Heart disease has many causations, one of the major causes of heart disease has been linked to poor diet. Many Americans tend to be eating foods that are high in cholesterol, and fatty. Ultimately this form of unhealthy eating, combined with poor exercise habits, leads to an unhealthy body weight, and increases in cholesterol levels. (Levels above 200 are considered to put one at risk of heart disease.)
High cholesterol levels promote buildup of plaque and fatty deposits in the heart's arterial system. This arteriole build up can lead not only to high blood pressure that can lead to stroke, but to serious forms of heart disease, and ultimately death due to heart attack.
High cholesterol is one of the risk factors of heart disease that can be controlled by diet, and if needed medication. As one might demise, it is very important to know your cholesterol level. A visit to the doctor is recommended, not only to have your cholesterol levels checked, but if necessary your doctor can provide you with just the right diet information, and medication is needed.
The American Heart Association recommends all Americans eat a heart smart diet. A diet that will reduce cholesterol, and reduce ones chances of developing the many problems that are caused by high cholesterol.
The simple fact is by eating healthful foods, not only will decrease cholesterol, but aid in weight reduction. Keeping in mind that obesity is another risk factor that can lead to heart disease.
So what can you do to reduce you're your cholesterol level, and decrease risk of heart disease? Here are some recommendations on choosing foods that will aid in decreasing your cholesterol level, along with foods to avoid.
When choosing fruits and vegetables: Choose fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits. If you buy canned vegetables make sure they are low-sodium. Canned fruit packed in juice or water are fine.
Stay away from: Coconut and vegetables in cream sauce. Also stay clear of Fried or breaded vegetables, and canned fruit packed in heavy syrup.
Pick the right whole grains, rice, and pasta: Choose to eat foods made with healthy whole-wheat flour, such as. Bread made with whole-grain, preferably 100 percent whole-wheat or 100 percent whole-grain. Choose Cereal that is high fiber, with 5 or more grams of fiber per serving. Choose brown rice over white rice. All the nutrients are striped from white. Whole-grain pasta is another good choose. Oatmeal is a great diet choice.
Dairy products that will really help lower cholesterol: Select skim or low-fat (1 percent) milk Fat-free or low-fat, low fat yogurt and cheeses, and egg whites or egg substitutes.
Dairy products to avoid: Watch out for dairy products full-fat milk, the yolks of eggs, butter. When choosing meat, seafood, and poultry, choose lean red meats. Stay clear of meat with heavy marbling or organ meats, such as hot dogs, sausage, lunch meats. Also avoid fried or canned meats. Poultry should be skinless, chicken and turkey are recommended. Lean fish and shellfish are a good diet choice.
Always choose healthy cooking oils: Such as olive oil, canola oil, margarine that are fat free, and trans fat free.
Oils to stay clear of: Butter, lard, hydrogenated margarine and shortening's cocoa butter, found in chocolate, coconut or palm oil.
Keep in mind high blood cholesterol is only one risk factor of that can lead to heart disease. There are many other risk factors that can be controlled with simple life style changes. Changes that you may want to consider. Risk factors such as, obesity, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol to excess, all of these risk factors can lead to an unhealthy heart. But if one is committed to good health, and makes the necessary life style changes, one can be assured of not only a healthier heart, but a healthier body.
Normal Ldl Cholesterol Level
Your doctor says that you have high cholesterol and he wants to add a cholesterol lowering medication to your growing list of prescription medications. High cholesterol can contribute to heart attacks or strokes and should never be taken lightly. But is prescription medication the only way to reduce your cholesterol levels? Not really, there are other ways you can lower your levels naturally. Read on to discover some of these ways.
First and foremost, make the necessary lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol. Cut out the high fat foods and start exercising. Eat more fruits and vegetables. It has been proven that soluble fibers are effective at reducing cholesterol levels. These fibers can be found in oats, barley and rye. They are also found in peas, beans, apples, prunes and berries. Do some more research on cholesterol lowering foods to find the best ones for you.
A vitamin called niacin has been proven to lower cholesterol, but must only be taken under the supervision of your health care practitioner. There are a few side effects when taking niacin which include diarrhea, gout, worsening peptic ulcer disease, liver inflammation and increased blood sugar. Niacin can also increase the effectiveness of your prescription blood pressure medication which could result in your blood pressure dropping too low. But when taken the right way, niacin can go a long way in lowering your cholesterol levels.
Garlic is another great natural supplement that may lower your cholesterol levels. It has also been proven to prevent blood clots and to reduce the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries. This plaque can be very dangerous as it builds up and narrows the arteries and other blood vessels. It a blood vessel becomes completely blocked, a heart attack can result causing irreversible heart damage. So it is best to do everything you can to keep your cholesterol levels under control.
Artichoke leaf extract has been getting some buzz lately for its cholesterol lowering properties. While more studies need to be performed, there have been some promising results from the few studies that have been done. It is thought that artichoke leaf extracts work by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, therefore lowering your levels. It also contains a compound that increased bile production and helps to excrete bad cholesterol from the body.
So if you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, try some of these natural ways to lower your cholesterol. Most importantly, make the needed lifestyle changes. All the supplements and medications in the world will not help your cholesterol levels if you don't change your destructive lifestyle.
Both Sharon Stajda & Lambert Klein are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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