Cholesterol
Fish Oil and Cholesterol
By: Thomas Budd
While it may strike some people as surprising, one of the most powerful ways to combat cholesterol levels in the blood is by eating a food high in oil: fish oil. Countless studies, including some backed by the American Heart Association have linked the consumption of fish oil to the decline in high levels of cholesterol. In addition, a regular supplementation of fish oil, coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, can help keep the levels low. Here is why.
Fish oil is naturally high in omega 3 fatty acids. These super foods work to aid nearly any bodily process imaginable. Among their array of physical and mental health benefits, the omega 3 compounds in fish oil play an integral role in helping maintain a healthy blood pressure. The helpful acids in the fish oil carry out a three pronged attack against cholesterol. First, they prevent the buildup of triglycerides. Second, they encourage the development of high density lipoproteins, or “good” cholesterol. Finally, they help to prevent harmful blood clotting and actually thin the blood.
One of the key factors often leading to heat disease (and heart attacks, for that matter) is high cholesterol levels. The leading cause for high cholesterol levels is the abundance of triglycerides in the blood. This is especially true with women. Tests have shown that women taking fish oil supplements were able to lower their triglyceride levels up to 35%. This is enough to significantly reduce the chances of a heart attack.
In addition to reducing the amount of harmful triglycerides, fish oil encourages the levels of high density lipoproteins. This “good” cholesterol helps the body balance the overall cholesterol levels in the blood. Studies have shown that fish oil can help raise high density lipoprotein levels in women and men up to 30%.
While maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is certainly an important part of preventing heart disease and other cardiovascular occurrences, some heart attack and stroke victims did not have particularly high levels of triglycerides. The fact is, what actually causes these dreadful cardiovascular occurrences is when clots in the blood block the blood flow to either the heart of the brain. One of the most remarkable characteristics of the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil is their ability to reduce clotting and even thin the blood. Studies have shown that an addition of fish oil as a daily supplement reduces the risk of a heart attack by 50%.
With all of these benefits, it is no wonder so many cardiovascular physicians recommend fish oil to their patients. However, since most of its benefits are preventative, why not start using omega 3 fish oil today and start saving your heart?
Thomas Budd has a special interest in fish oil, as he takes the supplement everyday. He believes in practicing good nutrition through natural, scientifically proven methods in order to promote overall health. For more information on fish oil, please visit http://www.Fishoil-pro.com
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Cholesterol - How to Lower Cholesterol
By: Ricky Hussey
Cholesterol is a fatty substance (a lipid) that is an important part of the outer lining (membrane) of cells in the body of animals. Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans. Cholesterol really assists the system by creating original cells, aiding in the output of hormones, and insulating the numerous nerves that operate throughout the system. High cholesterol rates are alarmingly growing. Cholesterol may be accounted for higher blood force and coronary eye diseases but not all of these oily substances are detrimental. There are the terrible and better cholesterol. The better cholesterol aids in bile salts output and vitamin D formations. In fact, cholesterol portrays a character of balancing hormones especially among women. Health professionals are trying urgently to offer extreme solutions to the matter.
While there are various causes of high cholesterol, cholesterol as such comes from 2 sources:
- your body; and
- the foods you eat.
In your body, cholesterol is made in the liver. And do you know that your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs!? That’s why you don’t really need the cholesterol coming from the second source – foods that you eat. Whatever food you eat the liver will take from it the necessary ingredients to produce cholesterol.
It also helps that people pay attention to this major health concern and do something about it like making necessary changes with the foods they are eating and altering to a more substantial lifestyle. Thyere are few great tips that will help you achieve a lower level of cholesterol so you can improve your health and your life. Eating more magnesium rich foods has been shown to helps to raise good cholesterol levels, as well as lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels and lower blood fats. Soya is one great way to eliminate that bad cholesterol, as well as plant sterols and almonds.
People get cholesterol in two ways. The body — mainly the liver — produces varying amounts, usually about 1,000 milligrams a day. Foods also can contain cholesterol. Foods from animals (especially egg yolks, meat, poultry, shellfish and whole- and reduced-fat milk and dairy products) contain it. Foods from plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds) don’t contain cholesterol.
Dietary cholesterol: Most dietary cholesterol comes from egg yolks. Therefore, eating eggs increases serum cholesterol in most studies. Yet, eating eggs does not increase serum cholesterol as much as eating saturated fat, and eating eggs may not increase serum cholesterol at all if the overall diet is low in fat. Consequently, some doctors of natural medicine do not discourage egg consumption.
Eggs are not innocent, however. When cholesterol from eggs is cooked or exposed to air, it oxidizes. Eating oxidized cholesterol may increase heart disease. Eating eggs also makes serum cholesterol susceptible to damage, which is linked to heart disease. Egg eaters are more likely to die from heart disease even when serum cholesterol levels are not elevated.
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Healing Naturally…Lowering Cholesterol With Herbs
By: Kathleen Lambert
One of the medical buzz word these days is cholesterol. Your doctor tells you you need to lower your numbers. Well just what does it all mean. Just what is cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a fat like substance that circulates in the blood stream. It is produced by the body for building cell membranes and sex hormones. Cholesterol aids in our digestion process.
Eighty percent of cholesterol is manufactured by the body for necessary functions. Only twenty percent comes from the diet. So even a vegetarian can have high cholesterol.
Cholesterol travels throughout your bloodstream in lipoproteins. LDL or Low Density Lipoproteins delivers cholesterol to your body. HDL or high density lipoproteins are the “good” guys because they sweep the bloodstream clean of any excess cholesterol. Too much LDL is bad for your body, and having the HDL is good.
So, what is a good cholesterol number for you.
Total cholesterol should be less than 200 for best heart health. Between 200-239 is borderline high and 240 and over means you are at greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
Your LDL or Low-density lipoprotein levels should be less than 130. Form 130 to 159 is borderline high. At 160 or more your chance of heart disease rises.
Your HDL or high-density lipoprotein should be 60 or higher to reduce the chance for heart disease and stroke. Less than 60 improves your chances for heart disease.
Now that all the medical terminology is out of the way let us discuss herbal remedies to help lower that cholesterol. There are many ways to add herbs to your diet. You can drink them in a tea, or use them in your cooking. You can take them in capsule form. Anyway you take them, you will benefit from the medicinal properties of the herb.
I personally lowered my cholesterol over 25% by using just herbs, and diet.
*Turmeric (Curcuma longa)- Great spice from India that improves the action of the liver. It can help ease stomach pains. It has powerful antioxidant properties. Use in soups, add to chicken or fish. You can also take turmeric in capsules.
*Garlic (Allium sativum)- Originally from Asia, garlic is now grown worldwide. Garlic lowers blood pressure and is loaded with vitamins and minerals.Use in cooking everyday. Fresh is best or in powdered form. Be sure to use garlic powder and not garlic salt. You could also take garlic capsules.
*Olive Leaf (Olea eruopaea) - Olive leaf of course comes from the same tree we get olives for olive oil. It grows wild in the Mediterranean regions. Olive leaf can be used as a tea. Steep for 20 minutes and drink. Olive oil can also help in lowering cholesterol if used in cooking.
*Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) - One of my personal favorite teas. It is a shrub native to South Africa, and has lots of vitamins and minerals. It makes a delicious tea that has been traditionally used to sooth digestion, stomach cramps and colic. Besides helping to lower cholesterol, Rooibos helps to control your appetite, thus can be beneficial in a weight loss program.
Some other herbs that can be beneficial in helping to lower your cholesterol are Fenugreek, Green Tea, Red Yeast Rice, as well as Vitamin C, Carnitine, and grape seed extract.
This is not meant to treat or to cure any illness. Please consult with your health care provider for what will work best for you.
Kathy lives on an 1800’s farm in rural New Hampshire. She is a certified herbalist, aromatherapist, and organic farmer. She makes and sells her herbal products at her shop and online. Her love for antique and vintage clothing and furniture was the inspiration for starting Cloverleaf Farm Treasure Shop. She runs the herb shop, farm stand and the gift shop right from the farm. “We are enjoying the simple life others only dream about.”
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