How to Control Cholesterol Naturally
Blood Cholesterol is produced by our body for several purposes.In some people it is produced more than is required by our body,especially when the diet contains saturated fats. Saturated fats in the diet force the body to make too much cholesterol. The cholesterolmay become high when our diet is rich in saturated fats that are found only in animal products. Plant foods do not contain any cholesterol, but the animal foods are loaded with cholesterol and fats.
Basically there is good and bad cholesterol, anyone with a cholesterol number above 200 is at risk of clogged arteries and possible heart attacks. Any under 200 is usually considered acceptable levels. Persons who smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes are at risk if the level is at 200 or above, because the cholesterol causes fatty deposits to harden, accumulating in the arteries to form plaque, which in turn restricts the flow of blood.
Another safe and tested means of lowering cholesterol is through exercise. Regular exercise has been shown to increase blood levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) while lowering the levels of triglyceride (fats) in the bloodstream.
If you haven't exercised for a while it makes sense to speak to your doctor first, to make sure you're safe to get sweaty. When you leave the doctor's office, armed with their recommendations, pick up the phone and book an appointment with your local qualified and accredited personal fitness trainer.
A healthy diet is the cornerstone of having lower cholesterol levels. You can start by limiting your intake of red meat, cheese and eggs. At the same time, eat more raw fruit and vegetables as well as fish.
Start and maintain an exercise program. You need to exercise at least four times as week for at least twenty-five minutes. Make it part of your morning routine, because exercise is the only thing proven to raise HDL outside of prescription medication.
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.
Exercise is also very beneficial as well as more whole grains and vegetables. The right supplements can also have very positive effects on the body as well but be ware of such drugs on the market like Zocor, Lipitor, and Lescol that may not even fully treat the condition.
These foods also contain plant sterols that have been shown to block the absorption of cholesterol into the body. Plant sterols are naturally occurring substances found in all plants, with vegetables such as brussels sprouts containing the highest amounts.
There are several food line products that contain natural plant sterols, also associated with lowering cholesterol. These products include Benecol and Promise Activ which make margarine spreads and carmel chews with high concentration of natural plant sterols.
Just about everyone can benefit from a better diet, and a diet to lower cholesterol is one of the most important steps you can take in a "natural" (ie non drug) approach. We all eat too many processed foods and foods high in bad fats and so we should pay more attention to our diet.
Today, there is a wealth of research surrounding the ability of soluble fiber and plant sterols to bring down high cholesterol readings. The best foods for lowering cholesterol naturally are those that contain high concentrations of fiber and plant sterols.
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