Blood Cholesterol Tests - The Basics

Your doctor may order a blood test called a LIPID PROFILE to help diagnose your risk of heart disease. You must be fasting for this blood test. The word "lipid" refers to any type of fat. An excess of fat will build up in the walls of your arteries, causing thickening, making your heart pump harder.

This profile consists of the following tests:

Blood Cholesterol Level
Cholesterol is used by the body in cell membranes, to make hormones, and to make Vitamin D. Excess cholesterol can crystallize in the gall bladder to form gallstones. Too much cholesterol is also associated with arteriosclerosis. Cholesterol blood levels should be less than 200 mg/dl.

Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to LIPOPROTEINS. There are two types of LIPOPROTEINS.

HDL
HDL stands for HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN. You want your HDL level to be HIGH. HDL is called the "good cholesterol." HDL's carry cholesterol out of the bloodstream to be excreted. HDL levels for men should be 40-50 mg/dl. For females, 50-60 mg/dl.

LDL
LDL stands for LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN. You want your LDL level to be LOW. These lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the body's tissues. LDL with cholesterol can accumulate inside blood vessels, causing arteriosclerosis. LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dl.


Triglyceride Level
Triglycerides are a form of fat. They are stored in your fat cells and also float in the blood stream. They're a supply fuel for energy. Elevated levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease. Normal levels should be less than 150 mg/dl.

Your cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be helped by diet and exercise. In some cases, medication may be needed to keep these levels within normal ranges.

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Normal Cholesterol Levels Are Determined by Both HDL and LDL

As an aid to determining overall risk for coronary heart disease, doctors will test to find out how much total cholesterol is present in the bloodstream. This cholesterol test is measured as milligrams per deciliter (a "deciliter" is equal to 1/10 of a liter, or 3.38 U.S. fluid ounces). The cholesterol number is stated as XXXmg/dl. The number of milligrams of cholesterol found is just an indicator of your level of risk for coronary heart disease, but experience has shown that it is a pretty reliable indicator.

When you are tested for cholesterol, the total cholesterol number is the product of the reading for HDL (good) cholesterol) and for LDL (bad) cholesterol).

Ideally, your HDL levels should be high. If your HDL is low, less than 40 mg/dl for men, and less than 50 mg/dl for women, risk of heart disease is increased. Situations leading to low HDL are not getting enough exercise, being overweight, and smoking.

You want your LDL levels to be as low as possible because the lower this number, the lower your risk for heart disease. What follows are the ranges of LDL cholesterol as defined by the American Heart Association:

Under 100 mg/dl: Preferred
100 - 129 mg/dl: Still good ("Near Optimal")
130 - 159 mg/dl: Borderline High
160 - 189 mg/dl: High
190 and above: Very High

When the LDL and the HDL reading are added together, the result is the total cholesterol in the bloodstream. What follows are the ranges of these readings, again as defined by the American Heart Association:

Less than 200 mg/dl
If there are no other risk factors present, a reading of less than 200 mg/dl indicates that your risk for heart disease is relatively low.
Between 200 and 239 mg/dl
These numbers are border line high. If your test results show a number in this range then your medical practitioner will need to determine your levels of LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol separately. It is very possible to have high total cholesterol numbers made up of normal levels of LDL and high levels of HDL. Ask your doctor if changing your diet or increasing exercise will help in reducing your total cholesterol readings.
Above 240 mg/dl
If your numbers are in this rang, you have twice the risk of coronary heart disease as someone with total cholesterol readings of 200 or less. Should your test show these levels, it is important to make required life style changes quickly, including diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco smoke. You may also require prescription medication if the numbers are high enough and other risk factors are present.

Clearly, lowering cholesterol is a worthy goal and one that should be taken seriously.

A very effective way to lower your cholesterol is by adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Science has proven that omega-3 fatty acids will perform near miracles in lower cholesterol numbers and promoting overall good health.

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Fish Oil and Cholesterol - What You Need to Know to Avoid a Heart Attack?

Fish Oil and cholesterol has always been linked to each other. Many people claim that fish based oil reduces cholesterol build up in the body. Experts say that a diet rich in fish, particularly cold water fish, decreases cholesterol level in the body.

According to studies, have a diet rich in fish or take supplements of fish oil and cholesterol will not be too much of an issue. This is a big deal for individuals with a family history of hypertension and heart diseases.

While fish oil is certainly not a cure, it is a great means to prevent heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure due to its capability to reduce bad cholesterol. Several studies have been made to suggest that fish oil and cholesterol nicely complement each other. To understand the relationship of fish oil and cholesterol, we have to look at the components of fish based oil.

Fish oil contains a fatty acid called omega 3. While the word "fatty" might sound bad, omega-3 actually does wonders for the body. It is the active ingredients in fish based oil responsible for lowering cholesterol levels.

Oil from fish reduces the build-up of a harmful type of unsaturated fat known as triglycerides while, at the same time, increasing the levels of good cholesterol in the body. Fish based oil acts as a blood thinner of sort, which means less chances for blood to clot which in turn means lowered chances of suffering from a heart attack or a stroke.

Some research has also been conducted which proves that oil from fishes such as salmon and tuna reduces the risk of heart attacks caused by irregular heart rhythm. This study was conducted using heart attack survivors as the respondents.

In an announcement made by the American Heart Association in 2002, fish based oil was said to reduce the risk of sudden death in heart attack survivors by half. This means that oil from fish doesn't completely prevent heart attacks, but it does prevent sudden death.

The debate of fish based oil and cholesterol continues. While few experts claim that the omega-3 found in fish related oil can and does reduce cholesterol levels, some just are not convinced enough. According to sceptics, daily intake of fish based oil's omega-3 improves high density lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol, level by 1-3% which reduces the risk of cardiac arrest by 3-9%, however it raises the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol level by 5-10% which means increased risk by 10-20%.

Some experts say that fish oil does not increase LDL cholesterol levels but instead, lowers it. However, sceptics have yet to find conclusive evidence of that claim. Sceptics say fish oil actually contains cholesterol in itself.

Believers of fish based oil say that even though fish oil has cholesterol, it is in a very small amount. In a capsule of fish oil, the cholesterol is about 1mg cholesterol per 1000mg. They say this is not a big factor in the increase of bad cholesterol levels and maintain that fish related oil does more good than bad for the body.

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How To Approach A Diet to Lower Cholesterol

There are many clever diet plans aimed at lowering cholesterol, losing weight and improving health and vitality. Very often though, unless you have a very specific or acute problem, a good traditional commonsense diet is all that is really necessary. A good adage to keep in mind is "don't eat too much and eat mainly plants." If follow this and choose a nice wide variety of foods from the fruit, vegetable, grains and dairy groups you should be ok on the cholesterol counts and weight calculations.

Some foods fare better than others, so in order to weigh your diet in favour of lower cholesterol try including the following foods in your daily food plan:

1) Sweet Potato - has around half the calories of a normal white potato, yet will give you your daily requirement of vitamin A, provides fibre, and is low in cholesterol.

2) Avocado - a great tasting addition to many meals, sandwiches and salads this fruit is rich in monounsaturated fats and therefore useful in reducing LDL cholesterol while not compromising your HDL cholesterol levels. You just need to make sure you don't over-indulge as this will increase the calories.

3) Mackerel - along with the other oily fish such as tuna lake trout and salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids which are great for reducing cholesterol and is a nutricious, low calorie main item for a meal.

4) Onions - very low in calories, but full of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients; they are also thought to be helpful in lowering cholesterol. Very versatile, they can be used as flavouring and ingredient in a vast array of meals. It is also thought that they may actually helpful in the prevention of cancer.

5) Raspberries - full of vitamins and fibre, these berries will add nothing to your cholesterol yet with say some plain yoghurt provide a sweet dessert which you can enjoy and still keep your calories to a minimum.

6) Watermelon - this simple fruit is much under-estimated. It is high in vitamins and anti-oxidants and contains a chemical called lycopene, which has been found to lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. Not only this, it is also delicious to eat and extremely low in calories.

7) Greek Yoghurt - also low in cholesterol and calories yet providing a healthy dose of protein, a cup of plain Greek yoghurt is a good, filling snack.

8) Quinoa - a grain that is higher than most in both fibre and protein. A quarter-cup measure providing three grams of fibre and six grams of protein. It is very effective in maintaining your blood-sugar levels meaning you will feel comfortably full for longer and not so likely to over-eat. You can add it to stews and soups or have it on its own, cooked with fresh herbs and olive oil, with a variety of vegetables on the side - healthy!

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Keep the Taste But Evict Fat From Your Diet

Eliminating fat from your diet is the best way to feel better, lose weight, and lower your cholesterol. The quickest and best way to accomplish a low-fat diet is to remove all common oils and butter from anything you cook. Instead, purchase and use very little Enova Oil or Canola Oil.

Using a cast iron pan or skillet that is well seasoned is a surefire way to minimize, if not completely eradicate all bad fats from your diet as you won't need butter or oils to create a massive selection of low-fat diet foods on this naturally non-stick surface. Add to that the fact that cast-iron pans tend to produce tastier foods, and it's an investment worth making.

Keep in mind that some fat is necessary for a healthy diet. Therefore, whole-grain pastas, breads and grains are necessary even though they contain some fat. Focusing your grocery purchases on items marked "low-fat" or "fat-free" will help in maintaining a low-fat diet. Also, stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Some staples of a balanced low-fat diet are yogurt, light cheeses, chicken broth, fat-free milk, lean ground beef, and egg beaters.

Some helpful tips in maintaining a low-fat diet are as follows:

o Monitor portions. What regular people eat in the United States is almost always 3-4 times the recommended portion. Read the nutrition label and make note of what one serving portion is. When on a low-fat diet, portioning is crucial.

o Drink plenty of water. The more water you drink, the less hungry you will be, which in turn means you will eat less to feel full. It's also a great way to help digestion and clean your system making it a vital part of a low-fat diet.

o Though we all love meat, and meat in moderation is good for you - replace one meat dish with a 100% vegetarian dish once a week. Perhaps some pasta with roasted vegetables, no meat?

o Eat fish twice a week as fish is an excellent source of protein and very little fat, and what fat it does have usually contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it the ideal choice for low-fat diets.

o Always eat a healthy breakfast to begin your day.

o Cook more with herbs and spices using new recipes rather than drizzling sauce over your cooking. Use broth and boil/poach rather than using oil and frying or sautéing.

If you are considering a low-fat diet for weight control purposes, then exercise is a must. In fact, even if you don't need to lose weight, a regular exercise program combined with your low-fat diet is always best. This doesn't necessarily have to be long trips to the gym and a rigorous 2 hour work-out, but a daily brisk walk for 30 minutes is better than no activity at all.

A fat-free diet is not better than a low-fat diet. To be completely fat-free means you will have to eliminate all sources of the "good fats" which are the unsaturated fats, in order to get rid of the saturated fats which are the "bad fats" category. Unsaturated fats help fight the very diseases that saturated fats are known to cause, and in a balanced low-fat diet, unsaturated fats are left behind. The saturated fat products tend to produce chunks at room temperature - you know, the pieces of fat remaining on steak, or the chunks that float to the top of a broth when it cools down to room temperature. Some examples of saturated fats are ice cream, red meat, whole milk products and butter; all should be avoided when on a low-fat diet.

All of this, combined with keeping your diet low in sugar, is a great start to accomplishing a low-fat diet. It will keep you healthier, make you feel better, and be the beginning of not just a new diet but a totally new lifestyle.

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Weight Loss - How Does the Low GI Diet Work?

With all the different diet plans available to choose from it can be daunting if you are in the market to lose weight. One that has gotten consistent attention and positive reviews over the years is the low GI Diet. Originally, this diet was meant for diabetics because it helps to keep your blood sugar at a consistent level. However, it now is used by diabetics and non diabetics alike to aid in weight loss and overall health. Let's take a look at how it works.

The proven benefits

Low glycemic carbohydrates are more slowly absorbed by the body than high glycemic ones. This helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels and has the added benefit of reducing your hunger. This means glucose is absorbed slower, allowing you to remain full longer. Also as a direct result of this effect on blood glucose, you have better mental concentration levels and more stable moods. Other benefits include weight and fat loss, as lower insulin levels means less fat storage, as well as a lowered risk of type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Another great benefit is that low GI carbs produce less free radicals than high GI carbs, which means it's happinesslifetime.com anti aging.

Stable glucose levels

You are probably now wondering how you determine if a particular carbohydrate food is low glycemic? The glycemic level of any food is determined by how much that particular food item raises your blood sugar level. If it only raises it a small amount then the food is considered low glycemic. If it raises it a high amount then it is considered high glycemic. It is really that simple. When your blood sugar level is raised it triggers the release of insulin in your body. When insulin levels are raised your body promotes fat storage and you will feel hungry again very quickly.

Low glycemic foods

Carbohydrate foods that are on the lower end of the glycemic food index are generally what you would consider your healthy carbs. They are usually nutrient rich and have a high fiber content. These include:

Whole fruits

Leafy green vegetables

Beans and legumes

Whole grains including oats, multigrain bread

Basmati rice

Yogurt

Fish and meat are low GI as they have little carbs and plenty of protein.

Carbohydrates that tend to be on the high end of the glycemic index are your "white" foods. These include:

White sugar

White flour

White rice except Basmati

Fruit juice and soft drinks

Refined cereals

White potatoes

Picking and choosing what carbohydrates you eat will be key in whether or not this diet plan will work for you.

As you can see the low GI diet is pretty straight forward and healthy. Your meals will consist of low fat meats and low glycemic carbohydrates. People who have used the diet plan report that it is pretty simple to follow and that it produces good results. They not only lost weight, but also felt better from eating a nutrient rich diet. The one negative that was reported was that it can be a bit challenging to determine what the glycemic index is on some carbohydrates. But, overall this is a pretty simple diet producing amazing results.

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Powerful List of Foods That Help to Lower Cholesterol

Before listing the foods that help to lower cholesterol we must define what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is manufactured by the human body and also eaten in the consumption of animal products. Cholesterol is used to form cell membranes and process hormones and Vitamin D. High cholesterol levels contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Both a low cholesterol level and a high cholesterol level is dangerous for human beings. Too much of the wrong type of cholesterol (HDL) in the human body is closely linked with heart disease, hypertension and cardiovascular health.

Cholesterol is a steroid alcohol found in animal fats and oils, bile, blood, brain tissue, milk, egg yolk, myelin sheaths of nerve fibers, liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. It is a necessary component of all cell surface and intracellular membranes and a constituent of myelin in nervous tissue; it is a precursor of bile acids and steroid hormones, and it occurs in the most common type of gallstone, in atheroma of the arteries, in various cysts, and in carcinomatous tissue. Most of the body's cholesterol is synthesized, but some is obtained in the diet.

The preoccupation in human medicine with the relationship between cholesterol and the development of atheromatous plaques in the coronary arteries is not reflected in veterinary medicine. The importance of cholesterol to the veterinarian is limited to the measurement of blood cholesterol levels as an indicator of liver disease or thyroid activity.

List of foods that help to lower cholesterol

1. Apples

2. Pumpkin & Pumpkin seeds

3. Salmon and other oily fish such as mackerel.

4. Soy products

5. Walnuts

6. Almonds

7. Avocado

8. Bison, venison and other lean meats.

9. Cholesterol lowering margarines

10. Collard Greens

11. Dark Chocolate

12. Beans & Legumes

13. Egg plant

14. Green Tea

15. Olives

16. Onions

17. Shitake Mushroom

18. Tomato

19. Fresh berries, particularly Blueberries

20. Brown Rice

21. Cinnamon

22. Cranberries

23. Garlic

24. Grapes

25. Oats

Many people advise the daily consumption of apple cider vinegar as being a powerful aid in reducing the levels of cholesterol and helping to maintain a healthy heart. This will also help to keep the arteries clear of plaque.

The latest scientific research said get the delicious recipes that incorporated that cholesterol lowering food.

Cholesterol is a blood fat needed by the body in moderate amounts. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack. Methods for increasing good cholesterol or lowering bad cholesterol levels include cholesterol reducing drugs such as statins, fibrates, and nicotinic acid and bile acid resins.

Apart from the cholesterol lowering food there are many cholesterol reducing drugs such as:Cholesterol-reducing drugs are medications that lower the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of these fats in the bloodstream increase the risk of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis), heart attack, stroke and other heart-related conditions. Therefore, cholesterol reducers and other antilipemic medications are often prescribed for people with high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) or other elevated lipid levels (e.g., high triglycerides).

There are five main categories of cholesterol reducers: statins, bile acid resins, nicotinic acid, fibrates and ezetimibe. Most are available only by prescription, while nicotinic acid, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin), is available over-the-counter. However, niacin should only be taken under the care of a physician to monitor any side effects that could arise, such as severe upset stomach (nausea) and flushing.

So, the big question is this! If you can lower your cholesterol levels by eating the great food a listed above, and if you can supplement this by taking cholesterol reducing natural products, why would you inflict pharmaceutical drugs upon your system? People do, but I will never understand them!

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