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Friday, December 26, 2008

To Lower Cholesterol and Lose Weight, Go Macadamia Nuts

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To Lower Cholesterol and Lose Weight, Go Macadamia Nuts

No food is a better source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) than macadamia nuts. Every 100 g of macadamias contains 60 g of MUFAs. These beneficial fats are known to reduce LDL cholesterol levels without reducing HDL cholesterol levels, and to reduce the body's need for antioxidants. Macadamias also contain a little more than 0.1 percent plant sterols, the compounds added to "smart" margarines used to lower cholesterol.

For these reasons, eating macadamias lowers total cholesterol and LDL and raises HDL, even though they are a high-fat food. Australian researchers Manohar Garg, Robert Blake, and Ron Wills recruited seventeen middle-aged men with total cholesterol levels of 237 to 300 mg/dl. They instructed them to maintain their diet and lifestyle but also to eat 40 to 90 g (1-1/2 to about 3 oz) of macadamias every day, the men who ordinarily consumed the most calories given the most nuts. At the end of four weeks, the men's average total cholesterol had been lowered by 3.0 percent. LDL cholesterol was down 5.3 percent, and HDL cholesterol was up 7.9 percent.

Eating macadamias also slightly lowered concentrations of n-6 fatty acids (which the body uses to make hormones that raise blood pressure) and slightly raised concentrations of n-3 fatty acids (which the body uses to make hormones that lower blood pressure). Triglycerides and homocysteine were unaffected. Despite increasing their total daily food consumption by about 160 calories and increasing the percentage of fat in their diet from 31 percent to 37 percent, the men lost weight, an average of 0.54 kg (a little more than a pound), and their body mass indices (BMIs) also were reduced.

The Australian researchers explained these results by the unusual combination of beneficial nutrients in the nuts. Cholesterol-lowering margarines are made with 1000 times more sterols than occur naturally in macadamias, but the combination of MUFAs, sterols, and other fats in the nuts makes them as beneficial as artificial margarine-with the added benefit of lowering weight.

Read about Diet & High Cholesterol. Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Rister




Lower Cholesterol Level

Friday, December 19, 2008

Normal Cholesterol Readings - What's Healthy and What's Not

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Normal Cholesterol Readings - What's Healthy and What's Not
By Gloria Gangi

You can be fit as a fiddle and still have cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary for the growth of a human body, in today's society cholesterol is generally misunderstood and the impacts of it are underestimated. Cholesterol can lead to disturbing health problems if it is not controlled correctly.

It is imperative, when selecting a diet or making lifestyle choices, to distinguish between the various kinds of cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is generally thought to be the superior type of cholesterol. It is accountable for many significant physical functions as well as the preservation of cell walls.

LDL cholesterol, or low-density, is the bad type of cholesterol. An excess of LDL cholesterol in the human body can bring about cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and even stroke. If your family has a history of heart problems, it's imperative not only to supervise your cholesterol intake, but also to get regular cholesterol readings from your healthcare professional.

What Are Normal Cholesterol Readings

Cholesterol readings normally comprise of an LDL cholesterol reading, an HDL cholesterol reading and a total cholesterol reading. You might impulsively be inclined to get a whole cholesterol reading, but it actually isn't the most significant number. Be sure to keep your eyes on the whole picture.

In general, you want your whole cholesterol to stay under 200. A borderline analysis may be as high as the 230s, but anything above 240 should indicate some grave red flags. LDL cholesterol ought to if possible remain below 130. If it strays into the 160s, you'll want to begin making some fairly major nutritional changes. Lastly, HDL cholesterol should stay above 45. Anything below 40 should give you concern.

As a precaution normal cholesterol readings should be performed regularly by your doctor. In between visits to your healthcare professional, there are a number of things that you can do yourself to keep bad cholesterol at bay. Choose a balanced diet that includes a good amount of protein, in the form of fish and dark meat, and be sure to get four to six servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Keep away from foods that have a lot of fat, as they are inclined to raise blood cholesterol levels.

When all is said and done, cholesterol is nothing to get panicked about. The best solution for high cholesterol truly is common sense. Be reasonable in the foods you eat, and you'll most likely never have to worry about it.

For more details on how to control your cholesterol please visit: http://www.yourcholesteroldiet.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gloria_Gangi




Lower Cholesterol Level

Friday, December 12, 2008

The Cholesterol Lowering Benefits of Acai Berry

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The Cholesterol Lowering Benefits of Acai Berry

Up until about 6 years ago, the Acai (pronounced ah-sa-yee) Berry was one of the best-kept secrets of the Amazon rain forest. Many of the fruits of this luscious rainforest are thought to hold magical healing properties for many of our modern world's illnesses. Legend has it that the native people of the Amazon have been aware of the powerful health-enhancing benefits of Acai for thousands of years, and that this miraculous berry has always been a part of their traditional diet.

In recent years, Acai has become very popular among health food circles because of the unbelievable number of health benefits it offers. As more and more people become interested in natural alternatives to staying healthy, consumption levels of Acai in the Western world are sure to increase. The deep purple Acai berries grow wildly on the palm trees in Brazil and the Amazon basin, and local farmers harvest them and turn them into a fruity pulp. The fruity pulp is then frozen in order to preserve the valuable nutrients of the berry and is shipped to destinations worldwide.

Acai contains a fantastic range of vitamins, nutrients, and amino acids that help fight off many health problems that are associated with the process of aging. But it also contains another special ingredient that many people have overlooked in the past: cholesterol combating fatty acids. Acai is rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which are the same healthy fatty acids contained in olive oil. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that work to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol) in the bloodstream. Omega-9 is a monounsaturated essential fatty acid that likewise lowers LDL and maintains HDL levels in our bodies.

Lowering the level of LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream is important if you want to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. When too much LDL circulates in your bloodstream, it will build up along the inner walls of our arteries. This, in turn, eventually causes a narrowing of the arteries that severely restricts the flow of blood. If left untreated over the longer term, this condition can lead to the formation of arterial clots, which could result in a heart attack or a stroke.

HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, can work to protect a person against heart attacks. HDL carries the bad cholesterol out of the arteries and into the liver, where it is then excreted from the body. It slows down the build-up of fat deposits along the inner walls of the arteries and improves the flow of blood.

In addition to its cholesterol reducing properties, Acai also comes with a number of other health benefits. It's an energy booster, an anti-aging superfood, and a rich source of calcium. It strengthens our bones and makes us less prone to fractures. It prevents gum disease and keeps our teeth healthy. It even contains antioxidants which destroy cancer cells. Best of all, Acai Berry is 100% natural. Isn't it amazing what this little purple berry can do?

If you found this article helpful and would like to learn more about the Acai Berry, please visit Free Acai Berry Trial where you can get a FREE TRIAL bottle of ACAI BERRY SELECT.

About The Author:
Michael Guzman is an expert Internet home business builder providing one-on-one guidance to individuals who are starting their own Internet home business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Guzman




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Sunday, December 7, 2008

HDL Cholesterol is not good enough

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HDL Cholesterol is not good enough

For so many years, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) has been seen as the good cholesterol that can help us reduce the bad cholesterol level or Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), therefore we’ve been encourage to raise the Good cholesterol, the more HDL in the blood level would be the better. However the new study publish in the December 2008 issue of The FASEB Journal said a different thing.

Researchers from University of Chicago, shows that the good cholesterol (HDL) itself has a different level in quality and a bad quality of HDL can actually bad for you.

The researcher found that people with chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease and diabetes, have a different HDL compare to the HDL from the healthy people, even when their blood level of HDL are comparable. The HDL from the healthy people can reduce inflammation while the HDL from the people with chronic disease cannot.

This is might can explain that why some people can still develop cardiovascular disease while they have perfect cholesterol levels. Therefore it become a subject that for some people with high HDL blood level are not necessarily protected from the heart disease problem, they should ask their doctor to find out if their high HDL is a good one or a bad one.

So if you think that your high HDL Cholesterol Level is good, you might want to think again.. what do you say??


Article source:
http://www.fasebj.org/Press_Room/December_2008_Press_Release.shtml



Lower Cholesterol Level

Monday, December 1, 2008

Green Tea and High Cholesterol

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Green Tea and High Cholesterol

To be honest, I've become kind of burned out by all the hype about the health benefits of green tea. Recently, however, I came across a study of green for cholesterol in kids, however, that's really worth passing on.

Nowadays there is pretty general acceptance of the idea that green tea has remarkable health benefits, and there is growing evidence that it is an essential element in the best diets for high cholesterol, notably for children with high cholesterol.

A team of medical researchers at the Nippon Medical School in Chiba (Japan) gave 40 volunteers either 500 milligrams of green tea catechins (that's the equivalent of drinking 6 or 7 cups of green tea a day) or a placebo for four months . The scientists found that in the green tea group at the end of the twenty-four week trial:

* Total cholesterol was essentially unchanged,
* Triglycerides also were unchanged,
* LDL cholesterol stayed the same, but

The fraction of LDL particles that had been attacked by free radicals and oxidized into a form that cause plaques in the lining of arteries fell nearly 18 per cent. Since it is oxidized LDL cholesterol that actually clogs arteries, green tea is more effective in heart health than beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, or vitamin E.

Green tea may also help children with high cholesterol. The journal Obesity reports that Japanese children who were given a drink containing 576 milligrams of green tea catechins once a day for six months lowered LDL and blood pressure and enjoyed slimmer waistlines while continuing normal bone and muscle growth.

And if that is not enough, there is evidence that for people who eat a high-fat diet, green tea acts as a cholesterol-blocker. Green tea attacks the very causes of high cholesterol, keeping cholesterol from ever entering circulation. The catechins in green tea mix with the cholesterol so that it clumps and is excreted rather than absorbed. They do not interact with essential n-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. Good fats in, bad fats out.

The easiest way to get your catechins is to take a supplement, but many people prefer to brew their own green tea. Here's what you need to know to brew a heart-healthy green tea:

Green tea develops a full flavor and releases the most catechins if it is brewed at about 140 degrees F (80 degrees C). Black tea, in contrast, is usually brewed in water that is almost boiling. You make the catechins unavailable if you add milk to hot green tea (although green tea ice cream typically has a high catechin content). Loose green tea has a higher catechin content than bagged green tea.

Most of the complaints about green tea center on its taste, or lack thereof, but you can be creative. In addition to the well-known green tea ice cream (which is not really on any list of heart-healthy foods), it is possible to add anywhere from a pinch to a teaspoon of loose green tea to burgers, omelets, salads, smoothies, soups, sauces, oatmeal, and even burritos. The benefits of green tea start at about four cups a day, so start there!

About the Author:
Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health and has also written about the real story on Eggs and Cholesterol

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Rister




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Thursday, November 27, 2008

Eggs and Cholesterol

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Eggs and Cholesterol
By Robert Rister

Before writing this article on eggs and cholesterol, I have a confession to make. I love eggs. From my head down to my legs. So to avoid bias, I'll present the evidence on eggs and cholesterol in terms of science, not preference, because I like hundreds of millions of people around the world eat eggs every day. And I have low cholesterol without taking statins.

The relationship between eggs and cholesterol is not what most people have been led to believe. Not only do eggs not always raise cholesterol, sometimes they lower it.

About one-third of the population is unusually sensitive to the cholesterol in egg yolks. Medical researchers at the University of Connecticut gave a population of men and women over the age of 50 either three eggs a day or an equivalent serving of cholesterol-free egg substitute. None of the participants in the trial was on any medication to lower cholesterol

Among the two-thirds of the participants in the trial who were not especially sensitive to the cholesterol in egg yolks, eating three eggs a day not only did not raise cholesterol, total cholesterol went down. In the majority of test participants, eating three eggs a day slightly lowered LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and slightly increased HDL cholesterol. Conversely, eating an equivalent amount of egg substitute caused slight increases in LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, and a slight decrease in the beneficial HDL.

In the one-third of the participants the researchers labeled hyper-responders, the opposite occurred. For this smaller group, eating three eggs a day raised cholesterol, but in a heart-healthy way. LDL levels increased, but the additional LDL was the larger, less clogging variety of LDL. HDL levels also increased, and also were the larger, less dangerous particles. Moreover, eating eggs increased bloodstream concentrations of eye-protective lutein and zeaxanthin.

Eggs have a similarly unexpected effect on cholesterol levels in overweight men. One study found that when eggs are consumed with a high-carbohydrate meal, they seem to accelerate the release of sugars from the carbohydrate, but also to accelerate the release of insulin from the pancreas. The extra insulin "covers" the extra glucose released from digestion. The problem is, insulin stores fat as well as sugar, so eating eggs with carbohydrates seems to increase weight gain.

Another study found that eating eggs as part of a low-carbohydrate diet, on the other hand:

* Reduces body weight,
* Increases insulin sensitivity,
* Increases HDL-C cholesterol, the kind of "good" cholesterol that "catches" other cholesterol particles so the liver can remove them from circulation,
* Increases adiponectin, a hormone that fights atherosclerosis, and
* Reduces C-reactive protein, a marker of arterial inflammation,

also in tests conducted with overweight men.

A study of 9,734 men and women aged 25 to 74 at the Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Research Center of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey found that eating more than 1 egg a day does not significantly raise the risk of either heart attack or stroke.

Since 2000, even the American Heart Association has recognized that Cholesterol-rich foods that are relatively low in saturated fatty acid content (notably, egg yolks, and, to a lesser extent, shellfish) have a (small) effect on LDL. The effects of dietary cholesterol on plasma LDL levels appear to be greater at low versus high levels of cholesterol intake. In other words, for most people, if you consume more cholesterol, your body just uses it faster.

The exceptions to this rule seem to be male doctors and female nurses. The widely publicized Physicians Health Study reported in April 2008 that male doctors who ate more than one egg a day were more likely to suffer heart attack or stroke, especially if they were diabetic.

The study also found that doctors who ate the most eggs also were older and fatter. They ate less breakfast cereal but more vegetables. They were more likely to smoke and drink and less likely to get regular exercise. It is just possible that excessive consumption of eggs was only part of a pattern of excessive consumption of everything else in this group of 21,337 middle-aged male doctors-do you suppose?

For most of us, eggs are not heart-harmful, and if you avoid excess sugars, they are heart-healthy. If you do not have familial hypercholesterolemia or some other rare condition causing excessive cholesterol, regular consumption of eggs is likely to have a beneficial effect on your triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL.

Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health and also The Latest Lies about Statins for High Cholesterol.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Rister




Lower Cholesterol Level

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Seven Benefits of Elevated Cholesterol Levels

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Seven Benefits of Elevated Cholesterol Levels


Elevated cholesterol levels are defined by members of the mainstream medical community as being any number over 200 mg/dl. High cholesterol levels would be any number over 240 mg/dl.

In the United States, we have been brainwashed into believing elevated cholesterol levels are harmful to your health. But consider the benefits cholesterol provides:

1. Cholesterol is essential to life. Every cell in your body requires cholesterol to maintain cell wall integrity.
2. Cholesterol is also the starting material from which your body makes vitamin D, hormones and bile acids for digestion.
3. Cholesterol helps the body fight infections and indeed they may be its most important benefit. Current research has suggested that heart disease and arteriosclerosis may be caused by infectious organisms, and higher levels of cholesterol protect the body from these inflammatory microorganisms.
4. Cholesterol acts as a protective substance against stroke and cancer.
5. Cholesterol is used by the body to repair injuries.
6. The brain uses cholesterol to build the synaptic connections between brain cells. In fact, the brain has special cells whose only job is to make cholesterol for the brain, since blood cholesterol can't get across the blood/brain barrier.
7. People with high cholesterol live the longest. There are multiple studies which support this fact. This is especially true for the elderly.

Cholesterol is so important to your body that it will make it if you don't eat enough. This self regulation makes it very difficult to use a low fat diet alone to lower your cholesterol. The less fat you eat, the more cholesterol your body makes.

Given all the evidence which confirms that cholesterol is protective and necessary for good health, I find it bizarre that the US government and most physicians work very hard to get people to lower their cholesterol levels as much as possible. The message that cholesterol is harmful is embedded deeply in the American psyche, and so the public doesn't question this misguided and harmful agenda.

But make no mistake, the drive to lower cholesterol is big business. Billions of dollars, thousands of jobs, and a multitude of agencies are involved in the overall goal of lowering American cholesterol levels. Huge amounts of money are spent to educate patients on the false benefits of a low fat, low cholesterol diet. Big pharmaceutical companies spend millions on developing and marketing drugs that lower cholesterol, often with injurious or lethal consequences.

For example, statin drugs, which cause serious nerve, muscle and kidney damage, are being prescribed in mind boggling numbers. Between 2000 and 2005, the total prescriptions for statin drugs nearly doubled, bringing the 2005 yearly total to 174 million.

And there are individual perks for physicians who participate in this cholesterol lowering business too. Pharmaceutical companies pay doctors huge amounts of money to "educate" other doctors about the benefits of drugs. In a story from New York Magazine, one doctor speaks of the addictiveness of the $750 he was paid each time he briefly mentioned a particular drug to colleagues during a lunch break.

That's a great deal of money and effort being spent on a goal that in the end, is extremely harmful to the patient.

And here's the real kicker: the cholesterol cut off level of 200 mg/dl wasn't set by doctors using scientific trials and medical results. In classic American political style, it was chosen by three men trying to get funding from Congress to continue cholesterol trials at the NHLBI. (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute). They reasoned that cutoff of 200 mg/dl would provide the largest population for use in future studies.

So, as you can see, elevated cholesterol levels are actually a cause for celebration, not a dire health problem about which you should worry. If you have elevated cholesterol levels, and have been targeted for statin drug use, please spend some time researching the alternative facts on cholesterol and statins. You may save your own life in the long run.


About the Author
Ellen Davis researches nutrition and health issues and shares that information with other health conscious consumers. You can find more alternative information about nutrition and health at her website Healthy Eating Politics. The URL is http://www.healthy-eating-politics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_L._Davis




Lower Cholesterol Level

Saturday, November 15, 2008

The Dangers of Low Cholesterol

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The Dangers of Low Cholesterol

In today's society, cholesterol is considered a villain. Everyone "knows" that high cholesterol "causes" heart disease. TV ads warn us that "diet and exercise may not be enough," and drugs are increasingly prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels.
You may think you know what the problem of cholesterol is all about, but before you jump on the anti-cholesterol bandwagon, consider these studies:

* A 3 year study on 11,500 patients showed that low cholesterol resulted in increased lung cancer, increase in other cancers, higher risk of cardiac death, erectile dysfunction and infertility, and a loss of memory and mental focus. (European Heart Journal 1997, 18, 52-59)

* A Swedish researcher discovered that individuals with low cholesterol suffer from frequent and severe infections, while individuals with high cholesterol had a lower mortality than the average population. (Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, independent researcher Magle Stora Kyrkogata 9, S-223250 Lund, Sweden)

* A 30 years follow-up on one of the original studies linking cholesterol and heart disease showed no correlation between high cholesterol and mortality, but did show a correlation between low cholesterol and mortality. Death rates from coronary heart disease increased 14% for every 1 mg/dl drop in total cholesterol per year (Anderson KM. Cholesterol and Mortality, 30 years of Follow-up from the Framingham study. JAMA 1987 Apr 24;257(16):2176-80)

* A paper in the Journal of Cardiac Failure on an analysis of 1,134 patients with heart disease showed that low cholesterol was associated with worse outcomes in heart failure patients and impaired survival rates. It also showed that elevated cholesterol was not associated with hypertension, diabetes or coronary heart disease.

(Horwich TB. Et.al. Low Serum Total Cholesterol is Associated with Marked Increase in Mortality in Advanced Heart Failure. J Card. Fail. 2002 Aug;8(4):216-214)

High cholesterol is a "disease" that was created by the pharmaceutical industry in order to sell more cholesterol-lowering drugs, i.e., statins. These drugs have a high profit margin, so the lab ranges for cholesterol have been altered over the last 7-10 years so that more people will show up as having "high" cholesterol and be persuaded to take medications.

Normal (i.e., non-pathological) cholesterol ranges should be 175 to 275, with people with Blood Type O running at the higher end of this spectrum because of the way their body utilizes protein. Since, these are the pathological ranges, levels above or below these values mean the body is seriously imbalanced and probably diseased.

However, for optimal health, one should be in the middle third of this range. So healthy cholesterol should be between 208 and 242. Oddly enough people with these perfectly normal and healthy cholesterol ranges are being encouraged to take drugs to reduce their cholesterol to unhealthy low levels.

So, before you take statin drugs to reduce your cholesterol, do a little research on the dangers of low cholesterol. There are other ways of protecting yourself from heart disease that are much more effective.


About the Author
Steven Horne, RH(AHG) is a professional member and immediate past president of the American Herbalists Guild. He is passionate about spreading the word about how effective herbal medicine can be. You can learn more about his straight-forward healing philosophy at http://www.healityourself.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Horne




Lower Cholesterol Level

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Powerful List of Foods That Help to Lower Cholesterol

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Powerful List of Foods That Help to Lower Cholesterol
By Freddy Goldstein

Before listing the foods that help to lower cholesterol we must define what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is manufactured by the human body and also eaten in the consumption of animal products. Cholesterol is used to form cell membranes and process hormones and Vitamin D. High cholesterol levels contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Both a low cholesterol level and a high cholesterol level is dangerous for human beings. Too much of the wrong type of cholesterol (HDL) in the human body is closely linked with heart disease, hypertension and cardiovascular health.

Cholesterol is a steroid alcohol found in animal fats and oils, bile, blood, brain tissue, milk, egg yolk, myelin sheaths of nerve fibers, liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. It is a necessary component of all cell surface and intracellular membranes and a constituent of myelin in nervous tissue; it is a precursor of bile acids and steroid hormones, and it occurs in the most common type of gallstone, in atheroma of the arteries, in various cysts, and in carcinomatous tissue. Most of the body's cholesterol is synthesized, but some is obtained in the diet.

The preoccupation in human medicine with the relationship between cholesterol and the development of atheromatous plaques in the coronary arteries is not reflected in veterinary medicine. The importance of cholesterol to the veterinarian is limited to the measurement of blood cholesterol levels as an indicator of liver disease or thyroid activity.

List of foods that help to lower cholesterol

1. Apples

2. Pumpkin & Pumpkin seeds

3. Salmon and other oily fish such as mackerel.

4. Soy products

5. Walnuts

6. Almonds

7. Avocado

8. Bison, venison and other lean meats.

9. Cholesterol lowering margarines

10. Collard Greens

11. Dark Chocolate

12. Beans & Legumes

13. Egg plant

14. Green Tea

15. Olives

16. Onions

17. Shitake Mushroom

18. Tomato

19. Fresh berries, particularly Blueberries

20. Brown Rice

21. Cinnamon

22. Cranberries

23. Garlic

24. Grapes

25. Oats

Many people advise the daily consumption of apple cider vinegar as being a powerful aid in reducing the levels of cholesterol and helping to maintain a healthy heart. This will also help to keep the arteries clear of plaque.

The latest scientific research said get the delicious recipes that incorporated that cholesterol lowering food.

Cholesterol is a blood fat needed by the body in moderate amounts. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack. Methods for increasing good cholesterol or lowering bad cholesterol levels include cholesterol reducing drugs such as statins, fibrates, and nicotinic acid and bile acid resins.

Apart from the cholesterol lowering food there are many cholesterol reducing drugs such as:Cholesterol-reducing drugs are medications that lower the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of these fats in the bloodstream increase the risk of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis), heart attack, stroke and other heart-related conditions. Therefore, cholesterol reducers and other antilipemic medications are often prescribed for people with high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) or other elevated lipid levels (e.g., high triglycerides).

There are five main categories of cholesterol reducers: statins, bile acid resins, nicotinic acid, fibrates and ezetimibe. Most are available only by prescription, while nicotinic acid, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin), is available over-the-counter. However, niacin should only be taken under the care of a physician to monitor any side effects that could arise, such as severe upset stomach (nausea) and flushing.

So, the big question is this! If you can lower your cholesterol levels by eating the great food a listed above, and if you can supplement this by taking cholesterol reducing natural products, why would you inflict pharmaceutical drugs upon your system? People do, but I will never understand them!

Would you like to lower your cholesterol level naturally with other potentially life enhancing benefits? How to Get Rid of Plaque and Lower Your Cholesterol Level Naturally.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddy_Goldstein




Lower Cholesterol Level

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Omega 3's - How Much to Lower Cholesterol?

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Omega 3's - How Much to Lower Cholesterol?
By Lisa Nelson

Increasing the amount of omega-3 fats in our diet and decreasing the amount of omega-6 is beneficial in reducing your risk for heart disease. Most American's consume a high omega-6 diet, with omega 3 being a common deficiency. Omega 3 deficiencies and the imbalance between omega 3 and omega 6 intakes have been linked with serious conditions, including heart attacks. Successfully maintaining a ratio of 4:1 to 1:1 omega 6 to omega 3 will help lower cholesterol levels and control high blood pressure.

How much omega 3 do you need to add?

This is under debate and more research is being done. Right now the range experts recommend is from 500-2000 mg/day. Here are the current American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations.

The AHA recommends that individuals without heart disease eat a variety of fish twice a week, use heart healthy oils (flaxseed, canola, soybean oils), and consume flaxseed and walnuts.

For individuals with heart disease, the AHA recommends 1 g of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) + DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily, preferably from fatty fish.

The AHA recommends 2 to 4 g of EPA + DHA daily, under physician's care only, for individuals that need to lower triglycerides. High doses, > 3 grams/day, can result in excessive bleeding. (Do not self medicate! Talk to your MD before supplementing greater than 2 grams.)

Omega 3 Content of Different Foods

Wild Salmon, 4 oz. 1700 mg (DHA 700 mg, EPA 400 mg)

Tuna canned in water, 4 oz. 300 mg (DHA 200 mg, EPA 50 mg)

Cod, 4 oz. 600 mg (DHA 160 mg, EPA 50 mg)

Flaxseed, 1 Tbsp. 1000 mg (ALA - alpha-linolenic acid - 1000 mg)

Soybeans, dried, cooked ½ cup 500 mg (DHA/EPA 250 mg, ALA 250 mg)

Walnuts, 1 oz. 2570 mg (ALA 2570 mg)

Pecans, 1 oz. 280 mg (ALA 280 mg)

Wheat germ, ¼ cup 210 mg (ALA 210 mg)

Canola oil, 1 Tbsp 1300 mg (ALA 1300 mg)

Olive oil, 1 Tbsp 100 mg (ALA 100 mg)

There's a reason I included details on amounts of DHA, EPA, and ALA for each omega 3 source. Right now, DHA and EPA have a greater link with lower cholesterol levels, lower triglycerides, and higher HDL levels than ALA. The body is able to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is low; therefore, it is best to include high DHA and EPA sources in your eating plan.

My recommendation:

As a preventive measure and to promote lower cholesterol and blood pressure control, I recommend eating fish twice a week, select a supplement that will provide you at least 1000 mg of omega 3 fatty acids daily (choose a good source of DHA and EPA), and use ground flaxseed when appropriate in your meal preparation.

Now, to receive regular heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson, go to http://www.enutritionservices.com/f/The_Heart_of_Health.html and subscribe to The Heart of Health today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Nelson




Lower Cholesterol Level

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Red Yeast Rice - Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

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Red Yeast Rice - Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

For those who have been advised to lower their cholesterol, but are concerned about the serious side effects associated with taking statin drugs (e.g. liver dysfunction, muscle atrophy, memory loss, etc.), clinically proven natural alternatives are available. The Chinese condiment Red Yeast Rice, for example, was judged by the Physician's Desk Reference On Nutritional Supplements to "significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and total triglyceride concentrations, compared to a placebo." Considering the fact that the PDR is the authoritative text in the medical field on supplements, and it is written by doctors for doctors, it is disappointing that few doctors are recommending Red Yeast Rice to manage hypercholesterolemia in their patients. After all, Red Yeast Rice contains the same cholesterol lowering HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (lovastatin) as the drug Mevacor. And yet, even at doses six times lower, Red Yeast Rice out performed the pharmaceutical isolated lovastatin, showing a wider range of benefits and incomparably higher safety margin.

Despite these findings and in defiance of both common sense and the rights of consumers to control their health, both the FDA and the manufacturer of lovastatin lobbied the courts to outlaw the sale of Red Yeast Rice, arguing that its efficacy qualified it as a drug, requiring FDA and medical regulation. In 1999, the Federal District Court in Utah ruled against the FDA, stating that Red Yeast Rice was not a drug but a dietary supplement. More recently the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on July 24, 2000 that Red Yeast Rice is subject to the regulation of the U.S. FDA. At present the future of Red Yeast Rice is uncertain, but what all this legal debate reveals is the rather profound collusion that exists between the private interests and the FDA. If something works great and is safer than expensive drugs, why should it be kept from the public?

Part 2: The Lower the Cholesterol The Higher The Profits

If you watch prime time television these days - even just on occasion - it is nearly impossible to miss the barrage of commercials trying to get you, and the rest of adult America, to sign up for the newest cholesterol lowering medication on the market. These advertisements would have us believe that if we care about our health, and those we love, we should keep our cholesterol low with drugs. The problem is that statins, like many of the drugs being marketed so aggressively to the public these days have dangerous, even fatal side effects.

No longer the exception, side effects and fatalities from drugs have hit astronomical levels. According to the one of the most respected and widely read medical journals in the world - The Journal of American Medicine (JAMA) - approximately 108,000 Americans die each year from the "non-error negative side effects of drugs." Throughout the entirety of our involvement in Vietnam, 53,000 Americans died. People flooded the streets in protest. The entire nation stood divided. History is still reeling from the sense of horror and disgust the senseless violence of the war brought before popular consciousness. And yet if the the JAMA statistics are accurate, annual fatalities from prescribed medication today are occurring at a rate 14 times higher than those occurring during the Vietnam war. What may be even more disturbing than the statistics themselves, is the fact that there is little, if any open and meaningful discussion occurring about them. When it comes to lowering cholesterol, plenty of sound research exists that calls into question the very concept of high cholesterol causing cardiovascular disease. Low cholesterol levels, in fact, have been shown to increase the risk of stroke and cancer.

Cholesterol, after all, is something our bodies have been equipped to produce plenty of. It is essential for the production of all the steroid hormones and Vitamin D, for maintaining the fluidity of cell membranes, and for transporting and distributing throughout the body fat soluble nutrients like vitamin E, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is a co-factor for energy production in the mitochondria of every cell of our bodies. Since heart muscle has the most mitochondria of any muscle cell in the body (5000 mitochondria per heart muscle cell versus 50 for skeletal muscle), when levels of coq10 drop, the heart is one of the first organs effected. Why then, if statin drugs are known to cause a drop in coenzyme q10, are they being used to prevent heart disease? Unfortunately, because the drug companies are making a killing - both literally and figuratively - selling these drugs, they have every reason to distort or disregard information that contradicts their "lipid hypothesis" of heart disease. The mercurial relationship between drug companies and the "experts" who decide what strategies should be used by Americans to prevent heart disease, was made public by a consumer group recently. The following excerpt from an Associated Press article dated July 17th, 2004, addresses this relationship poignantly:

"Most of the heart disease experts who urged more people to take cholesterol-lowering drugs this week have made money from the companies selling those medicines."

The article went on to say that the new guidelines these experts drafted would add 7 million more Americans to the 36 million already encouraged to take the pills to lower cholesterol. Whether or not you choose to lower your cholesterol, or investigate in greater depth the validity of doing so, be advised that safe and natural methods of doing so exist.

To learn more about the benefits of Red Yeast Rice, visit: http://www.patienthealthyself.info/red_yeast_rice.html

Sayer Ji is a philosopher of nutrition and nutrition educator. He founded http://www.patienthealthyself.info this year in order to provide the public strictly scientific information on the therapeutic effects of herbs, foods, spices and vitamins. Without freedom of information, there can be no health freedom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sayer_Ji


Lower Cholesterol Level

Saturday, October 25, 2008

22 Sure Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels Naturally

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22 Sure Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels Naturally

If you are seeking to discover how to lower your cholesterol levels naturally, you have come to the right place! In this informative guide, you will learn that there are many alternative treatments for cholesterol. These treatments will allow you to break away from traditional prescription medications and enjoy the relief of the symptoms and side effects that you experience when you take those types of medications. Even if you do not currently have complications when it comes to cholesterol levels, you can still follow the steps listed in this guide on how to lower your cholesterol levels naturally.

The first thing that you should do when you are trying to get your cholesterol levels to a moderate and "normal" level is to consider how much you weigh. If you are overweight for your Body Mass Index, or "BMI", you may want to consider shedding a few pounds. There are many ways that you can shed those pounds that are proving to be a burden. You can adjust the diet that you indulge in, eliminating certain foods like those that are fried, and content a large amount of fat, and increasing foods that are considered to be healthy for your body. These foods include those that are in the groups of fruits, vegetables, and even beans!

Consuming various types of vegetables and an appropriate amount of fruits, you are allowing the body to get the minerals, vitamins, and other important nutrients that is necessary for promoting good health. When purchasing these types of food products, it is important to select those that were cultivated in a natural way. This is often referred to as "organic". If you want to be healthy, this is the best way to go. Foods that are not cultivated in a natural way often contain traces of toxins such as the pesticides and herbicides that were used when the food products were growing. These toxins can actually increase the level of cholesterol that you have in your body and also lead to other complications related to the health.

Do you enjoy eating meats like chicken and even turkey? If so, that is great! However, if you are working to lower the cholesterol levels in the body, you should be sure that you discard of the fat that is often on these types of meat items. You should also pay close attention to the way that you cook the meats. You should always avoid frying the food that you prepare - especially when that food is a type of meat. There are many different creative ways that you can cook your meats without having to fry it. You can elect to roast them, poach, and also grill them. In addition to this, you may desire to either broil the meats or bake the meats that you will consume. Remember to avoid meats that contain a high level of saturated fat.

The next method that you can use in order to ensure that the cholesterol levels in the body are reduced is to purchase and ingest one multivitamin daily. These types of vitamins result in a healthy boost to the overall immune system and allow the cells, organs, nerves, and other components of the body to get the nutrition that they need. These vitamins are the basis of a healthy body. If you desire to be healthy, and reduce cholesterol that you currently have, taking a multivitamin that contains all essential nutrients can help you do just that! Before starting a multivitamin, be sure to confirm that you can take it with a medical professional. You want to be sure that it is safe for you to take these in conjunction with any other medications that you can take. In addition to this, you want to be certain that if you have certain health conditions that the vitamins are safe for you to consume.

Do you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes? If so, you should try to eliminate these products from your lifestyle. Recent studies have concluded that these two products actually result in cholesterol levels being increased. Many do not realize it, but the heart is an organ that suffers more than the lungs when individuals smoke cigarettes. By smoking, you are greatly enhancing the possibility that cholesterol may become elevated, and that you may have a heart attack or stroke. It may be difficult to eliminate these items from your lifestyle, but it seems as if it is a sound choice and one that you will not regret. If you need assistance with the cessation of smoking and drinking, be sure to talk to a doctor about any and all support that is available to you.

Do you exercise regularly? If so, you can skip this section. However, if you do not exercise regularly, it is important to ensure that you integrate a physical fitness program into your life. By having a regularly scheduled exercise program each week, you will be able to effectively combat all that "bad" cholesterol in the body, and increase all the "good" cholesterol in the body. There are many different types of exercises that you can indulge in. These include that of walking, going for a swim, taking an aerobics class, and more! It has been found that one of the most popular forms of exercise among patients of high cholesterol is training that involves the use of weights - even the small three pounders! Put this idea to work, and see what comes of it. It is likely that you will be quite pleased with the ending of your cholesterol complication.

Having high cholesterol can be a real burden. It can burden you in the since that it takes the body and subjects it to more complicated health problems all the way around. If you are seeking out ways to naturally treat the effects of high cholesterol, the items mentioned here should prove to be extremely helpful. Learn how to lower your cholesterol levels naturally by applying some of the techniques that are used throughout this guide.

About the Author
Gaetane Ross is a Certified Natural Health Consultant who has spent over 4 years focusing on Nutrition and Health. She also specializes in Alternative Medicine, Spiritual Healing and Healthy Lifestyle. Gaetane's mission is to positively transform the lives of everyone she meets by providing advice on Healthy Living.
http://HealthProductsReviewsLive.com
http://Live-O-Natural.com



Lower Cholesterol Level

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Top 10 Natural Foods to Lower Cholesterol Safely and Naturally

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Top 10 Natural Foods to Lower Cholesterol Safely and Naturally
by Robin Reichert


The cholesterol in blood comes from two main sources: the foods we eat and what we manufacture. Cholesterol levels that are too high or too low in the blood can be a very dangerous factor, often leading to a heart attack or a stroke. There are many people who take statin drugs to reduce their cholesterol. However, there are many natural foods that you can eat to help lower cholesterol safely and naturally without the use of dangerous statin drugs. You may notice a substantial improvement in your cholesterol level once you begin consuming these whole foods on a daily basis.

Here is a list of the top 10 natural foods to help maintain a healthy cholesterol level in the body.

1. Oat bran and brown rice bran are the best foods for reducing cholesterol. They are rich in soluble fiber, thereby lowers cholesterol levels by binding fats and heavy metals.

2. Blueberries (organic) alone may help lower cholesterol as effectively as statin drugs! Berries, in general, help prevent oxidation of bad cholesterol and they are super abundant in antioxidants.

3. Fish is a good source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Omega 3 fatty acids also help to lower triglyceride levels.

4. Garlic contains allicin and can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

5. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Apple's two kinds of fiber are useful for reducing cholesterol levels and for decreasing your risk of hardening of the arteries, stroke, and heart attack. Apple's insoluble fiber works to remove LDL from the body, while apple's fiber pectin reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol made in the liver.

6. Nuts are abundant in fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Nuts also contain plant sterols and the healthy fats (mono-and polyunsaturated).

7. Beans are high in soluble fiber; lowers the bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol. Other foods high in soluble fiber include lentils, peas, and ground flaxseeds.

8. Foods with Plant Sterols (or stanols) are powerful phytosterols found in plant membranes that may block cholesterol absorption. Sterols are found naturally in several kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, and vegetable oils.

9. Olive oil has been known to reduce LDLs, raise HDLs, and is rich in antioxidants.

10. Soy protein -studies show that a total daily intake of 25 grams of soy protein significantly lowers LDL cholesterol levels. Soy has a high amount of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Soy products are also a great replacement for animal products.

Last but not least, it's important to keep in mind that cholesterol is found only in animal products, not plant foods. Therefore, eating fewer animal foods and more plant foods will lower the blood cholesterol. If you already have high cholesterol, temporarily changing to a vegetarian diet with fish and non-fat dairy products, such as yogurt may help lower your levels quickly.

For more natural health and wellness information, please go to Robin's Wellness Resource Center at http://www.wellness-bee.com

About the Author

Robin Reichert is a natural health writer, AFPA Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, and is currently a graduate student of natural health at Clayton College. Lifelong learning and educating others about natural health is her passion.

Lower Cholesterol Level

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

18 Proven Natural Solutions For High Cholesterol

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18 Proven Natural Solutions For High Cholesterol

by Robin Reichert


There are millions of people that are currently struggling with high cholesterol. Many are taking prescription statin drugs, while others are choosing to take a more proactive stance by tackling the problem head on through fundamental lifestyle changes. There is no question that increasing physical activity and improving diet are the most important steps to take when cholesterol is high. In addition to those two things, I am going to provide you with 18 proven natural solutions for high cholesterol that will surely give you a jump start to help you reach your cholesterol goals without having to surrender to dangerous statin drugs.

Natural Solutions for High Cholesterol

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a powerful antioxidant and plays a fundamental role in the mitochondria, the parts of the cell that produce energy from food. CoQ10 improves circulation and is highly beneficial for those with hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and many more.

Chromium Picolinate's most important function is to help control the amount of sugar in the blood. Insulin plays an integral role in this process by managing the movement of glucose out of the blood and into cells. Chromium lowers total cholesterol levels and improves HDL-to-LDL levels.

Apple pectin lowers cholesterol by binding fats and heavy metals.

Spirulina is an extremely nutrient rich blue-green algae. This superfood is abundant in B vitamins, calcium, beta-carotene, potassium, zinc, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), magnesium, protein, and much more. Spirulina is highly effective for lowering cholesterol levels by decreasing oxidation that is most harmful to LDL cholesterol.

Essential fatty acids thin the blood and lowers LDL levels. You can take EFA's in supplement form and can be found online or in any natural store.

Garlic and Vitamin E improve circulation; lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels; and is great for overall heart health.

Cayenne, Hawthorn Berries, and Goldenseal are especially useful for lowering cholesterol.

B6, B12, and Folic Acid helps to lower damaging homocysteine levels. When the body's stores of B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid and B12 are depleted, homocysteine can rise to abnormal levels and lead to a much greater risk of heart attack.

Niacin (B3), guggul, artichoke leaf, fiber, and red yeast rice are also excellent natural solutions for those with high cholesterol. Red yeast rice is a supplement thought to work like the popular "statin" drugs, so it should be taken alongside CoQ10.

Ultimately, the best natural solution for those with high cholesterol is to make positive lifestyle changes. Get regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, eat low cholesterol foods, quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation (if at all), manage stress, consume plenty of fiber, and drink plenty of fresh organic juices.

For more natural health and wellness information, please go to Robin's Wellness Resource Center at http://www.wellness-bee.com


About the Author

Robin Reichert is a natural health writer, an AFPA Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, and is currently a graduate student of natural health at Clayton College. Lifelong learning and educating others about natural health is her passion.



Lower Cholesterol Level

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

How Niacin Lowers Cholesterol

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How Niacin Lowers Cholesterol



It has been known for years that increased levels of niacin in the blood stream is a very effective way of reducing cholesterol levels without the need of additional drugs. Numerous medical and university studies have shown that niacin lowers overall cholesterol levels.

These studies show that niacin reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) by 10-20%, reduces triglycerides (fat in the blood) by 20-50% and raises the good cholesterol (HDL) by 15 to 35%.

Niacin accomplishes these changes naturally in the following ways:

1) It reduces the breakdown of fat from fat cells which is the source of raw material used by the liver to create excess triglyceriedes.
2) It inhibits the liver from converting sugar to triglycerides.
3) It inhibits the liver from creating the building blocks of the bad cholesterol (VLDL) and thus as a result the bad cholesterol drops naturally.
4) Virtually every study done on niacin has shown it to increase good cholesterol and which then picks up the excess bad cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver for disposal. The higher the good cholesterol, the less bad cholesterol you'll have in your blood.

In a study called the "Coronary Drug Project" which ran for 6 years and included 3908 patients to study the effects of niacin besides lowering both triglycerides and cholesterol levels there were other astonishing results:

The study found that the use of niacin led to a 14% reduction in non fatal heart attack, a 26% reduction in damage to blood vessels in the brain (stroke or blockage) and a 47% reduction in the need for coronary artery bypass surgery.

Unfortunately, the use of niacin to bring down cholesterol levels never became popular due to the high amounts of niacin needed, which created side effects due to "niacin flush". (Niacin cannot be confused with niacinaide or nictoinamide which does not cause flushing and does not lower cholesterol levels).


About the Author

Chris Daino is the Founder of McVitamins - How to Survive a Fast Food Lifestyle. Concerned with the amount of degenerative diseases and other illnesses that occur due to nutritional deficiencies caused by faulty diet, she created mcvitamins.com in 1999. http://www.mcvitamins.com She continually researches information and nutritional supplements to help solve these problems. McVitamins is growing and now has suggested products that can be o




Lower Cholesterol Level

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Omega 3's - How Much to Lower Cholesterol?

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Omega 3's - How Much to Lower Cholesterol?

Increasing the amount of omega-3 fats in our diet and decreasing the amount of omega-6 is beneficial in reducing your risk for heart disease. Most American's consume a high omega-6 diet, with omega 3 being a common deficiency. Omega 3 deficiencies and the imbalance between omega 3 and omega 6 intakes have been linked with serious conditions, including heart attacks. Successfully maintaining a ratio of 4:1 to 1:1 omega 6 to omega 3 will help lower cholesterol levels and control high blood pressure.

How much omega 3 do you need to add?

This is under debate and more research is being done. Right now the range experts recommend is from 500-2000 mg/day. Here are the current American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations.

The AHA recommends that individuals without heart disease eat a variety of fish twice a week, use heart healthy oils (flaxseed, canola, soybean oils), and consume flaxseed and walnuts.

For individuals with heart disease, the AHA recommends 1 g of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) + DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily, preferably from fatty fish.

The AHA recommends 2 to 4 g of EPA + DHA daily, under physician's care only, for individuals that need to lower triglycerides. High doses, > 3 grams/day, can result in excessive bleeding. (Do not self medicate! Talk to your MD before supplementing greater than 2 grams.)

Omega 3 Content of Different Foods

Wild Salmon, 4 oz. 1700 mg (DHA 700 mg, EPA 400 mg)

Tuna canned in water, 4 oz. 300 mg (DHA 200 mg, EPA 50 mg)

Cod, 4 oz. 600 mg (DHA 160 mg, EPA 50 mg)

Flaxseed, 1 Tbsp. 1000 mg (ALA - alpha-linolenic acid - 1000 mg)

Soybeans, dried, cooked ½ cup 500 mg (DHA/EPA 250 mg, ALA 250 mg)

Walnuts, 1 oz. 2570 mg (ALA 2570 mg)

Pecans, 1 oz. 280 mg (ALA 280 mg)

Wheat germ, ¼ cup 210 mg (ALA 210 mg)

Canola oil, 1 Tbsp 1300 mg (ALA 1300 mg)

Olive oil, 1 Tbsp 100 mg (ALA 100 mg)

There's a reason I included details on amounts of DHA, EPA, and ALA for each omega 3 source. Right now, DHA and EPA have a greater link with lower cholesterol levels, lower triglycerides, and higher HDL levels than ALA. The body is able to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is low; therefore, it is best to include high DHA and EPA sources in your eating plan.

My recommendation:

As a preventive measure and to promote lower cholesterol and blood pressure control, I recommend eating fish twice a week, select a supplement that will provide you at least 1000 mg of omega 3 fatty acids daily (choose a good source of DHA and EPA), and use ground flaxseed when appropriate in your meal preparation.

Now, to receive regular heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson, go to http://www.enutritionservices.com/f/The_Heart_of_Health.html and subscribe to The Heart of Health today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Nelson



Lower Cholesterol Level

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

5 Sure Fire Tips to Reduce Cholesterol

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5 Sure Fire Tips to Reduce Cholesterol

It's unbelievable how little effort doctors put into showing their patients natural ways to lower cholesterol. My doctor gave me a brochure and suggested I change my diet. But no one ever mentioned how easy and straight forward it is to make the changes needed to improve my cholesterol levels.

Most individuals can do this without taking medication at all. Why put synthetic chemicals in your body, when foods and food based supplements can reduce cholesterol without the side effects.

Tip # 1-Lose weight

I know what you are thinking. "That's easier said than done." I agree, but if you follow tips #2 through #5, you will lose weight and it won't be as difficult as you think. Many medical studies have proven that cholesterol levels decrease as weight is lost. Personally, my average cholesterol came down over 20% when I lost 30 pounds.

Most of us need a structured diet plan in order to be successful. I recommend a diet that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and includes a large variety of vegetables.

Tip # 2-Increase your fiber intake

You can find dozens of foods and supplements on the internet that are said to reduce cholesterol. They range from red rice yeast to gugullipid to soy. But the most effective natural ways to lower cholesterol are the tried and true. It has long been known that soluble fiber lowers cholesterol. There is no question about it. The American Heart Association recommends adding both soluble and insoluble fiber to your diet. Some of the best sources of soluble fiber are oat and rice bran, fruits, and green vegetables. Nutritional supplements that include flax and psyllium also have a proven positive effect on cholesterol.

Tip #3-Cut back on saturated fats

In western cultures, the major sources of saturated fats are red meat and deep fried foods. For individuals who want to reduce cholesterol, it is recommended to limit red meat consumption to one meal each week and avoid deep fried foods like fried chicken completely.

Snacks such as potato and tortilla chips are also very high in saturated fats, but by substituting baked varieties it is possible to cut back on the saturated fats. Baked tortilla chips and salsa makes a very satisfying snack.

Tip #4-Exercise

Yes, everyone knows they should be getting more exercise, but few follow through with it. If you are serious about using natural ways to reduce cholesterol, this should be part of your plan. I recommend increasing your exercise little by little. Park further away when shopping so you have to walk across the parking lot. Walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Having said this, the truth is that you will need to work up to regular aerobic exercise before it will help reduce cholesterol. Twenty to thirty minutes, 3 or 4 days a week of moderate exercise is what it will take.

Tip #5-Nutritional Supplements

While cholesterol can be lowered with only dietary changes and exercise, you will find that one of the best natural ways to lower cholesterol is with nutritional supplements. In fact, unless you are able to dedicate several hours each week to exercise, you will receive more benefit to reduce cholesterol levels from nutritional supplements than from exercise. Just don't make it a reason not to exercise.

Now it's time to start putting these natural ways to lower cholesterol to work. You will be amazed to see how quickly you reduce cholesterol. At the same time you will begin to feel better and have more energy.

Van Crawford is the research editor of http://www.lowering-cholesterol-resources.com

For more information on effective ways to lose weight and lower cholesterol without medication visit http://www.lowering-cholesterol-resources.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Van_Crawford




Lower Cholesterol Level

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Eggs - Cholesterol Time Bomb, Or Nature's Wonder?

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Eggs - Cholesterol Time Bomb, Or Nature's Wonder?

With a single egg nearly reaching the recommended daily limit of dietary cholesterol, including them in the diet will cause your cholesterol level to skyrocket. Right? According to modern research, it appears that is not the case. The latest research seems to indicate that consuming eggs produces little, if any, risk of raising cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol in the diet does not necessarily produce high cholesterol levels in the blood. Unhealthy fats raise cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol in the diet is actually necessary for many bodily functions. If we don't get cholesterol in our diet, the liver will be forced to produce it.

Eggs have a high nutritional value, and contain all 9 essential amino acids needed to make a complete protein. In fact, eggs set the standard by which all other protein sources are rated. One large egg contains about 6 grams of protein, only 70 to 80 calories, and is low in fat.

Eggs contain lecithin, which helps break down cholesterol; methionine, which aids in preventing buildup of fats in the arteries; and manganese which helps the body metabolize fats. Including eggs in the diet is believed to help lower the risk of breast cancer, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Free range eggs tend to be lower in cholesterol and higher in some vitamins than commercially produced eggs, depending on the quality of feed (junk in, junk out). Free range eggs also tend to be higher in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

To avoid salmonella, cook eggs thoroughly. Also, eating raw egg whites interferes with the body's absorption of biotin. Raw eggs should never be eaten by children, pregnant women, the elderly, or anyone in ill health.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.

Charles Browne is an ezine author promoting nutritional healing, and disease prevention. He is also co-author of the web comic The Adventures of Deaf Duck.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Browne


Lower Cholesterol Level

Saturday, July 26, 2008

How to Managing Healthy Cholesterol Numbers

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How to Managing Healthy Cholesterol Numbers

Your body requires cholesterol for many different purposes. It is needed in order to digest fats, create cellular walls and manufacture hormones, as well as other things vital to your bodies health.



While cholesterol can be a good thing for your body high cholesterol numbers can be harmful. A constant overload in cholesterol is known to cause high blood pressure and all the ailments that come with it like heart disease. This is where eating low cholesterol diets will really help to avoid unhealthy problems such as those above.



Basically, a good diet in this situation involves keeping a close eye on your intake of foods that contain cholesterol and saturated fats. Pay close attention to your food groups. Our main source of cholesterol is from things like red meat, egg yolk, as well as dairy products like cheese and whole milk.



While it's a smart idea to reduce your consumption of high-cholesterol foods like this you don't necessarily need to cut them out completely since cholesterol still provides many benefits to your body.



A low cholesterol diet should also be complimented with a healthy and consistent dose of exercise. You can keep it to something easy, like a daily walk. If you have a pool in your backyard, use it for exercise. The local gym will also give you plenty of different ways to increase your heart rate safely.



Get your necessary vitamins from fruit and vegetables. Don't ever fry your foods. This only increases the cholesterol content. Opt instead to reduce cholesterol with alternative cooking methods such as grilling or roasting. If a recipe calls for cooking oil, opt for a healthier low fat oil that is commonly available at your local market.



As you can see there are plenty of simple ways to achieve and maintain normal cholesterol levels, should you find you have measured highly on a test. Help yourself first with a healthy diet and exercise but seek the advice of your physician should the problem become more serious.

Article source: http://www.authorpalace.com

About the Author:

Achieving and maintaining normal cholesterol levels (http://loweringcholesterolhelp.com/normal-cholesterol-level) is easier than you think. Visit the links to find out more regarding low cholesterol diets and how to improve your health.


Lower Cholesterol Level

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

How to Free Yourself from Man Made Supplements & become Cholesterol Free

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How to Free Yourself from Man Made Supplements & become Cholesterol Free

Terrible side-effects often are associated with supplements when lowering your Cholesterol. It is important to note, that not all supplements inline with a proper lifestyle (exercise & diet) produce those nasty side-effects. When it comes to making a choice in the type of supplements, there are really only two to select from, man made or natural.



Supplements that are Man Made



One example of man made supplements are Statin drugs. In the medical field, Statin drugs are rather famous for being effective in lowering cholesterol, yet just like any other man made drug, the usage of them can cause some undesired side-effects. One of the side-effect associated with Statin drugs usage is muscle ache. If this arises it is advised that you inform your doctor immediately.



Other more serious concerns one might have is that when taking Statin drugs you may get some kidney dysfunction. It has been advised that when someone is using Statin as a drug for Cholesterol, they should also take Co-Enzyme Q10 to replenish the enzyme that is being destroyed by the Statin drug.



Use Natural supplements to reduce Cholesterol!



Yes, you can lower cholesterol by using natural supplements. These are easily found in many different markets without any of the undesirable side-effects. One of the most effective cholesterol lowering natural supplement today is called Policosanol, a pure extract of sugar cane wax. It has been well documented that Policosanol will increase the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol while reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol naturally with no side-effects. It also has been said that Policosanol has been proven to outperform the many man-made supplements of the market by a huge margin.



Green tea extracts have similar properties as those contained in Policosanol, as does Beta Sitosterol. Beta Sitosterol, which is found in soybeans and corn oil is believed to also have anti-cancer and immune boosting properties too! Guggulipid extract, which comes from an ancient herb in India, is also one the many natural solutions to high cholesterol problems. Used in India to treat a variety of sicknesses, it has also proved to be exceptionally effective in helping to reduce cholesterol levels. Just like Policosanol, Guggulipid extracts have proved to perform better than most man made medications available on the market today.

Article source: http://www.authorpalace.com

About the Author:

When it comes to your health research all of your options. Before you buy anything online, make sure you check our free report on 'The Cholesterol Solution', (http://www.cholesterolfree.org) and our resource center for gettingCholesterol Free



Lower Cholesterol Level

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Cholesterol and Exercise: Burn Your Cholesterol Down

Lower Cholesterol Level Present:

Cholesterol and Exercise: Burn Your Cholesterol Down

Your doctor just told you that you have high cholesterol and you need to change your lifestyle to bring it down. Your schedule is already packed with work, kids, extracurricular activities and more. How do you fit a new diet and an exercise plan into your jam-packed day? It may seem daunting, but it's actually pretty easy to do.



Most people are not too excited about the thought of an exercise regime. However, the amount and duration required is actually quite small. A total of one and a half hours walking at a good pace, on a weekly basis, is all this is required. You can start with a slow walk and slowly build up to a moderate speed over time. If you break that down to three days a week at a half hour per day, you will be well on the road to improved circulation, and a cholesterol reduction.



Your exercise program of 3 workout sessions a week will begin to show results almost immediately. Your will feel better, breathe deeper and start to wake up your body. You will want to walk more and more and use your feet instead of the car for short local excursions. Your stress level will decrease, you generally will be happier and your body will enjoy the workout. It's a win win all around.



You may notice that other family members are willing to join you on your walks. Also, the family dog will be more than willing to drop what they are doing and rush out the door when you are leaving. Your whole family can enjoy the benefits of more endurance, less stress, fresh air, and muscle toning.



You will notice small increases in stamina, muscle size and breathing for the first while. This shows that the system is working and just needs to be increased for greater results. You will also feel great and have a better outlook on life in general. To achieve even greater improvements is actually quite simple. Just do more of the same and try to stay active as much as possible. Dig out those old roller blades, bicycles, ice skates and any other relics around the home which will get you moving. Sign up for clubs where group action is fun, fulfilling and at the same time healthy.

About the Author

Leon Deanbury has available ldl cholesterol articles at www.ldlHeartdisease.com. Read this articles for excellent diet and exercise systems for eliminating bad cholesterol in your life.


Lower Cholesterol Level


Saturday, July 12, 2008

Lower Your Cholesterol With Just Four Foods

Lower Cholesterol Level Presents:

Lower Your Cholesterol With Just Four Foods


High cholesterol is bad news because it can lead to heart disease and cause strokes. It is now clear from the latest statistics that more and more younger people are on these cholesterol lowering drugs and that is yet another sign that the obesity epidemic is raging.



The rapid increase in the figures for the 20 - 44 age group - 70% in the last five years- is causing alarm. These drugs are normally associated with senior citizens so this increase could mean that the younger generation are taking their health more seriously or that there is an alarming increase in cholesterol levels. Experts agree that the latter option is the most likely scenario.



The most effective and widely tested cholesterol drugs are called the statins, which block the formation of cholesterol in the liver and increase the production of the receptors on liver cells that clean the bad cholesterol from the blood. If you are worried about the side effects of statins, you may want to consider lowering your cholesterol levels a more natural way and that is through a healthy diet. Here are my four top foods which will definitely lower your cholesterol without having to take any drugs.



Top of the list are tomatoes. They contain a very valuable substance called lycopene which acts to stop the oxidation of LDL which is the bad cholesterol. Once this oxidation occurs, it starts to form plaque in the arteries and that is dangerous. There have been studies on this and they have confirmed that lycopene is a valuable ally in the fight against high cholesterol.



My second one is fish, preferably baked or grilled rather than fried in oil. Look out for high fat fish such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, trout, etc. These are great sources of omega -3. Lots of studies done on the Eskimos who eat a lot of fish and they have a much lower rate of heart disease and blood pressure problems. Flaxseed and canola oil are also good sources of Omega -3



My third one is soy because it contains fibre and lots of vitamins and minerals. Recently the American Heart Association stated that the effects of soy on blood pressure and on triglycerides was actually minimal. But it is a great source of low-fat protein and that is why I eat or drink it all the time.



Researchers have shown that if you consume about 200 calories of nuts a day (let us say you are 1,200 a day), then this can in some cases reduce your cholesterol levels by about 12%. That is not bad - just by adding a very important food to your diet. That is why nuts are in my top four - any nuts will do- walnuts, almonds and cashews. Nuts are a great source of healthy fats not to mention some valuable minerals and trace nutrients as well.



These top foods I have outlined are just a few of those mentioned in the Mediterranean Diet which has been the at the centre of attention for a long time now. Studies show that people living in the Mediterranean basin actually have a lower rate of cholesterol and heart disease than many other nations. It has nothing to do with the sun - it is what they eat !
About the Author

Worried about cholesterol drugs? Try The Mediterranean Diet Visit The Wellness Bible (http://www.thewellnessbible.blogspot.com/) for up to date news and views on Health and Fitness.


Lower Cholesterol Level

Friday, July 11, 2008

How To Have Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Lower Cholesterol Level Present:

How To Have Healthy Cholesterol Levels

A healthy cholesterol level is important as it is known that high cholesterol levels will lead to thickening of the artery walls. This in turn can lead to high blood pressure and various other conditions that can affect the heart. Indeed, a large build up of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries is liable to cause strokes as plaque breaks off and causes clots and blockages in the bloodstream. A healthy cholesterol level is said to be anything below 200 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. Of course you can't find this out by having a proper blood test but once you know that this figure is higher than 200 then it is time to start doing something about it. This article will give you some ideas on ways to have a healthy cholesterol level.



It is easy to get a healthy cholesterol level. Probably the most important thing you will need to be successful is a strong desire to change and the strength of character to stay on the right track without resorting to old habits.



First of all, you need to modify your eating habits. This is probably the main reason why you have a high cholesterol reading to begin with. Look to downsize the amount of fat that you eat. Supersize the fresh fruit and vegetables. Even the fast food outlets are promoting fresher food now so that says something. But more than just going fresh also look at how you cook your food. Use unsaturated oils like olive and canola rather than saturated varieties. Try using different cooking methods to frying or deep frying food. Try grilling meat or fish. Try boiling or baking other foods stuffs. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, especially those that use trans fats as preservatives. Eat more soluble fiber and foods with plant sterols in them. Reduce your intake of full fat dairy products. If you are fond of dairy goods then go to the low fat alternatives.



Start getting regular exercise or increase the amount you are already getting. Consult your doctor before starting or increasing your exercise for a check up beforehand. Exercise can help you burn off calories and prevent weight gain. It can also strengthen the heart, and cardiovascular system and improve blood circulation. Try to get more exercise by doing things that are necessary rather than going to a gym. Try walking after lunch. Or walk to the commuter rail station rather than take the car. Take the stairs rather than the elevator in the office. Get more active, period. Think up creative ways rather than watching television. Do salsa dancing classes. Ride a bike to work.



Don't smoke and if you are currently smoking then make plans to give up. Not withstanding all the horrible pictures that you find on cigarette packets these days, it is also bad for your cholesterol level. Smoking decreases the production of HDL cholesterol that help to excrete or lower cholesterol levels in the body.



Stress is thought to increase cholesterol levels because it causes hormones to be released in the body that alter how the body metabolizes food and uses energy reserves. This has been shown to increase cholesterol in clinical test cases. This is made even worse if the person is experiencing chronic or long term stress. Try to limit your exposure to stress or find ways to relieve it.



Following all or some of these steps will have a positive affect on reducing cholesterol and giving you a healthy cholesterol level provided you stick at it. They are not a once off fix but a lifestyle change. Once you start seeing them in this context then your task to reduce cholesterol will become easier.

Article source: http://www.authorpalace.com

About the Author:

Find out how to reduce cholesterol (http://www.lowcholesteroldieting.com/Reduce_Cholesterol.html) with foods low in cholesterol at www.lowcholesteroldieting.com


Lower Cholesterol Level