Lowering Cholesterol Through Diet

Lowering cholesterol naturally is the best possible remedy for the health risks associated with high cholesterol, or LDL levels. When people, who have concerns about the risks that accompany high LDL levels, choose to change their diets and make life changes in their activity level, then there are always positive results with LDL counts lowering to normal ranges. Hypercholesterolemia is a condition that consists of LDL levels that are in a range that put the patient at serious risk for heart attack and/or stroke. Most doctors agree that diet is a major contributing factor to high LDL counts and that diet can also contribute to getting those counts under control. All health plans that attack high LDL levels start with lowering cholesterol through diet.
Heredity can also play a factor in LDL levels, so if a parent suffered with hypercholesterolemia, then a child is at risk. Combine poor eating habits and an inherited condition and the results can be deadly. The first step to lowering cholesterol through diet is to evaluate what is eaten on a regular basis while researching the foods that prove to compound the condition. Then, those wanting to eat good foods and stay healthy can research the food groups that improve high cholesterol and prepare a diet plan around these foods. The Internet also offers many different sources that have published diet plans that are dedicated to lowering cholesterol through diet and these contain recipes that address hypercholesterolemia.

Of course, eating healthy meals every day can benefit the human mind, body, and spirit in a variety of positive ways. When a person determines that lowering cholesterol naturally is the best possible scenario, he or she will also achieve benefits far beyond an LDL level count. A complete life style change that involves eating right, exercise, and rest can improve other areas of the body and also emotions. When we eat what the body needs and not what the appetite desires, we find that our thinking is clearer, our emotions are under better control, and our stress levels lower, as well. Lowering cholesterol through diet is a win/win situation.

Initially, those wanting to change their eating habits to combat those threatening LDL counts will want to become familiar with the foods that contribute to the high numbers. Lowering cholesterol naturally will mean eliminating certain foods from the diet completely. Foods high in saturated fat are extremely harmful because saturated fat stays in the blood stream, causing plaque, with leads to the unhealthy condition of hypercholesterolemia. Saturated fats can be found in meat, dairy products, and cheese. Fried foods and baked sweets that use oils are dangerous as well as margarine or butter. Experts agree that 7% or less of the day’s diet should be from saturated fat and o 25% of a daily diet plan’s calories from fat.

There are many wonderful foods that can be eaten when lowering cholesterol naturally. Beyond the foods that are nutritious for the body, there are certain ingredients that will actually lower cholesterol counts. Research is proving that when soy protein in consumed, there are positive effects in regards to heart disease. The FDA has given soy protein its stamp of approval. Suggested servings of soy protein are four servings of six grams daily. Some studies show that LDL levels can improve by as much as 25 % when eating a lower cholesterol diet.

Other foods that need to be eaten to lower levels are vegetables that include carrots, cabbage, sweet potatoes and are high in fiber and pectin. Fruits that can be used for lowering cholesterol naturally are apples, berries, citrus fruits, and apricots. Four to five servings of each, daily, is the recommended serving in order to have an effect. Flaxseed poly unsaturated fat which is also helpful because it provides soluble fibers. Foods like skinless poultry, egg substitutes or whites, and other meat alternatives can be eaten.

The Bible can provide the strength needed to completely turn a life-style around. Paul, the Apostle told his followers that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. And, Christ will do the same for us. Once you are on your way to eating right and feeling good, you will wonder what took so long in the first place. The removal of sugars and heavy oils from the diet will terminate the cravings for such. “I can do all things through Christ with strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Take time and research the various foods that can be used in lowering cholesterol through diet by utilizing the World Wide Web. The Internet has become the ultimate library and there are hundreds of articles, web sites devoted to recipes and menus, and support groups that are dedicated to helping one another with the struggles of high and bad cholesterol levels. Also, be sure and check with the doctor before making extreme life changes, getting a complete physical to get the go ahead to incorporate exercise into a daily routine, as well.