What Is High Cholesterol And how To Combat It?

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by: Darrell Miller
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Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2011 Time: 8:58 AM
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A high blood cholesterol level, especially elevated LDL, is condiered to be a contributing factor to plaque building up in the arteries and impeded blood flow to the brain, kidneys, genitals, extremities, and heart. It is one of the primary causes of heart disease, because cholesterol produces deposits in the arteries. High cholesterol levels may also be implicated in gallstones, impotence, mental impairment, and high blood pressure. Cholesterol is crucial to every cells structure and is needed for proper brain and nerve function. It is also the basis for the manufacture of sex hormones. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and transported through the bloodstream to the sites where it is needed. It is a fatty substance that latches on to molecules called lipoproteins in order to travel around successfully in the blood.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are the main transporter of cholesterol in the bloodstream and, because LDLs seem to encourage the deposit of cholesterol in the arteries, it is known as bad cholesterol. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are considered to be good cholesterol because they carry unnecessary cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver where it can be broken down for removal from the body. If everything is functioning properly, the system will remain in balance. If there is too much cholesterol for the HDLs to pick up promptly, cholesterol can form plaque that sticks to artery walls and may eventually cause heart disease.

It is important to known the difference between serum cholesterol and dietary cholesterol. Serum cholesterol is the cholesterol in the bloodstream, while dietary cholesterol is cholesterol that is present in food. Eating foods high in dietary cholesterol can raise serum cholesterol, but it is not the only source of serum cholesterol. You would have some amount of serum cholesterol even if you never ate any food containing dietary cholesterol because the body produces its own cholesterol.

Levels of cholesterol are greatly impacted by diet, but they are also affected by genetic makeup. The consumption of foods that are high in cholesterol and/or saturated fat increases cholesterol levels, while a vegetarian diet, regular exercise, and the nutrients niacin and vitamin C may lower cholesterol.

The National Cholesterol Education Program has set "safe" levels of total serum cholesterol at 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood. A reading above 200 means that there is an increased potential for developing heart disease. A level of 200-239 is borderline, and levels over 240 are considered to indicate high risk. The normal HDL level for adult men in the United States is 45 to 50 mg/dl, and for women it is 50 to 60 mg/dl. It is suggested that higher HDL levels, such as 70 to 80 mg/dl protect against heart disease. An HDL level that is under 35 mg/dl is considered to be risky. To sum it up, if you have a cholesterol reading of 200, with HDL at 80 and LDL at 120, you are considered at low risk for heart disease. However, even if you have a total cholesterol level well under 200 and your HDL level is under 35 mg/dl, you would be considered at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. As your HDL decreases, your potential for heart problems intensifies.

The following nutrients are considered to be beneficial in dealing with and preventing high cholesterol: apple pectin, calcium, Chinese red yeast rice, chromium picolinate, coenzyme Q10, fiber, garlic, l-carnitine, lecithin granules, lipotropic granules, lipotropic factors, vitamin A with mixed carotenoids, vitamin B complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, proteolytic enzymes, selenium, shiitake extract, cayenne, goldenseal, hawthorn berries, spirulina, and cinnamon.

You can find cholesterol formulas as well as herbs and vitamins at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands like Solaray and Source Naturals to ensure quality and purity of the product you buy for better cholesterol health.

About the Author

For quality cholesterol formulas, look to VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store for top brands, large selection and other related health articles. http://vitanetonline.com/

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