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

About the Author:

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

About the Author:

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

About the Author:

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

About the Author:

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

About the Author:

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

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here