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[C622]Cholesterol And Blood Sugar

by Brenda Watson, Bre

People who eat more dietary fiber can lower their cholesterol and heart disease risk, and statistically, they live longer. If you are like most Americans, chances are, you don't get enough. While the medical establishment recommends we consume anywhere from 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day, Americans only average about 15. In contrast, people in developing countries, who have a lower rate of heart disease and normal cholesterol frequently take in more than 100 grams a day.

The fiber in your food is considered to be the part that's indigestible; your digestive enzymes can't break down the carbohydrates known as fiber. But that doesn't mean this material, primarily the cell walls of plants, doesn't exert an important influence on digestion and your heart health.

Researchers now believe that one of the ways fiber helps fight heart disease is by improving the type of cholesterol that circulates in your blood. Cholesterol, a pliable, waxy material that the body uses to make cellular membranes and protect structures like nerves, travels around the blood contained in chemicals called lipoproteins. High density lipoproteins (HDLs) are called good cholesterol; they transport cholesterol to the liver where it is broken down. LDLs, so-called bad cholesterol, is associated with the deposit of cholesterol on artery walls. Once there, these deposits form plaque which can block blood flow and result in heart attacks and strokes. If a blood test shows your LDL to be over 160 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), you are considered to be at an increased risk of heart disease. In research presented at an American Heart Association Conference, scientists reported that fiber supplements lowered LDL while raising protective HDL. In this three month study, HDL rose by more than 20 percent while HDL dropped by almost 30 percent. Fiber also helped decrease triglycerides, blood fats that are linked to cardiovascular complications. These fell by 14 percent (AHA Conf, 5/30/05). According to William R. Davis, MD, author of Track Your Plaque (iUniverse) “In addition to LDL lowering effects, fiber smoothes out spikes in blood sugar that carbohydrates cause. This reduces triglycerides and even blocks the development of diabetes….increasing your daily fiber intake to 35 grams or greater (is) nearly as good as the cholesterol lowering drugs.”

It is important to maintain a healthy cholesterol level irrespective of your age. Coronary heart disease is the main cause of death in America. There are several contributing risk factors to heart disease and cholesterol is one of them that can be controlled. Not all cholesterol is bad, so a good understanding and knowledge of the facts about cholesterol can help you to live a healthier life.

Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance found in the body's cells and bloodstream. You can get cholesterol in two ways. Cholesterol is produced by your liver. It is also found in animal products with high saturated fat such as meat, seafood, poultry, and dairy products. Processed foods are another culprit as they contain trans-fatty acids that can raise cholesterol.

Cholesterol is essential to maintain healthy bodily functions such as producing bile that aids with digestion, protecting nerve fibers, building cell membranes, creating hormones, and synthesis of vitamin D. Too much of it, however, is not healthy for the body. It can clog our arteries, thus leading to heart attack or stroke.

There are two types of cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is also called the good cholesterol because it can protect the heart while LDL is the bad cholesterol because it can clog arteries. We need these 2 types of cholesterol in our bodies but in the right balance. The health concern of cholesterol refers to excessive amount of LDL and insufficient amount of HDL in the body.

Excessive LDL cholesterol in our bodies builds up in inner walls of arteries that supply the heart and brain. It forms a plague that clogs the arteries. A clot that blocks the blood flow to the heart or brain can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Why is HDL considered as good cholesterol? It carries the bad cholesterol, LDL from the arteries to the liver to be excreted from the body. As high level of HDL protects against heart disease, you want more of HDL than LDL in your body.

The link between cholesterol and heart disease has been established in numerous studies. High cholesterol level is a main risk for coronary heart disease. Cholesterol can be managed through a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, regular screening, weight control, medications, avoid smoking and drinking. A healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent and reduce your risk of developing heart attack, stroke and other diseases.

Copyright (c) 2006 Alvin Toh

Article Source : Pg. 10

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Both Brenda Watson & Alvin Toh 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.

Brenda Watson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Medicine, Detoxification and High Cholesterol. Digestive healthcare expert and naturopathic doctor Brenda Watson has been helping people restore and maintain their digestive health for more than 25 years. She is among the foremost authorities on digestive care and proper nutrition.. Brenda Watson's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.

Alvin Toh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bull Terrier Dogs, Fitness and ADHD. Can do you more harm than good? Learn about ways to manage your. Alvin Toh's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.