Cholesterol

What can turn a normal , needed, healthful susbtance into a dangerous killer?

How can something that makes sex hormones, help build strong bones and balances body’s stress response also choke off oxygen and damage the vital organs and tissues?

Cholesterol is both a hero and villain, while we can not live without it , in excessive amounts it can kill us !!!

The blood cholesterol level is the most important factor in determining the risk of a person’s risk for heart disease which has become a major killer in lifestyle diseases.

A person with cholesterol level of 6.8 mmol/L is 4 times more likely to have a heart attack compared to a person with less than 5.6mmol/L

How does Cholesterol cause heart attacks?

It does it by gradually plugging up the vital heart-nourishing ateries through a process called Atherosclerosis ( Thickening, stiffening, narrowing and plaque formation)

What foods contain Cholesterol?

A diet high in fat and animal products raises cholesterol levels, the opposite is true

Cholesterol is found in animal foods. Plants do not contain cholesterol

What is a safe blood cholesterol

Many heart reserchers suggest that cholesterol levels under 3.8mmol/L will protect people from atherosclerosis

What are some practical ways to lower your cholesterol?

Blood cholesterol levels are largely determined by what we eat.

Eat less cholesterol – reduce meat especially organ meats, suusages, egg yolks and most dairy products

Eat much less fat – saturated fats and trans fats push the liver to make more cholesterol.

Saturated fats are solid at room temperature ( butter, lard) are prominently found in animal products

Transfats – they are found in margarine, and many other processed foods

Polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature, they dont directly raise cholesterol but relate to certain adult cancers, gallstones and overweight

Tips

1. Eat less animal protein
2. Eat more fibre
3. Lose excess weight
4. Exercise more
5. Medications – be sure to regualry check with your physician