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
bathroom cleaning service Wilmette ..I am going to share with you possibly the most... Read More
Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary... Read More
Endurance Sports are like music concerts. They start at a... Read More
In a study review conducted by David A. Geier, B.A.... Read More
Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the... Read More
Salt was used long before recorded history began. One of... Read More
Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
Most red and white meats are very fatty and are... Read More
Although you may have heard about soy and all of... Read More
Do you want more energy? How about more of the... Read More
Health food or heart attack on a plate? Eggs had... Read More
Nutrition is extremely important for any young person, especially an... Read More
LIFESTYLE WELLNESS = An Adventure of Health + Vitality!Not a... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply... Read More
While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from... Read More
It's really hard to believe that something could be worse... Read More
Some fats are good for you. Your body can't function... Read More
Many people use sugar as medicine. Sugar tends to change... Read More
Copyright ? 2004 priya shah Glutathione, the body's... Read More
The ingredients list found on the back or side panel... 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
Essential Fatty Acids are oils, omega-3 and omega-6, that you... Read More
Studies support the benefits of eating a diet rich in... Read More
whole house cleaning Northbrook ..Eating right to suit your blood type" is a subject... Read More
1880s - Characterization of monosaccharides by Emil Fischer.1952 - Fresh,... Read More
PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More
Female and male athletes respond to training in a fairly... Read More
Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the... Read More
In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming... Read More
Cherries?A Supercharged FruitThe little red fruit that has been enjoyed... Read More
Ionized minerals, colloidal minerals, chelated minerals . . . What... Read More
I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more... Read More
I start from the premise that eating instinctively means eating... Read More
It is a question we must ask ourselves continually if... Read More
Looking for an easy and natural way increase your vitality... Read More
What Ever Happened to the Basic FourThe USDA was originally... Read More
Originally, all foods were "organic" ? grown and prepared without... Read More
The topic of nutrition is one that is always present... Read More
When you actually sit down and think about it, bottled... Read More
Coq10 is also known as Coenzyme Q10.This co q10 is... Read More
Could it be possible that our beloved chocolate may actually... Read More
What are Glyconutrients? Glyconutrients are eight newly discovered biologically-active sugars... Read More
Evidence for the importance of fruit and vegetable intake to... Read More
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive... Read More
I'm sure by now you've heard all about the amazing... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more... Read More
I'll preface this article by saying that it will help... Read More
Nutrition |