About Cholesterol
February 22, 2009
My father died of a heart attack when I was a small baby and I have always been interested in the relationship between high levels of cholesterol and heart disease. I would like to take this opportunity to shed some light on this connection and suggest ways that you can lower your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the body and is necessary for life. It is found in cell membranes and is also found in bile. Basically, there are 2 types of cholesterol: LDL, or “good” cholesterol, and HDL, or “bad” cholesterol. The arteries that supply blood to the heart can become clogged when there is too much cholesterol in the body, or when it becomes oxidized by free radicals (this will be the subject of another discussion so be sure to check back). Clogged heart arteries can lead to a heart attack. Risk factors for heart disease include heredity, high cholesterol, high levels of homocysteine (an amino acid), high levels of c-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker), high blood pressure, smoking, and inactivity.
Taking a daily supplement containing Vitamins B2, B6, B12, Folic acid, and trimethylglycene (betaine), can help reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Cholesterol can be lowered by consuming a diet low in saturated fat and rich in plant sterols. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, lycopene, L-carnitine, olive and grape seed extracts, and bioflavinoids from citrus fruits, are very beneficial and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which lowers the risk of heart disease.
Until next time, here’s wishing you a naturally healthy day!
Dr. Joe Mix
NaturalHealthMix.com