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
scheduled cleaning services Winnetka ..With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the development... Read More
When it comes to planning a healthy diet, fat is... Read More
The total calories that you should be consuming depend on... Read More
To many people, this may seem a simplistic answer to... Read More
You may have heard of the "Portfolio Diet" wherein it... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
To research the health risks Sweet 'N Low and other... Read More
The adrenal or "stress glands" are small, triangular shaped glands... Read More
You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More
Toxic metals exist in our environment as pollutants in our... Read More
The concept isometric has been a part of the health... Read More
How To Have A Healthy ThanksgivingEnd of the year holidays... Read More
Anyone who has spent a day fasting from food, or... Read More
Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of... Read More
You must add some fresh cherries, which are now in... Read More
The latest tallies show that over three million people in... Read More
Dr. Christine Wood, M.D, a practicing pediatrician in Encinitas, California,... Read More
Having spent most of my life living off of junk... Read More
ABC News has recently focused on the possible anti-aging benefits... Read More
Are you sick and tired of the confusion about our... Read More
Manganese is a metallic mineral that was discovered by a... Read More
Fat burning compatible foods seem to be a popular topic... Read More
One of the biggest mistakes many new bodybuilders make is... Read More
You've no doubt heard the saying, "You are what you... Read More
reliable maid service Lincolnshire ..Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
Fruit calories are very healthy as compared to calories in... Read More
Spring in New York City is a really magical time.... Read More
How often do you pick up items at the grocery... Read More
Salt does Not Cause High Blood Pressure. Some things you... Read More
Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More
Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More
Glucosamine is readily produced in the human body and is... Read More
Millions of people around the UK consume dairy products on... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
"What exercises can I do to ?? As fitness professional... Read More
In parts 1-6 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
East Meets WestAsian cultures have realized the medical benefits of... Read More
Here's something you probably don't know. The fruit and vegetables... Read More
Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
DeathDeath. Why it happens? Why do we die? Why do... Read More
Mannatech's patent-pending glyconutrients complex, Ambrotose, is perhaps the greatest wellness... Read More
You are what you eat is a simple, time tested... Read More
High Fructose Corn SyrupBefore we get to high fructose corn... Read More
I start from the premise that eating instinctively means eating... Read More
Before the thirties, people knew the importance of mineral. Their... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Nutrition |