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Define Cholesterol
Artery clogging cholesterol may be reduced by purchasing and using Nicotinic acid (niacin).
Define Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance present in the blood streams and cells of humans and animals. It is soft and waxy in appearance. Cholesterol is required in small levels for proper functioning of the body. It structures the cell membranes; such as the myelin sheath that provides a protective sheath or cover over the nerves. Cholesterol is also required in the body for production of steroid hormones testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, estradiol, aldosterone and calcitriol. Cholesterol is also required for bile acid production, especially cholic acid.
The liver produces cholesterol for the normal functioning of the body if the dietary intake is lacking. The liver produces most of the cholesterol the body requires.
Good and Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol molecules move through the bloodstream attached to lipoproteins; which are lipids that transport protein. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) and High density lipoproteins (HDL) carry the cholesterol in the bloodstream. LDL carries approximately 2/3rds of the cholesterol, while the balance gets attached to the HDL.
LDL also known as the bad cholesterol builds up deposits of cholesterol inside the artery walls. When the cholesterol deposits are high it leads to a medical condition referred to as atherosclerosis which can directly affect the heart. HDL removes the cholesterol deposits from the arteries and adjoining tissues and transports it back to the liver, from where it is excreted from the body.
Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) carry small amounts of triglycerides and cholesterol within the bloodstream.
Blood Test for Cholesterol
A blood test can measure the cholesterol levels in the body. Cholesterol is measured in (mg/dl) milligrams per deciliter and (mmol/L) millimoles per liter. A total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl with HDL level of 40mg/dl is regarded as being healthy. If the total cholesterol level is higher than 200mg/dl, then HDL and LDL are measured separately to determine the exact levels.
HDL levels should be a minimum of 45mg/dl, though higher count is always preferred. LDL levels of up to 130mg/dl are desired. LDL levels between 130mg/dl – 159mg/dl are considered borderline high and levels higher than 160mg/dl are classified as high risk and could lead to a heart attack or coronary disease.
To calculate cardiovascular risk the total LDL count is divided by the HDL count and the desired ratio must be 4.5. A ratio higher than this would put the patient under high risk category for cardiovascular disease.
Diet to Control Cholesterol
There are ways to lower cholesterol
Avoid these Foods to Lower Cholesterol Fast
- Trans fatty acids and saturated fats found in butter, vegetable shortening and hard margarine
- Fatty meats and fatty meat products such as bacon, salamis, hamburgers, marbled beef, pork chops, frankfurters and cold cuts high in animal fats
- Dairy products such as cream, cheese, butter and high fat milk
- Chocolates, cakes, pastries, cookies and chips and other similar foods
Foods to Lower Cholesterol Quickly
- Grains – whole wheat, rye, pumpernickel, whole wheat/multigrain rolls and breads
- Cereals – especially oatmeal and breakfast cereals that contain rice bran
- Soya – all soya products, such as tofu, tempeh, soya milk, miso, soya powder and soya beans
- Oils – olive oil and canola are the best oils. Non-hydrogenated oils like soft margarine, cotton seed oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and soya bean oil
- Vegetables – onions, garlic, kidney beans, lima beans, sweet corn and legumes
- Fruits – apples, oranges, pears, bananas
- Dry fruit – figs, apricot and prunes
- Nuts – walnut, almonds, pecans, sunflower and sesame seeds
Synopsis
It is possible to lower cholesterol quickly if dietary changes are made in time. Cholesterol management requires a disciplined lifestyle. To lower cholesterol fast exercise must be combined with the right foods. Exercise can help burn fat which will reduce the cholesterol levels in the body.
Simple tricks that can be an effectual method to lower cholesterol quickly are to include high fiber foods in the diet. Fiber is of two types soluble and insoluble. The soluble fiber mixes with the blood and cleans the arteries of the cholesterol by absorbing it.
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