High cholesterol in the blood is considered to be unhealthy. The cholesterol levels in the bloodstream can influence the pathogenesis of certain conditions, such as the development of atherosclerotic plaque and coronary artery disease. It gets collected on the walls of arteries and interferes with the flow of blood. This buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels may constrict the passages considerably and inhibit the flow of blood to and from the heart.
Recent researches have revealed that the abundance of protein complexes, called lipoproteins are responsible for the cholesterol build-up in the blood vessels. Elevated levels of bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein or LDL), are responsible for heart disease.
Cholesterol in your diet:
A high cholesterol diet is considered an unwholesome diet. Diets which are rich in animal fats, meat, poultry, fish, oils, egg yolks and dairy products, are a rich source of cholesterol. Organ meats, such as liver, are extremely rich in cholesterol. A diet high in cholesterol is fatal for the heart.
Healthy diets are considered effective to lower cholesterol. A low cholesterol diet contains extremely low or no cholesterol at all. Diets of plant origin are the best low cholesterol diets.
Fat is the major source of energy for the body, but excessive fat in the diet is dangerous. The excess fat raises blood cholesterol levels. Its bad for the circulatory system and causes heart attack or stroke. The amount of fat and cholesterol in a diet should just be according to the daily calories required by the body. Thus a perfectly balanced diet is considered a healthy diet.
A perfect low cholesterol diet has the following features:
Its low in fat (especially saturated fat).
It contains low cholesterol.
It contains low sodium contents.
What Is CholesterolIn order to understand why it is important to lower cholesterol, it is necessary to first understand what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a fatlike waxy substance and is produced by the liver. Although cholesterol has purposes and is important to overall health and body function, too much cholesterol in the body has damaging effects. Cholesterol forms every cell within the body. When the cholesterol level is appropriate, it plays a life-giving role in many functions of the body. When cholesterol is at a good level it works to build and repair cells, produces hormones such as estrogen and testost ..
Its rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Its usually a low calorie diet.
Besides taking low cholesterol diets, sugar and alcohol consumption should also be reduced, as they contribute to high cholesterol levels.
Avoid eating at fast food restaurants, because fast foods are usually high in fats and sodium.
Regular exercise can also reduce cholesterol levels.
Recent studies have revealed that certain deep-sea fish -- mackerel, salmon, herring, albacore tuna, and lake trout -- contain an oil called Omega-3 fatty acid that may help to lower blood cholesterol.
Avoiding High Cholesterol Foods
Cholesterol finds its way into our bodies in two main ways. The first is through our liver, which produces differing amounts of cholesterol in different people, and the second is through our diet.
A certain amount of cholesterol is needed by our bodies, but the liver makes all that is required for us. Any cholesterol that we intake through our food, is all extra cholesterol, and should be avoided as far as possible. Thus, what to eat and what not to eat becomes a major concern for people who are trying to become healthier and lower their cholesterol levels.
Many foods contain chole ..
About The Author
Paul MacIver writes articles on various health related topics. For further information on reducing cholesterol visit http://reduce-cholesterol-now.info or to read about low cholesterol diets go to http://cholesterol-diet-help.info. You are welcome to reprint this article only if this resource box is included, and links are intact.
Paul MacIverTake Low Cholesterol Diets to Reduce Cholesterol
