Your blood cholesterol level is affected not only by what you eat but also by how quickly your body makes LDL-cholesterol and disposes of it. In fact, your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, and it is not necessary to take in any additional cholesterol from the foods you eat.
People with heart disease or those who are at high risk for developing it typically have too much LDL-cholesterol in their blood. Many factors help determine whether your LDL-cholesterol level is high or low. The following factors are the most important.
Your blood cholesterol level is affected not only by what you eat but also by how quickly your body makes LDL-cholesterol and disposes of it. In fact, your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, and it is not necessary to take in any additional cholesterol from the foods you eat. Patients with heart disease or those who are at high risk for developing it typically have too much LDL-cholesterol in their blood. Many factors help determine whether your LDL-cholesterol level is high or low. The following factors are the most important.
Heredity. Your genes influence how high your LDL-cholesterol is by affecting how fast LDL is made and removed from the blood. One specific form of inherited high cholesterol that affects 1 in 500 people is familial hypercholesterolemia, which often leads to early heart disease. But even if you do not have a specific genetic form of high cholesterol, genes play a role in influencing your LDL-cholesterol level.
What you eat. Two main nutrients in the foods you eat make your LDL-cholesterol level go up: saturated fat, a type of fat found mostly in foods that come from animals; and cholesterol, which comes only from animal products. Saturated fat raises your LDL-cholesterol level more than anything else in the diet. Eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol is the main reason for high levels of cholesterol and a high rate of heart attacks in the United States. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you eat is a very important step in reducing your blood cholesterol levels.
Weight. Excess weight tends to increase your LDL-cholesterol level. If you are overweight and have a high LDL-cholesterol level, losing weight may help you lower it. Weight loss also helps to lower triglycerides and raise HDL.
Physical activity/exercise. Regular physical activity may lower LDL-cholesterol and raise HDL-cholesterol levels.
Age and sex. Before menopause, women usually have total cholesterol levels that are lower than those of men the same age. As women and men get older, their blood cholesterol levels rise until about 60 to 65 years of age. In women, menopause often causes an increase in their LDL-cholesterol and a decrease in their HDL- cholesterol level, and after the age of 50, women often have higher total cholesterol levels than men of the same age.
Alcohol. Alcohol intake increases HDL-cholesterol but does not lower LDL-cholesterol. Doctors don't know for certain whether alcohol also reduces the risk of heart disease. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle, lead to high blood pressure, and raise triglycerides. Because of the risks, alcoholic beverages should not be used as a way to prevent heart disease.
Stress. Stress over the long term has been shown in several studies to raise blood cholesterol levels. One way that stress may do this is by affecting your habits. For example, when some people are under stress, they console themselves by eating fatty foods. The saturated fat and cholesterol in these foods contribute to higher levels of blood cholesterol.
Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant whose business operates across 60 countries. This world renowned, medically approved program will give you results you'll love and all the support you need! Estimate your healthy body weight, tons of recipes, articles, ezine and more information on how to lower your cholesterol at http://weight-loss-health.com.au
affordable house cleaning Park Ridge ..A new survey has found that heel pain caused by... Read More
1. CUT THE SIMPLE CARBS.It's unfortunate that the majority of... Read More
Adaptation is the most important concept I teach. The human... Read More
I personal lost 60 pounds in 2003. Here are some... Read More
Dieters have long searched for secret paths to easy weight... Read More
1. Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot... Read More
Lose a pound of fat? what does it take? Not... Read More
If you are overweight and searching for the diet program... Read More
Everyone who has ever tried to lose weight has hit... Read More
When women talk about their biggest obstacles to successful weight... Read More
As an employee of famous fitness star Kathy Smith, personal... Read More
Weight loss from exercise can be achieved by walking, running,... Read More
In the last 12 months or so, low carbohydrate diets... Read More
According to the American Obesity Association, an astounding 64.5 percent... Read More
When we discover that we are heavier than we want... Read More
I don't know anything about you but if you're anything... Read More
Many of us have tried losing weight in the past... Read More
I get asked all the time, "what do you think... Read More
Are you considering a low carb diet? If so you... Read More
Lose Weight - Get A Break ---------------------------------------- The American Obesity... Read More
Every Journey Worth Taking Begins with a Single StepHere are... Read More
Cellulite - Reduce The Appearance --------------------------------- Sallie Elizabeth has always... Read More
It is important that the public not only understand the... Read More
Do you have a big event coming up? Perhaps you... Read More
What do I mean by that?Well, carrots are good for... Read More
affordable house cleaning Mundelein ..Weight Loss Axiom Number ThreeInsulin and GlucagonThese are the two... Read More
Just because you're working hard, doesn't mean that you're working... Read More
Many people are under the impression that gastric bypass surgery... Read More
How to Say No When You Don't Want the FoodA... Read More
When you are faced with the daily challenge of trying... Read More
Now that the temptations of the Holiday season have passed... Read More
America is getting more obese every year. Even our children... Read More
Although all of the risks involved in gastric bypass surgery... Read More
Activity means both mental and physical activity.Mental activity is similar... Read More
Before you try starving yourself or turning to diet drugs... Read More
Tip 1) DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AFTER EACH SNACKThis... Read More
It all begins with water .... Water makes up 75%... Read More
Losing weight is a struggle that many of us face... Read More
Did you know that how and when you eat is... Read More
The 3 day diet mixes certain types of foods that... Read More
The act of taking the first step is what separates... Read More
The following are weight loss tips that you can start... Read More
If your health and fitness are important to you, you... Read More
Have you ever wished for a diet where you ate... Read More
Throughout my childhood and teenage years I watched as my... Read More
Our bodies only require a small amount of salt for... Read More
Do you struggle to maintain or lose weight? If so,... Read More
The goal of many athletes and exercisers is to "get... Read More
Now I know you're always asking yourself questions.You know the... Read More
Control that sweet tooth. Remember that sweet things generally mean... Read More
Weight Loss |