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[R101]Recipes For Lowering Cholesterol

by Chris Jensen, Chr

If preventative measures aren't taken immediately, the risk of a heart attack and other cardiovascular ailments will escalate as an individual gets older. There are two types of cholesterol. The first is known as LDL or low-density lipoprotein. This is better known as bad cholesterol. Too much LDL can result in health problems.

Fortunately the body can counter LDL with HDL or high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol. It's necessary to achieve a balance between the two types to ensure that the heart, blood circulation and all other systems in the body are healthy.

Taking a blood test is the only way to figure out one's cholesterol levels. Patients with a score ranging from 4.4 to 7.1 are at a low risk for heart attacks. Any figure higher than that is unsafe while the risks are significantly lower for anything below that.

Engaging in physical activity on a daily basis is the natural way to reduce cholesterol. A individual can walk briskly every other day and use the weight machines at the gym in between.

Studies show that working the muscles is safer and more efficient than using prescription medications that are known to have side effects. The same applies for food supplements as the human body requires exercise to keep it working.

Eating properly is another solution. This could entail modifying one's eating habits but the long term results are worthwhile. It will be necessary to reduce consumption of red meat, other oily foods and junk food such as cake, bread, cookies, candy bars, French fries and potato chips.

An additional way to lower cholesterol naturally is by changing the methods of cooking food. One could try boiling, steaming or the fast method of microwaving rather than frying.

Doctors used to encourage adults and children to consume milk. While milk can help strengthen the bones as one matures, it also contains certain ingredients that are unsafe. This should be replaced with non-fat milk or soy milk which may taste slightly different but is considerably healthier.

Drinking large amounts of water and natural fruit juice is highly recommended because it also contains the properties that can reduce cholesterol just like eating fruit before it's mixed in the blender.

Unsweetened tea is safe for consumption as well. It may have a different taste so blending a packet of Equal or Nutrasweet can add some flavor.

Monitoring food and drink intake is the best method for controlling cholesterol levels and boosting overall health. Although the initial blood test may yield distressing numbers, the situation can be improved with proper diet and exercise.

Living a healthier lifestyle is not expensive if one puts forth the effort. Decreasing cholesterol is feasible. It is preferable to ending up at the hospital with health complications that could mean life or death.

Cholesterol is a wax-like material which is made by liver and relates it to proteins known as lipoproteins that dissolves it in blood to get circulated to various parts of the body as it very essential component in the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones and one of the most important mineral i.e. vitamin D.

Raised amount of cholesterol in the blood stream is a dangerous trend that can happen in your body. High cholesterol levels in blood have been indicated to heart related ailments. Cholesterol has the tendency to get deposited in the arterial walls while its course of flow in the body. The deposits are known as plaque, narrow the arterial cavity and thus interrupt the blood flow. The process of narrowing of the arteries is technically known as arthrosclerosis and is very often seen in arteries that supplies blood to heart. As heart is a vital organ and if it is deprived of nutrients and nourishments may lead to the disruption of its functioning. This disruption of its function may be fatal. But it is our fortune that cholesterol deposition is a reversible process, if proper care is taken.

Types of cholesterol:

(a) High density lipoproteins (HDL)

(b) Low density lipoproteins (LDL)

These are antagonistic in function and work in opposite direction. LDL carries the cholesterol from heart and supplies it to whole body. When the LDL level in the blood rises then it starts depositing in the arterial wall and this is the reason it is known as bad cholesterol. As compared to HDL it is being carried from blood to liver and helps in dissolving cholesterol deposited in the arteries, hence it is referred to as good cholesterol.

As per the normal values total cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dl. HDL cholesterol level should be greater than 40 mg/dl. LDL cholesterol level should be less than 100 mg/dl.

We are being blessed by certain herbs that have the tendency to reduce the raised cholesterol levels in the body and also maintain it to normal levels. These are:

Arjuna

A blessing of Ayurvedic system of medicine, arjuna is the best herbal cardio protective agent existing on the lap of mother nature. It is has been used by ancient ayurvedic healers ever since ayurvedic system came in existence. Due to its wonderful properties it has been successfully used as heart muscle tonic and cardio-protector agent. It has the properties of that helps in lowering the LDL levels and increase the HDL levels in the body. It prevents deposition of cholesterol in the arteries and also helps in regulating the cholesterol flow towards liver from heart so as to prevent any kind of damage done by cholesterol. Arjuna also contains Co- Enzymes Q 10 which is responsible for providing energy to heart muscles and strengthens them. The bark of arjuna is rich in saponins and flavonoids, gallic acids, certain phytosterols and glycosides like arjunetosides I, arjunetosides II, arjunetosides III and arjunetosides IV along with arjunine and arjunetin which are the most important heart toners.

Guggulu

Since ages guggul has been the companion of mankind saving him from many diseases. Botanically known as Commiphora mukul, it is a wonderful herb that is responsible for treating so many ailments that man suffers. The powerful action of guggulu helps in lowering down the levels of triglycerides and cholesterols there by managing the proper ratio of High density lipoproteins to low density lipoproteins. In a study it was proved that guggulu helps in lowering the cholesterol levels by 15 to 28 % and triglycerides level by 20 to 30 %. Guggulu has also proven its worth in reducing the body fats level and there by maintaining it to normal levels. It has also found its application as an herbal antibiotic there by fighting the antigens entering in our body to protect us from unknown ailments.

Garlic

Garlic is the part of every Indian kitchen. It is widely used because of its wide range of benefits. Garlic or allium sativum is wonderful remedy in lowering the cholesterol levels in the blood. But raising the HDL levels in the body. It acts as natural antibiotic fighting against the infection occurring in the body. It helps in lowering the raised blood pressure. It also prevents the formation of clots in arteries. It is very effective in treating the digestive disturbances and is helpful in proper sections of enzymes needed for proper digestion. It is also helpful in improving the proper blood circulation in the body.

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Chris Jensen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Food And Drink and Flirting Tips. Chris Jensen is a contributing Author of Jetfly Blog. For more related articles and reviews visit now. Also, for the Best. Chris Jensen's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.

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