Lowering Cholesterol

Together with high blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels are regarded among the most reliable indicators of potential serious health issues, especially in the cardiovascular disease field.

We're told that we need to assess our cholesterol levels, as most people already have high cholesterol without being conscious of it. We may then have to take steps to cause a lowering of our cholesterol to within a healthier selection.

In earlier times it was believed that certain foods, especially those containing animal fats, would cause a rise in cholesterol. We were warned especially against eating too many eggs, as these were thought of as a significant culprit. More importantly, it was believed that cholesterol was bad cholesterol. Scientific and clinical research has more recently demonstrated that there are actually two kinds of cholesterol: good cholesterol, otherwise called High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and bad cholesterol, otherwise called Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). We need not just to maintain our LDL levels low, but we want also to keep our HDL levels .

There are now simple tests which may be used to quantify levels of both kinds of cholesterol. See Good Cholesterol Level for tips on diagnosing cholesterol. If, having been tested, somebody has a cause for concern, there are many measures which may be taken in order to lead to a lowering of"bad" cholesterol. There are various products on the marketplace, including milk products and spreads, that contain compounds called plant sterols. These substances may have a significant effect on levels of LDL, and used for sustained periods will reduce it to a healthier reading.

Additionally, there are dietary measures that can be taken in order to maintain both a reasonably high level of HDL (or good cholesterol) and a low level of LDL (or bad

cholesterol). A normally healthy diet, high in fruit, vegetables, wholegrain and healthful fats, such as olive oil and nuts is very likely to be beneficial. Surprisingly, too, eggs aren't thought of as a culprit in causing hypertension. Needless to say, anyone that has been shown to have a problem with cholesterol should consult a doctor and follow whatever information is given in respect to the best diet to follow. Sometimes, even those who've followed a healthy diet may unknowingly have unhealthy and potentially harmful cholesterol levels. Regular testing is therefore critical in order that effective measures can be taken to control it.