For publication on The Depth of Perception

By Kevin Freeman

Although Cholesterol has gained a negative reputation for causing heart disease and strokes through the buildup of plaque in the arteries, it is also a vital component for the natural cell building processes of the human body. The human body actually produces the cholesterol needed for this cell production, but additional cholesterol is also absorbed through various dietary sources, most especially from animal fats.

The problem with cholesterol and heart disease is that the cholesterol can only be transported through the human bloodstream inside of lipoproteins to the places it is needed. If the lipoprotein is low in density (Low Density Lipoprotein, or LDL) it can drop its cargo along the way, causing cholesterol molecules to get stuck in the arteries, becoming the plaque that causes heart disease. On the other hand, high density lipoproteins (HDL) can usually pick up the stray cholesterol plaque on its way through the bloodstream, reducing the amount of plaque in the arteries. This is why doctors recommend that people increase their HDL numbers while decreasing their LDL’s.

But how do we balance our good and bad lipoprotein levels without flooding our system with prescription drugs? As always, the first and most important person to consult for reducing cholesterol is a qualified medical doctor. However, there are also some great foods for lowering cholesterol out there that have acquired a scientifically tested reputation for increasing the HDLs and decreasing the LDLs, allowing a clogging artery system to slowly clean itself out.

The Mayo Clinic has posted some great recommendations regarding foods for lowering cholesterol, but always remember that the best foods will still be ineffective if too much of them are consumed, or especially if a high level of unhealthy foods are still consumed in addition to the good stuff.

Foods For Lowering Cholesterol : #1

Oatmeal, oat bran, and generally high sources of dietary fiber have been shown to have a great effect on kicking that LDL to the curb. Try eating a bowl of oat based cereal for breakfast and increasing your fruit intake throughout the day.

Foods For Lowering Cholesterol : #2

Walnuts and almonds are also great LDL fighting foods, but they are also very high in fat and calories. These are great little snacks to enjoy in moderation, but eating too much can also cause as much damage as it reduces.

Foods For Lowering Cholesterol : #3

Fish are rich in Omega 3 nutrients which have a well earned reputation for lowering LDLs as well as lowering high blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. Doctors recommend that we only consume fish about twice a week, but canola oil and flaxseed are also great sources of Omega 3.

Foods For Lowering Cholesterol : #4

Olive oil is a tasty alternative to cooking with vegetable oils, and it also tends to lower LDLs while leaving the HDLs alone to handle their business. According to the Mayo Clinic, some studies have shown that the best olive oil to purchase is the extra virgin brand, since it has more of its natural components than the overly processed alternatives.

Foods For Lowering Cholesterol : #5

There are now a number of foods on the market that have been enhanced with sterols and stanols, both of which are reputed to knock down the LDLs while ignoring the HDLs. Enhanced Orange juice and yogurt drinks are recommended by the experts, but the variety available here contains too many products to list here.

The most important tools for reducing cholesterol can sometimes include medication, and will always include increasing levels of exercise to promote health and fitness, getting plenty of rest – after the workout, of course – and eating a reasonable diet. Hopefully, these tips have been helpful to those of you who would like to keep their arteries free and clear, but if you would like to know more, please visit the Mayo Clinic’s website at http://www.mayoclinic.com and always consult your doctor when considering major health issues.

Stay tuned at The Depth Of Perception for more information about health and diet strategies for improving cholesterol levels as our next health segment will cover the cholesterol foods to avoid.

Until next time,

Kevin