An Introduction To Cholesterol

An Introduction To Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a word that people hear almost everyday. Although most people often associate this with fatty food, which gives it a negative connotation, cholesterol is a very important substance that has several functions in the body.

Cholesterol is the fatty and waxy lipid solution produced in the body that provides protective coating to the arteries and their surrounding walls; it also keeps the cell membranes of the body intact. This is considered the best source of fertility, vitality, libido, and energy. Aside from this, it also aids in digestion and supports the nervous system at the time of sleep. However, despite these important functions, cholesterol can pose a threat once it reaches high levels.

Generally, cholesterol is carried in packages through lipoproteins that are broadly divided into two categories: the High-Density Lipoproteins, or HDL, and the Low-Density Lipoproteins, or LDL.

HDL is considered the good cholesterol because it helps prevent the harmful build-up of LDL on the walls of the arteries. It also provides energy and fulfills the fat requirements of the body. Because of these advantages, there should be more HDL in the bloodstream. This can be achieved by staying active, getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding foods rich in saturated fats.

LDL, on the other hand, is bad cholesterol because it tends to accumulate in the walls of the arteries, thus forming plaque that can lead to serious problems such as stoke and heart attack. The body needs only a little of LDL, which is why it is necessary to reduce high levels of LDL in the body. This can be done by avoiding foods which are high in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids such as meats, egg yolks, milk dairy products, candy bars, and fast food.

Cholesterol is not a bad substance. The body needs an ample level of cholesterol to perform its daily functions. However, too much of the wrong kind of cholesterol can prove fatal.

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5 Ways to Reduce LDL Cholesterol Naturally

5 Ways to Reduce LDL Cholesterol Naturally

Hypercholesterolemia is a problem that many people in their forties and above have to deal with. You are probably aware, this condition considerably increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis and various other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to reduce LDL cholesterol naturally and to balance your blood levels of cholesterol. In this post I am going to put into view a couple of excellent natural solutions for this.

So, without wasting anymore of your time, here are 5 ways to reduce LDL cholesterol naturally:

1. Exercising and a controlled diet

These may be two of the most obvious solutions, which I am sure you have heard at least a couple of times so far. That's why I am covering both as one cholesterol reduction solution, and I shall try to be quite brief.

First of all, exercising helps you lose weight and you actually get rid of a lot of fatty mass that evidently contains cholesterol. Secondly, exercising is very stimulative for the enzymes that carry the LDL cholesterol from the blood back to the liver, from there it is passed into the bile and part of it excreted. To effectively diminish cholesterol through exercise, intense cardio exercises (like sprinting, biking, or working with a punching bag) are the best.

To reduce cholesterol by dieting, you simply have to eliminate or reduce the foods with a high content of cholesterol from your diet. These are eggs, pork, beef, chicken, fat fish like herring or carp, etc. You do not have to completely become a vegetarian though, however put balance in your diet.

2. Increase the fiber intake

Dietary fiber has an important role in the elimination of cholesterol. It is known that about 50% of the cholesterol generated by the liver and passed into the bile, plus the one contained by the food, is absorbed at intestinal level. Cholesterol actually sticks to the partially digested fiber particles at intestinal level, and instead of being reabsorbed, it is eliminated. By consuming foods rich in fiber, like cabbage, broccoli, whole grain, peas, beans, apples etc., you actually get rid of a higher amount of cholesterol.

3. Artichoke tea

Not many people are aware of this natural cholesterol remedy, but it is one of the best. An aunt of mine suffers from chronic hepatitis (do not know which type) and due to this fact, she always has problems with cholesterol levels. This tea has helped her reduce the intake of statins medication prescribed, thus getting rid of some side effects. The thing with the artichoke tea is that it is really bitter and disgusting. You kinda have to hold your nose and pour it down your throat, otherwise you might throw up.

4. Green tea

This is also a great natural remedy for hypercholesterolemia. However, for the results to be visible, you have to drink at least 3-4 cups per day for a longer period of time. Green tea contains caffeine, so if you are a coffee drinker, you might have to give up at least one or two cups of coffee, to avoid a high caffeine intake, which may not be exactly healthy.

5. Omega-3 supplements

Dietary supplements which contain Omega-3 acids, although they do not have a direct impact on the lowering of the LDL cholesterol in your blood, they do help a lot with the balance between HDL (the good cholesterol) and LDL (the bad cholesterol), which is even better. Due to this fact, the risks of heart disease, or atherosclerosis are reduced, and your overall health improved.

Now, there are many types of supplements of fatty acids, but the best omega 3 supplement brand that I know is Hypercet.

To learn more about how to reduce blood cholesterol visit my websites at: Best Omega 3 Supplement Brand and How to Lower LDL Naturally

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