Fight High Cholesterol With Vitamins And Over The Counter Products

More that a million Americans die of heart disease each year. One of the major causes of this heart disease the high cholesterol levels in the blood.

Cholesterol plays a central role in many biochemical processes, but is best known for the association of cardiovascular disease with high levels of

cholesterol in the blood.

Konrad Bloch and Feodor Lynen shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1964 for their discoveries concerning the mechanism and regulation of the cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism.

Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol) and a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues. It is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. The average amount of blood cholesterol varies with age, typically rising gradually until one is about 60 years old.

In recent years, the somewhat imprecise term “bad cholesterol” has been used to refer to LDL (low density lipoprotein) which, according to the lipid hypothesis, is thought to have harmful actions, and “good cholesterol” to refer to HDL (high-density lipoprotein), thought to have beneficial actions.

The American Heart Association provides a set of guidelines for total blood cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease. The desirable LDL level is considered to be less than 100 mg/dl. However the 1987 report of National Cholesterol Education Program suggest the total blood cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dl normal blood cholesterol, if the cholesterol level is between 200 and 239 mg/dl it is considered borderline-high, and higher than 240 mg/dl is considered high cholesterol level.

Conditions with elevated concentrations of oxidized LDL particles are associated with fatty deposits forming on the walls of arteries, a condition known as Arteriosclerosis, which is considered the principal cause of coronary heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease.

In contrast, however, if LDL particle number is low and a large percentage of the HDL particles are high, then fatty deposits forming on the walls of the arteries are usually low, and can even be negative, for any given total cholesterol concentration.

Cholesterol is found in animal fats: all food containing animal fats contains cholesterol. Plants have trace amounts of cholesterol, so even a Vegan diet, which includes no animal foods, has traces of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is not necessarily dietary in origin, it can be turned into cholesterol by the liver from unburned food metabolites. The liver converts unburned food metabolites into very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and secretes them into plasma where they are converted to low-density lipoprotein LDL) particles and fatty acids, which can affect other body cells. There appear to be seasonal variations in cholesterol levels in humans because of the unburned food metabolites the amount of cholesterol is higher in winter.

Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it regulates membrane fluidity over a wider range of temperatures. Cholesterol also aids in the manufacture of bile (which stored in the gallbladder and helps digest fats), and is also important for the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K.

Cardiologists suggest that the public need to change its diet. To reduce cholesterol levels by lowering saturated animal fats and increasing polyunsaturated fats. Lowering cholesterol is a good start but it is far from all that is needed.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with High Cholesterol such as Vitamin C, Lecithin, Pectin, Garlic, EPA, Niacin and Phytosterols.

Vitamin C has been shown to combat the development of cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Within a few hours after receiving vitamin C patients showed a sharp decline in the cholesterol levels of the blood.

Lecithin has the potential to protect against fat clogged arteries when take daily.

Pectin limits the amount of cholesterol the body can absorb. High pectin count in apples may be why “One a day keeps the doctor away”.

Garlic counteract the usual result of high fats in the diet and to help reduce high blood pressure.

Studies of the Greenland Eskimos lack of heart attacks have show that Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid (EPA) lowers blood cholesterol considerably, even more than polyunsaturated fat does. It also triggers a major drop in triglycerides. Salmon Oil is one of the best known sources of natural EPA.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.

Phytosterols is found in flax seed and peanuts, which are suggested to help lower serum cholesterol.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

Get Information About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance (a lipid) that is an important part of the outer lining (membrane) of cells in the body of animals. Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans. The cholesterol in a person’s blood originates from two major sources; dietary intake and liver production. Dietary cholesterol comes mainly from meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Organ meats, such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content, while foods of plant origin contain no cholesterol.

Blood cholesterol level is affected by the diet, since cholesterol is present in certain foods and is manufactured in the body from digested fats. High levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with hardened arteries (known as atherosclerosis), coronary artery disease (heart attack), and stroke.

There are many types of cholesterol. LDL or Low-density lipoprotein is the “bad” cholesterol, as it blocks the arteries. HDL or High-density lipoprotein is the “good” cholesterol, as it protects the arteries from clogging.

Diets should contain less than 30% calories from fat, less than 8% from saturated fat, and enriched in marine or plant omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid high saturated fats, like diary fats (ice cream, butter) and palm and coconut oils. Limit high cholesterol foods, like eggs and organ meats (liver). Eat higher fiber foods, fruit and vegetables. Eat more fish and skinless chicken breasts. Avoid fried foods and frying which soaks up the fat . Choose low fat and non-fat dairy products, avoid hard margarines which have trans-fatty acids, and try to use products made from plants instead.

Cholesterol really assists the system by creating original cells, aiding in the output of hormones, and insulating the numerous nerves that operate throughout the system. High cholesterol rates are alarmingly growing. Cholesterol may be accounted for higher blood force and coronary eye diseases but not all of these oily substances are detrimental. There are the terrible and better cholesterol. The better cholesterol aids in bile salts output and vitamin D formations. In fact, cholesterol portrays a character of balancing hormones especially among women. Health professionals are trying urgently to offer extreme solutions to the matter.

High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease, and it is a risk factor you can modify. Knowing your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels is an important first step in determining your risk for heart disease. Left undiagnosed or untreated, a high blood cholesterol level, as well as other coronary risk factors, can lead to possible serious cardiovascular problems in the future.

Get physical, do regular physical activities and exercises more often. The wonders of exercise are indeed very essential in lowering high cholesterol levels. Doing regular physical activities can also help raise the good cholesterol levels and lose weight as well. There’s really no need for high-intensity workouts, regular brisk walking or jogging can help the body boost HDL cholesterol and also beneficial for the heart.

Medications for cholesterol are most often long-term medications. They have to be taken everyday, often for the rest of your life. Drugs that are most often prescribed are the statins. Statins help the liver remove LDL cholesterol, and reduce production of cholesterol.

Nutritional Approaches for Reducing Cholesterol Levels – Part 2

In Part 1, the reasons why you should be concerned about cholesterol and what some of the recommended levels of total serum cholesterol were discussed. Here in Part 2, things that can affect your cholesterol levels and which of those things you can do something about and those you cannot do anything about; and things to consider in a cholesterol reduction plan are presented.

What Affects Your Cholesterol Levels?

A variety of things can affect cholesterol levels. These are things you can do something about:

o Diet. Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat can make your blood cholesterol level go up. Saturated fat is the main culprit, but cholesterol in foods also matters. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet helps lower your blood cholesterol level.

o Weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. It also tends to increase your cholesterol. Losing weight can help lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as raise your HDL and lower your triglyceride levels.

o Physical Activity. Not being physically active is a risk factor for heart disease. Regular physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels. It also helps you lose weight. Most health care professionals recommend that you try to be physically active for 30 minutes on most, if not all, days.

Things you cannot do anything about also can affect cholesterol levels. These include:

o Age and Gender. As women and men get older, their cholesterol levels rise. Before the age of menopause, women have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. After the age of menopause, women’s LDL levels tend to rise.

o Heredity. Your genes partly determine how much cholesterol your body makes. High blood cholesterol can run in families.

You Can Reduce Your Cholesterol with a Cholesterol Reduction Plan

The main goal of a cholesterol reduction plan is to lower your LDL level enough to reduce your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal will be. There are two main ways to lower your cholesterol:

o Eating a cholesterol-reducing diet, being physically active and managing your weight. This is an effective method in reducing your LDL to your goal level.
The National Cholesterol Education Program (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) recommends a cholesterol-reducing diet that is a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol eating plan that has less than 7% of calories from saturated fat and less than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol per day. It recommends only enough calories to maintain a desirable weight and avoid weight gain. If your LDL is not lowered enough by reducing your saturated fat and cholesterol intakes, the amount of soluble fiber in your diet can be increased. Supplementing your diet with certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, can also help in reducing your cholesterol levels.
Losing weight, if you are overweight, can help lower LDL and is especially important for those with a cluster of risk factors that includes high triglyceride and/or low HDL levels and being overweight with a large waist measurement (more than 40 inches for men and more than 35 inches for women).
Regular physical activity (30 minutes on most, if not all, days) is recommended for everyone. It can help raise HDL and lower LDL and is especially important for those with high triglyceride and/or low HDL levels who are overweight with a large waist measurement.

o If the lifestyle change of diet, physical activity and weight management are not effective in lowering your LDL to an acceptable level; your health care professional may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs, which are used in addition to your diet, exercise and weight management plan.

In Part 3, find out about nutritional options for reducing cholesterol levels.

Copyright 2006. Mary El-Baz. All rights reserved.

Author: Mary El-Baz, PhD
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Wordpress plugin Guest Blogger

What You Should Know About Cholesterol Testing

When should I undergo a cholesterol test? What would the results say about my health? How many tests are there and which will give me the best results?

Unlike any other health tests, cholesterol testing does not diagnose disease. Instead, it reveals the risks of developing heart disease. Cholesterol testing is considered necessary in preventive health care for individuals over 20 years of age. The test should be repeated once every five years for healthy individuals.

Cholesterol testing, along with HDL, LDL and triglyceride testing is called the lipoprotein profile.

Cholesterol testing is done several times a year for individuals who are on a prescribed diet and for those who are taking cholesterol lowering medications.

Usually blood samples are drawn from the arm. Sometimes blood samples are taken from the fingertip. The samples are analyzed by a cholesterol testing device. Cholesterol tests are used to monitor the progress in lowering the cholesterol level.

Test results are grouped in three types:

* Desirable – the cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL below is regarded to be desirable because it has a low risk of heart disease.

* Borderline high – a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL to 240 mg/dL is at fair risk of having heart disease. Your doctor may decide to give you have a lipid profile in order to determine which cholesterol level is high.
* High Risk – a 240 mg/dL cholesterol level is considered to be at high risk of heart disease. Expect a lipid profiling if your cholesterol level is this high. It is more likely that you will be given a cholesterol lowering medication along with a low cholesterol diet.

Cholesterol tests are usually given when the individual is healthy because the blood cholesterol level of an individual who has an acute illness, (after a heart attack or after surgery or accident) is likely to be low. Individuals are advised to wait at least six weeks after any illness before taking cholesterol tests. Pregnant women are also advised to wait six weeks before having their cholesterol level measured.

A Brief Explanation of Cholesterol Ratios:

Cholesterol ratios consist of total cholesterol. Total cholesterol includes low level lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol), triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL cholesterol).

Cholesterol is measured by milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Usually, only the total cholesterol amount is given when a person is tested for cholesterol. Sometimes you are given the HDL cholesterol and the total cholesterol results.

The desirable total cholesterol level is 200mg/dL and the beneficial amount of HDL is more than 40mg/dL.

There are two important cholesterol ratios. These they are LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratios.

In the latter cholesterol ratios, your cholesterol result is given by the total cholesterol divided by the HDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, the desirable amount should be below 5:1 with the optimal amount of 3.5:1 or 3.5 to 1.

The LDL/HDL is done by dividing LDL cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. The desirable amount in this ratio should be 3.5 below. The American Heart Association recommended that physicians must use complete numbers for total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol in determining the appropriate treatment.

A normal cholesterol level as suggested by the National Institute of Health:
* total cholesterol – 200mg/dL
* LDL – 100mg/dL
* HDL (man) – 40mg/dL above
* HDL (woman) – 50mg/dL above
* Triglycerides – 150mg/dL

It is important to remember to fast the night before, prior to taking a lipid profile test (a test that profiles the HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol) the next day.

A Guide to Controlling Cholesterol For Senior Citizens

High blood cholesterol level is linked to an elevated risk of heart disease and having a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Over one million Americans have heart attacks, and approximately half a million people die from heart disease every year. Because of this, it is very important that people, particularly senior citizens, monitor their cholesterol and take the necessary measures to keep it in a healthy range.

Cholesterol is a fat like substance. When there is too much of it in your blood, it will begin to build up in your arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrower over time, slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart. Oxygen is carried throughout the body in blood. If not enough oxygen is carried to the heart, you may experience chest pain. When blood supply to part of the heart is cut off completely, you will experience a heart attack.

High blood cholesterol alone does not have any symptoms, so many people do not realize that their cholesterol is too high. Because of this, it is important to monitor your cholesterol levels; and if they are too high, take the necessary steps to lower them. Everyone 20 years of age or older should get their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. Senior citizens should be especially vigilant about this because cholesterol levels rise as we age.

The lipoprotein profile is a blood test done after fasting that checks your blood cholesterol levels. It will give you information regarding your total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. If you are not able to get a lipoprotein profile, knowing your total cholesterol as well as your HDL cholesterol can give you a good idea about your blood cholesterol levels.

HDL or good cholesterol actually reduces risk of heart disease, so higher levels of HDL are favorable. Levels higher than 60 mg/dL of HDL are considered positive. Less than 40 mg/dL is considered low and increases the risk of heart disease. Triglycerides act like LDL or bad cholesterol, high levels increase the risk of heart disease. Levels greater than moderately high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL and above) may require treatment.

Factors that Affect Cholesterol Levels

Many elements of our lifestyle affect blood cholesterol levels, including diet, weight, and physical activity. As we age, we tend to become more sedentary and eat less nutritious meals, this makes senior citizens more likely to become overweight or obese. These factors contribute to senior citizens having an elevated risk of developing high cholesterol. It is important that senior citizens with high cholesterol and those responsible for their elder care consider what may be contributing to their condition.

Diet.Eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol raise your cholesterol levels. On the other hand, taking in less saturated fat and cholesterol lowers your cholesterol levels.

Weight.Being overweight or obese greatly increases your risk for developing heart disease. It also is associated with high cholesterol levels. Losing weight helps lower both the risk of heart disease and blood cholesterol levels.

Physical Activity.A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Regular physical activity helps to lower total cholesterol levels and facilitates weight loss.

There are other factors that affect cholesterol including age, gender, and heredity. Note, because blood cholesterol levels rise with age, senior citizens are at especially high risk for developing high cholesterol levels.

Treating High Cholesterol Levels

The primary goal of treatments to lower cholesterol is to decrease the risk of heart disease. There are two primary ways to lower cholesterol levels: Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) and medication.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) includes various steps you can make to lower LDL cholesterol, including diet, weight control, and physical activity.

The TLC Diet. This eating plan is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It requires less than 7 percent of calories to be from saturated fat and less than 200 mg of cholesterol intake per day. If LDL levels are not sufficiently lowered by decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol alone, soluble fiber intake should be increased. To increase its LDL-lowering power, foods that have plant stanols or sterols (like cholesterol-lowering margarines) can also be included in the diet.

Weight control.If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower LDL. It is particularly important when one has high triglyceride and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and is overweight or obese.

Physical Activity. Everyone is recommended to partake in regular physical activity, or at least 30 minutes a day at least 4 days week. It helps to increase HDL and decrease LDL levels. It is particularly important when one has high triglyceride and/or low HDL levels, and is overweight or obese.

Drug Treatment

Drug treatment must be accompanied by the lifestyle changes described above. There are many drugs that, in addition to TLC, help lower cholesterol levels. These include statins, nicotinic acid, bile acid sequestrants, fibric acids, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Statins are safe for most people and are very effective. Nicotinic acid lowers LDL and triglyceride and increases HDL levels. Bile acid sequestrants lower LDL and can be used along with statins. Fibric acids primarily lower triglyceride and increase HDL levels. Cholesterol absorption inhibiters lower HDL and can be used along with statins. Your physician will help you decide which drug is best suited for you.

Author: David Crumrine
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Provided by: Beading Necklace

Cholesterol – All You Need to Know!

When you go to the doctor and he tells you your cholesterol level, you typically are told your TOTAL blood cholesterol level. Ever wondered how cholesterol gets into your blood? The body’s liver makes most of the cholesterol it needs – yes, NEEDS. Some cholesterol is absorbed from the food you eat.

Why does the body NEED cholesterol?
The body needs cholesterol to make several important hormones including estrogen and testosterone. In addition, cholesterol is part of the protective covering that surrounds nerves and other cell membranes.

Why is having a high blood cholesterol level bad?
Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with heart disease. For a better assessment of your risk of heart disease, it is important to know not only your total cholesterol but also your HDL. The total cholesterol consists of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein). LDL is the bad guy. HDL is the good guy. Why? LDL cholesterol sticks to your the walls of your blood vessels and can cause blockage. VLDL is the precursor to LDL cholesterol. HDL goes around in the blood stream, collects bad cholesterol, and carries it back to the liver where it is broken down.

What is considered a healthy level in the blood?
It is desirable to keep total cholesterol levels below 200mg/dl. Values above 240 mg/dl are considered significantly elevated. If you know your LDL value, it is desirable to have this type of cholesterol below 130 mg/dl. Values for LDL above 160 are considered significantly elevated. Because HDL is the good guy, you want this level high. Values below 35 mg/dl are a HIGH risk indicator for heart disease. It is more desirable to have HDL levels close to 50 mg/dl or higher.

The Total Cholesterol:HDL Ratio is a good indicator of risk. To calculate this important ratio, divide your Total cholesterol value by your HDL value. The HIGHER the ratio, the GREATER the risk of heart disease. For example: Total = 240 mg/dl HDL = 30 mg/dl Ratio = 240/30 = 8.0
*This is a high risk ratio.

–IDEAL RATIO FOR MEN IS LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 4.0.
–IDEAL RATIO FOR WOMEN IS LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 3.5.

What is cholesterol?
It is a waxy, fat-like substance.

What foods contain cholesterol?
Foods of animal origin are the ONLY foods that contain cholesterol. Foods of plant origin, even those naturally containing fat, DO NOT contain cholesterol.

Cholesterol in food:
There are a number of factors that affect your blood cholesterol level. One factor, is a diet high in dietary cholesterol. Moderation is advised to keep cholesterol levels in check. The American Heart Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program recommend that you consume 300 mg of cholesterol or less per day.

As stated above, foods of animal origin are the ONLY foods that contain cholesterol. Foods of plant origin, even those naturally containing fat, DO NOT contain cholesterol. Are certain foods of animal origin higher in cholesterol than others? Yes.

Not many people enjoy eating organ meats, such as liver. If you are someone who does, you should know that organ meats are high in cholesterol, 270 mg per 3-ounce serving of liver. While liver is nutritious, if you are at risk for heart disease then you need to limit your intake.

Egg yolks have gotten a bad rap in the past. Why? It is because egg yolks are high in cholesterol, 215 mg per yolk. The yolk is definitely nutritious, its purpose is to provide nutrients for a chick embryo to develop. Unfortunately, it contains too much cholesterol to eat it as you please. You should limit the number of yolks you eat to 3 or less per week. What about the whites? Eat as many whites as you like. The white part of an egg contains no cholesterol and is a rich, complete source of protein.

To limit the number of egg yolks, you can substitute 2 egg whites for one whole egg when baking. For example, a recipe calls for 2 eggs. You could either use 1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites OR 4 egg whites. By doing this simple substitution, you will decrease the cholesterol content. Another option is to use an egg substitute, check label for egg equivalent.

As for meats, look for leaner cuts of meat, fish, and poultry. Cut away excess fat before cooking. Choose low-fat dairy products. By following these steps, you will not be able to eliminate all the cholesterol but you are taking important steps towards healthy eating.

Read food labels for foods low in cholesterol or foods that are cholesterol free. How do you know if a product is low in cholesterol? Here are the food label requirements (government regulated):

Label claim — Per Serving:
(1) Cholesterol Free – Less than 2 mg cholesterol and Less than or equal to 2 g of saturated fat
(2) Low Cholesterol – Less than or equal to 20 mg cholesterol and Less than or equal to 2 g of saturated fat
(3) Reduced OR Less Cholesterol – At least 25% less cholesterol than the original and Less than or equal to 2 g of saturated fat

The above shows requirements for saturated fat. This is because blood cholesterol levels are significantly affected by dietary saturated fat intake. Cholesterol and saturated fat usually are found in the same foods, thus sometimes get confused. In animal products, both the lean portion (flesh or muscle) and the fatty tissue contain cholesterol. This is why some low-fat foods (animal) can be relatively high in cholesterol. Foods such as shellfish and organ meats are high in cholesterol yet low in saturated fat.

Quiz question:
Nuts are high in fat, 80-89% of calories coming from fat. Do they contain cholesterol?
A: No. Nuts are from plant origin therefore they contain NO cholesterol.

Do not assume that dishes that contain vegetables or grains are cholesterol free. Vegetables and grains start off cholesterol free BUT most recipes include egg yolk, milk, meat, or butter. The cholesterol content depends on the recipe ingredients as a whole.

Effects of Saturated Fat:
If you have heart disease or have a family history of heart disease, it is likely your doctor has asked you to follow a diet low in fat and cholesterol. The fat to watch is saturated fat. Saturated fat INCREASES the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood. This is why it is so important to pay attention to the amount of saturated fat that is in your diet.

You do not have to avoid all fats. Unsaturated fats actually lower LDL cholesterol levels. “Unsaturated fats” includes polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fat is considered better than polyunsaturated fat. Why? In addition to lowering the “bad” LDL cholesterol, polyunsaturated fat lowers the “good” HDL cholesterol. As discussed above, HDL is beneficial because it collects LDL and brings it back to the liver where the LDL is broken down. Monounsaturated fat leaves the beneficial HDL cholesterol intact.

*Sources of Polyunsaturated Fat: Corn Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Safflower Oil, Soybean Oil
*Sources of Monounsaturated Fat: Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Peanut Oil

The main sources of saturated fat are from foods from animal origin and some from plants. Animal foods that are high in saturated fat include beef, veal, lamb, pork, butter, cream, milk (whole and 2%), cheese, and other dairy products made from whole milk. Plant foods that are high include coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter. Check food labels to see which type of oil or fat was used in production.

The American Heart Association’s dietary guidelines recommend (1) Total Fat intake should be Less Than 30 Percent of daily calories, and (2) Saturated fat intake should be Less Than 10 Percent of calories.

Cooking Tips from the American Heart Association –

To reduce saturated fat in meat:
(1) Use a rack to drain off the fat when broiling, roasting, or baking. Instead of basting with drippings, keep meat moist with wine, fruit juices or an acceptable oil-based marinade.
(2) Cook a day ahead of time. Stews, boiled meat, soup stock or other dishes in which fat cooks into the liquid can be refrigerated. Then the hardened fat can be removed from the top.
(3) Make gravies after the fat has hardened and can be removed from the liquid.
(4) Broil rather than pan-fry meats such as hamburger, lamb chops, pork chops, and steak.
(5) When a recipe calls for browning the meat first, try browning it under the broiler instead of in a pan.
(6) Avoid adding butter or margarine to vegetables when cooking. Instead use herbs and spices for flavor

Cholesterol-Lowering Medications:
If you have high cholesterol and you make the necessary changes in your diet and activity level, your cholesterol level should begin to go down after three to six months. If not your doctor may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication. If you are prescribed a cholesterol-lowering medication, remember that this is only the part of the plan. For maximum benefit and effectiveness, you must continue eating foods low in fat and cholesterol and continue exercising.
Other lifestyle changes you should make to avoid heart disease include losing weight if you are overweight, stop smoking if you smoke, control high blood pressure, and manage stress in your life. Traditionally, physicians have used medication to control blood cholesterol.

Here is a fact for you to think about before you decide to take cholesterol-lowering medication:
75% of all heart disease can be prevented by lifestyle changes including dietary changes and increased activity.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs are known as “antihyperlipidemic agents”. There are five major groups: (1) Fibric acid derivatives – Atromid-S (clofibrate) and Lopid (gemdibrozil), which work by preventing the liver from making or releasing cholesterol into the bloodstream, (2) Bile acid sequestrants – Questran (cholestryamine) and Colestid (cholestipol), which bind to bile acids and prevent their absorption, (3) Nicotinic acid – Nicolar (nicotinic acid), which decreases the secretion of VLDL thus the formation of “bad” LDL cholesterol, (4) Probucol – Lorelco (probucol), which enhances the clearance of cholesterol including LDL and HDL cholesterol, and (5) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors – Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravastatin, and Zocor (simvastatin), which work to help lower LDL cholesterol.

Now that you know which drugs are available and their general method of action in the body, you can hopefully make an educated decision along with your doctor on whether or not cholesterol-lowering drugs are necessary. Again, it cannot be stressed enough, a proper diet and exercise regimen can help you in your fight against high cholesterol. Good luck!

Author: Laura Garrett
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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  • Urgent Bad Credit Loans-finances Your Instant Requirements
  • Same Day Bad Credit Loans- Get Easy Approval With Bad Records
  • Ways To Get A Bad Credit Loan
  • Bad Credit Loans Rescue Consumers From Credit Crisis
  • Really Bad Credit Loans-access the Sufficient Cash Even With Bad Credit
  • Advantage of Bad Credit Loans: Access Funds Without Any Hurdles
  • Bad Credit Loans ? Loans for People Who Can?t Get Loans Elsewhere
  • Loans and Bad Credit Loans
  • Bad Credit Loans: Funds You Can Bank Upon

• Mortgages

  • A Bamboozling Dilemma – Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?
  • Debt Consolidation Mortgage Loan: How To Clear Your Debts
  • Mortgage Loans: Save Thousands With a Couple of Bucks
  • Who Offered Joe The Home Buyer That Mortgage Loan Approval Anyway
  • Home Mortgage Loans For People With Bad Credit – 103% Home Loan Financing
  • Zero Down Mortgage Loans – Understanding No Money Down Loans
  • Details About Bad Credit Mortgage Loans
  • Refinance Mortgage Loans For Bad Credit Can Solve Your Money Woes
  • Fixed Rate Mortgage – Is it Worth Paying For?
  • California Mortgage Loans – are California Mortgage Loans Affordable?

• Business Loans

  • Job Openings Up In July, Hirings Down
  • Detroit Most Stressed Out City In America
  • Hard Money for Operating Capital
  • CA Walnut Harvest To Top Records In 2010
  • Children’s Runway Shows Launch At New York Fashion Week
  • Canadian Banks Take A Hit From Global Tourism Slump
  • BA Cabin Crew May Strike During Yearend Holidays
  • US Navy Visit Boosts Philippine Tourism
  • Hard Money Lenders
  • Getting Comfortable With Hard Money Investing
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