Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is present in every cell of our body. It plays an important role in hormone synthesis, producing Vitamin D and maintaining cell membranes. The human body is fully equipped to produce whatever cholesterol is required for maintaining these vital functions and extra cholesterol added through diet results in potentially dangerous high levels.
Two types of cholesterol produced in the human body are: LDL or Bad Cholesterol. HDL or Good Cholesterol. Larger amounts of the LDL cause blocks in the arteries and prohibits the passage of oxygen in blood. This will cause heart problems, cardiac arrests and strokes. Higher levels of HDL prevent the formation of blocks and it also washes away the extra cholesterol.
The measure of cholesterol is by milligrams per deciliter of blood. Marginal levels are 200 and 239. 240 mg/dl is high. Below 200 is well maintained. The best assured level is 130 mg/dl; it's safe to consider the factors that lead to the heart problems.
A high cholesterol diagnosis is a scary thing and should not be ignored it because of the possible implications. High cholesterol can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle and treatment. Treatment of high cholesterol includes prescription medication and natural remedies, a controlled diet and exercise. Treatment of high cholesterol is for long term and it is advisable to avoid allopathic treatment as much as possible due to its side effects.
The sad part of modern day life is that we tend to ignore the most important factor that keeps us healthy. The food that we eat is primarily responsible for high cholesterol levels. Fats may have acquired a bad name but the reality is that fats are also necessary for maintaining cell membranes, absorption of nutrients and nerve transmission.
The fats are found in animal produce and fishes. Oils are coconut and palm. Trans fats used for chemical processing of foods are also the main reasons. monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats must be taken for a balanced diet. Saturated fats must not be taken.
Apples, brown rice, beans, cinnamon, garlic, grapes, oats and walnuts help in controlling levels of cholesterol. Herbs are Rooibos, Gugulipid and Red Yeast Rice
If you want to find out more check out the cholesterol guide. Naturally maintaining cholesterol with a regular routine of exercise and a balanced diet are the key reasons
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Scott Davis is a natural health researcher and the author of many natural health guides. His recent launch is a guide to natural cholesterol methods. You can know more from Davis about cholesterol diets here.