Cholesterol Foods, News, Articles, and Information

Low Cholesterol Foods

2010-09-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

What are Low Cholesterol Foods?

A high level of cholesterol is a very serious problem and it increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease as well as stroke and heart attack. Diet high in fats, smoking, drinking and leading a sedentary lifestyle are the major factors for increase in cholesterol level.

Low cholesterol foods are one of the natural ways of lowering cholesterol levels. Following a low cholesterol diet can be very effective in controlling and maintaining a normal cholesterol level. This means eating low cholesterol foods such as soy products, lean meats, nuts, vegetables and fruits are good for healthy heart.

High fiber foods are also very helpful in lowering cholesterol. Regular exercise is also a good habit if you are really trying to lower your cholesterol levels. Exercise helps in increasing HDL (good cholesterol) in the body as well as strengthens your heart muscle, helps keep your blood pressure at normal and even helps you in shedding of those excess pounds.

List of cholesterol lowering foods

1. Vegetables – They are high in dietary fiber and dietary nutrients that aids not only regulated metabolism but also balances cholesterol levels. Other benefits of eating vegetables also include the reduction of heart diseases and cancer as well as high blood pressure.

2. Fruits – This food group is also among the top food groups that lower cholesterol because they are very low in calorie content. Fruits contain large amounts of significant vitamins and nutrients that help prevent of vitamin deficiency as well as other diseases.

3. Grains, Nuts & Seeds - They are in high-energy content and dietary fiber content. This makes them effective foods to lower cholesterol level. They are also known as effective in controlling weight. Nuts and seeds contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals and are also high in dietary fiber.

4. Lean meats - Lean red meats, lean chicken/turkey meats and fish are another important foods in the list of low cholesterol. These are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that are excellent for a person's metabolism as well as in fighting off bad cholesterol.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read information on How to lower cholesterol naturally. Also know Cholesterol lowering foods at Natural cures website – a comprehensive health guide for Herbal supplements and natural treatments.

About the Author

Nick Mutt is an active writer and blogger on health related topics. He has published many ebooks on natural health.

(ArticlesBase SC #667358)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - What are Low Cholesterol Foods?

worst cholesterol foods

2009-09-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

Where Does High Cholesterol Come From?

Author: MiShaun Taylor

One of the most disturbing and one of the most silent killers within modern society is high cholesterol which often leads to heart attack. From French fries dripping with grease and unhealthy foods that are available upon a moment's request, it is becoming more difficult to fight high cholesterol. However, there are many more causes that may come hand in hand with elevated cholesterol levels and knowing the causes for this terrible condition. When you find out what causes high cholesterol, you will be in a better position to take action in order to reduce the effects high cholesterol levels can have on your life.

Obesity or Being Overweight - High blood pressure is like a magnet for overweight or obese people, and can really do damage if it's not properly controlled. In fact, with the high amount of foods that we consume from fast food chains and other places can cause a very large risk for high cholesterol. Saturated fat is one of the worst culprits and it can be found in fast food, pre packaged food and prepared food. Many people don't know that food which is high in carbs can also be a perfect precursor to elevated cholesterol. While we get tons of energy from carbs, when the energy is not needed right away, these things get stored and converted into fat! If possible, stay away from foods like this; especially if you have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol!

Genetics - Of course, your risk of elevated cholesterol levels is worse if you have had someone in your immediate family or even your distanced family with cholesterol issues. Many times, this means that it is nearly impossible to control the cholesterol levels with natural methods. In fact, with genetic cases of cholesterol it can be difficult even to control them with medications. There is a chance, however that with natural methods such as diet, exercise and low stress, that the cholesterol will be lowered or will not have such damaging effects on the body.

Age and Gender - With age, cholesterol levels do rise. Although there are cases in which even children have had high cholesterol which led to heart disease, the truth is that cholesterol becomes more of a problem the older we get. Men are also more likely to have elevated cholesterol because their bodies product more than women do, up until menopause. After that, women are at a greater risk of heart disease due to high cholesterol. One thing is for sure; cholesterol does not discriminate.

Being Stressed Out - Although it doesn't seem like much, stress is a really powerful thing. Large amounts of stress will cause people to behave differently as well as live differently. Through indirect reasons, stress can cause cholesterol levels to rise, and learning how to properly manage stress and of course getting time to relax will help you prevent high cholesterol due to stress.

Obesity, foods high in trans fat and saturated fat, and even stress can cause high cholesterol. Even the healthiest of people can have damaging cholesterol problems which may lead to heart attack or stroke. However, learning to care for our bodies in the most natural ways can really prevent this problem and help us have a great, healthy and carefree life! The key is to do what it takes to keep cholesterol levels in check.

About the Author:
Do you suffer from high cholesterol? Do you want to take control of this condition with proven techniques that work? If so, please visit http://www.cholesterolreducing.net We will teach you how to reduce your cholesterol with diet and holistic/traditional medical treatments.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Where Does High Cholesterol Come From?

list of bad cholesterol foods

2009-07-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

What Are High Cholesterol?

Author: Penny Albright

It should not come as a big surprise that the foods we love are very high in cholesterol. However, given that there is good and bad cholesterol, it is important to distinguish between the two. So as HDL is good and LDL is bad, it is very important to avoid or at least try to eat foods that are low in LDL cholesterol because too much can cause heart disease.

If you are reading this article, you have probably been told by your doctor or have personally decided to reduce your cholesterol levels. So, what are the high cholesterol foods that you should omit from your diet?

Firstly, there are two main ingredients that will raise your cholesterol levels:

Saturated fat - found in most animal products

LDL cholesterol - found in most animal products

Some sources of fat and bad cholesterol that are considered high cholesterol foods can include:

Meats

Nuts

Dairy foods

However, not all of them are bad. This is why it is important to monitor the saturated fat content in foods because the more there is, the harder the liver has to work to detoxify the body. Also, subsequent LDL cholesterol from bad fats will create plaque inside arteries, veins, and capillaries which can result in serious, if not deadly, cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks.

The following is a list of high cholesterol foods. They are listed according to food type, serving size, and cholesterol levels. If at all possible, try to eat something else, or choose lower fat versions of them:

Food Serving Size Cholesterol Level

Beef, kidney 3.5oz 375 mg

Beef, liver 3.5oz 300 mg

Beefsteak 3.5oz 70 mg

Boiled egg 1 225 mg

Butter 3.5oz 250 mg

Cheddar cheese 1oz 19 mg

Chicken 3.5oz 60 mg

Cream cheese 1oz 27 mg

Ice Cream 3.5oz 45 mg

Lamb 3.5oz 70 mg

Sponge cake 3.5oz 260 mg

Dietary Changes

This section will give you information on how to reduce cholesterol by changing your diet.

Many people suffer with high cholesterol because of the type of diet they follow. Eating foods which are high in saturated fat can cause high cholesterol. Our bodies need a certain amount of fat to function properly but we need to be careful what kind of fat we consume. The saturated fats that are found in meat products, whole fat milk, cheese and butter are the bad fats, as are trans fats or hydrogenated fats which are found in commercially produced cakes, cookies, pastries, fast food, coconut oil and palm oil.

It is good to know how to reduce cholesterol by simply changing the type of fat that you consume. Cut down on foods containing saturated fat or replace them with foods containing good fats like mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Mono-unsaturated fats are found in oils like rapeseed oil and olive oil and some nuts. Polyunsaturated fats are found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herrings and mackerel, and also some spreads. These types of fats are actually good for our hearts and cholesterol levels.

How to reduce cholesterol by changing your habits:-

- Stop using butter on your bread or in baking and instead use polyunsaturated spreads or olive oil.

- Fry foods with olive oil or avoid frying and grill, microwave or steam foods.

- Trim fat off meat or use lean cuts.

- Replace meat with soya products or cook more vegetarian meals.

- Buy low fat versions of your normal foods.

- Replace snacks like cakes and cookies with fruit and vegetable based snacks.

- Eat oily fish two or three times a week.

It is important to have no more than 200mg or less of cholesterol per day. The rest of any healthy diet should include fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes (peas, beans, lentils, etc.), whole grains and either 2% or no-fat milk. The American Heart Association recommends a calorie controlled version of the 'Mediterranean Diet'. This can be found in pyramid for through their website.

About the Author:
What are high cholesterol foods? Webmaster of mecholestrol.com Penny Albright is providing her viewers with facts and solutions, how to reduce high cholesterol. Simply by memorizing the list of high cholesterol food and avoid dangerous fat levels, you will notice a difference.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What Are High Cholesterol?

low cholesterol diet foods

2009-07-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Best Low Cholesterol Diet Plan

Author: Jam

If you want to lower your cholesterol levels, following an ideal diet may be able to help you a lot. It has been known for a long time now that the food a person eats or is accustomed to eating daily can have a direct relation in the body's cholesterol levels.

And it is important for people to lower their cholesterol levels because cholesterol has been associated with the development of coronary heart disease. The higher the level of blood cholesterol levels in an individual, the more likely it is that he will be developing heart disease later on. Aside from that high cholesterol levels can also put a person at risk of suffering from a stroke or a heart attack.

Aside from using drugs to lower cholesterol levels, following a low cholesterol diet is the next best thing to keep your cholesterol levels down. Eating more vegetables, soy products and other low cholesterol foods can be just as effective at reducing blood cholesterol as medication. A study has been able to show that a vegetarian diet can lower cholesterol by as much as one-third in just a month.

The best cholesterol-lowering diet that you can follow usually includes a hearty serving of vegetables such as broccoli and red peppers. Soymilk and soy sausages, oat bran cereal and bread as well as plenty of fruits and nuts make up a complete low cholesterol diet. Soy protein, nuts, and fiber rich food such as oats and barley can effectively cut cholesterol levels by up to seven percent.

A low cholesterol diet also requires you to minimize your intake of saturated fat by seven percent and other fat substances by 25-35 percent. It has been discovered that the best diet for avoiding coronary heart disease includes consuming non-hydrogenated (unprocessed) fats rather than the hydrogenated variety. Increased consumption of omega-3 fats from fish, fish oil or plant sources such as flaxseeds is the suggested fat intake in a low cholesterol diet. With a low cholesterol diet, one should also limit daily sodium intake somewhere in the level of 2400 milligrams daily.

A typical day on the low cholesterol diet would include a hearty breakfast of soymilk, oat bran cereal with chopped fruit and almonds, oatmeal bread, vegetable-based margarine and jam. A typical low cholesterol lunch would comprise of soy cold cuts, oat bran bread, bean soup and a dessert of fruit. For dinner, stir-fry vegetables, tofu, fruit and almonds would be the usual low cholesterol diet fare. Following this type of low cholesterol diet religiously for long periods, it is possible for one's cholesterol level to drop by as much as 29 percent in just a month.

About the Author:

Jam is a postgraduate medical intern who loves to research and write about health, particularly about diabetes.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Best Low Cholesterol Diet Plan

reduce cholesterol foods

2009-07-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

What Foods Reduce Cholesterol?

Author: Andrew Bicknell

Cholesterol is an important substance we all need for our body to function properly. But in this case to much of something is not a good thing and high levels of cholesterol can be dangerous to your long term health. If you have high cholesterol it is a good idea to lower it to more normal levels and the best way to do this is through diet.

So what foods reduce cholesterol?

The first thing you need to know is that all foods that come from animal sources contain cholesterol in them. Eggs, poultry, meat, seafood, and dairy products all contain it and eating them can contribute to raising cholesterol levels.

But more importantly when it comes to foods that lower cholesterol are foods that are high in Trans fats and saturated fats. In fact these two fats have been shown to increase blood cholesterol levels more then foods that contain it.

The daily limit for cholesterol as recommended by the American Heart Association is no more then 300 milligrams. By maintaining a healthy diet it is easy to keep your levels under control and your cardiovascular system healthy. Choosing healthy foods low in saturated and Trans fats is the first step to beating this problem. Also eating plenty of high fiber no cholesterol foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables is important.

Many people wonder if they need to cut out animal products all together. The answer is no but they should be eaten in moderation. Probably what is most important is how these foods are prepared. You should eat only lean cuts of meat and poultry and they should be baked, broiled, or grilled. Frying any food should be avoided at all costs because of the saturated and Trans fat used to fry foods are a known danger.

One food that is known to reduce cholesterol is seafood rich in Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Salmon is the best choice as it has one of the highest amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids of all seafood's. For those who don't like seafood or have limited access to seafood it can be bought in pill supplement form.

The key to finding foods reduce cholesterol is eating healthy. It's not really that hard but to prevent future health problems it is important to do so.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What Foods Reduce Cholesterol?

foods with a lot of cholesterol

2009-06-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Different Foods to Avoid Inorder Lower Cholesterol

Author: Jan Richards

One past time that people love to do is eating. This can happen at anytime aside from the three basic meals of the day whenever the person is craving for something.

Whenever the individual buys the snack or meal to suit that craving, little attention is paid on how much cholesterol the food has. In fact, a lot of those of the dishes made in fast food joint are unhealthy which has prompted McDonald's to print the calories, cholesterol and other things on each product given to the customer.

The growing number of those who are overweight and obese has caught the attention of doctors since this means there are a lot of people now who are considered to be high risk of suffering from heart disease or stroke in the United States.

Aside from advising people to visit the doctor annually, many are suggesting to make some lifestyle changes before it is too late. This usually means making some changes in the food being eaten since this is the only way to control the amount of cholesterol going in the system.

So what type of foods must be avoided to have lower levels of cholesterol in the body? The first is reducing the quantity of red meat being consumed. A good example is steak, ham and bacon that is high in fat.

Giving it up will be difficult so eating smaller portions should be done especially for those who are moderate or at a high risk of getting a heart disease or a stroke.

Fried food such as hamburgers and fries should also be avoided. The ingredients and oil used in cooking these things are also high in cholesterol that could be dangerous to one's health. This also includes pre-packaged frozen meals that a lot of people will just throw in the microwave after a long day at the office.

Dairy products such as milk, eggs and chicken should also be reduced. If the person has a hard time giving this up, this can be substituted using non-fat milk or yogurt to provide calcium that the body needs.

It is safe for kids to have junk food, candies and cake. As the individual gets older, these things have to be avoided. This is because the ingredients used in making these products are high in fat.

Now that more or less the food the person should avoid has been revealed, it is time to mention those that can be substituted to maintain a good diet.

Ideally, those who want to reduce the cholesterol intake should have a diet that contains less than 30% of fat. Those who can eat less will do better in living a healthy life.

The best products in the market to get are beans, fish oil, fruits, garlic, grains, soy, vegetables and whole grain bread. These things have vitamins and minerals as well as omega 3 acids that are known to reduce cholesterol levels in the body.

Different variations can be done daily so the person will not get tired of eating the same thing just to have a healthy diet. If planning this is difficult, a dietitian will gladly help and make changes every week so the cholesterol levels will improve when the patient pays another visit to the clinic.

About the Author:

Read about cholesterol ratio and low cholesterol foods at the Cholesterol Guidelines website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Different Foods to Avoid Inorder Lower Cholesterol

cholesterol lowering food

2009-06-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol Lowering Foods - Heart Disease Prevention

Author: peterhutch

Little by little larger numbers of people suffer from heart disease as a consequence of high cholesterol levels. There are many factors that enable the accumulation of cholesterol inside the organism, but the major cause is considered to be unhealthy diet. Unhealthy diet and bad eating habits can considerably increase blood cholesterol levels. That’s why cholesterol lowering foods should be part of a cholesterol lowering diet.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your bloodstream and every cell in your body. First off, it is important to note that cholesterol is normal. We all must have some cholesterol within our bodies. Without out it, your body would be unable to produce cell membranes and various hormones. But here is where it gets complicated. When your body has too much cholesterol, this waxy substance starts to form blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol lowering food in combination with a healthy fit lifestyle has been proven over and over again to be one of the most effective ways of lowering cholesterol naturally.

Cholesterol lowering food should be included in everyone's diet but especially in a diet to lower cholesterol if your cholesterol is already high. Failure to include cholesterol lowering food in your diet can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts that have a high amount of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat, also help lowering cholesterol. Researchers have found that nuts not only lower the total and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol significantly, but also help maintain a desirable level of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol.

Garlic is a popular cholesterol-lowering herb that contains allin and allicin. It has antispasmodic properties that help facilitate proper digestion and absorption. Because of its quick and effective actions on the gastrointestinal tract, excess cholesterol won't be easily stored as fat since garlic tries to let the body eliminate it instead.

Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrates and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps reduce low-density lipoprotein or LDL which is also called bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber acts to hinder excess absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. With its gel-like qualities, bile works with dietary cholesterol to be properly excreted by the body.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed provides alpha-linolenic acid a poly-unsaturated fat which has been shown to lower cholesterol while providing needed soluble fiber.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the mono-saturated fats and studies have shown that it lowers blood cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is suggested to be better than other varieties.

While foods containing soy protein are no longer considered cholesterol lowering foods, they can still be part of a healthy diet. Soy protein will not harm your health, and substituting soy protein, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy nuts, soy milk, soy burgers, soy cheese, and soy flour for animal protein, continues to be a wise food choice because of its high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and low content of saturated fat.

About the Author:

Read about Natural Supplements, Herbal Remedies. Also read about Natural Weight Loss and Obeslim

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cholesterol Lowering Foods - Heart Disease Prevention

list of foods for lowering cholesterol

2009-06-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Lower Cholesterol Naturally, Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

Author: John Adison

Foods to lower cholesterol do exist, and I am a living proof that they can do miraculous things to drop your cholesterol numbers from abnormally high level to a fully safe level in comparatively short time. It’s simply a matter of persistence to stick with the right kind of natural diet.

Grapes also contain cholesterol-lowering pterostilbene, as well as resveratol, a similar compound that’s been shown to have a role in reducing cholesterol. In 2008, researchers at Madrid University developed a juice from the skin and seeds of red grapes and instructed 34 human volunteers to add the concoction to their regular diet over a 16-week period. After this time frame, volunteers experienced a 14 percent drop in cholesterol levels and a five percent drop in blood pressure readings

You might need to first be on medication to help reduce your cholesterol depending on your age, family history and your cholesterol level. It is very important to talk to a doctor or a registered nutrition first about your diet to lower cholesterol, since he or she can provide you all the information you need and give you the appropriate treatment. Besides a low cholesterol diet, the doctor will normally recommend physical activity.

By taking natural herbal supplements, along with home remedies and herbal remedies you can have best of the best results on lowering your cholesterol levels. Good quality herbal supplements, along with home remedies and herbal remedies are free from side effects and are very effective in maintaining good blood and heart pressure levels. On top of adjusting your nutrition it is always recommended you have 30 minutes exercise as well to help your cardio development and burn any excess fat you may have.

Think that with small intakes of natural supplements you can save a lifetime of taking pills and even avoiding heart surgery. You must know by now that about 75 percent of the body’s cholesterol is produced by the liver, the rest being extracted from what you eat. So, a diet in this case is very helpful if you want to lower those levels. But, while a low-your-cholesterol diet is helpful, it’s still necessary to maintain the cholesterol levels within the body itself.

Soy. Soy ranks on the top of our list for two main points. First is has been proven to lower cholesterol levels fairly quickly and second due to the abundance of soy products available. Walk into any grocery store and visit the dairy section. You will notice soy milks, soy yogurts, soy spreads sitting along side of cows milk products. Soy is no longer hidden in the “health food” section of the store, it is right there out in front and you will also see this in the ice cream aisle. Soy is an easy food for commercial manufacturers to work with

About the Author:

Read about Lower Blood Pressure Naturally and Lowering Cholesterol at Natural Supplements

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Lower Cholesterol Naturally, Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

healthy foods for high cholesterol

2009-06-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Be Heart Healthy With Home Remedies For High Cholesterol

Author: Ron Shelf

Be Heart Healthy with Home Remedies for High Cholesterol

If you want your heart to be healthy and stay healthy, you need to lower down your cholesterol and what better way to start than trying out home remedies for high cholesterol? A great majority of people find it hard to lower down their cholesterol simply because these happen to be the foods they like to eat. However, if you only knew the damaging effects of high cholesterol to your body, you will be encouraged enough to try and cut down on the fat.

High cholesterol can lead you to develop damaging, if not fatal conditions. If allowed to carry on the habit without addressing it, you carry the risk of developing a fatty liver, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and worse Myocardial Infarction. Home remedies for high cholesterol can help you lower down your cholesterol count and even prevent it from escalating to dangerous levels.

Most home remedies for high cholesterol include incorporating heart-healthy foods to the diet. One is to eat garlic or take a capsule of it twice a day. Garlic can help lower down your LDLs or your bad cholesterol while increasing your HDLs or your good cholesterol. You can also try eating ginger since this can also lower down your cholesterol as well as thin out your blood giving you improved blood circulation. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids has also been known to substantially lower down your cholesterol as well as Lecithin.

The following remedies are very common for treating high cholesterol:

1. Eat raw garlic daily.

2. Eat 2-3 apples every day.

3. Walnuts can treat high cholesterol levels.

4. Consume tomatoes, you can either eat them fresh, in a salad, or drink tomato juice.

5. Eat soy products to lower cholesterol levels.

6. Sunflower seeds are very good remedy for cholesterol.

7. Eat food that contains fiber.

8. Make a cup of lemon grass tea, add 2 teaspoons of honey and drink slowly.

9. Make a cup of tea, add 3 cinnamon sticks and drink.

10. Eat or drink grapefruit daily.

Yet other simple remedies for high cholesterol that most people seem to overlook include a change in lifestyle. This means that if you were sedentary before, be active now. Try some exercises, starting out slowly and gradually increasing the pace. Avoid habits that can just be as damaging as high cholesterol such as too much smoking and consumption of alcohol.

Try being aware of the condition because the more you know the better you can prevent it from occurring. For instance, be aware of the difference of LDLs and HDLs. Both are considered cholesterols, however, each have different types of actions. While LDLs are considered your bad cholesterol because it plays a great role in increasing your cholesterol count, HDLs are considered your good cholesterols because it lowers down your cholesterol count. Being aware of this fact alone can help you to avoid LDL-rich foods and increase your intake of HDL-rich foods. Having a high cholesterol count requires that you have a lot of money, what with the maintenance that is required to keep you alive. These simple home remedies for high cholesterol are not only cheap; they prevent your cholesterol count from increasing in the first place, saving you a lot of money and saving your life.

About the Author:
The author is the owner of www.homeremediesguru.com . For more information about home remedies for high cholesterol visit www.homeremediesguru.com/cure/high_cholesterol.aspx .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Be Heart Healthy With Home Remedies For High Cholesterol

lower cholesterol with food

2009-06-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Lower Cholesterol - Add These Natural Foods to your Diet

Author: Albert Lee

If you want to lower and maintain your cholesterol level, the best thing for you to do is to turn to a natural diet. It's simple, convenient and best of all, available in large quantities.

By simply reducing the amount of processed foods in your diet, you can significantly lower your blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Here are some of the sources of natural foods to add to your diet and help lower your cholesterol:

1. Fiber

Some of the best sources of fiber are found in whole grains, cereals and oatmeal. For a natural diet, choose unprocessed grains and wheat bran for more roughage and high fiber content. Fiber is effective in lowering cholesterol levels and keeping your intestines from absorbing too much fat and sugar.

How much to get: a cup of natural fiber is enough to help lower your cholesterol level by about 5%. Go for cereals that contain oats, psyllium, flaxseed or whole grains.

2. Soy

Soy is another food product that can be easily integrated into your daily diet to lower your cholesterol. While some soy products undergo processing, they retain the healthful qualities that make soy a favorite among heart-watchers.

The reason is probably because of naturally-occurring compounds known as isoflavones, which have been shown to regulate the levels of cholesterol in the body. A study conducted in 1998 showed that isoflavones helped lower cholesterol levels from 5% to 10%.

How much to get: a natural diet to lower cholesterol should contain at least 25g of soy protein daily. Soy protein can be found in soy milk, tofu, tempeh and soy meat substitutes.

3. Fish

Fish contain a type of good fat known as Omega-3 fatty acids. These keep the blood from clotting, making sure that blood flow is smooth and healthy. Omega-3s are also known for keeping blood fat levels low.

How much to get: serve broiled, baked or grilled fish at least 3 times a week. It's also a good idea to substitute fish for other animal protein meals when dining out to keep your natural diet low in cholesterol. Choose fatty fish such as albacore, sardines, herring and salmon and serve baked, grilled or steamed.

About the Author:

To discover the best foods to lower your cholesterol, visit http://www.diettolowercholesterol101.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Lower Cholesterol - Add These Natural Foods to your Diet

reduce cholesterol foods

2009-06-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

What Foods Reduce Cholesterol?

Author: Andrew Bicknell

Cholesterol is an important substance we all need for our body to function properly. But in this case to much of something is not a good thing and high levels of cholesterol can be dangerous to your long term health. If you have high cholesterol it is a good idea to lower it to more normal levels and the best way to do this is through diet.

So what foods reduce cholesterol?

The first thing you need to know is that all foods that come from animal sources contain cholesterol in them. Eggs, poultry, meat, seafood, and dairy products all contain it and eating them can contribute to raising cholesterol levels.

But more importantly when it comes to foods that lower cholesterol are foods that are high in Trans fats and saturated fats. In fact these two fats have been shown to increase blood cholesterol levels more then foods that contain it.

The daily limit for cholesterol as recommended by the American Heart Association is no more then 300 milligrams. By maintaining a healthy diet it is easy to keep your levels under control and your cardiovascular system healthy. Choosing healthy foods low in saturated and Trans fats is the first step to beating this problem. Also eating plenty of high fiber no cholesterol foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables is important.

Many people wonder if they need to cut out animal products all together. The answer is no but they should be eaten in moderation. Probably what is most important is how these foods are prepared. You should eat only lean cuts of meat and poultry and they should be baked, broiled, or grilled. Frying any food should be avoided at all costs because of the saturated and Trans fat used to fry foods are a known danger.

One food that is known to reduce cholesterol is seafood rich in Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Salmon is the best choice as it has one of the highest amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids of all seafood's. For those who don't like seafood or have limited access to seafood it can be bought in pill supplement form.

The key to finding foods reduce cholesterol is eating healthy. It's not really that hard but to prevent future health problems it is important to do so.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What Foods Reduce Cholesterol?

high cholesterol foods to

2009-06-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

High Cholesterol Foods To Avoid

Author: Andrew Bicknell

For those who suffer from high cholesterol the best and first way to control and lower their cholesterol levels is through their diet. But many people are confused as to what constitutes a high cholesterol food they need to avoid and a low cholesterol food. This is because there is a difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol.

Generally most health guidelines recommend that dietary cholesterol not exceed 300 mg per day for most healthy people, but if one suffers from high LDL blood cholesterol levels then this intake should be not more than 200 mg per day.

Cholesterol, a waxy like substance, is only found in animal meat and tissues and its sources include red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, and dairy products. On the flip side any food derived from plant sources is cholesterol free, including high fat plants food sources such as avocado\'s and peanut butter. This is where the confusion usually happens because eating large amounts of vegetable oil, which is virtually 100% food fat, can significantly raise blood cholesterol levels, particularly when eaten with high cholesterol foods.

The fact is that blood LDL cholesterol levels are highly influenced by the amount of saturated fat that one eats. There is a relationship between the amounts of saturated fat one eats the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. For every one percent increase in calories obtained by eating saturated fat, blood cholesterol levels go up around two percent. Conversely for every one percent decrease in saturated fat intake cholesterol levels will reduce about two percent.

The thing to remember when it comes avoiding high cholesterol foods is that while doing so will decrease LDL cholesterol levels, reducing saturated fat intake has a bigger impact on these levels then many people are aware of. This does not mean that those who suffer from high cholesterol can eat high cholesterol foods, but they should be aware that there is more to reducing cholesterol then just this one thing.

The reason for this confusion with the way cholesterol can increase in the blood stream is the way many foods are cooked and/or served. Let\'s look at one of everyone\'s favorite breakfasts; bacon/sausage and eggs. We all know that eggs are high in cholesterol, but what we don\'t know is that the cholesterol in eggs has a small impact on blood cholesterol levels. It\'s the high amount of saturated fat in the bacon or sausage that has a far larger impact on LDL cholesterol levels.

Another culprit is deep fat fried foods. Many foods are for the most part harmless until they are breaded and fried in hot oil. In fact, many fish and seafood choices are considered to be good for us because of the omega-3 fatty acids that they contain, but as soon as they are deep fried and eaten any benefits are cancelled by the saturated fat that raises bad LDL cholesterol.

When it comes to high cholesterol foods to avoid it is important to remember that these types of food aren\'t necessarily bad in and of themselves if eaten in moderation. The real problem occurs when they are combined with high levels of saturated fat, which has a more profound effect on blood cholesterol levels.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

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healthy foods to lower cholesterol

2009-06-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

Amazing Foods For Lower Cholesterol

Author: Chad Fisher

Foods to Avoid for Lowering Blood Cholesterol

Before going into the further details of these two foods I would like to inform you quickly about the foods that must be avoided if you have high cholesterol. These are

· Biscuits

· Fatty meat

· Sausages

· Burgers

· Pizza

The reason that these foods should be avoided is that these are rich in saturated fats. The problem with these foods is that they are widely available and taste good. But theses yummy foods can cause an irreparable damage to the body organs in the long run. These foods must be replaced by their healthy alternatives

Foods to Opt To Lower Blood Cholesterol

Now I would like to give you some insight about the foods that can lower your cholesterol level

Fish & Nuts

Nuts are another source for reducing the levels LDL in the body. The reason of it being good is that it contains polyunsaturated fats. However nuts also helps to maintain the level of HDL (good cholesterol in the blood). This cholesterol is termed good because it assists the body from getting rid of excessive LDL and hinders it from absorbing in the arteries. The examples of some healthy nuts are almonds and walnuts.

It is a healthy food. It is extremely effective for lowering the levels of cholesterol in blood. The reason of its effectiveness is its content omega 3 fatty acids. This should be kept in mind that if you opt to buy processed fish, battered fish, or the one that is covered with cream, and then you are choosing a perfectly healthy food in the unhealthiest shape. Fish specifically lowers Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) in the blood. LDL if excessive, are absorbed in the walls of artery which causes hardening of the arteries.

About the Author:

Lower Blood Cholesterol is something everyone should strive for. Learn more at http://www.signsofheartdisease.net

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worst foods for cholesterol

2009-05-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

High Cholesterol Foods – Healthy, not Harmful

Author: Paul Rodgers

High cholesterol foods are usually foods high in saturated fats. High cholesterol foods are the more delicious foods. High cholesterol foods are mainly found in all animals and animal products, for example, egg yolks, meat, poultry, fish and higher fat milk products. High cholesterol foods are a major contributor to having high blood pressure. High cholesterol foods are bad for us, and God knew it.

Your body produces three to four times more cholesterol than you eat. The production of cholesterol increases when you eat little cholesterol and decreases when you eat much. In other words, the more high cholesterol foods you eat, the less cholesterol your body produces. It is true that the body – more specifically the liver – can produce cholesterol for the body's needs. But taking cholesterol from high cholesterol foods can be helpful. When you do not take enough high cholesterol foods – for example, if you take mainly vegetable oils rather than animal fat containing cholesterol – the cholesterol in your blood will the transferred to your cells.

In traditional societies, high cholesterol foods were regarded as healthy foods. Our ancestors did not know about cholesterol but they knew that eggs, organ meat (including the brain), seafood, shellfish… were all highly nourishing for the body. Cholesterol is not a deadly poison, but a substance vital to the cells of all mammals. Cholesterol in its proper place is good, but it also has a dark side. Thus, the highest concentration of cholesterol in the body is found in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. And because cholesterol is needed for the brain, babies and children need high cholesterol foods for brain development. One of the richest high cholesterol foods is, in fact, human breast milk. And one of the worst foods to give to babies is soy infant formula, because it contains zero cholesterol.

People with very low cholesterol (below 150 mg/dl) are more prone to depression and nervous system disorders. Many scientific studies have found an association between cholesterol and heart disease. But this does not meant that high cholesterol foods cause heart disease – because there are people who eat plenty of high cholesterol foods and do not develop heart disease. And there are also people who develop heart disease even though they avoid high cholesterol foods. It is also important to understand that eating high cholesterol foods will not automatically lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood.

Among the many research findings published in scientific journals, Uffe Ravnskov discovered that: lowering cholesterol did not result in lower death rates from heart disease, but in HIGHER death rates from all causes. More significantly, Uffe Ravnskov has published over 80 scientific papers and letters in peer-reviewed journals criticizing what is commonly called the Lipid Hypothesis of heart disease – the belief that dietary saturated fats and cholesterol clog arteries and cause atherosclerosis and heart disease. Click here to read more about Uffe Ravnskov and the benefits of high cholesterol foods. Foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fat (such as coconut oil) can also raise your level of LDL (bad) cholesterol, so, in a way, they have a similar effect on your body as eating high cholesterol foods. But it does not stop there, because there are a number of other foods that may not be considered "high cholesterol foods" but that still raise your LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) more than high cholesterol foods do. If a food does not come from an animal (such as a fruit or vegetable), then it does not have cholesterol.

To appreciate why high cholesterol foods are not harmful, we need to understand what cholesterol is, and what role it plays in human health. Typically, high cholesterol foods are also high in saturated fats, which is part of what makes them taste good. High cholesterol foods should not be entirely avoided, as many of them are an essential part of a healthy diet, as noted above, but you should learn to reduce their intake in order to maintain or lower your LDL cholesterol levels. High cholesterol foods are animal products such as eggs, fatty meats, and any poultry with the skin on would be high in cholesterol.

About the Author:

Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products. Find out more about High Cholesterol Foods – Healthy, not Harmful

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - High Cholesterol Foods – Healthy, not Harmful

food high in cholesterol

2009-05-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

A Guide to Foods High in Cholesterol

Author: Jb Anthony

Most of what we buy, cook, and eat are foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and calories. From processed goods to baked pastries, we may be unaware that we have exceeded our limit of cholesterol intake.

Some food products have been known to be nutritious and good for our health, but there are always setbacks. Did you know that while dairy products like milk and cheese are good sources of calcium, they also have a lot of cholesterol?

- Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt are foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat, but they are also sources of important nutrients. Fortunately, there are low fat and nonfat dairy products available for people who do not want the extra cholesterol.

You can get cheeses that are fat free, low fat, part skim, or reduced fat. Basically, choose cheese that has 3 grams or less of fat per ounce. If you want soft cheeses, try getting the low fat (one percent) or nonfat cottage cheese, farmer cheese, or light ricotta or part skim. Additionally, watch out for cheese that have too much sodium in them.

Instead of whole or two percent milk, try skim or one percent milk. The latter are just as nutritious and rich in calcium as whole milk, but with less fat and cholesterol.

- Eggs

The whole egg is not high in cholesterol. It is the yolk, which contains around 213 milligrams of dietary cholesterol. If you cannot avoid eating egg yolks, then at least limit your intake to two per week. The limit extends to the yolks in baked and processed goods. Before buying or eating these types of food, check their labels and see how much cholesterol it has or if it uses whole eggs.

You do not have to stop eating eggs, though. Egg whites have no cholesterol in them. You can even use two egg whites to substitute one whole egg.

- Fats and Oils

By their names alone, you can tell that fats and oils pack cholesterol and calories. But that does not mean that they are completely bad for your health. With substitutes and a limit to the total fats and oil intake, you can continue to enjoy your meals.

There are vegetable oils you can use instead of those full of unsaturated fats. Choose canola, sunflower, corn, soybean, olive, sesame, peanut, and safflower oils instead. For margarine, go for the soft tub or the liquid kind. Salad dressings and mayonnaise also come in light or nonfat kinds.

Minimize using butter, fatback, lard, and solid shortenings because these are high in fat and cholesterol.

Even though most of what we eat are foods high in cholesterol, it does not necessarily mean that we have to drastically change our diet. We can continue to enjoy our meals but we do have to be careful and vigilant of what we take in. The labels on the containers of the food you buy are there for a reason. Check them and see if you are going to be eating too much calories, fat, or cholesterol. You do not have to avoid them, but you can eat them in moderation.

About the Author:

Avoid foods high in cholesterol. Start your diet to lower cholesterol now!

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cholesterol free foods and

2009-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

What Is A Cholesterol Free Diet And Is It Good For Me?

Author: Gloria Gangi

Cholesterol has been a hot topic in the past ten years. People draw conclusions that if you have cholesterol you have a poor diet and have poor health, people also want to get rid of cholesterol without understanding what it is or how it affects your body.

People need to learn that there are in fact two types of cholesterol bad cholesterol (known as low density or LDL) and good cholesterol (known as high density or HDL). People do not realize that cholesterol is an essential substance in the human body but it depends on the levels that you have. If you were to choose a cholesterol free diet it could be very harmful to your wellbeing, HDL cholesterol are really extremely vital to certain bodily functions such as constructing and repairing cell walls. New research shows and even suggests that HDL cholesterol acts as a crude antioxidant.

You do not need to have a cholesterol free diet if there have been signs you or your family have had a history of heart problems or cardiovascular disease. Instead, understand what bad cholesterol you need to avoid and maintain the beneficial cholesterol in your diet. LDL cholesterol can certainly be challenging, as it has been associated with heart attacks as well as strokes, but it doesn't require a lot of effort to methodically eliminate it from your diet. Instead of trying to keeping away from cholesterol overall, steer clear of a cholesterol free diet and as a substitute look for foods that are low in LDL cholesterol and high in HDL cholesterol.

Is A Cholesterol Free Diet The Best Choice?

To find foods which are good for your health is not as hard a task as you may think as long as you know what you are looking for. Foods such as lean meat and fish are both good meat choices, and are also high in protein. Also choose low-fat dairy products and be sure to keep up with your grains, vegetable and fruit intake. A good diet to control or reduce your cholesterol would be around six servings of grains each day, three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruits.

This diet is not a hard one to follow and if your keep this strategy in place when shopping then you will be avoiding the products which contain the harmful LDL cholesterol. Remember to reduce your fat in take especially fats that have saturated fat as they tend to raise blood cholesterol levels. Avoid eating fried foods as well, choosing grilled, broiled and baked foods as a healthy alternative.

So the question of what is a cholesterol free diet and is it good for me is answered. A cholesterol free diet may not be the right decision if you want to keep your heart and body strong. By simply choosing a balanced diet will help you to weed out the bad cholesterol and keep the good cholesterol.

About the Author:

for more articles on cholesterol and how to reduce and control it please visit: http://www.yourcholesteroldiet.com/

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high cholesterol diet foods

2009-05-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Changing Your High Cholesterol Diet Menu

Author: Gloria Gangi

Changing your high cholesterol diet menu is easier than it may sound. It won't cost you as much as you think and the changes that result from it will made your life better. Your pantry will be the starting point. Here is where you may need to toss out some things and purchase substitutes but really that's all you have to do.

You need to begin by changing the things that you use such as salad dressings, and marinades, by changing these you can go a long way to reducing the amount of cholesterol in your diet. The way in which you cook your food can also change the amount of cholesterol in your diet. You will also find that when you change the way you cook your food it will taste better and be better for you.

Cooking Methods

Changing your cooking methods from a high cholesterol diet menu to a low cholesterol diet is not that hard either. By altering the way you prepare and cook food you can have a much healthier diet. Replace frying meat with broiling or grilling. The flavor of a burger, lamb chop, steak will be just as good when grilled or broiled instead of pan-fried.

Purchase a rack that you can use to drain off the fat after cooking. Whether you baked, roasted, or broiled the meat using a rack to drain off the fat before serving will help to reduce the fat content in your meals. When you baste meat during cooking use wine, olive oil, or fruit juice instead of the meat juices. This will still retain the flavor and keep the meat moist and tasty.

Planning what you are going to cook a day ahead can also help. When you cook a stew or soup for example, you will notice that after a day in the refrigerator fat floats to the top off the dish. By removing this fat on the top before serving will take you from a high cholesterol meal to a low cholesterol meal and by cooking a day before will help you also save you time in the kitchen.

Increase Your Vegetables

Vegetables have no cholesterol and by cooking your vegetables in a little bit of olive, canola, or sunflower oil makes them tasty and easy to prepare be sure to always include them as part of your meals. By increasing the amount of vegetables that you eat in a day will help you avoid a high cholesterol diet.

For desert substitute your creams and custard with fruit salads with fresh fruit and low fat yogurt. Try and avoid using canned vegetables and fruits when you are avoiding a high cholesterol diet menu, as these foods are high in salt.

About the Author:

Need more information on cholesterol and ways to reduce it then please visit:http://www.yourcholesteroldiet.com/

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good cholesterol foods

2009-05-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

Finding a List of Low Cholesterol Foods

Author: Andrew Bicknell

A high blood cholesterol level is something that needs to be taken very seriously because it is one of the main risk factors for increased chances of arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. One of the best ways to deal with this medical condition is through diet and for most people that means finding a list of low cholesterol foods.

Fortunately it is relatively easy to separate food types into those that contain cholesterol and those that don't. Any food that comes from an animal source contains cholesterol because it is a primarily used to create and maintain cell wall membranes along with hormone production.

Food from plant sources or derived from plant sources are for the most part cholesterol free and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can help significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. There is a big but that goes along with this because food preparation can significantly change whether or not that healthy food suddenly becomes a ticking cholesterol time bomb.

Recent studies into the effects of diet on cholesterol have found that it isn't always the amount of cholesterol in a particular food that is dangerous. In fact many cholesterol containing foods don't significantly raise blood cholesterol levels when eaten as is. What these studies have found is that saturated fat and Transfats are much more dangerous to cholesterol levels. When combined with high cholesterol foods in the preparation of meals these two fats can lead to dangerously high blood cholesterol levels.

This does not mean that eating high cholesterol foods is a good idea but by being aware of how to prepare your meals you can see significant reductions in your cholesterol levels. Here are some tips on how to best manage cholesterol levels through diet.

1. Avoid and eliminate foods high in saturated and Trans fats as well as avoid preparing meals with these types of fats. This is why fried foods are dangerous to anyone with high cholesterol levels.

2. Eat only lean cuts of meat in moderation. Grill or broil them to allow the fat to run off before eating.

3. The best source of protein in a low cholesterol diet can be gotten from chicken and seafood.

4. Eat fiber rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals. Fiber has been shown to help remove cholesterol from the body and is an important part of the digestive process.

5. Dairy products can be eaten if you choose low fat or skim products that have had the saturated fats removed or significantly reduced.

6. Increase your intake of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Much seafood such as salmon is rich in this vital nutrient or you can take it in supplement form.

As you can see managing this problem is much more then just finding a list of low cholesterol foods. While eating only these types of foods can decrease your risks you can do much more by understanding how certain foods and their preparation can affect cholesterol levels. The key to this is avoiding and eliminating saturated fats and Trans fats from your diet and eating those foods containing cholesterol in moderation.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

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good cholesterol food

2009-05-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Boost Your Good Cholesterol

Author: Chris McCombs

Cholesterol is a fatty substance which is found in the tissues of the body of all animals. It is found in the blood of man and animals also. Cholesterol scares every human being a lot because, a majority of the people have a feeling that cholesterol is bad. But believe me there is good as well as bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol can be increased in our body by working out for long hours.

The food that we eat contains 20% of the cholesterol in our body. The remaining 80% is manufactured by the liver. But the cholesterol that is obtained from your work out is good. Working out for this purpose has to be for long hours which extends beyond half an hour. This was discovered by a new research review by Japanese researchers.

Types of cholesterol:

Bad cholesterol that is low-density lipoprotein and good cholesterol that is high-density lipoprotein are the two types of cholesterol in our body. Too much of bad cholesterol causes heart disease. But good cholesterol helps to remove bad cholesterol. Actually bad cholesterol gets deposited on the walls of arteries and good cholesterol helps to remove this by transporting if to the liver for elimination.

In order to increase good cholesterol an individual has to take up at least two hours or work out per week. These work outs can be in the form of aerobic exercises. The exercises include walking, biking or even swimming. Brief bouts of these exercise is not helpful.

Tai Chi and art of living also promotes good cholesterol in our body. Deep breathing associated with art of living, helps the flow of blood to all parts of the body. Meditation prevents the arteries from hardening. Proper exercise and balanced diet can improve good cholesterol in an individual's body.

Changes to be made in order to boost your good cholesterol:

o Stop smoking:

As smoking brings down the level of HDL cholesterol it increases the tendency of the blood to clot. To stop this you can quit smoking. You can take your doctor's advice to stop smoking and also medication to decrease nicotine cravings.

o Maintain your weight:

Your weight is also related to your HDL level. If you exercise your way to reduce your weight it will also help in increasing your HDL level. Bring in permanent changes in your life so that you can keep your weight in a healthy array. Adopt changes in your eating habits and exercise.

o Increase your physical activity:

Regular aerobic exercise increases HDL. At least 30-60 minutes of regular aerobic activity will help you to increase your HDL level. You can even go for a brisk walk. If you are not able to take longer workouts, you can do it as smaller sessions throughout the day.

o Select healthier fats:

Fats can be included in your diet but with a limit. 25-35% of fat can be taken with your diet. You should avoid saturated fat in your diet. Also discard food that contains trans fats which boosts LDL cholesterol. Nuts, fish and foods comprising omega-3 fats are also good options to be included in your diet.

oTake alcohol in moderation:

Red wine can be used in moderation and it helps in increasing HDL level. One drink for women and one to two drinks for men in a day is the recommendation for a healthy life.

oIncrease Fiber intake:

Include food such as whole grains, bran, fruits and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain more dietary fiber. Fiber raises HDL levels and it also helps you to lose your weight.

About the Author:
Chris McCombs is a personal trainer. He runs a program called Long Beach Weight Loss. Chris owns fitness and training business Positively Fit Inc. helping people all over Southern California lose fat and get the body they want. You can learn more about Chris at http://www.socalworkout.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Boost Your Good Cholesterol

lower cholesterol foods

2009-05-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Food Options For Lower Cholesterol

Author: Riley Hendersen

Want to eat a more heart healthy diet? Looking for ways to cut some cholesterol from your meals? Here are some options to help you make eating decisions that are better for you and contain a lower cholesterol count.

First, keep in mind that the majority of your cholesterol intake comes from animal products. These include things such as meats, egg yolks and whole milk. While trying to eat a lower cholesterol diet, you should steer clear of these foods as well as foods that contain these items in them.

Although meats do contain cholesterol, many people do not wish to avoid meat altogether in their diet. There are some sensible options to the higher fat meats available. When choosing a meat you should first trim the fat from your meat and limit your meat intake to one 3-ounce serving 5 times weekly. Ideal meats for a lower cholesterol diet include lean ground beef, lamb, veal, chicken and turkey. Meats you should avoid include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meat and processed poultry products.

Dairy products are also a group of foods that should be avoided if possible when devising a lower cholesterol diet. Of course, we all know that we need calcium in our diets and dairy products are the best way to get this calcium. So what are we to do? First, go for low-fat or non-fat milk or milk products. Other good choices include buttermilk, sweet acidophilus skim milk, low-fat yogurt, mozzarella or ricotta cheese, and low-fat cottage cheese. Dairy products to avoid include whole or 2% milk, chocolate milk, milkshakes, cream cheese, any processed chesses and whole milk or custard style yogurt.

While fruits and vegetables are generally considered a good lower cholesterol food choice, there are even some fruits and vegetables you should avoid. These include tomato sauce; spaghetti sauce; breaded, creamed or fat-fried vegetables; fruits packed in heavy syrup; sweetened dried fruits; and fried fruit snack chips.

Egg yolks are also a no-no when trying to eat a lower cholesterol diet. You should avoid eating more than four egg yolks per week, or consuming food containing more than four egg yolks per week. For less cholesterol in your diet, try cooking only with egg whites or using low cholesterol egg substitutes.

High fat foods should also be avoided when trying to eat a lower cholesterol diet. The best oils include sunflower oil, corn oil, olive oil, or peanut oil. Oils to avoid include butter, lard, bacon drippings, coconut oil and hydrogenated fats. Also, when choosing margarine, a tub is preferable over the stick form. Margarine should be made with unsaturated fats and liquid oils as opposed to saturated fats and hardened oils.

It is possible to help improve your heart health by eating a lower cholesterol diet. By knowing what foods to avoid and which foods are better for your health, you can begin to make good eating choices. When you begin to eat lower cholesterol foods, your body and your heart will thank you.

About the Author:

Still looking for a way to reduce your cholesterol? Try visiting http://www.eliminatecholesterol.com - a website providing cholesterol advice, tips and resources to included information on how to lower cholesterol.

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foods proven to lower cholesterol

2009-05-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

4 Foods Which Lower Cholesterol

Author: Lauren B. Wallace

High cholesterol is not a joke. It can lead to serious life threatening complications if untreated; that it why it is important to maintain a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. When it comes down to a healthy lifestyle, daily exercise is a must. As for healthy eating habits, here are a few foods which are proven to lower bad cholesterol (or LDL).

Oatmeal is one of the most well known and beneficial LDL lowering foods. This particular product contains soluble fiber which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Soluble fiber can also be found in kidney beans, apples, rears, barley and prunes. The walnut is yet another cholesterol lowering food. This particular nut is made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are proven to not only reduce bad cholesterol but also keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. However, given that walnuts are fattening, a simple 2 ounce serving each day will be enough.

Third LDL lowering food is fish. It has been proven that all fatty fish are rich in omega 3 fats. What these omega 3 fats do for our bodies is reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk for blood clots, and lower bad cholesterol. Some of the highest levels of omega 3 fats can be found in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon. Just be sure to bake or grill the fish in order to reap the most health benefits.

Last but not least, olive oil has been known to reduce LDL. This particular product contains a rich mixture of antioxidants which lower bad cholesterol and leave the good cholesterol untouched. The Food and Drug Administration recommends two tablespoons (23grams) of olive oil each day. You can incorporate this product in your diet by sautéing your veggies in it or mixing it with vinegar as salad dressing. These are just a few of the most beneficial LDL lowering foods.

About the Author:

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.

Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies for antidepressants,

diet pills, and hoodia gordonii.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 4 Foods Which Lower Cholesterol

foods to eat to lower cholesterol

2009-05-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Foods That Lower Cholesterol

Author: Jb Anthony

There are many benefits to knowing foods that lower cholesterol. You will known what to avoid and what to stock up on. Health should be a primary concern, so you should be careful of the food you eat, since they affect you. With the rise of more processed food full of unsaturated fat, it is no wonder that more people have high cholesterol levels. This could lead to health problems.

To ensure that you are safe from cholesterol-related problems, be aware of the food that can harm you and those that can lower the level. The following are three examples of foods that can help you in your quest to lower cholesterol levels.

- Almonds, Walnuts, and More

Almonds and walnuts are full of polyunsaturated fatty acids that keep the blood vessels elastic and healthy. Eating them for a period of four weeks will greatly improve your health. Instead of cheese or meat that are full of unsaturated fat in your salads, use nuts instead. However, since nuts are rich in calories, you have to be careful not to go overboard.

- Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their triglyceride-lowering effect but other than that, they reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of blood clots. People who are suffering from heart attacks can also find that omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil can reduce the risk of sudden death.

Two servings of fish a week is recommended by doctors. You can eat baked or grilled albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, mackerel, salmon, and sardines.

Omega-3 fatty acids are not found in fish alone. You can get them from canola oil, flaxseed, soybean oil, and walnuts, too.

- Oat Bran and Oatmeal

Oat bran and oatmeal contain soluble fiber that can lower low density lipoprotein (LDL), which is a bad type of cholesterol. Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and binds bile and dietary cholesterol for the body to excrete later.

Besides oats, soluble fiber can also be found in apples, barley, Brussels sprouts, kidney beans, pears, prunes, and psyllium.

Foods that lower cholesterol are good for you, but you do not have to take too much of them, lest you develop other ailments. While some of them do reduce the levels of cholesterol in your body, they can also increase the fat, like nuts and other types of oil.

Before you subject yourself to a different diet than the one you are used to, consult a doctor first. Medical opinion is always important, if ever anything goes wrong or if your new diet won't work on you.

It you plan to take foods that lower cholesterol, make sure your body can handle the change. Do not starve yourself and do not deprive yourself of most foods just because they contain a few fats. Moderation is key.

About the Author:

Get your guide to foods that lower cholesterol. Discover the best diet to lower cholesterol naturally.

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what foods raise cholesterol

2009-05-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Is Your Diet Giving You Raised Cholesterol?

Author: Kenneth Scott

All of us lead a busy lifestyle today. Everyone is in a mad rush to achieve his or her goals and in the bargain we have forgotten to take out time for ourselves. We do not have time for relaxing, leisure or even taking care of ourselves.

All of this takes a toll on our body and it becomes important that we ensure that our eating habits are healthy. A healthy eating habit, which includes taking balanced diet, can help us in keeping fit that will enable us to take on further challenges in life. Eating healthy is a pillar for maintaining good health. One of the disease conditions that are hitting people all across the world is the cholesterol problem. And if you are one of those who have not heard about this terminology yet, it is high time that you visit your family doctor and get to know more about this condition.

Cardiovascular diseases are gaining the proportion of an epidemic. One of its causes is high level of cholesterol in the blood. The major portion of cholesterol that is found in our body comes from the food that we eat. Hence it is important to monitor our cholesterol levels on a regular basis and at the same time consume food that is low in cholesterol. Though we all love to eat foods that are rich in fat, it is high time that we wake up to the reality of cardiovascular disease.

The danger of this disease is aggravated by the fact that most of the Americans are obese. Obesity implies that the eating habit of the individual is not healthy. And thanks to this phenomenon of obesity, there have been a slew of diets offering low cholesterol and are being talked about.

We are what we eat. And if we choose a diet that is low in cholesterol, it is obvious that our body will never grow up to have high blood cholesterol levels. Given the increasing awareness on eating healthy, there are many different types of low cholesterol diets that are being floated all around.

It is important for a consumer to pick up a diet that is really effective in controlling the intake of cholesterol thereby resulting in low blood cholesterol. If you want to know more about these low cholesterol diets, one of the easiest places to get information is the Internet. And all this information is available for free.

About the Author:

To find more information about nutrition and your diet and its effect on cholesterol levels visit http://a1-nutrition.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Is Your Diet Giving You Raised Cholesterol?

cholesterol friendly foods

2009-05-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

Children and Cholesterol

Author: Adrian Kennelly

Many people assume that high cholesterol is a problem that affects middle-aged adults only. In fact, many people don't even worry about their cholesterol when they are younger, eating all the fatty convenience foods they want, assuming that their early diet makes no difference.

Nothing could be further from the truth. More children today suffer from high cholesterol. In fact, the numbers of children who are taking cholesterol drugs is on the rise! Some studies have suggested that a childhood of poor eating choices can contribute to higher cholesterol later in life.

Besides this, many of the eating habits learned in childhood affects eating in adulthood. Children who are used to eating high-fat foods and convenience foods are more likely to make the same choices as adults. Switching to healthy foods in adulthood may be harder for children who have made less-than-heart-healthy food choices all their lives.

For all these reasons, controlling food intake and lifestyle choices even in early life can contribute to life-long heart health and good cholesterol levels.

If you have children, you can help ensure that they make the right food choices that can help them with their cholesterol levels now and later in life.

In fact, if you and other members of your family have high cholesterol, you need to introduce your children to cholesterol-healthy eating, as your children may be at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol themselves.

Luckily, it is not that hard to teach your children how to make smart food and lifestyle choices that are heart-healthy:

* Teach your children about healthy eating and cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol yourself, you may want to speak to your children about this. Informed children are better able to make smart food choices that can help keep their cholesterol levels healthy later in life.

* Let children make healthy food choices for themselves. Give your children some say about the fruits, vegetables and other foods that they like. Go through heart-healthy cookbooks with your children and let them help you decide what recipes to try.

* Be careful of the food and cholesterol attitudes you convey to your children. Children pick up emotional cues from their parents. If you treat a cholesterol-friendly diet as a type of punishment, your children will likely see it the same way.

If your children see you turn to fatty junk food when you are depressed or feeling stressed, they will likely do the same thing. Many parents are fussy eaters and pass this on to their children, which is a terrible disservice. Fussy eaters will simply not try the different healthy foods out there simply because the foods are different.

* Do not reward children with food. If your child does well at a sport or gets great grades in school, do not take them to a restaurant or for take-out to celebrate.

Give them horseback riding lessons or let them choose a toy or favorite activity instead. Many parents are tempted to keep sweet foods such as cupcakes and cakes for "special occasions" and "special treats" but this inadvertently makes children associate sugary foods with good times and vegetables with punishment or everyday life.

* Take your children food shopping - especially when you are shopping for fresh produce. Let your children choose which vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods they would like. Encourage your children to decide which fruits and vegetables look as though they might be tasty. Treat your produce shopping trip as an adventure and your children may be more likely to eat their fruits and vegetables without a fuss.

* Monitor what your children eat. As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that your children eat three meals a day that include foods that are low in fats and high in nutrients. Reduce the amount of sugars and fats your children eat and limit how much junk food is allowed.

* Become involved in your child's school lunch program or cafeteria. Many schools offer less than healthy school lunches as well as vending machines full of sugary foods. At a number of schools, though, parents have banded together to force school boards to provide better foods choices for students. Use this as your inspiration to make sure that your child can make healthy foods choices in school.

* If you are worried about what your children eat, consider taking them to a nutritionist who can help teach them what they should be eating.

* Even if your child has elevated cholesterol levels, realize that growing children still need more fats and nutrients than adults. Never simply place your child on a very low-fat diet - consult with a pediatrician to find a diet plan that can help your child grow while keeping cholesterol under control. A too-low-fat diet may affect childhood development.

* Teach your children about the dangers of smoking. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

* Get your children to exercise. Virtually all health experts agree that North American children do not exercise enough. This has disastrous effects on cholesterol levels and overall health. One of the best things you can do to keep your children away from the dangers of high cholesterol is to get them to exercise at least a little each day. Find an activity they enjoy and encourage them in their activity.

* If your child smokes, is overweight, or has at least one parent who has a cholesterol level of more than 240mg/dl, your child is at an increased risk of high cholesterol - even at an early age. Take you child to the doctor - especially if your child has more than one of the risk factors - for a complete check-up and cholesterol check.

About the Author:

Buy the ebook 30 Days to Lower Cholesterol to learn more on how to lower your cholesterol
Purchase it for $14.95 from the DirectoryGold eProducts Shop

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Children and Cholesterol

cholesterol safe foods

2009-05-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Lower Cholesterol Naturally and Safely Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Author: Arthur Nelson

Have you been told by your doctor to lower cholesterol levels through your diet? Or are you one of millions of Americans that realize, heart disease has reached epic proportions in this country and are looking for natural ways to lower cholesterol? Don't distress; there are several ways to lower cholesterol without prescription statin drugs and their possible dangerous side effects.

"High cholesterol" is actually a misnomer for the improper balance between HDL cholesterol (most commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol) and LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol because it is the major cause of blockages in blood vessels, leading to heart attack and stroke). When the LDL cholesterol level is extremely elevated in relation to the HDL cholesterol level, your doctor may prescribe statin drugs such as Lipitor or Crestor, and recommend you to try a lower cholesterol diet, to bring these cholesterol numbers back into a more proper and safer range.

Cholesterol from food is hard to get away from, even though you may be watching your diet. All foods of animal origin contain cholesterol, especially including eggs, red meat, and shrimp. Generally, foods that are high in saturated fats or trans fats should also be limited. These include foods you may not even think of, such as: grilled cheese sandwiches, margarine, potato with butter, and even chicken pot pie. Fortunately, a national campaign has recently eliminated trans fats from being used by the many fast food restaurants. This will surely reduce some of the high cholesterol numbers across the nation over the long run.

Lowering cholesterol through your diet is a good start to "lower cholesterol," but other things can be done to affect your goal. You can lower cholesterol through more exercise. But exercise alone will not reduce cholesterol, lower cholesterol must be attacked from within the body. It has been discovered that several herbs and vitamins can be used in combination with your diet to lower cholesterol.

Guggul, cayenne, policosanol, garlic, vitamin C and niacin are just a few of the herbs and vitamins that have been clinically proven to bring cholesterol levels back into a proper and safe range. Lowering cholesterol naturally with these herbs and vitamins, in conjunction with diet and exercise, have been shown in medical studies to reduce high LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels within 30-60 days. Studies have also documented that use of these herbs and vitamins while taking statin drugs, resulted in a more rapid correction to proper cholesterol levels than taking statin drugs alone. You can get more cholesterol information that will help you lower cholesterol at my website, www.GreatNewsHealth.com. We can all benefit from lower cholesterol, which will lead to a longer, more enjoyable, and productive life for everyone.

About the Author:

Lower cholesterol is the most efficient way to avoid serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. Visit my website, www.GreatNewsHealth.com to learn more ways to combat this dangerous killer, along with the best natural cholesterol remedy available today. Take responsibility for your own health today; you won't regret it.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Lower Cholesterol Naturally and Safely Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

cholesterol diet foods

2009-05-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Benefits Of Eating A Low Cholesterol Diet

Author: Julia Carmichael

The liver makes most of the cholesterol in the body, but dietary cholesterol plays an important role in controlling all the cholesterol levels in the body. The levels include the total cholesterol and the good and bad cholesterol.

Good cholesterol, the HDL (high-density lipoproteins), protects the heart by helping to transport excess cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver for breakdown and disposal.

On the other hand, the bad LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol builds up plaque that clogs the arteries and hinders normal blood flow.

A low cholesterol diet should not only reduce the total cholesterol and LDL levels, it must also increase the HDL level at the same time.

Dietary Cholesterol

The main sources of dietary cholesterol are animal-derived foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fats, such as organ meats, egg yolk, butter and other full-cream dairy products. Trans fats (as those in deep-fried foods) and hydrogenated fats (as those in bakery items) are the other culprits.

In a low cholesterol diet, you would replace saturated fats with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats such as oils of olive, canola, peanut, flaxseed, sunflower, and so on.

Fats to Avoid

As far as trans fats and hydrogenated fats are concerned, it is advisable to avoid them as far as possible, which means taking away French fries, crispies, cakes, cookies, pastries, and ice-creams from the low cholesterol diet menu.

Recommended Low Cholesterol Diet

Foods that should make an essential part of a low cholesterol diet must come from the following food groups:

Cereals and grains: Whole-wheat bread, unpolished rice, and oats-based cereals are foods that are rich in fiber, which helps sweep away the bad LDL cholesterol from the blood. In a low cholesterol diet it is essential to replace white bread and other refined, polished grains with whole-grain varieties.

Nuts and seeds: Nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts and seeds like flaxseeds are rich in antioxidants (such as vitamin E and selenium) and in good fats, called omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the heart by increasing the HDL level.

Nuts and seeds are also a rich source of fiber. The best way to include flaxseeds in a low cholesterol diet is by grinding them and sprinkling over cereals and salads.

Fish: Non vegetarians can choose to have a fatty cold-water fish such as salmon or tuna twice a week to get a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids.

Beans and legumes: Beans, legumes and lentils are rich sources of protein and fiber and are low in fat content. They make an ideal substitute for meats. Soy cheese (tofu) is another good meat substitute in a low cholesterol diet.

Fiber-rich foods: Foods like oats, barley, psyllium, apples, pears, prunes, kidney beans and Brussels sprouts are rich in soluble fiber, which acts like a broom to sweep out the cholesterol from the arteries.

Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, flavanoids and plant sterols, all of which help lower cholesterol and raise HDL level. Some 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables should be included in the daily low cholesterol diet.

Garlic, onion: Some people believe garlic regulates liver functioning and dissolve the cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Others swear that including just half a raw onion in the daily low cholesterol diet can lower LDL level and increase HDL level.

Following a low cholesterol diet, with regular exercise, and cutting out on meats, full-cream dairy products, deep-fried foods and bakery items, can go a long way in lowering total cholesterol. Similarly, it lowers LDL cholesterol levels while raising the HDL level.

About the Author:
Get the latest in low cholesterol diet know how from the only true source at http://www.lowercholesterollog.com. Check out our low cholesterol diet pages.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Benefits Of Eating A Low Cholesterol Diet

worst foods for high cholesterol

2009-05-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

High Cholesterol Foods To Avoid

Author: Andrew Bicknell

For those who suffer from high cholesterol the best and first way to control and lower their cholesterol levels is through their diet. But many people are confused as to what constitutes a high cholesterol food they need to avoid and a low cholesterol food. This is because there is a difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol.

Generally most health guidelines recommend that dietary cholesterol not exceed 300 mg per day for most healthy people, but if one suffers from high LDL blood cholesterol levels then this intake should be not more than 200 mg per day.

Cholesterol, a waxy like substance, is only found in animal meat and tissues and its sources include red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, and dairy products. On the flip side any food derived from plant sources is cholesterol free, including high fat plants food sources such as avocado\'s and peanut butter. This is where the confusion usually happens because eating large amounts of vegetable oil, which is virtually 100% food fat, can significantly raise blood cholesterol levels, particularly when eaten with high cholesterol foods.

The fact is that blood LDL cholesterol levels are highly influenced by the amount of saturated fat that one eats. There is a relationship between the amounts of saturated fat one eats the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. For every one percent increase in calories obtained by eating saturated fat, blood cholesterol levels go up around two percent. Conversely for every one percent decrease in saturated fat intake cholesterol levels will reduce about two percent.

The thing to remember when it comes avoiding high cholesterol foods is that while doing so will decrease LDL cholesterol levels, reducing saturated fat intake has a bigger impact on these levels then many people are aware of. This does not mean that those who suffer from high cholesterol can eat high cholesterol foods, but they should be aware that there is more to reducing cholesterol then just this one thing.

The reason for this confusion with the way cholesterol can increase in the blood stream is the way many foods are cooked and/or served. Let\'s look at one of everyone\'s favorite breakfasts; bacon/sausage and eggs. We all know that eggs are high in cholesterol, but what we don\'t know is that the cholesterol in eggs has a small impact on blood cholesterol levels. It\'s the high amount of saturated fat in the bacon or sausage that has a far larger impact on LDL cholesterol levels.

Another culprit is deep fat fried foods. Many foods are for the most part harmless until they are breaded and fried in hot oil. In fact, many fish and seafood choices are considered to be good for us because of the omega-3 fatty acids that they contain, but as soon as they are deep fried and eaten any benefits are cancelled by the saturated fat that raises bad LDL cholesterol.

When it comes to high cholesterol foods to avoid it is important to remember that these types of food aren\'t necessarily bad in and of themselves if eaten in moderation. The real problem occurs when they are combined with high levels of saturated fat, which has a more profound effect on blood cholesterol levels.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low'>http://ezinearticles.com/?High-Cholesterol-Foods-to-Avoid&id=746064">Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - High Cholesterol Foods To Avoid

Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol

2009-04-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Through the previous post these 3 supplements may help lower your Cholesterol naturally. Please be sure to read and follow directions.

Cholesterol Foods - 2

2009-04-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

What are Low Cholesterol Foods?

Author: Nick Mutt

Low cholesterol foods are one of the natural ways of lowering cholesterol levels. Following a low cholesterol diet can be very effective in controlling and maintaining a normal cholesterol level. This means eating low cholesterol foods such as soy products, lean meats, nuts, vegetables and fruits are good for healthy heart.

High fiber foods are also very helpful in lowering cholesterol. Regular exercise is also a good habit if you are really trying to lower your cholesterol levels. Exercise helps in increasing HDL (good cholesterol) in the body as well as strengthens your heart muscle, helps keep your blood pressure at normal and even helps you in shedding of those excess pounds.

List of cholesterol lowering foods

1. Vegetables – They are high in dietary fiber and dietary nutrients that aids not only regulated metabolism but also balances cholesterol levels. Other benefits of eating vegetables also include the reduction of heart diseases and cancer as well as high blood pressure.

3. Grains, Nuts & Seeds - They are in high-energy content and dietary fiber content. This makes them effective foods to lower cholesterol level. They are also known as effective in controlling weight. Nuts and seeds contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals and are also high in dietary fiber.

4. Lean meats - Lean red meats, lean chicken/turkey meats and fish are another important foods in the list of low cholesterol. These are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that are excellent for a person's metabolism as well as in fighting off bad cholesterol.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read information on How to lower cholesterol naturally. Also know Cholesterol lowering foods at Natural cures website – a comprehensive health guide for Herbal supplements and natural treatments.

About the Author:

Nick Mutt is an active writer and blogger on health related topics. He has published many ebooks on natural health.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What are Low Cholesterol Foods?

Cholesterol Foods

2009-04-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Low Cholesterol Foods: Reducing Cholesterol Levels Naturally by Eating the Proper Foods

Author: Steven R Arnold

Always choosing low cholesterol foods is the most direct and natural way to ensure that your cholesterol levels remain in the acceptable range to promote longevity and vitality. Hypercholesterolemia is an enemy of your body from head to toe.

There are very few if any symptoms until it has advanced to a problematic state. You need to intervene before you have to. Your diet for lowering cholesterol can be your saving grace from developing atherosclerosis and the major health issues that can arise from it.

High cholesterol foods are killing people all across the planet everyday in record high numbers. Many societies that were traditionally plant-eaters have adopted the American way of eating and are now suffering, as we are, from the long-term effects of food choices that are high in saturated fats, Trans fats and LDL cholesterol. Here are the foods that you need to avoid with great intent:

Foods high in saturated fats;

Foods with any Trans fats;

Fatty red meats;

Pork, duck and goose meats;

Animal organs;

Shellfish;

Poultry including turkey and chicken;

All dairy products unless they are low-fat or non-fat varieties;

High sodium foods;

Excessive alcohol consumption;

Low cholesterol foods are the foods that nature has intended for us. Through erroneous thought and misinformation, we have become the most artery-clogged and obese nation on the planet. We are also influencing the rest of the planet to eat and act like us – which is killing them as well. The bottom line is that we all should be eating foods like:

Any plant including all vegetables, fruits and legumes;

Whole-grain pastas and breads;

Wild rice;

Any plant sprouts;

Any whole food that requires no label;

Salmon and other fish that are rich in super-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids;

Water, water and more water;

How to lower cholesterol naturally is all about what you eat, how much you get up and move, how you deal with the issues that stress you - and how much you assist your body to keep itself clean on the inside by flushing with water and intending to breathe deeply. Reducing cholesterol is a wonderful way to enhance the health of your entire family – and who doesn’t want that above all else?

Choosing low cholesterol foods in conjunction with daily exercise for at least 20 minutes will very rapidly change all areas of your life. You will almost instantly begin to feel, and see, the differences in your body. Your thoughts will be clearer and quicker. Your skin will be smoother. Your muscles will become stronger. Your fat storages will melt away. Your spark for living will blossom. Your stressors will seem minimized. Everything in life will take on new, vibrant meaning as soon as you commit to a healthy lifestyle based on low cholesterol foods and daily exercise. Enjoy – and congratulations!

About the Author:

Steven R Arnold is editor of http://fatsense.com

The Healthy Heart Series of Essential Knowledge Guides is a new audio book series that will show you how to naturally lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose numbers safely and easily.

You'll find the Healthy Heart Series of Essential Knowledge Guides only at http://fatsense.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Low Cholesterol Foods: Reducing Cholesterol Levels Naturally by Eating the Proper Foods

Foods to Control Cholesterol (Avoid and Add)

2009-04-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

Controlling Cholesterol-20 Point Plan

Author: Alphonso Smith

Controlling Cholesterol

To decrease saturated fats in your diet:

Read labels on food packages. Don’t look only for cholesterol content. Look for saturated or hidden fats. This especially applies to commercially baked goods such as cakes, pies, cookies, doughnuts, crackers and chip
Replace butter with vegetable oil. Use canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, soybean and olive oil in food preparation. Avoid hydrogenated soybean or cottonseed oil.

Use skim or low-fat (1 percent) milk.

Shun products containing palm or coconut oil.

Eat low-fat cheeses such as part-skim mozzarella.

Instead of ice cream, choose ice milk, sherbet or low-fat yogurt.

Trim all visible fat from meat. Select lean cuts of beef, veal or pork.

Avoid high-fat meat products such as hot dogs, hamburgers, bacon, sausage, bologna and salami.

Eat more chicken and turkey (with skin removed) and more fish.
Choose turkey, lean roast beef, lean ham and water-packed albacore tuna fish for sandwiches.

Prepare more meals that use meat sparingly. Soups, stews, stir-fry meals and pasta dishes call for more vegetables and carbohydrates and less meat.
Broil, bake or steam foods instead of frying them.

Make you own salad dressings, using less oil.

To decrease cholesterol in you diet:

Limit your consumption of egg yolks to one or two a week.
Use egg whites and Better than eggs product in food preparation.

Eat moderate portions of lean meat, fish and poultry. Keep your daily consumption at about 6 ounces.
Avoid organ meats (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads etc.

Eat fewer commercially baked products (cakes, pies, cookies, doughnuts, crackers and chips),
Regular physical exercise can help increase the level of HDL—or good—cholesterol.

You can do a number of things to improve your cholesterol level. Eating healthy

Food can help lower your LDL cholesterol level. You can lower your risk by quitting smoking, losing weight and exercising.

The American Heart Association is an excellent source of information at a very low cost. If you have access to the internet, a good wbsite for information is the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

Try these::Fish, poultry without the skin; lean beef pork and lamb, turkey products, instead of Sausage, bacon, organ meats(like liver) Nonfat or low-fat milk instead of
Whole milk. Sherbet, sorbet, fat-free ice cream instead of Ice cream. Egg whites, egg substitutes,(better than eggs) instead of Egg yolks.Raw or steamed vegetables instead of Buttered or fried vegetable. Baked potatoes instead of French fries.Clear soups instead of Creamed soups. Unsaturated vegetable oils: olive, corn, canola oil palm oil, lard, bacon fat instead of Saturated fats: butter, coconut oil. Angel food cake, reduced-fat cheesecake instead of regular Cheesecake. Pretzels, air-popped popcorn, fat-free Potato chip instead of regular popcorn or regular Potato chips. Pancakes or cereal with nonfat milk,Bagels, English muffins instead of Pastries, doughnuts.

Attempt to lower your cholesterol level by changing your diet. There is always medicine if all else fails. Consult your physician

About the Author:

The Author Alphonso Smith is and has been for 20 years a personal security design specialist. Has two books in the works. He also is a fledgling internet marketer Check out our website: <"http://www.good healthmatters.blogspot.info

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Controlling Cholesterol-20 Point Plan

Foods To Bring Down Cholesterol

2009-04-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

How to Lower Cholesterol: Lower Cholesterol Naturally With Holistic Lifestyle Modifications

Author: Steven R Arnold

There are no hidden secrets concerning how to lower cholesterol. It simply requires the planning and initiation of positive lifestyle modifications in terms of diet, exercise and stress management. Your eating and exercise habits are what has caused your cholesterol levels to become elevated – and they are also what will bring your cholesterol levels back into check. Yes, there are some drugs manufactured by multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical companies that can help in reducing cholesterol levels, but your first line of defense against high cholesterol is a healthy diet and lifestyle. You can effectively bring down cholesterol naturally by following the helpful tips below:

Avoid high cholesterol foods:

High cholesterol foods cause increased levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) that carry cholesterol to build up a waxy plaque on the interior of your arterial walls. This is called hypercholesterolemia, the cause of atherosclerosis, and is characterized by the following:

Your heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed arterial openings;

With the restricted blood flow, your body parts, tissues and organs become starved for oxygen and nutrients;

Your arteries become stretched and weakened;

Your probability for congestive heart failure, myocardial infarctions, strokes and kidney failure all significantly increase;

You take years of enjoyment away from your life and from those that love you.

List of high cholesterol foods:

All foods with even moderate levels of saturated fats;

All foods with any level of Trans fats;

Fat red meats;

Goose and duck meat as well as turkey and chicken;
All organs from animals;

Dairy products that have not had the fats removed from them;

Shellfish;

Also be sure to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and high-sodium food sources. Paying strict attention to your diet for lowering cholesterol will add fun-filled and healthy years to your life.

Exercise some every day:

Exercise is a vital component for healthy living. Exercise stimulates your metabolism and helps you to lower cholesterol naturally. Blood, along with the oxygen and nutrients that it carries, is delivered more efficiently. Your heart, a muscle itself, becomes stronger and better able to perform its never-ending duties. Your perspiration increases and helps you to flush out toxic buildups inside of you. Your probability for development of every disease is lessened significantly. You will look, feel, think and act better with daily exercise.

Manage your stress levels:

Untamed stressors contribute significantly to the development of every disease in existence. You can manage your stress effectively with attention given to your well-being. Study the pleasing techniques of meditation. Learn Yoga. Take some classes in Pilates. Pray. There are various ways to increase the calm in your life and capacitate yourself to thrive for many years to come.

Learning how to lower cholesterol is as simple as intending to love yourself by eating wholesome foods, exercising every day and managing your stress levels. It should go without saying that smoking is also disallowed. Take control of your health beginning today and experience the liberation that rapidly comes with your new holistically-healthy lifestyle. Enjoy!

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Lower Cholesterol: Lower Cholesterol Naturally With Holistic Lifestyle Modifications

LDL Cholesterol Foods

2009-04-20T20:47:00.001-07:00

High Cholesterol Foods To Avoid

Author: Andrew Bicknell

For those who suffer from high cholesterol the best and first way to control and lower their cholesterol levels is through their diet. But many people are confused as to what constitutes a high cholesterol food they need to avoid and a low cholesterol food. This is because there is a difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol.

Generally most health guidelines recommend that dietary cholesterol not exceed 300 mg per day for most healthy people, but if one suffers from high LDL blood cholesterol levels then this intake should be not more than 200 mg per day.

Cholesterol, a waxy like substance, is only found in animal meat and tissues and its sources include red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, and dairy products. On the flip side any food derived from plant sources is cholesterol free, including high fat plants food sources such as avocado\'s and peanut butter. This is where the confusion usually happens because eating large amounts of vegetable oil, which is virtually 100% food fat, can significantly raise blood cholesterol levels, particularly when eaten with high cholesterol foods.

The fact is that blood LDL cholesterol levels are highly influenced by the amount of saturated fat that one eats. There is a relationship between the amounts of saturated fat one eats the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. For every one percent increase in calories obtained by eating saturated fat, blood cholesterol levels go up around two percent. Conversely for every one percent decrease in saturated fat intake cholesterol levels will reduce about two percent.

The thing to remember when it comes avoiding high cholesterol foods is that while doing so will decrease LDL cholesterol levels, reducing saturated fat intake has a bigger impact on these levels then many people are aware of. This does not mean that those who suffer from high cholesterol can eat high cholesterol foods, but they should be aware that there is more to reducing cholesterol then just this one thing.

The reason for this confusion with the way cholesterol can increase in the blood stream is the way many foods are cooked and/or served. Let\'s look at one of everyone\'s favorite breakfasts; bacon/sausage and eggs. We all know that eggs are high in cholesterol, but what we don\'t know is that the cholesterol in eggs has a small impact on blood cholesterol levels. It\'s the high amount of saturated fat in the bacon or sausage that has a far larger impact on LDL cholesterol levels.

Another culprit is deep fat fried foods. Many foods are for the most part harmless until they are breaded and fried in hot oil. In fact, many fish and seafood choices are considered to be good for us because of the omega-3 fatty acids that they contain, but as soon as they are deep fried and eaten any benefits are cancelled by the saturated fat that raises bad LDL cholesterol.

When it comes to high cholesterol foods to avoid it is important to remember that these types of food aren\'t necessarily bad in and of themselves if eaten in moderation. The real problem occurs when they are combined with high levels of saturated fat, which has a more profound effect on blood cholesterol levels.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - High Cholesterol Foods To Avoid

HDL Cholesterol Foods

2009-04-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Discover How to Raise Hdl Cholesterol Levels?

Author: Bretislav Slansky

There are many ways to increase HDL cholesterol levels.

Obviously you can take drugs that increase the HDL levels like niacin. That can increase HDL cholesterol up to 33%.

I do not personally like any of the FDA approved drugs and medication. The reason is, they always have some cholesterol medicine side effects that will harm your body.

For example: Pfizer's Torcetrapib that was supposed to raise HDL cholesterol levels was taken of the market. You know why? Simple. Many people had big cholesterol drug side effects.

Fortunately there are more natural ways to raise HDL cholesterol levels.

The most effective and safest way is to change eating habits and lifestyle.

Easier said that done, right?

In that case I am going to ask you a question. "How much is your health and well-being important to you?"

If you are like me, I always find ways for improvement. I guess I love myself very much - and you should love yourself also.

Lifestyle Changes To Raise Your HDL Cholesterol Levels

Quit Smoking: I know you have heard it so many times. I know how you feel if you smoke. The fact is that smoking will clot your blood. That will of course slower blood flow to your brain and body. In this environment, un-used cholesterol will have better change to stick to your arterial walls and...cardiovascular disease is on its way. You should either ask your doctor about quitting smoking or research different methods. Later decide which one will work for you.

Exercise Regularly:Many studies have shown that regular exercise increased HDL - Good Cholesterol up to 9%. Hey you do not need to start breaking world records. Starts 20-30 minutes a day. Simple walking will do fine. Later you can start lifting weights, do some cardio and relaxation methods like Tai Chi or Yoga.

Get On Healthy Weight Management:If you are overweight or if you just want to eat healthy, there are countless methods of eating healthy. Many diet lower your LDL "Bad Cholesterol" and many will raise HDL Cholesterol. Here you can find foods that lower LDL cholesterol and also I am going to show you foods that are high in cholesterol - the bad foods.

Understand The Food Label And Which Fat Is Good And Which Fat Is Bad: Many our foods we buy actually contain bad fats like margarines, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Basically you do not need saturated fats. Choose monounsaturated fats like olives. Eat fish oil which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, nuts or oat bran.

Start Good Nutritional Supplementation Program: There are many natural supplements that will help you to manage cholesterol and other health related needs. Most well known natural supplements are garlic, omega-3 fish oils, niacin and fiber supplements.

A warning note: The statements on this web site have not been evaluated by the Food And Drug Administration. The information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Click here for more cholesterol lowering information and advice. And start changing your lifestyle today.

About the Author:

Brett Slansky has more than 17 years of experience in health and fitness industry. Visit his website for additional information and possible questions at http://www.lowering-cholesterol-info.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Discover How to Raise Hdl Cholesterol Levels?

Non Cholesterol Foods

2009-04-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Low Cholesterol Foods: Reducing Cholesterol Levels Naturally by Eating the Proper Foods

Author: Steven R Arnold

Always choosing low cholesterol foods is the most direct and natural way to ensure that your cholesterol levels remain in the acceptable range to promote longevity and vitality. Hypercholesterolemia is an enemy of your body from head to toe.

There are very few if any symptoms until it has advanced to a problematic state. You need to intervene before you have to. Your diet for lowering cholesterol can be your saving grace from developing atherosclerosis and the major health issues that can arise from it.

High cholesterol foods are killing people all across the planet everyday in record high numbers. Many societies that were traditionally plant-eaters have adopted the American way of eating and are now suffering, as we are, from the long-term effects of food choices that are high in saturated fats, Trans fats and LDL cholesterol. Here are the foods that you need to avoid with great intent:

Foods high in saturated fats;

Foods with any Trans fats;

Fatty red meats;

Pork, duck and goose meats;

Animal organs;

Shellfish;

Poultry including turkey and chicken;

All dairy products unless they are low-fat or non-fat varieties;

High sodium foods;

Excessive alcohol consumption;

Any plant including all vegetables, fruits and legumes;

Whole-grain pastas and breads;

Wild rice;

Any plant sprouts;

Any whole food that requires no label;

Salmon and other fish that are rich in super-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids;

Water, water and more water;

How to lower cholesterol naturally is all about what you eat, how much you get up and move, how you deal with the issues that stress you - and how much you assist your body to keep itself clean on the inside by flushing with water and intending to breathe deeply. Reducing cholesterol is a wonderful way to enhance the health of your entire family – and who doesn’t want that above all else?

Choosing low cholesterol foods in conjunction with daily exercise for at least 20 minutes will very rapidly change all areas of your life. You will almost instantly begin to feel, and see, the differences in your body. Your thoughts will be clearer and quicker. Your skin will be smoother. Your muscles will become stronger. Your fat storages will melt away. Your spark for living will blossom. Your stressors will seem minimized. Everything in life will take on new, vibrant meaning as soon as you commit to a healthy lifestyle based on low cholesterol foods and daily exercise. Enjoy – and congratulations!

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Low Cholesterol Foods: Reducing Cholesterol Levels Naturally by Eating the Proper Foods

What is Bad Cholesterol????

2009-04-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Understanding What is Bad Cholesterol

Author: Jan Richards

Cholesterol is a very familiar medical term almost to anyone, particularly the middle age group. It is a common thing the word will never be a part of teen-age lingo. The main reason is, most of the dreaded ailments accompanying "high cholesterol" levels are associated with hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and other long term and acquired conditions, which does not could also happen to younger generation as juvenile complications. To make it clear, when the majority is talking about lowering cholesterol, it is all about alleviating the further progress of bad cholesterol.

There are two kinds of cholesterol accumulating or present in the human body. Bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein is harmful because it can cause atheroma. Atheroma is considered to be the plaque of the arteries, commonly referred to as fat streaks. If not watched carefully, accumulation of 'macrophage white blood cells' can happen to a child even before the age of 10.

The early symptoms may start as early as 5 years old, while the child grows up and the condition is accumulating quietly in the veins. Most of the time, the exact symptoms are only given prognosis after the onset of heart attack or stroke, which is already too late for the patient. The attack of silent killers may not cause death but chances are it can lead to lifetime disability.

It is debilitating to imagine how high levels of bad cholesterol can cause serious consequences to the body. When most people may appear healthy all the time, cholesterols can only be checked through lab tests. Sometimes it surprises people to find out how high their cholesterol build-up has soared for the past years.

There is no mystery behind the strengthening of bad cholesterol other than high consumption of saturated fats in the diet. In the advent of labels or guides in processed foods like canned goods and other packed products in the groceries, it is easy to see the amount of cholesterol a food has. This is just a small matter on how to grasp the essence of being cholesterol conscious.

The major way to lower down cholesterol levels in the body is to understand how it metabolizes in the body. Cholesterol doe not actually come from diet alone. It is a whole process within where diet is just one of the contributing factor. Good cholesterol aids in the body's biochemical functioning like producing bile, regulating of vitamins that are fat soluble such as A, K, D, and E.

It also has impact on the synthesis of the body hormone. After cholesterol has been utilized in the body, it excretes as excess lipids in the liver and gall bladder as crystal particles. Because cholesterol is not water soluble, it circulates over and over and gets converted to bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins). For normal individuals with healthy metabolism, bad cholesterol is minimal and comes in as large quantities. The harmful ones are those that come in many number of small sizes trapped in the veins as accumulated clogs.

When it comes to lowering high cholesterol, basically there is nothing to ponder about genetic weaknesses, the key is watching over food intake. Cholesterol is highly present in animal meats and fats, especially pork and beef. It is easy to watch fatty foods with all the precautions available today. But it takes discipline to live a life with less cholesterol consumption.

About the Author:

For tips on cholesterol ratio and low cholesterol foods, visit the Cholesterol Guidelines website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Understanding What is Bad Cholesterol

Bad Cholesterol

2009-04-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Truth About Bad Cholesterol

Author: Gloria Gangi

Did you know that your body actually needs cholesterol. You wouldn't think it with all the bad press that it actually gets. The truth is that there are two types of cholesterol in your body, good cholesterol also known as HDL cholesterol, and bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol in your body is necessary to make hormones, vitamin D and bile salts.

The bad cholesterol is the one you need to watch out for as it can cause you lots of problems. LDL cholesterol dumps cholesterol onto the walls of your arteries that will create a plaque. This plaque builds up narrowing and blocking your arteries, this causes a reduction in blood flow which is bad news for the heart.

What Raises Cholesterol?

Do you find that there are many confusing terms being thrown around when it comes to cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is one of those terms. You might think that all dietary cholesterol is bad, but in fact dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol as much as you might think. The two culprits are the trans fatty acids and saturated fats.

So what do you need to do to reduce your levels of bad cholesterol? The most effective way is to change your diet. You will need to cut down in foods which contains the bad cholesterol such as meat, dairy, eggs and seafood and look at the foods that can reduce your LDL levels

You don't need to cut out all the nice food in your diet but you need to make modifications. Trans fatty acids are found in a lot of packaged food. Microwave popcorn, hard stick margarine and some French fries from certain fast food chains are all culprits. By removing these foods and finding better substitutes you can reduce the consumption of trans fatty acids that will all contribute to the level of bad cholesterol in your system.

Upping Good Fats

By increasing the amount of good cholesterol in your body you can reduce the bad cholesterol. This is because the presence of good cholesterol in your body means that excess cholesterol will be taken back to the liver to be excreted out of your body. This means you want plenty of good cholesterol as high levels of good cholesterol means a reduced risk of heart disease.

Remember though that you need to make changes in your lifestyle, these changes are eating more food which are rich in soluble fiber and monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats they will help to increase good cholesterol levels. Restrict alcohol consumption to one glass a day for women and two a day for men is also a good idea. By increasing the amount of exercise in your daily life can also decrease cholesterol levels.

About the Author:

For more articles on how to manager your cholesterol please visit: http://www.yourcholesteroldiet.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Truth About Bad Cholesterol

High Cholesterol Foods

2009-04-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

High Cholesterol Foods – Healthy, not Harmful

Author: Paul Rodgers

High cholesterol foods are usually foods high in saturated fats. High cholesterol foods are the more delicious foods. High cholesterol foods are mainly found in all animals and animal products, for example, egg yolks, meat, poultry, fish and higher fat milk products. High cholesterol foods are a major contributor to having high blood pressure. High cholesterol foods are bad for us, and God knew it.

Your body produces three to four times more cholesterol than you eat. The production of cholesterol increases when you eat little cholesterol and decreases when you eat much. In other words, the more high cholesterol foods you eat, the less cholesterol your body produces. It is true that the body – more specifically the liver – can produce cholesterol for the body's needs. But taking cholesterol from high cholesterol foods can be helpful. When you do not take enough high cholesterol foods – for example, if you take mainly vegetable oils rather than animal fat containing cholesterol – the cholesterol in your blood will the transferred to your cells.

In traditional societies, high cholesterol foods were regarded as healthy foods. Our ancestors did not know about cholesterol but they knew that eggs, organ meat (including the brain), seafood, shellfish… were all highly nourishing for the body. Cholesterol is not a deadly poison, but a substance vital to the cells of all mammals. Cholesterol in its proper place is good, but it also has a dark side. Thus, the highest concentration of cholesterol in the body is found in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. And because cholesterol is needed for the brain, babies and children need high cholesterol foods for brain development. One of the richest high cholesterol foods is, in fact, human breast milk. And one of the worst foods to give to babies is soy infant formula, because it contains zero cholesterol.

People with very low cholesterol (below 150 mg/dl) are more prone to depression and nervous system disorders. Many scientific studies have found an association between cholesterol and heart disease. But this does not meant that high cholesterol foods cause heart disease – because there are people who eat plenty of high cholesterol foods and do not develop heart disease. And there are also people who develop heart disease even though they avoid high cholesterol foods. It is also important to understand that eating high cholesterol foods will not automatically lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood.

Among the many research findings published in scientific journals, Uffe Ravnskov discovered that: lowering cholesterol did not result in lower death rates from heart disease, but in HIGHER death rates from all causes. More significantly, Uffe Ravnskov has published over 80 scientific papers and letters in peer-reviewed journals criticizing what is commonly called the Lipid Hypothesis of heart disease – the belief that dietary saturated fats and cholesterol clog arteries and cause atherosclerosis and heart disease. Click here to read more about Uffe Ravnskov and the benefits of high cholesterol foods. Foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fat (such as coconut oil) can also raise your level of LDL (bad) cholesterol, so, in a way, they have a similar effect on your body as eating high cholesterol foods. But it does not stop there, because there are a number of other foods that may not be considered "high cholesterol foods" but that still raise your LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) more than high cholesterol foods do. If a food does not come from an animal (such as a fruit or vegetable), then it does not have cholesterol.

To appreciate why high cholesterol foods are not harmful, we need to understand what cholesterol is, and what role it plays in human health. Typically, high cholesterol foods are also high in saturated fats, which is part of what makes them taste good. High cholesterol foods should not be entirely avoided, as many of them are an essential part of a healthy diet, as noted above, but you should learn to reduce their intake in order to maintain or lower your LDL cholesterol levels. High cholesterol foods are animal products such as eggs, fatty meats, and any poultry with the skin on would be high in cholesterol.

About the Author:

Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products. Find out more about High Cholesterol Foods – Healthy, not Harmful

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High Cholesterol Foods

2009-04-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol High Foods and Heart Disease

Author: Andrew Bicknell

If there is one word that is associated with potentially life threatening health issues it is cholesterol. There are numerous TV and print advertisements espousing the benefits of the latest cholesterol reducing drug and for good reasons. High levels of this naturally occurring substance are associated with increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Knowing this has caused many people to avoid cholesterol high foods in their attempt to mitigate the harmful effects it can cause.

But just what is cholesterol and where does it come from?

Cholesterol, unbeknownst to many, is actually produced by the body, mostly in the liver, and is necessary for proper bodily functioning. In fact roughly 80% is made by the body with the other 20% coming from dietary sources. Or at least that’s the way it used to be. With our more "fast food" dietary lifestyle cholesterol has become a major health care issue.

Without cholesterol our bodies would be unable to function properly. It is primarily used to make cell membranes and makes them stable and durable. It is particularly important in the formation of nerve tissue, brain cells, and the spinal cord. It is also used to make bile which is an important part of the digestive process in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. And certain hormones would not be able to be made without it.

Unfortunately our modern diet has given us to much of a good thing. While high cholesterol foods such as meat, eggs, and whole fat dairy products should be eaten in moderation it is the preponderance of foods high in saturated fats and Transfats that are the bigger culprits. Fried foods, snack foods, processed foods in a box, and just about anything containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils all fall into this category.

In fact scientific studies have shown that foods high in these types of fat have a greater impact in blood cholesterol levels then eating just foods that are high in cholesterol. This does not mean that eating a diet of high cholesterol foods is a good idea but it is more important that you avoid the saturated fat and Transfats that are so common in our diet these days.

As cholesterol levels build up in the blood stream they get to the point where the body cannot use all of it. When this happens it will start to deposit along the arterial walls creating plaques and causing atherosclerosis, which is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. These plaques can cause blockages in blood flow which can lead to a heart attack or they can break free as a clot and get lodged in the smaller vessels of the brain causing a stroke.

Maintaining normal cholesterol levels through a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes exercise is the best way to prevent these risks. Just remember that cholesterol is a necessary substance we all need but it is important to eat cholesterol high foods in moderation and avoid those foods that are in high saturated fats and Transfats to avoid the risk of heart disease.

About the Author:

If high cholesterol is affecting your health and you want to do something about it but aren't sure where to start please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by Clicking Here.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cholesterol High Foods and Heart Disease

High Cholesterol Diet Risk

2009-04-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Skinny On A High Cholesterol Diet

Author: Darlene Nicholson

Understanding the effects of a high cholesterol diet is a bit tricky. The effects of a high cholesterol diet on high blood cholesterol are not completely understood and there are so many variables that the information can be very confusing. Let's look at what cholesterol is, what high cholesterol means, what the effects are of a high cholesterol diet and finally, some super foods that can help you lower your high cholesterol.

To understand a high cholesterol diet, first you need to know more about cholesterol. Only foods that are derived from animal sources (including animal fat or lard) contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is synthesized in the body. It is used in cell membrane structure and also in the synthesis of steroidal hormones and Vitamin D. It does have some use; however, as it travels in blood through arteries attached to lipoproteins such as HDL and LDL, some of it sticks to the walls of the artery creating the condition known as atherosclerosis, a.k.a. clogged arteries. The higher the total blood cholesterol, specifically the LDL, the higher the incidence of cholesterol depositing on artery walls.

High blood cholesterol levels in individuals have been shown to increase cardiovascular disease rates. Total cholesterol in an individual should be less than 200 mg/dL. The total cholesterol is made up of LDL (low-density lipoproteins), HDL (high-density lipoproteins) and triglycerides. LDL, a.k.a. bad cholesterol, should be less than 100 mg/dL. HDL, a.k.a. good cholesterol, should be greater than 40 mg/dL and trigylcerides should be less than 150 mg/dL. If any of your cholesterol levels are outside these numbers, you've likely heard that you should avoid a high cholesterol diet, but why?

A high cholesterol diet is by name alone, high in cholesterol; however, studies are unsure as to whether or not dietary cholesterol is really the root cause of increased blood cholesterol levels. More importantly is the saturated fat intake that often occurs with a high cholesterol diet. High amounts of saturated fat have been shown to increase blood cholesterol levels in individuals. Food high in saturated fats are fatty meats and products produced using oils high in saturated fat such as potato chips, deep fried cuisine, and baked goods to name a few.

To muddy the waters a bit more, science isn't clear on why one person can eat a high cholesterol, high fat diet and not have high cholesterol(they may, however have other health issues), and another person will end up with high cholesterol on the same or even a better diet. The bottom line here is that a large part of high blood cholesterol can be contributed to genetics. Some people with high blood cholesterol respond well to environmental changes like diet and exercise therapy while others need medication to control their high cholesterol.

There are some super foods that scientists are finding out may help reduce blood cholesterol. Some of these super foods can even be used to replace foods in a high cholesterol diet.

Oats in oatmeal and oat bran contain soluble fiber. A daily amount of 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber has been proven to lower LDL levels around five percent. Overall, the daily recommendation for dietary fiber is 25 grams. The remaining amount of fiber intake for the day beyond soluble fiber is 15-20 grams of insoluble fiber found in whole grains and other roughage such as celery. The best benefits from fiber are seen when both soluble and insoluble fiber are present in the diet.

Fish such as salmon, trout and sardines have high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which not only lower LDL but raise the good cholesterol, HDL. Fish can easily replace the protein found in a high cholesterol diet.

Some nuts such as almonds, pistachios and pecans contain fiber, phytonutrients and Vitamin E. These nutrients have been shown to be beneficial in reducing cholesterol. Eat them in small quantities, though, because nuts are high in calories. Replace some of the protein in a high cholesterol diet with this super food.

Though the cholesterol in a high cholesterol diet may not be the culprit, the saturated fat almost always accompanies the cholesterol. So, ultimately, for optimum health, a high cholesterol diet should be avoided.

About the Author:
From a sickly little girl to a healthy chef to the stars, Darlene Nicholson transformed herself into The "Kick in the Butt" Healthy Lifestyle Expert and creator of the popular DVD "The Healthy Grocery Store Tour". Grab a copy of her free ebook "4 Steps to Permanent Weight Loss"...guaranteed to open your eyes to how easy weight loss can be with the right plan of attack. http://free-weightloss-book.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Skinny On A High Cholesterol Diet

Cholesterol Foods List

2009-04-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Finding a List of Low Cholesterol Foods

Author: Andrew Bicknell

A high blood cholesterol level is something that needs to be taken very seriously because it is one of the main risk factors for increased chances of arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. One of the best ways to deal with this medical condition is through diet and for most people that means finding a list of low cholesterol foods.

Fortunately it is relatively easy to separate food types into those that contain cholesterol and those that don't. Any food that comes from an animal source contains cholesterol because it is a primarily used to create and maintain cell wall membranes along with hormone production.

Food from plant sources or derived from plant sources are for the most part cholesterol free and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can help significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. There is a big but that goes along with this because food preparation can significantly change whether or not that healthy food suddenly becomes a ticking cholesterol time bomb.

Recent studies into the effects of diet on cholesterol have found that it isn't always the amount of cholesterol in a particular food that is dangerous. In fact many cholesterol containing foods don't significantly raise blood cholesterol levels when eaten as is. What these studies have found is that saturated fat and Transfats are much more dangerous to cholesterol levels. When combined with high cholesterol foods in the preparation of meals these two fats can lead to dangerously high blood cholesterol levels.

This does not mean that eating high cholesterol foods is a good idea but by being aware of how to prepare your meals you can see significant reductions in your cholesterol levels. Here are some tips on how to best manage cholesterol levels through diet.

1. Avoid and eliminate foods high in saturated and Trans fats as well as avoid preparing meals with these types of fats. This is why fried foods are dangerous to anyone with high cholesterol levels.

2. Eat only lean cuts of meat in moderation. Grill or broil them to allow the fat to run off before eating.

3. The best source of protein in a low cholesterol diet can be gotten from chicken and seafood.

4. Eat fiber rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals. Fiber has been shown to help remove cholesterol from the body and is an important part of the digestive process.

5. Dairy products can be eaten if you choose low fat or skim products that have had the saturated fats removed or significantly reduced.

6. Increase your intake of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Much seafood such as salmon is rich in this vital nutrient or you can take it in supplement form.

As you can see managing this problem is much more then just finding a list of low cholesterol foods. While eating only these types of foods can decrease your risks you can do much more by understanding how certain foods and their preparation can affect cholesterol levels. The key to this is avoiding and eliminating saturated fats and Trans fats from your diet and eating those foods containing cholesterol in moderation.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Finding a List of Low Cholesterol Foods

Cholesterol Busting Foods

2009-04-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Achieve Low Cholesterol With The Basic Tips

Author: Ray La Foy

To get your cholesterol to the right level, you need to follow a few basic rules. It takes a bit of effort to remember initially but soon becomes part of your daily routine. You must be aware that cutting down on cholesterol-rich foods does not mean cutting down on food. Once you approach this diet as just a changed one rather than a starvation diet, you can set about making it work for you.

The first step is to shop right. That means paying close attention to the labels. This could take a bit of time in the beginning, when you have to look at quite a few before you decide to buy or reject. You soon get the hang if it however and begin to automatically steer your way towards the food that is good for you.

The labels on all food packs tell you the nutritional value of the contents. You'll see how much of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals it contains. Steer clear of animal fat in foodstuffs, as well as trans fats. When you limit the consumption of saturated fats, your cholesterol levels start going down. Keep in mind that the body, too produces cholesterol so you need to offset that by cutting down a lot when you start your diet. As far as taste goes, trans fats make for better texture, consistency and taste in a lot of foods. You just need to find substitutes that appeal to you just as much which don't contain these harmful fats.

How about sugar? Start by substituting it in a few items of food, then go on to more and more as you get used to it. Honey is a natural sweetener as is unrefined sugar. Food with corn syrup is avoidable as it is high in carbohydrates. While you're at it, cut down on the salt as well, as it increases the blood pressure and together with high cholesterol, could lead to serious health risks. Processed foods like meats contain a lot of it.

Try to put "good fats" into your diet, like olive oil and avocados. Also include fruits, vegetables and fiber to aid digestion. What you need in your daily diet is a balance. Never eat till you are stuffed. Always get up from the table when you're full but feel you can eat just a little more. If you find every meal leaves you feeling too full, eat many small meals a day, punctuating your regular food with fruit breaks, soups or salads. Some people substitute butter with spreads made from sitostanol, a plant-based derivative that is supposed to curb the absorption of fat.

It all boils down to an issue of balance. Your body produces cholesterol. You've got high cholesterol. So you need to take in less than you are doing right now and maybe take in a few cholesterol-busting foods as well to keep the balance. Once you've managed a regimen that brings the cholesterol equilibrium back into your life, make sure you keep at it to make it stay that way.

About the Author:

More information on a low cholesterol diet
low cholesterol diet
http://www.lowcholesterolnow.com

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Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol

2009-04-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol Treatment - Simple and Useful Home Remedies for Cholesterol

Author: Dr James Sameul

Cholesterol is the fat-like substance, which is an important ingredient for life. The human body contains about 100 g of cholesterol. The human body itself manufactures its required cholesterol, and any cholesterol that comes from diet is extra -- and it's harmful.

Benefits of body cholesterol -

Most of the cholesterol in the body is included in the membranes from which cells formation takes place. It is also the starting ingredient for the synthesis of the steroid hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol and mineralocorticoids.

Cholesterol is also the originator from which the body synthesizes Vitamin D.

Cholesterol helps in the synthesis of bile acids in the liver. This is required for the absorption of fat from the contents of the intestine. The liver synthesizes about 1500 - 2000 mg of new cholesterol each day, from the products of fat metabolism.

What is high blood cholesterol? Is it risky?

High blood cholesterol termed as hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and some types of stroke. Too much cholesterol in the blood leads to development of fatty deposits in the blood vessels that supply the heart and other parts of the body. These deposits make it difficult for enough blood to flow through the arteries, and the heart may not get as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, which increases the chances of a heart attack (atherosclerosis). Decreased blood flow to the brain can also cause a cerebral stroke.

Healthy levels of cholesterol -

A person's total blood cholesterol will fall into any one of these categories:

1) Desirable -- Less than 200 mg/dL

2) Borderline high risk -- 200-239 mg/dL

3) High risk -- 240 mg/dL and over - risk of developing coronary heart disease.

What is HDL and LDL?

Cholesterol is transported through the blood attached to proteins, known as lipoprotein. The two main types of lipoproteins are:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - "bad" cholesterol that builds up in the walls of the arteries, making them hard and narrow.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - "good" cholesterol that picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to the liver.

Total cholesterol is the sum of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and 20% of the triglyceride value.

It is important to be aware of the fact that -

1. high LDL values are bad - higher the chance of getting a heart disease

2 high HDL values are good - lower the chance of getting a heart disease.

Thus, cardiac risk ratio for an individual = total cholesterol divided by HDL cholesterol

A cardiac risk ratio greater than 7 is a danger sign.

What factors cause a high LDL and low HDL level in the body?

1) Unhealthy lifestyle habits of an individual such as lack of physical activity, being overweight.

2) Faulty eating habits. High intake of saturated fats, animal protein, butter, cheese, fried foods all lead to high cholesterol.

3) Other factors that play a role in high cholesterol include genetic composition which restricts cells from removing LDL cholesterol from the blood efficiently or cause the liver to produce too much cholesterol. This is regardless of a person's saturated fat and cholesterol dietary intake.

4) Smoking, alcoholism, tobacco - as it damages the walls of the blood vessels, making them prone to accumulate fatty deposits.

5) High blood pressure as increased pressure on the artery walls damages arteries, leading to speedy accumulation of fatty deposits.

6) Diabetes contributes to high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar also damages the lining of the arteries.

Cholesterol Treatment and prevention -

1) Lifestyle changes help improve the cholesterol level. Eat a healthy diet, do regular physical activity and avoid smoking/drinking.

2) Lose excess weight. Plan a daily exercise regime such as swimming, walks, or any other sport.

3) Eat heart friendly foods

4) Choose healthier fats such as monounsaturated fats. Almonds, olive, peanut and walnuts are good sources of healthy fat.

5) Limit cholesterol intake - no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day -- or less than 200 mg if you have heart disease.

6) Eat whole grains, whole wheat flour.

7) Consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as they are rich in dietary fibre, which help lower cholesterol. Consume less of animal protein, and more of fish which is rich in omega - 3 fatty acids

7) Quit smoking and drinking

In spite of the above, if LDL remains high, the doctor may prescribe some medication or combination of medication depending on various factors, such as age, current health, risk factors, and possible side effects.

Home Remedies for Cholesterol:

* Coriander seeds are beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol. In 1 glass of water, add 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds and boil. Drink this mixture two times in a day. This is a good Home Remedy for Cholesterol

* Onion juice reduces cholesterol and works as a tonic for nervous system. It cleans blood, and regulates the heart action & helps in lowering cholesterol.

* Sunflower seeds contain a substantial amount of linoelic acid, which is helpful in reducing cholesterol deposits on the walls of the arteries. This is also useful Home Remedy for Cholesterol

* Substituting oil of sunflower seeds for some of the solid fats like butter & cream will lower cholesterol.

* Ginger reduces cholesterol, and thins the blood and thus improves the circulation. This remedy is very effective Home Remedy for Cholesterol

* Take 2-3 cloves of garlic daily to reduce high cholesterol levels.

* Turmeric helps by lowering serum cholesterol and by preventing the formation of the internal blood clots.

* Mix a teaspoon of powdered fenugreek seeds in a glass of water and take in the morning on an empty stomach for a month. This is an effective and useful Home Remedy for Cholesterol

* Prepare a mixture in a glass of water with 1-2 grams of powdered cinnamon. Strain this mixture & add a spoon of honey to it. Drink this solution once a day for 15-25 days. This helps control cholesterol.

About the Author:

Author is an Ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more Home Remedies for Cholesterol at
">http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/

He has an exclusive website on Home Remedies for various diseases. You can also contribute to the Home remedies by visiting the website

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cholesterol Treatment - Simple and Useful Home Remedies for Cholesterol

Tips to Lower Bad Cholesterol

2009-04-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Food Tips To Lower Bad Cholesterol

Author: Ashish Jain

LDL or bad cholesterol in excess amount can lead to worst consequences. With excess of LDL in blood you are very much susceptible to coronary artery diseases. This low density lipoproteion when gets deposited in blood in surplus amount starts forming plaque that can either block the arteries or can result in narrowed arteries. And best way to keep level of LDL in control is to opt for LDL free diet or food that lowers LDL content.

LDL cholesterol could be kept well under control if you happen to consume LDL free foods. For a normal people desired level of LDL cholesterol should be not more than one thirty or one forty mg per dL. For that you should chalk out a dietary strategy in consultation with your health care provider that would usually be based on consumption of foods that are either free of LDL or bring reduction in LDL content.

Unsaturated fat products if consumed in plenty won't add too much to cholesterol and LDL content would automatically get reduced. Instead of whole milk you can go for skimmed milk. Similarly you can go for fat free cheese and other fat free milk products. These products would bring considerable reduction in bad cholesterol.

You should substitute foods with high fat content by foods with low food content, it is a very natural way of curbing high level of LDL. For example butter has a perfect substitute in Margarine that is derived from whales.

If you happen to be afflicted with great surge in LDL, you can devour foods rich in Niacin. Niacin is an active LDL reducing agent. You must increase consumption fiber products and green vegetables. With an increased intake of fiber, you are likely to reduce bad cholesterol. You should particularly focus on soluble fibers.

Products that help bring a surge in HDL cholesterol could be consumed as it would have an adverse effect on LDL. Intake of fruits and whole grains could be increased for the same reason. Products rich in vitamin A and E could also contribute to LDL reduction. Fish must be incorporated in your diet as it contains Omega 3 fatty acid that considerably reduces Low density Lipoprotein.

Barley, cereals, oats and lot of complex carbohydrates could be added to your diet. You should also consume lipid free oils such as Canola and Olive oil.

If you could stick to these food items, you are sure to lower LDL.

About the Author:
The author writes about a number of different topics. For more information on cholesterol visit http://www.urcholesterol.com/ and also visit the article pages: http://www.urcholesterol.com/reduce-cholesterol/ and http://www.urcholesterol.com/cholestrol-and-diet/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/food-tips-to-lower-bad-cholesterol-85960.html

Cholesterol and Peanut Butter

2009-04-10T19:29:00.001-07:00

Low Cholesterol Foods, Revealing Great News About Good Old Peanut Butter And Trans Fats

Author: Wycliffe Williams

Low cholesterol foods are still in abundance. The recent ban in New York City restaurants has awakened many people to the dangers of trans fats. Unfortunately, it has also caused a great deal of confusion.

According to the National Peanut Board, trans fat levels in both commercially prepared and natural peanut butters are undetectable. Put another way, research indicates that you can eat 156 peanut butter sandwiches without consuming even 0.5 grams of trans fat.

Neither peanut butter, peanuts or peanut oil are an issue for restaurants in New York. Chuck Hunt, vice president of the New York City Chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association has said that peanut butter alternatives are good alternatives.

Confusion exists over peanut butter because conventional science says that products made with a partially hydrogenated oil stabilizer, will contain trace amounts of trans fat. A recent study has shown that peanut butter is one of the low cholesterol foods that are made with very little hydrogenated oil. Resulting in no detectable amounts of trans fat in the finished product.

These same studies indicate that all hydrogenated oil is not the same. You cannot generalize about all products that contain hydrogenated oil. Peanut butter provides a variety of healthful benefits for children and adults. It is one of the few foods that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Peanut butter also adds nutritional value when included as part of a balanced diet.

Peanuts and peanut butter contain more than 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients, including vitamin E. A two tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains 12.2 grams of unsaturated and poly unsaturated fat and 3.3 grams of saturated fat. Moreover, low cholesterol foods like peanut butter, can brag that it contains zero cholesterol. Besides all of that information, it is fun to eat and tastes delicious as well.

We all realize that trans fats are very dangerous. According to the American Heart Association, trans fats cause a lowering of good cholesterol and an increase in bad cholesterol.

This action on your system increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. In 2006 the FDA began requiring food companies to list trans fat content separately on the Nutrition facts panel of all packaged foods.

Certain food activists are challenging the FDA policy that says that if the serving contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat, it can be expressed as zero on the package. Their argument centers around the fact that a person who consumes multiple servings throughout the day of products labeled as having 0 trans fats could in fact, surpass recommended levels.

Trans fat zero foods tend to add up. Experts say manufacturers should have to list even traces of the substance. For peanut butter though, manufacturers are trying to increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition, and culinary versatility of peanuts.

About the Author:

Low cholesterol foods can be safely included in your daily balanced diet. Would you like to learn about other great foods that help lower your cholesterol? Follow this link to learn so much more: low cholesterol foods

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/low-cholesterol-foods-revealing-great-news-about-good-old-peanut-butter-and-trans-fats-98348.html

Bad Cholesterol

2009-04-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Foods to Reduce Bad Cholesterol

Author: Andrew Bicknell

If you have high cholesterol you have little choice but to try and lower it. Choosing not to do so drastically increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke; three medical conditions that can have a major impact on the long term outlook of your life. Fortunately getting your levels under control can be as easy as making dietary changes and eating foods to reduce bad cholesterol.

Diet is always a good place to start with just about any ailment or condition, but when it comes to lowering cholesterol the food you eat can have a large impact on how successful your attempt will be. In the end it comes down to eating healthy by following these eight steps.

1. Seafood and Omega-3s – Omega-3 fatty acids are sorely missing in our modern diet and have been shown to help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels while raising "good" HDL cholesterol levels. Omega-3s are found primarily in seafood with salmon being one of the best sources. You can also find it in flax seed and in supplement form.

2. Cut the Desert – If you just can't go without eat them in moderation and choose healthier alternatives. Graham crackers, fat free frozen yogurt, and angle food cake are good cholesterol reducing choices.

3. Fiber – Is your friend. Foods that are high in fiber such as oatmeal, vegetables, beans, fruits, wheat bread, and high fiber cereals are all good choices.

4. Fruits and Vegetables – In addition to adding fiber to your diet fruits and vegetables contain no cholesterol.

5. Fried and Fast Foods – These should be avoided as much as possible. Because of their high saturated and trans-fat content these foods are nothing more then cholesterol time bombs.

6. Salad Dressing – Everyone knows that a nice salad is a healthy part of any meal. That is until you dump a bunch of high fat salad dressing on it. Read your labels carefully and select those dressings that are low in fat and cholesterol.

7. Grill or Broil your Meat – You should only eat lean cuts of meat and when you prepare them grill them on the barbecue or broil them. Cooking in this manner reduces the amount of fat in the meat and allows you to enjoy delicious meals.

8. What About Lunch – It is possible to have a healthy sandwich. Use whole wheat bread, lean turkey or chicken, and veggies. Stick to low fat cheeses and mayo or use mustard instead for a healthy delicious lunch.

The thing you will notice with these food to reduce bad cholesterol is that you are not forced to eat a bland diet. It may not be quite what you are used to but with a little time and recipe research you will soon find you don't miss all those un-healthy foods in the first place.

About the Author:

To learn more about low Cholesterol food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/foods-to-reduce-bad-cholesterol-628104.html

Cholesterol Busting Foods

2009-04-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

Achieve Low Cholesterol With The Basic Tips

Author: Ray La Foy

To get your cholesterol to the right level, you need to follow a few basic rules. It takes a bit of effort to remember initially but soon becomes part of your daily routine. You must be aware that cutting down on cholesterol-rich foods does not mean cutting down on food. Once you approach this diet as just a changed one rather than a starvation diet, you can set about making it work for you.

The first step is to shop right. That means paying close attention to the labels. This could take a bit of time in the beginning, when you have to look at quite a few before you decide to buy or reject. You soon get the hang if it however and begin to automatically steer your way towards the food that is good for you.

The labels on all food packs tell you the nutritional value of the contents. You'll see how much of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals it contains. Steer clear of animal fat in foodstuffs, as well as trans fats. When you limit the consumption of saturated fats, your cholesterol levels start going down. Keep in mind that the body, too produces cholesterol so you need to offset that by cutting down a lot when you start your diet. As far as taste goes, trans fats make for better texture, consistency and taste in a lot of foods. You just need to find substitutes that appeal to you just as much which don't contain these harmful fats.

How about sugar? Start by substituting it in a few items of food, then go on to more and more as you get used to it. Honey is a natural sweetener as is unrefined sugar. Food with corn syrup is avoidable as it is high in carbohydrates. While you're at it, cut down on the salt as well, as it increases the blood pressure and together with high cholesterol, could lead to serious health risks. Processed foods like meats contain a lot of it.

Try to put "good fats" into your diet, like olive oil and avocados. Also include fruits, vegetables and fiber to aid digestion. What you need in your daily diet is a balance. Never eat till you are stuffed. Always get up from the table when you're full but feel you can eat just a little more. If you find every meal leaves you feeling too full, eat many small meals a day, punctuating your regular food with fruit breaks, soups or salads. Some people substitute butter with spreads made from sitostanol, a plant-based derivative that is supposed to curb the absorption of fat.

It all boils down to an issue of balance. Your body produces cholesterol. You've got high cholesterol. So you need to take in less than you are doing right now and maybe take in a few cholesterol-busting foods as well to keep the balance. Once you've managed a regimen that brings the cholesterol equilibrium back into your life, make sure you keep at it to make it stay that way.

About the Author:

More information on a low cholesterol diet
low cholesterol diet
http://www.lowcholesterolnow.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/achieve-low-cholesterol-with-the-basic-tips-87512.html

Cholesterol Free Foods

2009-04-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

What Is A Cholesterol Free Diet And Is It Good For Me?

Author: Gloria Gangi

Cholesterol has been a hot topic in the past ten years. People draw conclusions that if you have cholesterol you have a poor diet and have poor health, people also want to get rid of cholesterol without understanding what it is or how it affects your body.

People need to learn that there are in fact two types of cholesterol bad cholesterol (known as low density or LDL) and good cholesterol (known as high density or HDL). People do not realize that cholesterol is an essential substance in the human body but it depends on the levels that you have. If you were to choose a cholesterol free diet it could be very harmful to your wellbeing, HDL cholesterol are really extremely vital to certain bodily functions such as constructing and repairing cell walls. New research shows and even suggests that HDL cholesterol acts as a crude antioxidant.

You do not need to have a cholesterol free diet if there have been signs you or your family have had a history of heart problems or cardiovascular disease. Instead, understand what bad cholesterol you need to avoid and maintain the beneficial cholesterol in your diet. LDL cholesterol can certainly be challenging, as it has been associated with heart attacks as well as strokes, but it doesn't require a lot of effort to methodically eliminate it from your diet. Instead of trying to keeping away from cholesterol overall, steer clear of a cholesterol free diet and as a substitute look for foods that are low in LDL cholesterol and high in HDL cholesterol.

Is A Cholesterol Free Diet The Best Choice?

To find foods which are good for your health is not as hard a task as you may think as long as you know what you are looking for. Foods such as lean meat and fish are both good meat choices, and are also high in protein. Also choose low-fat dairy products and be sure to keep up with your grains, vegetable and fruit intake. A good diet to control or reduce your cholesterol would be around six servings of grains each day, three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruits.

This diet is not a hard one to follow and if your keep this strategy in place when shopping then you will be avoiding the products which contain the harmful LDL cholesterol. Remember to reduce your fat in take especially fats that have saturated fat as they tend to raise blood cholesterol levels. Avoid eating fried foods as well, choosing grilled, broiled and baked foods as a healthy alternative.

So the question of what is a cholesterol free diet and is it good for me is answered. A cholesterol free diet may not be the right decision if you want to keep your heart and body strong. By simply choosing a balanced diet will help you to weed out the bad cholesterol and keep the good cholesterol.

About the Author:

for more articles on cholesterol and how to reduce and control it please visit: http://www.yourcholesteroldiet.com/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/what-is-a-cholesterol-free-diet-and-is-it-good-for-me-533773.html

What is Cholesterol

2009-04-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol – Good, Bad and to Keep Cholesterol Level Low

Author: Dr John Anne

When you hear the word cholesterol, what is your immediate reaction, or what comes first in your mind? Many people worry when they hear the word cholesterol. They perceive it as something that is always bad for the health. It is always associated with heart problems like hypertension and heart attack. But what cholesterol really is what it does to our body and health.

Cholesterol Defined

Cholesterol is a kind of fat or lipid found in the bloodstream and almost all parts of the body. It is a soft waxy substance in the body’s cells. Cholesterol is very useful because it is a component in forming cell membranes, some hormones. It is also needed for other body functions. Many of this substance is produced naturally inside of our bodies and some are from the food that we eat.

Cholesterol is not really a dangerous substance but it is actually one of those substances that our body needs to keep us healthy. However, it should be understood that there are two kinds of which, the good and bad cholesterol.

The Good and Bad

Since cholesterol is a kind of fat, it can not be directly dissolved in the blood. This substance is carried into and from the cell by another substance called lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins or HDL is the good ones. This kind protects the body from heart diseases because the cholesterol is carried away from the arteries where fats could build up. It is also believed to remove other cholesterol from the arteries. This kind of cholesterol, however, should be maintained and monitored, because low level of this can also increase the risk of heart problems.

Bad cholesterol is known as the low-density lipoproteins or LDL. This kind highly contributes to the build up of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries. High levels of both compounds in the blood causes major risk of coronary diseases that could lead to heart attack.

Sources of Cholesterol

Though LDL is primarily produced in the body, the cholesterol from our food intake still contributes a lot to the total cholesterol count. Seventy five percent of our body cholesterol is produced inside and the remaining 25 percent comes from food. Almost all food that we take in everyday contains cholesterol and many of these foods contain large amounts.

Topmost of the list of food that contains large amounts of cholesterol is a food familiar to all and could be bought in almost all fast food chains and restaurants. Chicken and egg contains the highest count. These two are followed by livers, sea foods and Thanksgiving Day favorite turkey.

Unknowingly, our body cholesterol is also affected by hereditary means. There are some genes inherited from our parents or even grandparents that cause the cholesterol in our body to be too much produced.

Cholesterol Levels

Everyone should monitor cholesterol count because too much or too low cholesterol in the body bring a lot of sickness. The cholesterol count includes both the good and bad, both those produced inside the body and those that are acquired from food intake.

Cholesterol counts are determined through a blood test. Each person has a unique physicality that is why an individual should consult a doctor to know the cholesterol count that should be maintained. It is recommended especially people ages 20 and older to have lipoprotein fasting and test at least once in every five years. Consult a doctor for necessary medical routine before your cholesterol would be tested. Usually, doctors ask their patients to go on 10 to 12 hour fasting, meaning no food or pills taken. This determines the exact amount of good and bad cholesterol present in your blood and cells.

There are a lot of misconceptions about cholesterol especially with the food in take that make self-diagnosing patients worry about their health. As such, the best option is consultation to experts and living a healthy lifestyle.

About the Author:

Dr John Anne is a herbal specialist with years of experience in the field of Alternative Health Care. For more information visit Natural Cure for Cholesterol at Herbal Supplements. Also visit Cholesterol Treatment to treat High Cholesterol.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/cholesterol-good-bad-and-to-keep-cholesterol-level-low-282971.html

3 Foods to lower your Cholesterol

2009-04-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

Lower Cholesterol - Add These Natural Foods to your Diet

Author: Albert Lee

If you want to lower and maintain your cholesterol level, the best thing for you to do is to turn to a natural diet. It's simple, convenient and best of all, available in large quantities.

By simply reducing the amount of processed foods in your diet, you can significantly lower your blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Here are some of the sources of natural foods to add to your diet and help lower your cholesterol:

1. Fiber

Some of the best sources of fiber are found in whole grains, cereals and oatmeal. For a natural diet, choose unprocessed grains and wheat bran for more roughage and high fiber content. Fiber is effective in lowering cholesterol levels and keeping your intestines from absorbing too much fat and sugar.

How much to get: a cup of natural fiber is enough to help lower your cholesterol level by about 5%. Go for cereals that contain oats, psyllium, flaxseed or whole grains.

2. Soy

Soy is another food product that can be easily integrated into your daily diet to lower your cholesterol. While some soy products undergo processing, they retain the healthful qualities that make soy a favorite among heart-watchers.

The reason is probably because of naturally-occurring compounds known as isoflavones, which have been shown to regulate the levels of cholesterol in the body. A study conducted in 1998 showed that isoflavones helped lower cholesterol levels from 5% to 10%.

How much to get: a natural diet to lower cholesterol should contain at least 25g of soy protein daily. Soy protein can be found in soy milk, tofu, tempeh and soy meat substitutes.

3. Fish

Fish contain a type of good fat known as Omega-3 fatty acids. These keep the blood from clotting, making sure that blood flow is smooth and healthy. Omega-3s are also known for keeping blood fat levels low.

How much to get: serve broiled, baked or grilled fish at least 3 times a week. It's also a good idea to substitute fish for other animal protein meals when dining out to keep your natural diet low in cholesterol. Choose fatty fish such as albacore, sardines, herring and salmon and serve baked, grilled or steamed.

About the Author:

To discover the best foods to lower your cholesterol, visit http://www.diettolowercholesterol101.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lower-cholesterol-add-these-natural-foods-to-your-diet-150606.html

Lower Your Cholesterol with Diet

2009-04-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol Lowering Foods - Heart Disease Prevention

Author: peterhutch

Little by little larger numbers of people suffer from heart disease as a consequence of high cholesterol levels. There are many factors that enable the accumulation of cholesterol inside the organism, but the major cause is considered to be unhealthy diet. Unhealthy diet and bad eating habits can considerably increase blood cholesterol levels. That’s why cholesterol lowering foods should be part of a cholesterol lowering diet.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your bloodstream and every cell in your body. First off, it is important to note that cholesterol is normal. We all must have some cholesterol within our bodies. Without out it, your body would be unable to produce cell membranes and various hormones. But here is where it gets complicated. When your body has too much cholesterol, this waxy substance starts to form blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol lowering food in combination with a healthy fit lifestyle has been proven over and over again to be one of the most effective ways of lowering cholesterol naturally.

Cholesterol lowering food should be included in everyone's diet but especially in a diet to lower cholesterol if your cholesterol is already high. Failure to include cholesterol lowering food in your diet can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts that have a high amount of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat, also help lowering cholesterol. Researchers have found that nuts not only lower the total and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol significantly, but also help maintain a desirable level of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol.

Garlic is a popular cholesterol-lowering herb that contains allin and allicin. It has antispasmodic properties that help facilitate proper digestion and absorption. Because of its quick and effective actions on the gastrointestinal tract, excess cholesterol won't be easily stored as fat since garlic tries to let the body eliminate it instead.

Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrates and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps reduce low-density lipoprotein or LDL which is also called bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber acts to hinder excess absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. With its gel-like qualities, bile works with dietary cholesterol to be properly excreted by the body.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed provides alpha-linolenic acid a poly-unsaturated fat which has been shown to lower cholesterol while providing needed soluble fiber.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the mono-saturated fats and studies have shown that it lowers blood cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is suggested to be better than other varieties.

While foods containing soy protein are no longer considered cholesterol lowering foods, they can still be part of a healthy diet. Soy protein will not harm your health, and substituting soy protein, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy nuts, soy milk, soy burgers, soy cheese, and soy flour for animal protein, continues to be a wise food choice because of its high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and low content of saturated fat.

About the Author:

Read about Natural Supplements, Herbal Remedies. Also read about Natural Weight Loss and Obeslim

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/cholesterol-lowering-foods-heart-disease-prevention-621264.html

Lower Cholesterol with Vitamins

2009-04-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Vitamins Help To Lower Cholesterol

Author: Darrell Miller

Vitamins help to lower cholesterol are now a proven fact. This kind of over-the-counter supplement contains no chemicals of any type. It is a natural method in achieving lower cholesterol without negative side effects or prolonged issues. Doctors have been providing chemical medication for this condition for as long as possible. They are beginning to realize this type of cure is only hindering a person's ability to actually maintain a healthy system. There are several kinds of vitamins that can greatly reduce cholesterol and be healthy as well. An individual may have been battling with this problem for many years without a solid solution. Each person's body controls their issues differently. Some doctor prescribed medication may seem to be doing the trick. Nevertheless, the more chemicals that are placed in the body the more out of whack it may become. Every person desires to have an overall collective healthy immune system. They want to live longer and stay with their loved ones. With these vitamins help to lower cholesterol, an individual will be able to do that without worry on what the chemicals are doing to their body. There are several types of vitamins that a person can achieve that will assist them greatly in achieving lower cholesterol without damaging other parts of their body.

There are vitamins in pill format that a person can obtain and take daily to assist in an over-all more healthy body and immune system. Cholest-response is a vitamin designed to directly lower the cholesterol in one's body. This can be found throughout the internet and at local health foods stores or supermarket. Niacin is another supplement that has been proven effectively to reduce the bad cholesterol in one's system. This type of supplement is extraordinary for individual's that do not wish to add unnatural chemicals into their body. Red Yeast Rice is a supplement that is designed to lower cholesterol safely and effectively. Every individual can find this type of vitamins throughout health food stores around the internet. There are various herbal medications that are safe and effective for this type of problem. It is vital to read all the information that is provided and talk to a person's doctor before beginning this type of control.

Garlic is believed to be the cure-all vitamin of the century. This can be eating in large amounts on food and even taken in a vitamin pill format. Everyone enjoys garlic on their foods; however a person may not be receiving all the benefits from this alone. An individual will be able to find garlic supplements in their health foods stores or supermarkets. Almonds are a fantastic method in a lower cholesterol solution. They not only taste fantastic and go with every meal type from main course to deserts; they will also assist an individual in reducing unwanted issues from their systems. Oatmeal not only tastes fantastic, warms the body up on cold days and fills the stomach; this meal that everyone loves is filled with vitamins that can lower cholesterol. Various types of beans are proven to lower cholesterol without massive side-effects. If a person eats these 2 to 4 times a week, the body will show signs of improvement. Foods that have an abundance of vitamins B, C and E will assist a person in lower cholesterol that is unhealthy. These foods can included but are not limited to oranges, peppers, broccoli and strawberries.

There are various side-effects and issues that are associated with prescribed medication. These pills can begin to develop liver issues, stomach problems and immune system breakdown. It is vital to lower cholesterol for an over-all happy and healthy body. Vitamins can do with just as well if not better than all prescription drugs on the market. Every person can enjoy the vitamins inside the supplements or their favorite foods. An individual can located valuable information on the internet concerning the types of vitamins an individual needs to lower their cholesterol and to manage it for the future.

About the Author:
More information can be found on the website http://vitanetonline.com/ where advice on natural supplements to help lower cholesterol can be found.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/vitamins-help-to-lower-cholesterol-191165.html

Lower Cholesterol Naturally

2009-04-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Some Natural Ways to Reduce Cholesterol

Author: Jan Richards

Cholesterol is just one of substances that the body can make on its own. Unfortunately, eating food that is high in oil and saturated fats creates an imbalance. If precautions are not taken now, the chances of a heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases get higher as the person ages.

Cholesterol is classified into two. The first is called LDL or low-density lipoprotein. This is better known as bad cholesterol and having too much of it can cause problems in the health of an individual.

It is a good thing that the body can counter this with HDL or high-density lipoprotein, which is called good cholesterol. There must a balance between the two so that the heart, blood circulation and all the other systems are working.

The only way for the patient to know the levels in the body is through a blood test. Those who fall within 4.4 to 7.1 have a small chance of experiencing a heart attack. Any figure above that is bad and anything below means the risk are much lower.

The natural way to reduce cholesterol will be to do something physical everyday. A person can do brisk walking every other day while those in between can be working up some sweat in the gym while working on the weight machines.

Studies have shown that getting those muscles to work is much better and safer than taking prescription drugs that are known to have certain side effects when it is taken. The same goes for the use of food supplements since the human body needs exercise to keep in functioning.

Another natural way will be to eat right. This may mean changing one's eating habits but the long terms effects are rewarding. The individual will have to cut down on red meat, other oily foods and junk food. This includes bread, cake, candy bars, cookies, French fries and potato chips.

Changing the way food is cooked is also another way to reduce cholesterol naturally. Instead of frying, the person can try steaming, boiling or the quick way of throwing it in the microwave.

There was a time that doctors encourage children and adults to drink milk. Though this can help strengthen the bones as one ages, this too is has certain ingredients that are not safe. This should be changed for soy or non-fat milk that may taste a little different but is much healthier than the old one.

It is strongly encouraged to drink lots of water and natural fruit juice since it also has the properties that can reduce cholesterol just like eating it before it is mixed using the blender.

Unsweetened tea is also safe to drink. It may taste different so mixing a sachet of Equal or Nutrasweet can add some flavoring.

Watching the food and drinks being consumed is the best way to watch the cholesterol levels and improve the overall health of the person. The first blood test may show disturbing numbers but by exercising and going on a diet, there will be some improvements.

It does not cost much to live a healthier lifestyle if only one tries. This just proves that lowering the cholesterol can be done which is much better than ending up in the hospital with complications that will either mean the life or death of the patient.

About the Author:

Want to find out about cholesterol ratio and low cholesterol foods? Get tips from Cholesterol Guidelines.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/some-natural-ways-to-reduce-cholesterol-493019.html

Food and Cholesterol

2009-04-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol Food - Keeping Cholesterol Under Control

Author: Shelby Ryan

Like most of us, if you are interested in keeping your cholesterol under control, understanding what types of cholesterol food you should avoid isn't a bad idea. Of course, proper exercise and the know how to implement a proper diet to help reduce the amount of cholesterol in your diet are also important.

Cholesterol continues to be a big problem in the fight to maintain proper health but it doesn't have to be. By simply educating oneself on cholesterol foods one can go a long way to keeping cholesterol under control but the problems lies in the fact that most people simply don't understand cholesterol food and therefore they can't make the necessary changes in their life style that will result in positive changes in their bodies.

A good start is to begin with the basics - an understanding of cholesterol within the context of cholesterol food. Cholesterol has a relationship with our bodies that is in part both good and bad. The good part is that cholesterol helps the body to digest dietary fats, produce hormones and generate cell walls. All are integral in our development and growth throughout our lives, so a certain amount of cholesterol is obviously going to be important. Therefore, totally cutting out cholesterol food, like some diets suggest, is never going to be the answer in the pursuit of optimal health.

Moderation - Moderation - Moderation

As in all things, moderation is the answer. Integrate moderation into the consumption of cholesterol food and the best diet, according to all nutritional experts, is a balanced diet with a wide variety of foods, eaten in moderation - problems always arise out of excess.

While cholesterol is not harmful in and of itself because it assists the body with the metabolic factors mentioned above, excessive cholesterol can lead to problems with circulation, cause heart attacks and strokes. Once again, problems arise because people don't understand the proper balance of foods and not having the will power to say enough is enough. For this reason, knowing your body's limits and balances is an integral part of any serious weight loss and health initiative plan.

Today, nutritionists are better informed about the risks associated with too much of what can be a good thing in moderation - cholesterol food, so they are able to help us plan and implement the proper diet and lifestyle changes we need to make a difference in our health over the long term.

In summary, find a nutritionist you believe in and commit yourself to making the recommended diet and exercise changes and over time, you'll look and feel like a new you - both inside and out.

Tip - For more information on cholesterol, click on the first link below.

About the Author:
Visit lowering cholesterol or reduce cholesterol or levels cholesterol for more information on cholesterol.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/cholesterol-food-keeping-cholesterol-under-control-104193.html

Cholesterol Reducing Foods

2009-04-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol Lowering Foods - Heart Disease Prevention

Author: peterhutch

Little by little larger numbers of people suffer from heart disease as a consequence of high cholesterol levels. There are many factors that enable the accumulation of cholesterol inside the organism, but the major cause is considered to be unhealthy diet. Unhealthy diet and bad eating habits can considerably increase blood cholesterol levels. That’s why cholesterol lowering foods should be part of a cholesterol lowering diet.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your bloodstream and every cell in your body. First off, it is important to note that cholesterol is normal. We all must have some cholesterol within our bodies. Without out it, your body would be unable to produce cell membranes and various hormones. But here is where it gets complicated. When your body has too much cholesterol, this waxy substance starts to form blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol lowering food in combination with a healthy fit lifestyle has been proven over and over again to be one of the most effective ways of lowering cholesterol naturally.

Cholesterol lowering food should be included in everyone's diet but especially in a diet to lower cholesterol if your cholesterol is already high. Failure to include cholesterol lowering food in your diet can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts that have a high amount of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat, also help lowering cholesterol. Researchers have found that nuts not only lower the total and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol significantly, but also help maintain a desirable level of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol.

Garlic is a popular cholesterol-lowering herb that contains allin and allicin. It has antispasmodic properties that help facilitate proper digestion and absorption. Because of its quick and effective actions on the gastrointestinal tract, excess cholesterol won't be easily stored as fat since garlic tries to let the body eliminate it instead.

Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrates and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps reduce low-density lipoprotein or LDL which is also called bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber acts to hinder excess absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. With its gel-like qualities, bile works with dietary cholesterol to be properly excreted by the body.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed provides alpha-linolenic acid a poly-unsaturated fat which has been shown to lower cholesterol while providing needed soluble fiber.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the mono-saturated fats and studies have shown that it lowers blood cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is suggested to be better than other varieties.

While foods containing soy protein are no longer considered cholesterol lowering foods, they can still be part of a healthy diet. Soy protein will not harm your health, and substituting soy protein, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy nuts, soy milk, soy burgers, soy cheese, and soy flour for animal protein, continues to be a wise food choice because of its high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and low content of saturated fat.

About the Author:

Read about Natural Supplements, Herbal Remedies. Also read about Natural Weight Loss and Obeslim

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/cholesterol-lowering-foods-heart-disease-prevention-621264.html

Cholesterol Causing Foods

2009-04-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

High Cholesterol Foods To Avoid

Author: Andrew Bicknell

For those who suffer from high cholesterol the best and first way to control and lower their cholesterol levels is through their diet. But many people are confused as to what constitutes a high cholesterol food they need to avoid and a low cholesterol food. This is because there is a difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol.

Generally most health guidelines recommend that dietary cholesterol not exceed 300 mg per day for most healthy people, but if one suffers from high LDL blood cholesterol levels then this intake should be not more than 200 mg per day.

Cholesterol, a waxy like substance, is only found in animal meat and tissues and its sources include red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, and dairy products. On the flip side any food derived from plant sources is cholesterol free, including high fat plants food sources such as avocado\'s and peanut butter. This is where the confusion usually happens because eating large amounts of vegetable oil, which is virtually 100% food fat, can significantly raise blood cholesterol levels, particularly when eaten with high cholesterol foods.

The fact is that blood LDL cholesterol levels are highly influenced by the amount of saturated fat that one eats. There is a relationship between the amounts of saturated fat one eats the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. For every one percent increase in calories obtained by eating saturated fat, blood cholesterol levels go up around two percent. Conversely for every one percent decrease in saturated fat intake cholesterol levels will reduce about two percent.

The thing to remember when it comes avoiding high cholesterol foods is that while doing so will decrease LDL cholesterol levels, reducing saturated fat intake has a bigger impact on these levels then many people are aware of. This does not mean that those who suffer from high cholesterol can eat high cholesterol foods, but they should be aware that there is more to reducing cholesterol then just this one thing.

The reason for this confusion with the way cholesterol can increase in the blood stream is the way many foods are cooked and/or served. Let\'s look at one of everyone\'s favorite breakfasts; bacon/sausage and eggs. We all know that eggs are high in cholesterol, but what we don\'t know is that the cholesterol in eggs has a small impact on blood cholesterol levels. It\'s the high amount of saturated fat in the bacon or sausage that has a far larger impact on LDL cholesterol levels.

Another culprit is deep fat fried foods. Many foods are for the most part harmless until they are breaded and fried in hot oil. In fact, many fish and seafood choices are considered to be good for us because of the omega-3 fatty acids that they contain, but as soon as they are deep fried and eaten any benefits are cancelled by the saturated fat that raises bad LDL cholesterol.

When it comes to high cholesterol foods to avoid it is important to remember that these types of food aren\'t necessarily bad in and of themselves if eaten in moderation. The real problem occurs when they are combined with high levels of saturated fat, which has a more profound effect on blood cholesterol levels.

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/high-cholesterol-foods-to-avoid-773196.html

Cholesterol in Foods

2009-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol High Foods and Heart Disease

Author: Andrew Bicknell

If there is one word that is associated with potentially life threatening health issues it is cholesterol. There are numerous TV and print advertisements espousing the benefits of the latest cholesterol reducing drug and for good reasons. High levels of this naturally occurring substance are associated with increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Knowing this has caused many people to avoid cholesterol high foods in their attempt to mitigate the harmful effects it can cause.

But just what is cholesterol and where does it come from?

Cholesterol, unbeknownst to many, is actually produced by the body, mostly in the liver, and is necessary for proper bodily functioning. In fact roughly 80% is made by the body with the other 20% coming from dietary sources. Or at least that’s the way it used to be. With our more "fast food" dietary lifestyle cholesterol has become a major health care issue.

Without cholesterol our bodies would be unable to function properly. It is primarily used to make cell membranes and makes them stable and durable. It is particularly important in the formation of nerve tissue, brain cells, and the spinal cord. It is also used to make bile which is an important part of the digestive process in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. And certain hormones would not be able to be made without it.

Unfortunately our modern diet has given us to much of a good thing. While high cholesterol foods such as meat, eggs, and whole fat dairy products should be eaten in moderation it is the preponderance of foods high in saturated fats and Transfats that are the bigger culprits. Fried foods, snack foods, processed foods in a box, and just about anything containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils all fall into this category.

In fact scientific studies have shown that foods high in these types of fat have a greater impact in blood cholesterol levels then eating just foods that are high in cholesterol. This does not mean that eating a diet of high cholesterol foods is a good idea but it is more important that you avoid the saturated fat and Transfats that are so common in our diet these days.

As cholesterol levels build up in the blood stream they get to the point where the body cannot use all of it. When this happens it will start to deposit along the arterial walls creating plaques and causing atherosclerosis, which is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. These plaques can cause blockages in blood flow which can lead to a heart attack or they can break free as a clot and get lodged in the smaller vessels of the brain causing a stroke.

Maintaining normal cholesterol levels through a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes exercise is the best way to prevent these risks. Just remember that cholesterol is a necessary substance we all need but it is important to eat cholesterol high foods in moderation and avoid those foods that are in high saturated fats and Transfats to avoid the risk of heart disease.

About the Author:

If high cholesterol is affecting your health and you want to do something about it but aren't sure where to start please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by Clicking Here.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/cholesterol-high-foods-and-heart-disease-659865.html

Five Foods to Lower Cholesterol

2009-04-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Eat to Lower Cholesterol. 5 Cholesterol Fighting Foods

Author: Peter Clark

Naturally reducing your cholesterol can be as easy as adding a few different foods to your diet. Depending on the specific type of food that you add to your diet, there is a good chance that you will begin to see amazing results in a very short period of time. Here is a list of foods that help to lower cholesterol.

One of the most well known low cholesterol foods is oatmeal. If you are looking for a food which is not only tasty, but that will also give you a jumpstart in the morning, then oatmeal is a great choice for you. It contains something called beta-glucan, which is well known for reducing cholesterol levels, and eating oats increases the soluble fiber in your diet, which is also important.

If you want to make it more healthy, however, you will want to think about topping it with fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and even cranberries or grapes will make a great addition to oatmeal.

Berries help prevent oxidation of LDL, or bad cholesterol. Even more importantly, they are delicious. Keep in mind that various other types of fruits are also known to reduce bad cholesterol and increase HDL, or good cholesterol.

Another one of the most well known low cholesterol foods is beans. The reason that they are such a great choice is because they contain high amounts of fiber and little fat. One of the good things about beans is they can make a great addition to just about any meal.

Also keep in mind that lentils also belong to the list of foods that help to lower cholesterol, for the same exact reason.

Although red meat should be avoided, you do not need to become a vegetarian. Poultry without the skin, fish without the skin and eggs without the yolks all make the list of foods that help to lower cholesterol. In comparison to red meat and seafood, such as shrimp and lobster, these foods contain a minimal amount of saturated fat and cholesterol.

These are just a few of the different low cholesterol foods you can consider adding to your diet if you are interested in reducing your own cholesterol.

Since there are many others out there, you may want to make your own list or have your doctor help you. The more that you choose from a list of foods that help to lower cholesterol, the healthier you will be.

But if you really want to tackle cholesterol then you need to use a multi pronged attack, and use supplements specifically targeted at lowering cholesterol as well as a change of diet. There is a range of excellent natural and organic supplements available which are highly effective at lowering cholesterol.

And you won't find them in your local drugstore.

About the Author:

Want to know more about Lowering Cholesterol? Visit Peter's Website Natural Health-Natural Skin Care and find out more about naturally lowering your cholesterol levels at http://naturalskinhealth.com/

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Cholesterol Cutting Foods

2009-04-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Supplements Supporting High Cholesterol

Author: Sharyce Arciaga

High cholesterol is determined by taking a blood test and is responsible for many health problems, including heart disease, gallstones, impotence, mental impairment and high blood pressure.

The disease is caused by several factors, some of which can be controlled and others that cannot. It is a silent condition that does not cause recognizable symptoms. High cholesterol is frequently linked to various forms of heart disease, such as heart attacks, strokes, and artery disease. It's is often linked to a diet which is, or has been, rich in saturated fat.

The condition can affect anyone because it is a condition that affects your arteries by blocking off some of the passageway for blood to reach the heart. High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is defined as total cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dL with the high risk category greater than 240 mg/dL.

High levels are among the primary causes of heart disease, because cholesterol produces fatty deposits in arteries. It can be avoided by staying away from processed foods and fatty cuts of meat.

High cholesterol is the best known of all the many threats to a healthy heart. It is more common in men younger than 55 years and in women older than 55 years. This condition increases the risk of other conditions, depending on which blood vessels are narrowed or blocked. It is largely preventable and treatable. A high cholesterol reading is a total cholesterol reading over 240. It is diagnosed by a total serum cholesterol test.

This disease is something that every individual should take seriously, even if you have not been diagnosed as having it. It may be genetic, but in order for it to get it out of hand, your diet must be poor.

High cholesterol levels in the blood could affect the heart, kidneys, brain and other parts of the body and puts you at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. It tends to run in families, so obviously genes play a role. High cholesterol caused by inherited (genetic) lipid disorders usually is treated aggressively at any age, often by using medications.

Treatment for the condition should not be based on a single LDL cholesterol measurement. It should be based on the average of 2 or 3 measurements. Treatment is even more critical for those who already have coronary artery disease or diabetics or those who have had a heart attack or stroke.

Treatment will depend on whether you need primary or secondary prevention. However, diet therapy is most effective for lowering cholesterol in people who have higher-than-average fat intake in their diets.

Supplement your diet with vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium. Supplements contain specific ingredients that support the body and help it to normalize cholesterol levels naturally, lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.

Supplements For high triglycerides should always be discussed with your own health practitioner. Supplements can be taken before or after meals. These are only part of Omega 3 total intake so be sure that Omega 3 foods are considered.

A recent study found that supplements containing red rice yeast and fish oil lower high cholesterol levels even more effectively than statin medications. Another great supplement is GUGGUL: (gum guggul), a resin produced by the mukul mirth tree.

Supplements as well as Omega 3 foods should be part of the calculated total intake. Supplements contain specific ingredients that support the body and help it to normalize cholesterol levels naturally lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.

Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while some nuts (English walnuts) and vegetable oils (canola, soybean, flaxseed/linseed, olive) contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) also may have some effect on lowering blood pressure. Fish contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which decrease the chances of getting blood clots. Fish is a good source of cholesterol lowering foods because they help you achieve a level of good cholesterol.

Omega 3 fish oils have the benefits of fish oil without the negative impact of consuming mercury, which is unfortunately now found in pretty much all fish sources. Omega 3 fatty acids are useful for fighting disease and also preventing disease before they gain a foothold on our bodies.

Omega 3 fatty acids are important for their ability to fight a variety of disease organisms thereby improving your total health picture. They can also help with a multitude of common ailments and are available in supplements; but it is not necessary to purchase these since it is contained in many of the foods we eat.

About the Author:

Sharyce Arciaga is the Author of this Article and has been a natural health enthusiast and nutritional advocate for over 20 years. Statin medications simply not working for you? Buy a cholesterol lowering herbal supplement today! Cholesterol Herb

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/supplements-supporting-high-cholesterol-725369.html

Cholesterol Diet Foods

2009-04-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Low Cholesterol Diet to Keep your Cholesterol Level Low

Author: Dr John Anne

Genetic factors and diet are the two most common reasons for high cholesterol levels in your body. Though, you may not do anything about what you inherited genetically, you can always control your diet to keep the cholesterol level low, as required by your body.

A high cholesterol level leads to building up of a waxy substance cholesterol plaque in your arteries that obstructs the blood flow. Gradually, it leads a dysfunctional organ and may be a heart attack as well. A planned cholesterol diet is essential to keep it in control. In fact, a minimum level of cholesterol is always required for your body as it helps in repairing cell membrane, and in producing some useful hormones. However, after a certain level, it is dangerous to have high cholesterol level in your body.

Cholesterol Diet

Plan your diet and see what foods can help you lower your cholesterol level. There are some foods that can lower your cholesterol; while others can help it not rising beyond the required level. Generally, you should reduce fat intake and avoid oily and fried foods. Since fats are the main sources of calories, replace the saturated fats intensive diet by natural foods such as fruits and vegetables, and more of complex carbohydrates.

Low Cholesterol Diet

Certain foods are very good for low cholesterol. You should have fish, at least three times in a week. A few kinds of sea fish contain omega-3 fatty acid that helps you lower blood cholesterol. Reduce your fat intake. A low cholesterol diet should include more of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and potatoes. These are excellent sources of energy and these take care of the benefits that you might miss because of avoiding fats.

While purchasing food items from market that are cooked, baked or roasted, read the label carefully and see there should not be any saturated oils. In addition, have lots of natural fruits, such as fruits or vegetables. These are rich source of fiber that your body requires for many reasons. Apples, carrots, brown rice, barley and legumes form a very good low cholesterol diet. A widely recommended herb psyllium also helps you reduce cholesterol level, if taken daily.

You can also have soya to control cholesterol level in your body. Research has shown that soya milk helps in reducing cholesterol. If possible, have at least 2-3 glasses of soya milk everyday. However, there are a variety of soya sweeteners such as for ice creams or desserts. Read out the sugar content and the amount of calories in those items and select the one that don’t have too many calories.

In true sense, a low cholesterol diet does not require wholesome changes in your diet; rather, it only requires using alternative methods of preparing food. For example, if you are in the habit of having salads, try having potato salad. Cut a few boiled potatoes into thin slices and soak these into plain, low fat yoghurt. Serve these with fresh chive, or even with onions. This is a good low cholesterol diet that is an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

High Cholesterol Diet

There is no such defined or standard high cholesterol diet. As long as you take planned diet and take enough of vitamin C, even a diet that is high in cholesterol too is not bad for your body. The problem arises when the excess of cholesterol is not balanced due to lack of vitamin C, or antioxidants. The high cholesterol level leads to arteries’ blockage, and heart related diseases.

Vitamin C

If you see that your cholesterol level is higher than required, cut down on fats and oily foods, reduce the sodium content in your meals. A high cholesterol diet usually consists of meats, dairy products and foods that contain hydrogenated or saturated oils. Trans fats are particularly harmful for people who have high cholesterol. Many packed and processed foods that are available at stores contain trans fats or saturated oils, and you should avoid such products for a healthy body.

Even if you are taking required precautions with respect to your diet, ensure to have a decent intake of vitamin C. Have lots ofruits and vegetables as these are generally good antioxidants. Orange, lemon, papaya, cabbage and grapefruit are good sources of vitamin C.

If your doctor says that you should seriously avoid all fats and take minimum of salt, it means that you need to take such food items that have no cholesterol at all. Slowly, a cholesterol free diet helps you neutralize the high cholesterol level in your body. Some of the items that you can take are Orange Juice, Raw Melon, Seedless Raisins, Raw Watermelon, Boiled and Drained Asparagus, Apple, Banana, White Rice, Sweet Potato, Oat Bran, Spinach, Tomato, Cabbage, Cucumber, and Onion to name a few.

Garlic

Garlic should be integral part of your cholesterol free diet since it is an excellent product for cholesterol control. Research has shown that a clove of garlic for 12 consecutive days starts bringing down the cholesterol level to normal.

About the Author:

Dr John Anne is a herbal specialist with years of experience in the field of Alternative Health Care. For more information visit Cholesterol Treatment at Herbal Supplements. Also visit Home Remedies for Cholesterol for home based Cholesterol Treatment

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/low-cholesterol-diet-to-keep-your-cholesterol-level-low-282975.html

Cholesterol Free Foods

2009-04-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Cooking A Cholesterol-Free Feast

Author: John Morris

When it comes to lowering one's cholesterol levels, it is a must that one changes his or her eating lifestyle. Cholesterol buildup in the body is actually caused by eating way too much of the sinful types of food like processed meat, fried food, sugar rich foods and beverages like chocolates (although dark chocolate, the bitter kind is actually proven to help lower one's cholesterol levels) and soft drinks.

1. Eliminate Catalyst Factors

It is also important to note that people who have bad lifestyle habits are the usual targets of having incredibly high cholesterol levels. Smoking and drinking are the common vices that people, not only those who are suffering from high cholesterol levels, should eliminate once and for all from their systems.

2. Cooking With No Cholesterol In Mind

- When buying cereals or microwavable pre-packed foods like t.v. dinners look at the labels on the side of the box to ensure that you are not going to take in excess calories and fat
- Being aware of what you take in is the first step in lowering high cholesterol
- Avoid restauraunts and fast food places that offer all you can eat meals or incredibly enormous meals
- The serving size listed on the packaging is sometimes misleading - a serving size is not always the total size of the package, it is often one-half or even less

3. Know How To Read Food Labels

Food labels are divided into two parts - the top half deals with aspects of food you should limit, such as total fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates and protein. The bottom is a summary of those you need, such as vitamins, iron, etc.

It is actually quite hard to understand what most food labels mean, in a way they are quite deceiving. You may think that you are eating healthy when in reality you are unknowingly taking in cholesterol, fat and calories in reduced levels. Here are a list of some of the claims that we can often find on our food's packaging according to the Food and Drugs Authority -

- Calorie-free -

This product has fewer calories per serving (around 5 calories less) than the leading brand. It does not mean the product contains no calories.

- Low-sodium -

This product contains less than 140mg of salt per food serving.

- Low-calorie -

The food is actually less than 40 calories per serving.

- Low-cholesterol -

Less than 20mg of cholesterol as well as only 2 grams of fat per food serving

- Reduced -

25 percent less of what health professionals specify for the nutrients as well as the calories of a usual food product of the same type

About the Author:
For more great cholesterol related articles and resources check out http://www.HelpForCholesterol.com>http://www.HelpForCholesterol.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/cooking-a-cholesterolfree-feast-14277.html

Low Cholesterol Diet Foods to Lower Your Cholesterol

2009-04-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Low Cholesterol Diet to Keep your Cholesterol Level Low

Author: Dr John Anne

About the Author:

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/low-cholesterol-diet-to-keep-your-cholesterol-level-low-282975.html

Cholesterol Foods to Stay Away From

2009-04-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

High Cholesterol Foods To Avoid

Author: Andrew Bicknell

About the Author:

To learn more about Low Cholesterol Food please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/high-cholesterol-foods-to-avoid-773196.html

Cholesterol Food Guide

2009-04-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

So you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. First you want a list of high cholesterol foods to avoid. The natural thing we do all do is think "Great I will avoid these foods." The answer to high cholesterol is not that simple.

High cholesterol foods have two main components. They contain saturated fats and cholesterol. Ironically the problem with these foods is the saturated fat component and believe it or not the cholesterol content is not the main problem. The saturated fat causes the liver to produce more cholesterol. An increase in ldl levels of cholesterol causes hardening of the arteries. In addition, the level of your triglycerides also increases.

Since the key factor to high cholesterol foods is fat; you now need to distinguish between bad fat and good fat. Cholesterol is present in seafood, but the polyunsaturated fat it contains causes the liver to produce less ldl cholesterol and more hdl cholesterol. The good fat counter balances out the cholesterol content. Cholesterol levels are greatly affected by the type of fat you eat. Replace saturated fat and hydrogenated fat with polyunsaturated and mono saturated fats.

Foods you should be eating to lower your cholesterol: -lean cut meat -poultry with no skin -no cake, cookies, or donuts -no chips -no fast foods -no hydrogenated fat -low fat or skim dairy product. You should cook with olive oil or canola oil. Do not use butter. The following foods contain no cholesterol: -vegetables -fruits grains -nuts -seeds -vegetable oil.

Unfortunately for most of us diet alone will not solve your high cholesterol problems. You need to exercise, loose weight, and stop smoking. Prescription drugs may be required, if a life style change does not lower your cholesterol to where it needs to be. Any approach that you decide to take should be done under a doctor's supervision.

A List of High Cholesterol Foods

2009-04-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

What Are High Cholesterol?

Author: Penny Albright

It should not come as a big surprise that the foods we love are very high in cholesterol. However, given that there is good and bad cholesterol, it is important to distinguish between the two. So as HDL is good and LDL is bad, it is very important to avoid or at least try to eat foods that are low in LDL cholesterol because too much can cause heart disease.

If you are reading this article, you have probably been told by your doctor or have personally decided to reduce your cholesterol levels. So, what are the high cholesterol foods that you should omit from your diet?

Firstly, there are two main ingredients that will raise your cholesterol levels:

Saturated fat - found in most animal products

LDL cholesterol - found in most animal products

Some sources of fat and bad cholesterol that are considered high cholesterol foods can include:

Meats

Nuts

Dairy foods

However, not all of them are bad. This is why it is important to monitor the saturated fat content in foods because the more there is, the harder the liver has to work to detoxify the body. Also, subsequent LDL cholesterol from bad fats will create plaque inside arteries, veins, and capillaries which can result in serious, if not deadly, cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks.

The following is a list of high cholesterol foods. They are listed according to food type, serving size, and cholesterol levels. If at all possible, try to eat something else, or choose lower fat versions of them:

Food Serving Size Cholesterol Level

Beef, kidney 3.5oz 375 mg

Beef, liver 3.5oz 300 mg

Beefsteak 3.5oz 70 mg

Boiled egg 1 225 mg

Butter 3.5oz 250 mg

Cheddar cheese 1oz 19 mg

Chicken 3.5oz 60 mg

Cream cheese 1oz 27 mg

Ice Cream 3.5oz 45 mg

Lamb 3.5oz 70 mg

Sponge cake 3.5oz 260 mg

Dietary Changes

This section will give you information on how to reduce cholesterol by changing your diet.

Many people suffer with high cholesterol because of the type of diet they follow. Eating foods which are high in saturated fat can cause high cholesterol. Our bodies need a certain amount of fat to function properly but we need to be careful what kind of fat we consume. The saturated fats that are found in meat products, whole fat milk, cheese and butter are the bad fats, as are trans fats or hydrogenated fats which are found in commercially produced cakes, cookies, pastries, fast food, coconut oil and palm oil.

It is good to know how to reduce cholesterol by simply changing the type of fat that you consume. Cut down on foods containing saturated fat or replace them with foods containing good fats like mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Mono-unsaturated fats are found in oils like rapeseed oil and olive oil and some nuts. Polyunsaturated fats are found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herrings and mackerel, and also some spreads. These types of fats are actually good for our hearts and cholesterol levels.

How to reduce cholesterol by changing your habits:-

- Stop using butter on your bread or in baking and instead use polyunsaturated spreads or olive oil.

- Fry foods with olive oil or avoid frying and grill, microwave or steam foods.

- Trim fat off meat or use lean cuts.

- Replace meat with soya products or cook more vegetarian meals.

- Buy low fat versions of your normal foods.

- Replace snacks like cakes and cookies with fruit and vegetable based snacks.

- Eat oily fish two or three times a week.

It is important to have no more than 200mg or less of cholesterol per day. The rest of any healthy diet should include fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes (peas, beans, lentils, etc.), whole grains and either 2% or no-fat milk. The American Heart Association recommends a calorie controlled version of the 'Mediterranean Diet'. This can be found in pyramid for through their website.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-are-high-cholesterol-465938.html

Cholesterol Safe Foods

2009-04-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

What are Low Cholesterol Foods?

Author: Nick Mutt

A high level of cholesterol is a very serious problem and it increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease as well as stroke and heart attack. Diet high in fats, smoking, drinking and leading a sedentary lifestyle are the major factors for increase in cholesterol level.

Low cholesterol foods are one of the natural ways of lowering cholesterol levels. Following a low cholesterol diet can be very effective in controlling and maintaining a normal cholesterol level. This means eating low cholesterol foods such as soy products, lean meats, nuts, vegetables and fruits are good for healthy heart.

High fiber foods are also very helpful in lowering cholesterol. Regular exercise is also a good habit if you are really trying to lower your cholesterol levels. Exercise helps in increasing HDL (good cholesterol) in the body as well as strengthens your heart muscle, helps keep your blood pressure at normal and even helps you in shedding of those excess pounds.

List of cholesterol lowering foods

1. Vegetables – They are high in dietary fiber and dietary nutrients that aids not only regulated metabolism but also balances cholesterol levels. Other benefits of eating vegetables also include the reduction of heart diseases and cancer as well as high blood pressure.

2. Fruits – This food group is also among the top food groups that lower cholesterol because they are very low in calorie content. Fruits contain large amounts of significant vitamins and nutrients that help prevent of vitamin deficiency as well as other diseases.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read information on How to lower cholesterol naturally. Also know Cholesterol lowering foods at Natural cures website – a comprehensive health guide for Herbal supplements and natural treatments.

About the Author:

Nick Mutt is an active writer and blogger on health related topics. He has published many ebooks on natural health.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/what-are-low-cholesterol-foods-667358.html