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
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..White-spotted or yellow splotched teeth may reveal more than needed... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
Nutrition has everything to do with health. This isn't news,... Read More
With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More
Whatever diet you choose to live by, the food you... Read More
Cholesterol is present in our bodies by one of two... Read More
Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
While oxygen is the key to human survival, it is... Read More
I'll preface this article by saying that it will help... Read More
I'm 40-something years old, and for 40-something years breakfast has... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
The key to better health is learning the difference between... Read More
They're not only good for you, but they taste good,... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed.... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
Do you need omega 3 fatty acid in your diet?... Read More
Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More
Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More
Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor:... Read More
Do you allow pleasure from food? Are your senses throughly... Read More
Many people avoid avocados thinking them to be fattening, but... Read More
The wonders of modern science continue to amaze us with... Read More
If you are like most people, you've tried dieting before.... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have... Read More
One way to combat the boredom many people complain accompanies... Read More
The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in... Read More
Increasing the fiber in your diet has been shown to:... Read More
During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More
Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More
Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have... Read More
When it comes to planning a healthy diet, fat is... Read More
People want to get the very best they can when... Read More
Nuts of all kinds (I am talking peanuts, cashews etc)... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More
Nutrition facts have become a part of everyday life because... Read More
As any student of chemistry will assure you, acids and... Read More
Vitamin EThere has been a lot of controversy about vitamin... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
Essential fatty acids are the number one recommendation for anyone... Read More
One of the most common questions I am asked is... Read More
White-spotted or yellow splotched teeth may reveal more than needed... Read More
Olive oil is a healthy choice over other fats such... Read More
Factory FarmingThe big names in American agriculture would like you... Read More
Because of consumer demand, the food industry focus is on... Read More
Cholesterol is an essential building block of every cell in... Read More
It is often taken as a given fact that soy... Read More
While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from... Read More
Nutrition |