Lower Cholesterol And Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
What Is Cholesterol
Cholesterol has been commonly considered a “dangerous kind of fat”, undesirable for the human body. Actually, it is quite the opposite. It is a lipid, steroid (not exactly a fat) essential for the body. Cholesterol paves the way for the production of vitamin D (including those who supplements get about 90 percent of their vitamin D from the skin) steroid hormones, myelin and tallow.
Cholesterol is not bad for the body, indeed, is essential for life.
Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is not “good” or “bad.” What can be good or bad are the lipoproteins that it forms. There is high density cholesterol which is better than others, depending on the proteins with which it is combined.
Cholesterol has been labeled as the villain and culprit to heart disease. However, everything we all knew or at least for the past 40 years about Cholesterol is all wrong.
In his book The Great Cholesterol Myth: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won’t Prevent Heart Disease-and the Statin-Free Plan That Will, with nutritionist Jonny Bowden, Ph.D. Dr. Sinatra debunks the myth that Cholesterol is the culprit to heart disease, CAD and other cardiovascular diseases. Diet and stress are among the top factors that raise cholesterol levels, specially a diet rich in trans fats, can cause cholesterol levels be out of balance.
Dr. Bowden and Dr. Sinatra concluded that the root cause of plaque and cardiovascular disease are: Chronic Inflammation and SUGAR!
Cholesterol is required by the body to produce essential hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Foods that are high in trans fats (anything fried in vegetable oils) and sugar increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Therefore, it is rational to remove pastries that are usually made with margarine and laden with sugar and trans fats. and make better choices, eat more of vegetables and Low glycemic index (LGI) foods that balance your cholesterol levels and minimize the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What Causes Cholesterol
Numerous factors can contribute to high blood cholesterol. Recent studies point the the major culprit in high cholesterol such as a poor diet from (sugar, processed foods, bad fats). Other factors such as toxins in the environment, age, ethnicity, and family history play a role as well.
In some cases obesity can increase the level of triglycerides, which are a kind of fatty substance produced by the liver, and reduce good cholesterol, also known as High Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
Certain illnesses, such as chronic kidney or liver problems, hypothyroidism, can raise LDL levels, triglycerides, thus increasing the risk of high cholesterol. Additionally,
drinking too much alcohol, and indulging in a diet high in trans fats can also raise triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels.
Treatment and How to Prevent High Cholesterol
Eating what we now know as “bad fats” or trans fats such as in foods fried in vegetables oils (Omega 6) can raise LDL Cholesterol levels in the body.
As recent studies advice- the important thing is to balance your HDL or “good” cholesterol and LDL or “bad” cholesterol; mainly to reduce LDL oxidation. Additionally a diet that includes daily intake of healthy fats such as of coconut oil (find pure organic CO here) , avocados, nuts, wild caught fatty fish, organic grass-feb butter and eggs, and in extreme cases if nothing else is available fermented organic soy. As you may know soy mimics estrogen and has an impact in thyroid function, and for that reason I the founder personally prefer not to feed it to my family.I know some of our vegan friends eat it anyway so why not mention it?
A sterol-based food works effectively in lowering bad cholesterol levels too. The October 2009 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter reports that altering the type of food you consume can drastically help you bring down your cholesterol levels. Surely adopting a heart healthy diet will do your body wonders by reducing LDL cholesterol levels and free you from the risk of heart disease or stroke. However, managing life stressors, exercising even for 30 minutes everyday, and adapting a healthier life style in general is key. If you take medication to “lower cholesterol”.
Some supplements such as Omega Q plus with resveratrol (100–400 mg CoQ10) per Dr. Sinatra’s (one of the top cardiologists in the country) recommendation, will help prevent or enhance cardiovascular disease in general.
Here is great excerpt from one of Dr. Sinatra’s articles describing CoQ1o:
[quote]Often called the “miracle nutrient” or the “universal antioxidant,” CoQ10 exists in the mitochondria—or power plants—of our cells, and scavenges and destroys free radicals that cause heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Hundreds of studies have documented the actions of CoQ10 and most doctors and holistic health practitioners are in awe of its effectiveness. So am I! [/quote]
Find out the truth about beta blockers, alpha blockers and other common and dangerous pharmaceutical blood pressure and cholesterol “conventional medicines” (once you read the special report you are about to see,you’ll be willing to do just about anything to avoid the nasty side effects of these “magic pills.”).
Get the Cholesterol Secrets Remedy Report and find a full list of the best foods, minerals and recipes to have optimum-leveled cholesterol levels without the need of Beta Blockers or worse yet- statins which by the way, deplete coenzyme Q10 that is essential for Cardiovascular health.
As always, thanks for reading and spreading the natural healing word. Please share this article with friends and family who potentially can benefit from this information.
Now it is your turn. In the comments below tell us– Are you currently taking Cholesterol lowering medications or are you using the natural approach? It is a tough choice but in the end you have to a detective and find out what truly works for your.
Did you enjoy reading this post? Visit healyounaturally.com for more like this.
ReferencesOur favorite Dr.Sinatra.com http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/11-foods-that-lower-cholesterol http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09333.html
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/heart-healthy-diet
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cholesterol/Pages/Causes.aspx
She’s been slowly going back to basics and has partnered with nature to share her healing journey with you!
