Lowering cholesterol levels


HIGH levels of cholesterol are one of the major causes of heart disease and stroke. This condition may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle.

But recent studies show that several natural food components do help lower cholesterol levels effectively. Here are some examples:

Plant sterols
Plant sterols (also known as phytosterols or plant stanols) are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that possess cholesterol-lowering properties. They are cholesterol absorption inhibitors and act by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed via the intestines.

Plant sterols have been shown to reduce cholesterol in human subjects by 10% to 15%, and are therefore, increasingly added to health foods to help lower blood cholesterol levels. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established that a total daily intake of at least 0.8 grams of plant sterols may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Oats
Oats contain soluble fibre called “beta glucans” which lower bad LDL cholesterol. The high content of soluble fibre, complex carbohydrates and protein in oats also stabilises blood-glucose levels.

Omega 3 fish oil
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential unsaturated fatty acids that cannot be synthesised by the human body, but are vital for normal metabolism. Omega 3 fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoicacid (DHA), which are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, along with other health benefits.

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a list of three medical conditions for which omega 3 fish oils are highly recommended. These three conditions are hypertriglyceridaemia (high blood triglyceride levels), secondary cardiovascular disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

The American Heart Association also recommends the daily consumption of fish oil for patients with coronary heart disease.

Psyllium husk
Psyllium husk, also known as ispaghula husk, is a widely used source of soluble dietary fibre that is not absorbed via the small intestine. Psyllium husk, once ingested, works by absorbing excess water, subsequently softening the stools, and thereby, stimulating bowel elimination.

Psyllium husk is commonly used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and also to improve and maintain regular gastrointestinal transit.

Recent research has also shown psyllium husk to be helpful in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has published research concluding that the use of soluble fibre cereals is an effective part of a prudent diet for the treatment of mild to moderately high cholesterol levels.
Research also indicates that psyllium incorporated into food products is effective at reducing blood glucose response.

The FDA has established a beneficial correlation where psyllium husk intake is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease.

It has been found that psyllium’s soluble fibre, in conjunction with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat, has the potential to reduce risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing the blood cholesterol levels.

n This article is courtesy of 21st Century.
Location: Singapore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ageLOC R2 – Renew Recharge

Image
ageLOC R2 (pronounced "R Squared"), which is developed using patent ageLOC technology,  is going to be available in Oct 2011. ageLOC is the only science that target the genetic level of aging.   It can  identify, target and reset our Young Gene Clusters and stop aging from its source. ageLOC R2 ageLOC R2 is the second supplement product that reset aging from inside of our body (ageLOC Vitality being the first in the world) . While Vitality targets the 52 Youth Gene Clusters that affect the brain, heart and muscles, R2 is targeted toward cell purification, and elimination of metabolic waste using natural plant compounds. R2 will have a specific effect on the inflammatory pathways It functions in two ways: ageLOC R2 RECHARGE and RENEW In the day time, ageLOC R2 recharge our physical energy, mental clarity, sexual drive and overall vitality. In the night, ageLOC R2 renew our body by detoxing and purify. With age, the cellular purification syst
Read more

Dangers of Hidden (Visceral) Fat

Image
by Dr C.S. Foo Men turn into apples and women become pears. The twin factors of sedentary lifestyle and one meal too many lead to an expanding waistline, facilitated by male hormones. Females put on weight around the hips, buttocks and thighs. Interestingly, when the ovarian door closes in menopause, the distribution of fat becomes concentrated in the abdomen, once again auguring well for sexual equality. The body mass index (BMI) is popularly used to gauge obesity, but one can have normal BMI and yet carry unseen excess fat. Why all this fuss about fats? Obesity is obviously linked to a host of maladies but it is the dangers of hidden fat that needs to be urgently unmasked. Fat Cells There are an estimated 40 billion fat cells (adipocytes) in the adult body, soaring to thrice that level in some cases. Each fat cell contains essentially a large droplet of fat, much like a balloon filled with liquid. It was thought that fat (adipose tissue) is merely a passive sto
Read more

Lose Weight and Gain Health with The Right Approach

Image
For most people, obesity results from eating too much and not being active enough. Reducing calories is one way for weight loss and regular exercise is another. Nu Skin’s The Right Approach (TRA™) Weight Management Program is a patented and scientifically tested weight loss program that combines supplements, nutrition management and exercise. People who go on TRA™ will be encouraged to exercise and practice portion control where they can eat their normal diet but following a unique 3333 diet rule. On top of that, they could also take meal replacements to control their calorie intake and consume supplements to control their carbohydrate cravings, absorb fats in the digestive tract, increase their body metabolism and burn fat. Why do we gain excess kilos as we age? Here are the major reasons: • Being less active • Not maintaining muscles through strength training • Increased calorie intake even as metabolism slows down • Gradual loss of body cells which leads to burning
Read more