Reducing high cholesterol should be top priority for millions of Americans. High cholesterol is an indication in some cases of a diet rich in fatty foods. Moreover, our bodies also produce its own cholesterol for plasma membrane creation and a part of other important molecules. In this section on high cholesterol, I will bring out possible solutions to reducing these substances.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is a form of cholesterol that may increase the risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease or (CHD). These higher levels of LDL may be involved in the fatty buildup on artery walls. Some research points to high blood pressure causing eventual "nicks" or micro tears within the walls of our blood vessels. When this occurs the body wants to cover it over with a sort of organic glue. One of the substances of this organic glue is LDL cholesterol. As a result, this glue can turn into what is called plaque deposits that narrow arteries, and restrict blood flow. Strokes and heart attacks can be the partial rupturing of this plaque or even the complete shut off of the blood flow itself. Reducing high cholesterol can possibly lead to a decreased chance of a heart attack or stroke.
Plant Sterols
Plant sterols actually occur naturally in many foods. We eat foods that actually contain these plant sterols or phytosterols. An example, of food that contains these plant sterols is soy. After we eat our digestive systems readily absorbs plant sterols instead of the cholesterol we get from assorted meats and dairy products. As a result, the phytosterols are taken into our systems and the cholesterol is released from our bodies. Thereby, helping us to rid ourselves of possible LDL cholesterol. You might be thinking that all we have to do is eat soy products, but these plant sterols are only in small amounts in soy. Reducing high cholesterol can possibly be a side benefit of having plant sterols or phytosterols in abundance throughout the body.
It’s important to have cholesterol in our bodies, but high levels may lead to coronary heart disease or even a stroke. The website below has information on coronary heart disease and heart attacks.
Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be construed as a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care practitioner/ patient relationship with its readers.
by Eugene Williams
