Our bodies need cholesterol. We use cholesterol to produce vitamin D, hormones, and certain acids that help us digest fat. Only a small amount of cholesterol is needed to meet these needs; in fact, our bodies actually produce enough cholesterol on their own, and any cholesterol derived from food is unnecessary. Problems arise when we have too much cholesterol, commonly known as LDL. Many factors help determine whether your LDL-cholesterol level is high or low. The following factors are the most important:
-Heredity
-What you eat
-Weight
-Physical activity/exercise
-Age and sex
-Alcohol
-Stress
Of these, you obviously cannot control your heredity, age, or sex but you should always consider those factors when embarking on a plan to lower your LDL level. On a good note, most of the known factors that contribute to cholesterol problems and heart disease ARE under your control.
The foods you eat, your weight, and your amount of physical activity are all inter-related components that can contribute to decreasing your LDL levels. The two main ingredients in many of the foods you consume that can cause an increase in LDL are saturated fat and cholesterol. Both of these nutrients are found in animal products, so eating more lean meats and fish, along with a heavy supply of fruits and vegetables, can cut down on these elements. Also, by eating this healthier diet, weight loss will most likely occur naturally; this will lower triglycerides, which will raise "good" cholesterol, known as HDL. Increasing physical activity is also all tied in to a healthy diet and weight loss, and will not only help you lose weight, but build up your stamina and improve your overall health
Alcohol intake increases HDL cholesterol, but does not lower LDL cholesterol. Doctors are unsure as to whether alcohol reduces the risk of heart disease. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle, however, causing high blood pressure and raising triglycerides; because of the risks, alcoholic beverages should not be used as a way to prevent heart disease.
Finally, stress is something we all want to avoid, but which is sometimes unavoidable. Many times, when we stress, we don't make wise choices and wind up eating fatty foods that are high in saturated fat. Some ways to de-stress: yoga, exercise, breathing exercises. Even taking twenty minutes out of your day to take a quiet bath or read a book can calm your nerves and reduce stress.
There has been a long-standing belief in natural medicine that there are certain foods that provide more than just dietary value and are believed to have disease-fighting and healing properties. One of these foods that has been proven to be a way to fill up on antioxidants is the blueberry. In recent USDA studies blueberries been shown to be number one in antioxidant activity, as compared to 40 other fruits and vegetables and makes this humble fruit the ideal health supplement.
Find out more: http://blueberrysupplements.co.uk
recurring maid service Wilmette ..When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More
A beautiful smile and healthy mouth actually can come from... Read More
The natural antioxidants in Oat Bran can significantly reduce blood... Read More
Do you know the risks to daily intakes of Starbucks... Read More
Did you know that the food you eat could be... Read More
What is the best protein powder to buy? I get... Read More
It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More
Images of "protein powder" containers with accomplished bodybuilders on their... Read More
Essential Fatty Acids are oils, omega-3 and omega-6, that you... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
Water is a vitally important component of any valuable and... Read More
White-spotted or yellow splotched teeth may reveal more than needed... Read More
Wow! Is it just me or? Wait! Let me start... Read More
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the development... Read More
Unfortunately, the words "diet" and "cheating" go hand in hand.... Read More
Summer is the time when we sweat highly and beating... Read More
Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and... Read More
In large part, you're in control of your health, not... Read More
You are a mineral bodyEvery part of you is made... Read More
These are questions we have to ask ourselves? because after... Read More
Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food.... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
Flaxseeds may be the smallest seeds you will find in... Read More
If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More
PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More
Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More
What is health? Everyone wants this thing called health, and... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
What Ever Happened to the Basic FourThe USDA was originally... Read More
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, and quite normal fat gain often... Read More
Summer brings a lot of fantastic things with it, but... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
The reason I remember the first time I was served... Read More
Do you allow pleasure from food? Are your senses throughly... Read More
Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More
I know that the headline is a oldie, but it... Read More
It is often taken as a given fact that soy... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
You say you don't know what glyconutrients are? You are... Read More
Our bodies need cholesterol. We use cholesterol to produce vitamin... Read More
Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple... Read More
People are obsessed with dieting and weight loss! Don't believe... Read More
1880s - Characterization of monosaccharides by Emil Fischer.1952 - Fresh,... Read More
First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
America's major dietary deficiency - EFA a panacea for good... Read More
Nutrition |