Heart Disease and the Cholesterol Connection

Cholesterol is a wax-like and fatty substance produced in the liver. Cholesterol is observed in selected foods like red meat, saturated and unsaturated fats, oils, butter, cheese etc.

Cholesterol is essential to keep the body working, but too much of the ‘bad’ cholesterol known as LDL can cause more harm than good. The presence of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body, may lead to formation of plaque in the arteries, preventing free flow of blood to the heart.

The presence of bad cholesterol or LDL (Low density Lipoprotein) increases the risk of heart attack or heart failures due to blockage of arteries. The arteries are blocked due to formation of plaque in the body. The intake of fatty foods; butter, cheese, oils, raises bad cholesterol and is largely responsible for the accumulation of excessive fat in the arteries.

HDL (High density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is also known as the good cholesterol since HDL cholesterol drives away the bad cholesterol. HDL protects you from heart disease. Elevated levels of HDL may be as important for the heart as low levels of LDL since each contributes to a lowered risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides are yet another kind of fat that travels in the bloodstream. High triglyceride levels may be due to hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease or might occur as a result of large intakes of fats, butter, cheese and alcohol.

The ideal way to reduce bad cholesterol is to do it naturally by opting for compound carbohydrates like barley, oats, lentils, wheat, and dried peas in your diet and staying away from simple and refined carbohydrates like sugar, pastries and sweets.

Consume more soluble fiber like fruits, greens and oats, which will significantly boost HDL or good cholesterol levels. The top foods in this category include almonds, apples, apricots, carrots and cabbages – all of which are rich in fiber.

Keep away from smoking and tobacco. Go for a regular walk for at least 45 minutes every single day. In addition, performing yoga and meditation will have twin advantages of quieting both the body and the mind. If you can do these things your bad cholesterol can be decreased in a natural way.

The best bet towards controlling high cholesterol is change in your life style and eating habits.