DIET TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL

Providing Information on Foods That Lower Cholesterol and Low Cholesterol Recipes.

Everyone should understand the significance of cholesterol whether you are a fitness freak or someone who never works out.   Often times though, cholesterol is misunderstood by those who do not know very much about it and it is constantly underestimated by those who do not know they suffer from high cholesterol.  Cholesterol is good because it is essential for our bodies to function but it can also be bad if improperly used.  It is also extremely important when you are on a diet to lower cholesterol that you understand the difference between the good cholesterol and the bad cholesterol.

The good cholesterol is called HDL cholesterol which stands for high-density lipoprotein.  HDL’s role is to help keep our body functioning properly and to maintain the cell walls so they are healthy.  When we have high levels in our bodies it helps protect us against a heart attack whereas low levels increase the risk of heart disease.  It is believed by experts that it helps carry bad cholesterol away from the arteries and liver where it is then expelled from the body.

The bad cholesterol is called LDL cholesterol which stands for low-density lipoprotein).  An overabundance of this in your body can cause you to either have a heart attack ora stroke.  It operates by slowly building up on your cell walls over time.  It gradually narrows your arteries and eventually clogs them which results in you having a heart attack or a serious stroke.

This is why it is extremely important to get cholesterol readings.  They typically include three items:  a HDL cholesterol reading, a LDL cholesterol reading, and a total cholesterol reading.  Most people just look for total cholesterol readings, but you need to keep an eye on all three readings.

Knowing the normal cholesterol numbers will help you learn when you need to start taking some action against your cholesterol.  Your total cholesterol reading should be below 200.  If it reaches 140, this can be very dangerous.  Your LDL cholesterol should be below 130.  If it reaches 160, then you need to start adjusting your diet to lower cholesterol.  Your HDL cholesterol readings should be above 45.  You should be concerned if it falls below 40.

To get your cholesterol tested, you should consult your doctor and he will be able to test your cholesterol levels.  If you do wind up having a high cholesterol level, then you can change some things in your diet to lower cholesterol which will help in reducing cholesterol before your next visit.  Make sure your diet has plenty of protein which you can find in dark meat and fish.  Also include 6 servings of fruit and vegetables in your daily means and try to stay away from foods high in fat.

Once you learn the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol it is easier to understand what the doctor is talking about when you go and get a cholesterol reading.  You want more HDL cholesterol and less LDL cholesterol.  Knowing the test results will help you determine if you need to be on medication or if you can just control it with a diet to lower cholesterol.