High cholesterol is no longer a disease that only men need to be concerned with. More women and even children have high cholesterol levels. There are over twelve million Americans who are on cholesterol lowering medication. It is projected that another twenty-three million will be taking cholesterol lowering medication in the next few years. But what is cholesterol? How can cholesterol be both good and bad? Here are cholesterol facts that may crystallize your understanding:
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance in the body.
Most all of the cholesterol that is needed by the human body is manufactured by the liver.
Cholesterol is a waxy like substance that is found in our blood stream and is essential for our body in various functions like building cell membrane, making Vitamin D and hormones.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol can be found in a variety of foods such as fruits and vegetables as well as cereals.
The role cholesterol plays in diseases is not as obvious as it may first appear.
High levels of some cholesterols can contribute to heart disease and circulatory problems such as hypertension and strokes.
In some countries that have typically high fat diets, for example France, and report high levels of cholesterol in the population, yet have low rates for heart disease.
A family history of high cholesterol increases your risk for having high cholesterol, even if you exercise and eat healthy.
High soluble fiber foods help reduce the bad cholesterol levels.
Taking cholesterol lowering medications helps prevent heart disease
A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help to lower triglycerides as well as increase HDL cholesterol.
Garlic is one of several herbs that lower cholesterol naturally.
To naturally lower cholesterol it is necessary to reduce sugar and white flour consumption as well as eliminating fried foods and increasing the consumption of whole fruits and vegetables.
Olive and walnut oils help in naturally lowering cholesterol.
Refined, bleached flour products increases cholesterol.
High cholesterol is a silent, painless, symptom less disease and left untreated it can be come life threatening. While these are the bare facts, the real questions are:
1. Can I cure myself?
2. If not, how can I live control this disease?
While no one has all the answers, you can perhaps get some guidance on this site.
