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol as much as you might think. The two bad guys here are trans fatty acids and saturated fats.

Therefore the best way to tackle the cholesterol problem is to cut down the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. The most effective way the world over is the diet. You will have to make certain dietary changes in your daily routine. More to the point, as you cut down on food that are bad for cholesterol such as eggs, meat, and seafood, you can also fill up yourself with food that are LDL cholesterol friendly.

Packaged foods usually have Trans fatty acids. The main culprits are popcorn that is microwave, margarine hard sticks and French fries from some fast foods. By cutting down these foods or taking alternative substitutes that are better for the health one can cut down on the Trans fatty acids which contributes to the cholesterol that is bad for health.

How good are good fats

You can increase the amount of good cholesterol in your body while reducing the bad cholesterol. This is because the presence of good cholesterol in your body means that excess cholesterol will be taken back to the liver to be excreted out of your body. This means you want plenty of good cholesterol as high levels of good cholesterol means a reduced risk of heart disease.

One more way of reducing bad cholesterol is to consume food which have abundant source of soluble fiber and polyunsaturated fats as well as monounsaturated fats. The good cholesterol will definitely increase with this change in eating habits.

One can also do a lot of physical activities to bring a reduction in the cholesterol levels. It is also good to limit the intake of alcohol to two glasses a day in case of men and one glass in case of women. - 32389

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Eating High Cholesterol Foods And Staying Healthy Too!

By Ned Dagostino

Look around you at the food you eat. Most of that everyday fare is actually taking you to the brink of some real serious heart problems! The culprit is the high level of cholesterol in almost everything you consume. Understanding the cholesterol mechanism is of utmost importance to make an intelligent selection of the foods to include in your diet, and ultimately on the quality of your life.

Medical research shows that high cholesterol food is the main cause of morbid cardio-vascular conditions resulting in strokes and heart attacks. The patient's health is aggravated further if the morbid cardio-vascular condition is accompanied by hypertension, smoking, obesity, and hereditary factors.

Cholesterol comes in two flavors: good (HDL) and bad (LDL). As the names imply, good cholesterol is good for us, bad cholesterol is bad for us. The body requires some triglycerides, but too much is bad. Saturated fats are a form of triglycerides which is really bad news for the heart. On the other hand, Omega-3 fats famously found in fish, is good at controlling the other bad triglycerides and cholesterol. So we should avoid the bad and accept the good. It's a simple principle which applies to everything. If only we can live this principle!

The food containing cholesterol is not always to blame for cholesterol related problems. The way the food is cooked, the medium used to cook the food, and even the foods eaten along with basic food are all contributory factors to high levels of bad cholesterol. Ignorance of the facts about cholesterol and how they affect our health has often led to ridiculous situations about certain foods. Once upon a time eggs were a considered a must-have food for proper health; then it was discovered that eggs were rich in bad cholesterol, and thenceforth eggs were banished from the breakfast, lunch and dinner tables. Now we are advised to have the whites of the eggs but to stay away from the yolks!

These swings in favor of or against cholesterol-containing foods confuse the man on the street. Eggs are not the main culprit in raising the level of bad cholesterol. The thing to avoid is not eggs by themselves, but to say no to the large helpings of bacon, cheese and sausages on the side. Paying attention to the way in which your food is cooked will pay off more than simply concentrating on including this and excluding that food from your diet.

The way the food is cooked is just as much to blame for high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Even foods innocent of any trace of cholesterol, can be transformed into real dangerous dishes. If the food is fried in oil or margarine then the goodness of the food is overpowered by the saturated fats present in the cooking medium. Red meats, poultry products, and dairy products contain high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. So it's best to stay away from fried stuff and animal products.

Saturated fats are a deadly ingredient in your diet, making the liver increase production of LDL and triglycerides which leads to artery blockage and strokes.

There is no sense in banning specific food items from your diet. It makes more practical sense to maintain a moderate approach. Have everything, but in moderation. Keep a strict vigil on what you eat and how it is cooked. A fresh potato salad is good but French fries is not! Choose to grill your food rather than fry it. Have plenty of fresh vegetables. These very ordinary precautions will help to keep your heart beating perfectly for many, many years! - 32389

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Looking for High Cholesterol Natural Remedies? Here Are 3 to Get You Started

By Joe Dungait

High cholesterol natural remedies are becoming more and more popular as people look to get their cholesterol levels under control without having to resort to medications such as statins. And ultimately this is probably wise because at the end of the day it is known that statins have some pretty nasty side effects which ultimately can be as bad for your health as having high cholesterol levels in the first place. There are many different high cholesterol natural remedies for you to choose from however here are three to get you started and hopefully bring your bad cholesterol down and get your good cholesterol up.

1.Garlic - Over the years the praises of garlic have been sung by many holistic practitioners. Garlic has many health boosting properties, and one of them is that it is able to help your body control cholesterol levels. This is down to a compound that contains which is allicin. However if you are like a lot of people who are reluctant to eat garlic because of the smell that it leaves on the breath, then help is at hand because it is now widely available in the form of supplement.

2.Artichoke - Artichoke leaves contain a property known as cynarin, and this too is known to be very effective at reducing cholesterol levels. The best way to get this is again in supplement form, and you can buy artichoke leaf extract tablets from most good health food stores.

3.Naturally Blended Supplements-- As well as the above two supplements that we have already mentioned, there are other supplements that contain a natural blend of several ingredients which have been proven to be beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising good. There are several on the marketplace, but ideally the one that you choose should contain amongst others the ingredients policosanol, theaflavins, lecithin, phytosterols, rice bran oil and finally D-limonene. The reason for the six is because tests have proven that they are the most effective in controlling cholesterol levels.

Ideally when looking for high cholesterol natural remedies, what you are looking for is to raise good cholesterol and lower the bad cholesterol and each of these will help you achieve that. Ultimately though, any of them have to be about alternative than going on lifetime medications such as statins and all of the health concerns that they can bring. - 32389

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Foods To Lower Cholesterol -- What You Should Be Eating

By Joe Dungait

If you are looking for specific foods to lower cholesterol then there are some available, however before we get into those you have to bear in mind that they are not in fact the highest determining factor to how much cholesterol body produces. Ultimately the amount of cholesterol in your body is going to come down to how much is produced by your liver. Despite that, there are certain foods to lower cholesterol and even if it is just a small amount it all helps. So let's take a look at some of those foods.

One of the first food groups to be included is oily fish such as salmon and tuna. The reason for including these kind of fish is because the omega3 in them contains essential fats that not only raise good cholesterol and reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood but also help to reduce triglyceride levels too, all of which are important in helping to reduce the likelihood of heart disease, which is a byproduct of high cholesterol levels.

Another important food group to include is vegetables. The reason for this is because vegetables more often than not contain sterols, and the sterols are very similar in structure to cholesterol. Because of this, what happens in the gut is that they compete with the cholesterol for absorption into the gastrointestinal tract, and they are chosen ahead of the cholesterol molecules. Another reason for the vegetables being so good for you is because of the fiber they contain, which assists by stimulating the liver to absorb more cholesterol from the blood for reprocessing.

Lastly, a group of foods to lower cholesterol that is very efficient is oats. Oats are so efficient at helping control cholesterol levels because they reduce the LDL and raise HDL cholesterols. They do this because they contain soluble fiber. And adding oats to your diet is probably the easiest food group to include because they make a tasty nutritious breakfast.

In addition to the above, you can also get foods to lower cholesterol in supplement form. For instance, garlic and artichoke leaf extract are foods known to be effective at controlling cholesterol levels and are widely available from health food shops in the forms of supplements. In addition to them you can also get natural blended supplements, which are a group of different ingredients all with properties known to help combat cholesterol levels that are being taken together and blended to form one single supplement. Some of these natural blended tablets can actually be as powerful as statins but without worrying side effects that statins have. - 32389

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How To Reduce Cholesterol - The Natural Way

By Danny Lewis

If you have been told that you have high cholesterol levels, one of the first things you may want to consider is learning how to reduce cholesterol naturally. Of course this is something that you will need to discuss with your physician, but at the end of the day more often than not they will recommend statins to control cholesterol levels, and while they will most certainly do the job, unfortunately they do have some pretty nasty side effects that come with them. Therefore, if you can learn how to reduce cholesterol naturally you can hopefully prevent yourself being on a lifetime medication of statins.

A great place to start when looking at how to reduce cholesterol is by starting some kind of daily exercise regime. An exercise regime does not have to mean working out so hard until youare red in the face and on the verge of collapsing, for it has now come to light that it is the duration that is important not the intensity. So, bearing that in mind ideally what you want to be doing is approximately 30 minutes exercise on a daily basis, and this can be something as simple as walking briskly.

Although food does not play a hugely significant part in cholesterol levels, there are a couple of foods that you can cut back on that will help. First of all you want reduce the amount of saturated fats that you consume, these often found in red meats and dairy products: but more importantly you want to cut back on the amount of trans fats that are consumed. Researchers found that trans fats can cause a significant spike in the LDL cholesterol in the body; you will normally find trans fats in fast food's and also ready-made meals. When buying ready-made meals if you see the words hydrogenated or part hydrogenated vegetable oils on the labeling then put it back as these contains trans fats.

Another way to help balance your cholesterol levels is to increase the amount of fish oil omega3 that you consume. You can of course do this by eating 2 to 3 portions of oily fish per week: however the best way to do it is to use a fish oil supplement. The reason the omega3 from oily fish is so beneficial is because not only does it help to lower the LDL cholesterol, but it also helps to raise HDL cholesterol; and on top of that reduce triglyceride levels too. Also if your cholesterol levels have been high then chances are that may have been some buildup on the artery walls, the essential fats in this type of Omega3 will help to rectify that.

A further avenue you may want to explore in your quest on learning how to reduce cholesterol levels is naturally blended supplements. In a nutshell what these supplements are is a blend of several ingredients that have been clinically proven to have an effects on cholesterol levels. By this they have to lower the production of LDL cholesterol, increase the production of HDL cholesterol and also ensure that any any excess LDL cholesterol in the blood is turned into bile salts to be excreted from the body. There are several types of these supplements available in the marketplace, however if you pick one you want to ensure that it contains policosanol; the reason being is this been found to be as effective as statins, but without the dangerous side effects that go with them. - 32389

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Three Ways To Reduce Cholesterol

By Joe Dungait

If you're looking to reduce cholesterol levels and you go to discuss this with a physician, chances are that you will more than likely be put on medication such as statins. You need to be very wary before starting this medication because once you are on it, it is a lifetime prescription; and on top of that it does have some pretty nasty side effects too which include severe muscle pain and weakness, and let us not forget that your heart is a muscle as well. Fortunately there are natural ways to reduce cholesterol, so before getting started on medication you may want to give these three little steps to try first.

1.Exercise - We all know that we should exercise more, however when we think of exercising it brings up horror images of expensive gym memberships and killing ourselves on treadmills. Fortunately to help reduce cholesterol this does not have to be the scenario as scientists now appreciate that it is the duration of the exercise and not the intensity that is important. So, the duration needs to be approximately 30 minutes a day five times a week or so and the exercise could be anything of your choice such as brisk walking, cycling or even swimming.

2.Diet - The cholesterol levels in your body are mainly decided by the amount that your liver creates. The food you eat only plays a tiny part in the amount of cholesterol that is created. However, it does play a part so therefore there are certain foods that we want to avoid and certain foods that we want to include to help balance cholesterol levels. The main foods to avoid are foods containing saturated fats such as red meats and dairy, but more importantly the food you really want to avoid is fast food and ready-made meals because these often contain hydrogenated oils which then turn into trans fats and can really help to spike your bad cholesterol. The foods that you want to include to help boost your good cholestero arel oily fish such as salmon and tuna, and also foods like a oat bran and oatmeal because of the soluble fiber that they contain.

3.Nutritional Supplements-- It is also worthwhile taking nutritional supplements to help control your good and bad cholesterol levels. In particular you should be looking for nutritional supplements that contain ingredients such as policosanol (which has been found to be as effective as statins), theaflavins and phytosterols. In the main what you are looking for a nutritional supplement to do is to lower the bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol and take any excess bad cholesterol and change it into bile salts to be excreted from the body.

Following these three step will not have a dramatic affect overnight, however given the little bit of time they will help to reduce your cholesterol levels. So why not give them a go before opting to go on medication for the rest of your life? - 32389

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How To Raise Low HDL Cholesterol

By Joe Dungait

If you have low HDL levels then you should look to remedy it ASAP. You are more than likely already aware of the fact that your body has two types of cholesterol in it HDL (often referred to as the good) and LDL (the bad). Truth is that neither of them are really good nor bad as your body needs them both to work correctly, the problems occur when they become out of balance. If you have low HDL cholesterol then there will be too much LDL as it is not being mopped up and taken back to the liver (this is the job of the HDL). This in turn can lead to blocking of the arteries and heart disease.

Ways To Increase Low HDL Cholesterol

1)Have More Omega3 - The vast majority of people do not get enough omega 3 in their diet, yet omega 3's have a huge impact on your cholesterol levels. Good sources of omega 3 are flax seeds and walnuts, however the best source is oily fish such as salmon or tuna. Fish such as the ones we have mentioned have essential fats in their omega 3's that help raise low HDL cholesterol, lowr LDL levels and also help to lower triglyceride levels too.

2)Exercising - Exercising has an important part to play in helping raise HDL. Do not worry about taking out any gym memberships or doing intense aerobic routines, if you can start off by getting out for a walk and then build it up to walking briskly for 30 minutes a day it will help with your cholesterol levels. Remember it is the duration that is important not the intensity, so bear this in mind when picking the type of exercise you want to do.

3)Lifestyle - Specific changes in lifestyle can go a long way in helping to raise low HDL cholesterol. Stopping smoking is a major one for obvious reasons. Another area you can cut down on is consuming fast food or ready made meals. The reason for this is because they often contain hydrogenated oils which turn into trans fats and raise your LDL cholesterol not your HDL.

So is following these 3 steps to raise low HDL cholesterol worth it? The answer to that is of course yes, it may take a little bit of getting used to in the beginning, but when you consider the alternative is being on statins for the rest of your life, and all the side effects that they have, then it is a small price to pay. - 32389

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What You Can Do About Cholesterol And Heart Disease

By Dr. Sam Robbins

Your body builds new cells, insulate nerves, and produces hormones with the help of cholesterol. The liver normally makes all the cholesterol the body needs. However, cholesterol enters your body from food, like animal based foods such as milk, eggs and meat. A major risk factor for heart disease is too much cholesterol.

Atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease, is caused by too much cholesterol in your blood which builds up in the walls of your arteries. The arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart muscle is slowed down or blocked. The heart gets oxygen from the blood. If you do not get enough blood and oxygen to reach your heart, you might suffer chest pains. When the blood supply to a part of your heart is completely cut off by a blockage, a heart attack takes place.

The two forms of cholesterol Americans are familiar with are low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol). Cholesterol travels in the blood in this form. LDLs have little protein and high levels of cholesterol and HDL has a lot of protein and very little cholesterol.

The main source of artery clogging plaque is LDL. The HDL works to clear cholesterol from the blood.

Another fat in the bloodstream is triglycerides. According to research, high levels of triglycerides are linked to heart disease.

People are unaware that their cholesterol levels are too high because there are no symptoms of high cholesterol. This makes it vital to find out what your cholesterol numbers are because lowering the cholesterol level that are too high reduces the chance of heart disease, even if you already have heart disease.

It is recommended that everyone over the age of twenty get their cholesterol levels measured at least every five years. Lipoprotein profile is the blood test that is performed. - 32389

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Revealed - The Dangers Lurking In Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

By Joe Dungait

Cholesterol lowering drugs have been used for quite a long time now. Originally the most often prescribed ones were statins, however recently the most commonly prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs have been Vytorin and Zetia. Lately though, it appears many physicians are actually going back to prescribing statins because they are finding these latest additions have just not been effective at reducing cholesterol levels. Statins are very effective at reducing high cholesterol levels, but unfortunately they also bring with them some severe health concerns as part of their side effects.

One organ in your body that is particularly susceptible to damage by statins is your liver. This is due to the fact that statins mess around with the enzymes in your liver and an increase in certain enzymes which is allowed to build up over a significant period of time will ultimately lead to your liver being severely damaged. It is not just statins that do this though, a drug that we mentioned earlier, Zetia also can list liver damage as one of its side effects along with a whole host of other side effects too. The challenge with liver damage is that it does not have any early warning signals and therefore strikes without any prior symptoms; thus if you on cholesterol lowering drugs make sure you get your liver checked regularly.

Possibly the number one side effect and complaint about statins is in the way that it leaves the user with severe muscle pain and also muscle weakness. There are a host of reasons behind this but the most important one that you need to know about is because that when the statins suppress the enzyme that creates the bad cholesterol, at the same time it also suppresses an enzyme that powers all of the cells in your body. The long-term effect of this can be severe health implications for you, because when you take into consideration that your heart is a muscle then ultimately you may experience severe pain here and with it being a weak muscle possibly also experienced failure.

Memory loss and poor concentration is also a common side effect of cholesterol lowering drugs such as statins. The cause behind this is because that we actually need the LDL cholesterol in our bodies for a reason, and one of those reasons is to make our brain function properly. Statins can often reduce our LDL cholesterol to too low a level, and therefore we do not get enough of it going to our brains which ultimately means a breakdown in communication between brain cells. Some researchers are now linking very low levels of LDL with Alzheimer's disease. Ultimately, we have this LDL cholesterol in our bodies for a reason and it is my opinion that totally suppressing it is to be messing with your body at the cellular level.

Ultimately, unless there are several more reasons for you to be on cholesterol lowering drugs you may want to look at other avenues to treat your high cholesterol levels before committing to drugs such as statins. Research is now finding that simple lifestyle decisions such as losing weight, cutting out foods that contain trans fats and exercising more can all help to reduce your bad cholesterol levels and help raise your good cholesterol levels. - 32389

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Cholesterol And Heart Disease The Things You Should Know

By Dr. Sam Robbins

Cholesterol helps your body build new cells, insulate nerves, and produce hormones. Normally, the liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs. But cholesterol also enters your body from food, such as animal-based foods like milk, eggs, and meat. Too much cholesterol in your body is a major risk factor for heart disease.

A form of heart disease, atherosclerosis, is caused when too much cholesterol is in the blood which builds up in the walls of your arteries. The arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart muscle is slowed down or blocked. Your heart gets oxygen from the blood. When you do not get enough blood and oxygen to your heart, it might cause chest pains. A heart attack can happen when the blood supply to a part of your heart is completely cut off by a blockage.

The two forms of cholesterol Americans are familiar with are low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol). Cholesterol travels in the blood in this form. LDLs have little protein and high levels of cholesterol and HDL has a lot of protein and very little cholesterol.

The main source of artery clogging plaque is LDL. The HDL works to clear cholesterol from the blood.

Another fat in the bloodstream is triglycerides. According to research, high levels of triglycerides are linked to heart disease.

High cholesterol itself does not cause any symptoms; so many people are unaware that their cholesterol levels are too high. Therefore, it is important to find out what your cholesterol numbers are because lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens the risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of a heart attack or dying of heart disease, even if you already have it.

It is recommended that everyone over the age of twenty get their cholesterol levels measured at least every five years. Lipoprotein profile is the blood test that is performed. - 32389

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Do You Want To Know How To Lower Your Choleterol? These Three Foods Will Help

By Joe Dungait

When looking into ways how to lower your cholesterol what we have to bear in mind is that we only want to lower the bad cholesterol which is the LDL and at the same time we want to raise good cholesterol which is the HDL. The LDL-cholesterol is created by your liver and ultimately this determines how much is in your blood, however the food that you eat can play a small part and by eating certain foods you can help lower your LDL cholesterol to a certain degree. So with every little helping, let's have a look at three simple foods to lower your cholesterol.

How To Lower Your Cholesterol

1.Oats- There is a substance known as soluble fiber which is found in oatmeal and oat bran that is hugely beneficial in helping to lower bad cholesterol, while at the same time not reducing the good cholesterol levels. In fact, soluble fiber is so effective at maintaining a healthy heart that in 1997 the FDA approved its claims for being able to do just that. For it to have any kind of impact on your bad cholesterol you need to have around 5 to 10gms per day; short term this will lead to about a 5% reduction in bad cholesterol, however over the long term the reduction could be as much as 23%.

2.Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega 3 from oily fish has been proven to help lower cholesterol levels quite significantly. In fact not only does it lower LDL but it actually increases the amount of HDL in your bosy which is what you want. On top of that omega3 from oily fish also helps to reduce triglyceride levels and reduce the amount of clogging in the arteries that is caused by raised LDL levels.

3.Nuts - Nuts can help by not only reducing the amount of oxidization in the body through the selenium and vitamin E that they contain, but they can also help lower LDL levels because of some of the other nutrients that they contain. Nuts contain plant sterols and also monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, all of which combine to lower LDL cholesterol. One thing to bear in mind though is that although they are good for the heart, they also pack a few calories too, therefore be careful not to overdo on them. - 32389

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