The cholesterol reality of the egg.

June 6, 2011 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

One of the most clearly uninformed comments I overheard recently,”I can’t eat eggs because they have too much cholesterol.”This is, bar none, one of the biggest myths in the food industry. Do eggs have…

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9 High-Protein Snacks

April 11, 2011 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

9 High-Protein Snacks Busy men are always looking for nutritious snacks to eat when they are on the go. Unfortunately, many of you end up grabbing high-carb, high-fat and low-protein convenience store snacks, which are terrible nutritional choices. Although the opinions of experts vary greatly as to how much protein men should consume on a daily basis, the generally accepted figure is one gram of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Therefore, a 180-pound man should get about 82 grams of protein in his diet each day. If you’re one of the many men who doesn’t manage to meet this minimum requirement, or if you’re simply looking for some alternative nutritious snack ideas , read on: The following nine high-protein snacks require little preparation and are generally low in both carbohydrates and fat. 1- Beef jerky Believe it or not, this old classic is actually a healthy choice. On average, one ounce contains about 70 calories and one gram of fat, but delivers 11 grams of protein. However, the brands sold in convenience stores are often high in salt. If you’d like beef jerky to be one of your high-protein snack options, look for healthier versions in health food stores. 2- Egg whites One egg white has only 15 calories, is fat- and cholesterol-free and contains four grams of protein. Throw two or three in a pan (with some peppers and onions if you want to make an omelet) for a quick, nutritious mini-meal. 3- Cottage cheese and fruit A half cup of 2% cottage cheese contains on average 16 grams of protein, yet only has 102 calories and two grams of fat (as opposed to other types of cheese, which can be extremely high in fat). If high protein isn’t your ideal goal, then mix it with some fresh fruit for a fast, healthy snack. 4- Tuna Tuna is a great source of protein with approximately 25 grams per can. Plus, one can of tuna in water contains approximately 111 calories and is fat-free. And hey, go easy on the mayonnaise if you’re making a sandwich — it’s full of fat. 5- Protein bars Although there are hundreds of varieties on the market, keep in mind that all protein bars are not created equal. Obviously, protein bars should be a high-protein snack, but be careful and avoid bars that are high in carbohydrates and fat. A good choice is DESIGNER WHEY Protein Bars: each 75-gram bar contains a full 30 grams of protein, with only six grams of carbs and five grams of fat. Four more high-protein snacks that won’t compromise your abs…

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Eggs lower in cholesterol than once thought

February 11, 2011 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 
David Goodhue – AHN News Reporter

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – New information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests eggs are significantly lower in cholesterol than previously thought.

The department’s Agricultural Research Service stated this week that the average amount of cholesterol in one large egg is 185 milligrams, 14 percent lower than previously thought.

The study also found eggs to be 64 percent higher in vitamin D than previous research had shown. The analysis showed eggs contain 41 international units of the essential vitamin.

That’s at least 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D. Eggs are also high in protein, according to the American Egg Board, an egg producers trade group.

The AEB and researchers for the study hope the new information will reverse the perception that eggs are high in cholesterol and fat.

“My research focuses on ways to optimize diet quality, and I have long suspected that eliminating eggs from the diet generally has the opposite effect. In our own studies of egg intake, we have seen no harmful effects, even in people with high blood cholesterol,” Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, said in a statement.

The last analysis of eggs nutritional content was conducted in 2002.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

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Surprising 3 Fat Burning Foods

November 25, 2010 · Posted in diets to lower cholesterol · Comment 

I interviewed Mike Geary some time ago regarding nutrition and weight loss and he said that in all of his years as a professional Nutrition Specialist, he has noticed that most people are amazed to hear some favorite fat burning foods that are best for fat loss and maintaining good health.
You don’t want to be bored with all of the regular “healthy foods” you constantly hear about such as fruits and veggies… these are well known. I want to show you some burning fat foods that most people don’t realize how super healthy they are for burning fat.
1. Egg Yolks – yes, you’re right… The notorious fatty egg yolks with all of their fat and cholesterol. By the way, you’ve been mislead about the cholesterol in egg yolks — it actually raises your good cholesterol and helps balance proper ratios, so there is nothing to be worried about in terms of the fat and cholesterol in these little nutrition power packed gems. And if you prefer cage-free eggs from free roaming hens, the omega-3 content is higher with a more balanced fat profile.
Egg yolks are also one of the most nutrient concentrated foods on the planet in terms of minerals, trace nutrients and vitamins. Listing all of the vital nutrients in egg yolks would take up an entire page so I won’t even try that here. Just realize that egg yolks should NOT be avoided in favor of egg whites. Even the protein is more bio-available when you include the yolks!
So don’t hesitate and eat those delicious and healthy eggs and start burning stomach fat faster.
2. Avocados – This is yet another “fatty food” that is also one of the best fat burning foods and should be included in any fat loss diet! Not only that, but avocados make just about everything creamier and tastier. They are also power-packed with healthy antioxidants, fiber and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. The healthy fat in avocados also helps control appetite and fat burning hormones in your body.
Try adding avocado slices or guacamole to all kind of foods from morning eggs, salads, sandwiches, and burgers, and start burning stomach fat much faster! I consider avocados one of the most healthy foods available.
3. Grass-fed beef – Most beef you see at the supermarket is grain fed beef from cattle that are in poor health, has low nutrition values,is low in omega-6 to omega-3 and its fat ratios are to the sky The good news is there is a better alternative… and that is Grass-Fed Beef!
Grass-fed beef is known to have much higher levels of fatty acids, healthy omega-3 and lower omega-6 fats (which most people get too much of anyway). Grass-fed beef also contains higher levels of many vitamins and minerals, as well as containing high levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is a healthy fat that is known to help muscle building and fat burning.
So don’t be worried to live it up a little and eat more beef, as long as you eat healthy grass-fed beef instead of grain fed beef. Enjoy and start burning more body fat with these so called “fatty” foods! Just think outside the box and understand that these foods are the real fat burning foods.

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If you want to lose body fat faster and gain a lean body, check out these 5 tips to Burn Belly Fat the smart and effective way. Enjoy, and good luck with your fitness endeavors!

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Natural Remedies For High Cholesterol That Are Easy And Effective

September 15, 2010 · Posted in diets to lower cholesterol · Comment 

Cholesterol is identified as a yellowish substance and considered as one of the vital ingredients of the body. There are two types of cholesterol that are present in the body. They are described as the bad and the good one. It is observe that having too much bad cholesterol is usually resulting to high blood pressure that in most cases causing death to several individual. So, to avoid such condition there are natural remedies for high blood cholesterol that can be done. To name a few, listed below are the popular natural remedies –

1. Onion Juice – These lessens the cholesterol level and functions as a tonic. It also helps to clean the blood, digestive system, treat insomnia and regulates the heart action and aid in lessening the cholesterol. Among all of those natural remedies this is considered as the best and easy one.

2. Serrapeptase – This is a natural preteolytic enzyme that is secluded from micro-organism. This kind of enzyme is acquired through fermenting plants. It contains anti-inflammatory effects and is as well immunologically active to clean the blood vessels.

3. Garlic – This is one of the natural remedies for high cholesterol that is determined as the most efficient one. You should consume one to two fresh cloves in different forms like soup, pickles and salad. There are also capsules that are available that you can also take in. To take an average dose of two or three capsule everyday continuously for 12 weeks can absolutely help decreases high cholesterol.

4. Avoid Foods Rich in Cholesterol – The common foods that contain this one are eggs, organ meats, cheese, butter, whole milk, beef and vegetables oil. This procedure does not necessarily mean that you should not eat them rather to consume it less. This kind of prevention is considered as a very useful one.

5. Lecithin – This is a fatty food substance that is very helpful in administering the cholesterol levels. Egg yolk, vegetables oil, whole grain cereals, soybeans and unpasteurized milk are the foods that are best source of this.

These are the five natural remedies for high cholesterol that you can use. Bear in mind that once you neglect treating your high cholesterol there is a big possibility that it may cause problem to your entire health. Hence, if you find out that your cholesterol is high right now better start doing the things that are mentioned above to lessen it.

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Read useful Home Remedies for High Cholesterol. Find effective Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure. Also know useful Home Remedies for Low Blood Pressure.

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Change Your Diet to Change Your Cholesterol Levels

July 23, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

Cholesterol is a soft way substance found in all parts of the human body. Some of the cholesterol is produced by the body and some of it comes from the food you eat. The body does need some cholesterol to function properly. Too much cholesterol can cause arteries to clog and can lead to heart disease. Maintaining a diet that is designed to reduce cholesterol levels can reduce risks of heart disease and lower cholesterol. Increasing physical activity and losing weight will help lower your cholesterol too.

Cholesterol can be found in eggs, dairy products, meat, and poultry. Egg yolks and organ meats like kidneys, liver, and sweetbreads are very high in cholesterol. Some shellfish are high in cholesterol but fish contains less cholesterol than that of other meats. Fat content of foods is not always the way to go to measure cholesterol in foods. Some times foods can be very low in fat and have high cholesterol content like liver. Foods of plant origin have no cholesterol like veggies and fruits.

To lower your high cholesterol levels you can limit your intake of fats to 25 to 35 % of the total day’s calories. Eating less than 200 mg’s of dietary cholesterol per day and getting more fiber in your diet can help to lower your cholesterol levels as well. It is still very important to get enough calories in your diet to support health.

A low cholesterol diet does not have to be hard to follow. There is such a huge variety of foods and ways to cook them that it would be hard to get bored. There are even many food companies that offer low fat and low cholesterol for people who don’t have time to put together large meals.

When shopping for food with your new diet in mind keep the following things in mind as well. Fruits and vegetables have no cholesterol in them. Lower the intake of saturated fats in your diet because these foods can raise your cholesterol levels. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils contain a form of saturated fat called Trans fats. They raise blood cholesterol levels the same way saturated fats do. Trans fats are found in foods like margarines, shortenings, and cooking oils.

Whole grains should be used instead of foods with white flour. Eating large amounts of carbohydrates can raise cholesterol levels, especially if you have diabetes. Buying low fat or skim milk dairy products instead of whole milk products can help you lose weight along with decrease cholesterol levels. Lean meats like turkey, chicken, or fish are better for you rather than eating red meats. Instead of using ground beef using ground turkey is a healthy substitute for hamburgers or spaghetti. Olive and canola oils are lower in saturated fats which can help lower cholesterol.

Another great thing to add to a low cholesterol diet is an herbal supplement. Cholesterol Control is a product that can assist the body’s normal ability to balance cholesterol levels. Using this product with the diet and adding exercise to your daily routine can decrease bad levels of cholesterol. This product can be found at Alternative Health Supplements and is all natural and perfectly safe to use with no negative side affects.

>Steven Johnson is committed to helping people maintain healthy and effective lifestyles. For more information on products to aid with varicose veins, or any other health supplements please visit his website http://www.alternative-health-supplements.com/cholesterol-control.htm

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Blood Cholesterol

May 3, 2010 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

Cholesterol, a yellowish fatty substance, is one of the essential ingredients of the body. Although it is essential to life, it has a bad reputation, being a major villain in heart disease. Every person with high blood cholesterol is regarded as a potential candidate for heart attack or a stroke. Most of the cholesterol found in the body is produced in the liver. However, about twenty to thirty per cent generally comes from the food we eat. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per 100 millimetres of blood. The normal level of cholesterol varies between 150 – 200 mg per 100 ml. In blood, cholesterol occurs in combination with certain lipids (fats), hence, known as lipoptroteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins: a low density one (LDL) and a high density one (HDL). The low density lipoprotein is the one which is considered harmful and is associated with cholesterol deposits in blood vessels. The higher the ratio of LDL to the total cholesterol, the greater will be the risk of arterial damage and heart disease. HDL, on the other hand, plays a salutory role by helping remove cholesterol from circulation and thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Causes:

Hereditary:
   Hypercholesterolaemia or increase in cholesterol is mainly a hereditary disorder.

Excessive consumption of rich foods:
   It is also caused by taking rich foods and fried foods: excessive consumption of milk and its products like clarified butter, butter, and cream; white flour, sugar, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, and ice cream; and non-vegetarian foods like meat, fish, and eggs.

Smoking, Drinking and Stress:
   Other causes of increase in cholesterol are irregularity in habits, smoking and drinking alcohol. Stress has also been found to be a major cause of increased level of cholesterol.

Symptoms of High Blood Cholesterol:

Following are the major high blood cholesterol symptoms:

1. General fatigue
2. Excess sweating and feel of uneasiness
3. Pain and heaviness in chest area
4. Breathlessness

Home Remedies:

High Blood Cholesterol treatment using Lecithin:
   Lecithin, also a fatty food substance and the most abundant of the phospholipids, is beneficial in case of increase in cholesterol level. It has the ability to break up cholesterol into small particles which can be easily handled by the system. With sufficient intake of lecithin, cholesterol cannot build up against the walls of the arteries and veins. Lecithin also increases the production of bile acids made from cholesterol, thereby reducing its amount in the blood, Egg yolk, vegetable oils, wholegrain cereals, soyabeans, and unpasturised milk are rich sources of lecithin. The cells of the body are also capable of synthesizing it as needed, if several of the B vitamins are present.

High Blood Cholesterol treatment using Vitamins:
    Vitamins B6, choline, and inositol are particularly effective in reducing the level of blood cholesterol. Wheat germ, yeast, or vitamin B extracted from bran contain high quantities of these vitamins. Vitamin E also elevates blood lecithin and reduces cholesterol. The patient should take liberal quantities of vitamin E-rich foods such as sunflower seeds, safflower, soyabean oils, butter, and sprouted seed and grains.

High Blood Cholesterol treatment using Coriander Seeds:
    Regular drinking of a decoction of coriander seeds helps lower blood cholesterol. It is a good diuretic and helps stimulate the kidneys. It is prepared by boiling two tablespoons of dry seeds in a glass of water and straining the decoction after cooling. This decoction should be taken twice daily.

High Blood Cholesterol treatment using Fibre:
    The amount of fibre in the diet also influences the cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol can be lowered by taking diets rich in fibres. The most significant sources of dietary fibre are unprocessed wheat bran, whole cereals such as wheat, rice, barley, rye; legumes such as potatoes, carrots, beet, and turnips, fruits such as mangoes and guavas; and leafy vegetables such as cabbage, ladys fingers, lettuce and celery. Oat bran and corn bran are specially beneficial in lowering LDL cholesterol.

High Blood Cholesterol treatment using Coriander Seeds:
    Regular drinking of a decoction of coriander seeds helps lower blood cholesterol. It is a good diuretic and helps stimulate the kidneys. It is prepared by boiling two tablespoons of dry seeds in a glass of water and straining the decoction after cooling. This decoction should be taken twice daily.

Herbal Remedies for High Blood Cholesterol

1. Eat garlic regularly. It is an effective herbal remedy for lowering cholesterol
2. Take 3 grams of mixture of giloye with black pepper powder twice a day. It is also an effective herbal remedy for lowering cholesterol
3. Taking one tablespoon of honey is also good for lowering cholesterol
4. Take guggulu for natural cholesterol lowering
5. Take one teaspoon of oil of the ishabgul seeds twice a day. It will help in lowering blood cholesterol

Reference: <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.healthonclick.com” target=”_blank”>HealthOnclick</a>

Keywords: HealthOnclick, Cholesterol, Blood Cholesterol, Home Remedies for High blood Cholesterol, Fibre, Coriander seeds, vitamins, Hereditary

Knowledge and Persistence leads to success
I have always been fascinated by the question ,why some people can and others can’t? I spent years trying to figure this out. At first it was mainly for myself. I remember growing up with little confidence and under the impression that others were more capable than I was. The fact was that this impression was true. It was true because i believed it.

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Cholesterol – All You Need to Know!

December 3, 2009 · Posted in cholesterol · Comment 

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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