How to Lower LDL Cholesterol
Posted by admin in Cholesterol on June 18, 2011
If how to lower LDL cholesterol is what is bothering you, then you would like to know that it is possible to lower the level of this bad cholesterol by making a few healthy modifications in your diet and lifestyle. To find out how to lower your LDL cholesterol, read on.Cholesterol is the animal fat, manufactured by the liver. It is primarily required for the production of cell membrane, steroid hormones and bile acids. Cholesterol is not soluble in blood, and hence, it is transported in blood by the lipoproteins. Though there are five types of lipoproteins, only two types are known widely and they are LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Out of these, LDL cholesterol is termed as bad cholesterol.
Excess of circulating LDL cholesterol in blood tends to collect in the arteries to cause build up of fatty deposits or plaques. This in turn, causes narrowing of the arteries, which can eventually raise the risk for heart and cardiovascular diseases. HDL cholesterol helps to lower the risk for cardiovascular by transporting the excess cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver for processing. It is true that high level of LDL cholesterol increases the risk for serious health problems, but it is very much possible to lower or control the level of this cholesterol naturally, without taking any medications. Let’s take a brief look at how to lower LDL cholesterol without medication.
How to Lower LDL Cholesterol Level
The level of LDL cholesterol in blood is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood. The normal level of LDL cholesterol is 100 mg/dL or lower. But, in people who have a higher risk for heart disease, the normal LDL level should be less than 70 mg/dL. The key to lower the level of LDL cholesterol is a healthy lifestyle. For lowering the level of this bad cholesterol, first of all you have to follow a healthy diet. A healthy diet has to be combined with regular exercises and a few other lifestyle changes for this purpose. Below here are given some more information on how to lower LDL cholesterol through diet, and other lifestyle changes.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Basically, you have to follow a low cholesterol diet to lower the level of LDL cholesterol. You have to eliminate the saturated and more especially, the harmful trans fats from your diet. These are the fats that raise the level of LDL cholesterol in the body. Also limit the consumption of meat, especially, red meat, as well as whole milk dairy products. Low fat dairy products like, yogurt and cottage cheese can be consumed. In addition to these, include the foods that are rich in good or healthy fats, such as, omega-3 essential fatty acids and mono and polyunsaturated fats. Examples of such foods are, olive oil, nuts, avocados, flaxseed and fish like, salmon, sardines, herring, tuna mackerel.
Foods that contain dietary fiber are great for lowering LDL cholesterol. So, include more whole grains, oat bran, oatmeal, beans, legumes, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Oatmeal is the ideal breakfast for people with high LDL cholesterol. Some other LDL cholesterol lowering foods are, apples, barley, flaxseed, garlic, green tea, carrots, soy, berries, dark green leafy vegetables, avocados, orange juice, cranberry juice, citrus fruits, grapes, psyllium, black tea and green tea. Read the rest of this entry »
Cholesterol – Advantages and Disadvantages
Posted by admin in Cholesterol on June 18, 2011
Cholesterol is the essential nutrient in the body. Many vital body functions are performed with the help of the Cholesterol. But, it is necessary to maintain the normal level of cholesterol in the body otherwise it may lead to various health hazards.
Cholesterol is the essential body nutrient required by the human body to perform its essential functions. Cholesterol is the natural substance found in the body that is soft and waxy. Cholesterol is prepared in the body by the liver and then sent to the different parts of the body through the blood. Cholesterol is required by the body to keep itself healthy. The main function of the cholesterol is production of the Vitamin D, hormones, bile acids, and maintaining the healthy cell walls. In scientific terms, cholesterol is a lipid-like alcoholic compound found in the cell walls and is transported in blood plasma. Cholesterol comes under the group of compounds called as sterol (combination of steroid and alcohol). Meat, poultry, fish, seafood and dairy products, especially egg yolks are the rich source of cholesterol.
Cholesterol like other compounds has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Cholesterol
1. Cholesterol is the important constituent of the cell. It helps in building and maintaining the cell membranes. It makes the cell walls rigid and strong. It helps the cell in protecting itself from the foreign bodies. Cholesterol builds the immunity of the cell. Cholesterol is needed in the cell for the normal cellular function.
2. Cholesterol plays a vital role in the biochemical process like synthesis of steroid hormone. Cholesterol is an essential nutrient for the production of hormones that are necessary for the growth of an individual.
3. Cholesterol is needed for the promoting the production of Vitamin D. Cholesterol promotes the production of Vitamin D and also maintains it. As a result Vitamin helps in improving the immune system. Cholesterol in the body gets converted in the Vitamin D with the help of sunlight. Vitamin D is also found to be useful in high blood pressure problems.
4. Cholesterol level in the body is also found to be useful in the protection of skin from the foreign bodies as well as harmful rays from the sun. Cholesterol is also found to heal the scar and burn injuries caused due to the over exposure to the sun.
5. Cholesterol is also involved in the production of bile acids that are used to digest the insoluble or harmful fat that enters the body through the food.
6. Cholesterol is insoluble in water and that is why used in the body to transport the Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
These all are the advantages of the cholesterol or of the cholesterol in the body that is at low level. As the coin has two sides, cholesterol also has the other side that is disadvantages of cholesterol of you can say disadvantages of excess of cholesterol. Read the rest of this entry »