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| CHOLESTEROL |
| Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is synthesized by the liver. It is also present in our diet through meat, fish, poultry and dairy products; in this form it is absorbed through the intestine. In the body, it is used to form cell membranes, hormones and needed for other functions such as vitamin D production and as a precursor to bile acids. However, a level of cholesterol that is too high (called: hypercholesterolemia) may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease; this can lead to a heart attack. Since cholesterol and other lipids (fats) need to be transported to - and from the cells (the lipids cannot dissolve in the blood), they need carriers for this. The carriers (lipoproteins) are LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein). Most of the blood cholesterol is carried by the LDL; this LDL cholesterol is known as the "bad cholesterol". Excess build up of this in the wall of the arteries together with other substances forms a hard deposit (plaque) that can clog the arteries. This is a condition known as atherosclerosis and may lead to heart disease. A high level of this cholesterol (160 mg / dl and higher), may increase the risk for a heart attack. HDL cholesterol known as the "good cholesterol", may protect against a heart attack by moving cholesterol to the liver and removing cholesterol from plaque. Ultimately, a high level of HDL cholesterol may lower the risk of heart disease. Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exist in food as well as in the body. They're also present in blood plasma and, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids. If the level of blood triglycerides is high (over 200 mg/dL), the level of LDL is probably also high. Federal guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program recommend the following levels: However, a level that is too low may increase the risk of stroke, depression or a change in brain chemistry. What you can do to lower cholesterol is to supplement and not to replace by herbal dietary supplement: A healthy, low fat diet is the best defense against heart disease. This includes starch, fiber, fish, vegetables and fruit. Along with exercise, this can be helpful in reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Diet and exercise can be an integral part of an overall health program (such as battling diabetes and / or hypertension). The most effective way to lower cholesterol when all of this does not work sufficiently, is with drugs and / or herbal dietary supplements. Remember that the approach with drugs and / or dietary supplements is to supplement and not to replace a healthy diet and exercise! Cholesterol reducing drugs: These are all heavily promoted, inefficient pharmaceuticals with potentially serious side effects. TREATING HIGH CHOLESTEROL WITH HERBAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS Herbal dietary supplements (Natural medicine) These dietary supplements are safer, more effective and with far fewer side effects. |