Cholesterol in Foods

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.

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Five Foods to Lower Cholesterol

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/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/men's-health-articles/eat-to-lower-cholesterol-5-cholesterol-fighting-foods-528137.html

Cholesterol Safe Foods

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.

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.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

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