If you're trying to decide which diets lower cholesterol, and exactly why it is that there is so much emphasis on the word cholesterol. Then in this article i will be looking at both questions, and offering some answers.
Firstly let me start by explaining what cholesterol really is. It is a waxy substance that circulates through the blood stream, and is produced by the liver. There are two types, LDL and HDL. LDL or (low density lipoproteins) is regarded as "bad Cholesterol", and HDL or high density lipoproteins is regarded as "good cholesterol".
The main reason that LDL is regarded as bad cholesterol is that too much of it in the bloodstream can lead to clogging of the arteries, as the LDL produces a waxy substance that will build up in the arteries and restrict the flow of blood to the heart and brain. This effect will also lead to the arteries becoming hard and brittle.
If LDL is allowed to get this stage, then other factors begin to come into play, such as the lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Once the blood is starved of oxygen, then the brain will also be starved of oxygen, thus putting the person at risk of a stroke.
Once a person has a stroke, then high cholesterol won't be all you need to worry about. victims of a stroke are usually left with some very damaging disability's, such as loss of speech, the ability to think and concentrate and also they can suffer partial or all control over there body's. It really is a very unpleasant fate.
So if you think you might be at risk of high cholesterol, and you're wondering if there is anything you can do to prevent it? The answer is yes! One of the key steps is to Find which diets lower cholesterol, and stick to one.
Firstly, you will need to identify the foods that you need to avoid, and then start to concentrate on the foods which are going to help you to raise your HDL levels.
One of the main culprits for raising LDL cholesterol is Trans-fats. If you have never come across this word before, then always look on the packaging label. Trans-fats are bad, REALLY BAD! Some of the foods that contain trans-fats are crackers, cakes, cookies etc... If you can cut down your trans-fat intake to zero, then you will be well on your way to raising your HDL cholesterol levels.
Another good source of foods used in diets to lower cholesterol is, vegetables and fruit. The more of these foods you can incorporate into your diet, the better.
These foods can be a great substitute for snacks. For instance, if you feel like a bag of crisps, go for an apple or a banana instead. The most appealing point to make about fruit a veg is that they contain a good amount of dietary fibre, which is good for lowering LDL cholesterol. If carrying fruit with you at all times isn`t a good solution for you, then dried fruit can be used as an alternative, though be warned that they will contain more sugar, so eat them in moderation.
If you're going to eat fats, then try choosing healthier fats, foods such as red meat with visible fat and dairy products are the ones to avoid. Red meat is ok as long as you choose lean cuts. Milk is also ok if you use skimmed instead of full fat. If you can lower your intake of calories which come from saturated fats to below 10%, then this is going to have a good effect on your HDL levels.
Knowing what diets you can use to lower cholesterol is the first step in having a happy and healthier life style.
Richard bratt is a nutrition expert. For more great tips on loweringcholesterolmadeeasy.com/diets-lower-cholesterol diets lower cholesterol, please visit loweringcholesterolmadeeasy.com/diets-lower-cholesterol loweringcholesterolmadeeasy.com.
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