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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