Cholesterol is a type of wax that is found in the lining of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is sterol; a combination of alcohol and steroids, and is also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body needs cholesterol to build and maintain cell membranes, help produce bile and aid in the conversion of soluble vitamins.
Over time, cholesterol builds up in the walls of blood vessels, and this condition is known as atherosclerosis. Vascular disease was thought to be the suffering of the elderly until the 1950s. When American pathologists were sent to Korea by the Pentagon to examine the bodies of soldiers who had died during the conflict. They examined the bodies of about 2,000 soldiers and found that about 75% had waxy, yellow deposits on the walls of their arteries; shocking statistics considering that the average age of the soldier was 21 years. Their findings shocked the scientific community as it marked the beginning of a very young heart attack.
LDL and HDL Cholesterol
There are two different types of cholesterol; low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL is more commonly known as 'good' cholesterol and LDL is known as 'bad' cholesterol. LDL has been significantly associated with heart disease, while HDL is thought to reduce the risk of heart attack. It is estimated that about 25% of Americans are at risk of heart disease due to atherosclerosis, and about 10% have high levels so that doctors are left with no choice but to prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Foods That Lower LDL Cholesterol
There are many foods that are believed to significantly lower LDL cholesterol. A high-fiber diet is said to be very beneficial and will not only lower “bad” cholesterol, but also help the gut function properly, reducing the risk of colon and colon cancer. There are many other foods that can help the body fight these harmful residues.
Fiber-rich foods, especially oat bran, barley and wheat bran. They can be eaten as breakfast cereal and sprinkled with other foods. Pearl barley can be added to soup. Apples and pears are high in soluble fiber and should be enjoyed daily
Beans and pulses are high in fiber and low in fat. They also contain lecithin, a cholesterol-lowering compound. There are many types of lentils and delicious soups and stews
Avocados contain high levels of monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol and have many other health benefits, including anti-cancer properties.
Green carrots are rich in fiber called pectin, which is known to lower cholesterol. There are a number of fruits that contain pectin, including; apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries and other red or black berries
Mushrooms are widely used by the Japanese, which not only lowers cholesterol, but is also thought to fight cancer and can help strengthen the immune system.
Garlic is a staple food and is well known for its blood-thinning properties. It also contains Allison, which is thought to prevent the body from storing LDL cholesterol, and studies have shown that the equivalent of one clove per day can reduce 'bad' cholesterol by 10-15% in most people.
Root ginger has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and has many health benefits. It can be added to stir-fry's (using healthy sesame oil) and other vegetable dishes
Nuts are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids and are known to significantly lower blood cholesterol; walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds are very beneficial
Sesame seeds are rich in phytosterols. These compounds are said to significantly lower LDL cholesterol. Other foods containing phytosterols include; legumes, lettuce, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, ginger, squash and strawberries
Safflower, canola, soybeans, and olive oil are monounsaturated and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that he can reduce atherosclerotic plaque by up to 15% if taken regularly
Salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have many health benefits and are essential for brain and eye function.
Prunes are an amazing source of antioxidants and fiber, known to lower LDL cholesterol
The alfalfa shoots contain a substance called saponin, which is thought to inhibit and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries.
If you have high cholesterol or the family tends to relieve vascular disease it is best to avoid processed and cooked foods, fried foods, fatty animal or animal products, high-fat dairy products and saturated or saturated fats. Research has shown that the key to lowering LDL cholesterol is a healthy, nutritious diet that includes high soluble fiber and five servings of fruits or vegetables at least daily. This combined with regular cardiovascular exercise should help keep the heart healthy and provide many other health benefits.
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