Cholesterol Reduction Helps Maintain Cardiovascular Health

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 2,600 people die each day due to cardiovascular diseases. And every year, cardiovascular diseases claim as many as 15,000 lives. The high-fat diet has been responsible for the huge number of cardiac deaths in many developed countries. Foods high in saturated fats result in increase of the LDL cholesterol, which is the culprit of atherosclerosis. In turn, atherosclerosis sets the stage for the development of many heart diseases and stroke. Cholesterol reduction efforts must be directed to the LDL cholesterol level. Interestingly, cholesterol reduction is achievable even without the use of medications.

In an effort to curb the huge death toll due to cardiovascular diseases, many organizations including the American Heart Association recommended natural cholesterol reduction. People with high cholesterol should make the necessary dietary changes. Unhealthy diet, such as high-fat diet has been associated with high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Since the body functions normally when the cholesterol levels are balanced, the tipped balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol could lead to cardiovascular diseases.LDL cholesterol deposits cholesterol in the walls of the arteries, which narrows the arteries and prevents blood from flowing adequately. As a result, vital organs receive insufficient amount of blood. By following cretin guidelines in cholesterol reduction, one could live healthier.

Cholesterol Reduction By Eliminating Saturated Fat

In the body, saturated fat is converted into LDL cholesterol. That is, the body has the ability to use saturated fat in producing cholesterol and thus the level of LDL cholesterol rises when one eats food high in saturated fats. Cholesterol reduction must therefore start with cutting or if possible, eliminating saturated fats form the diet. Obese individuals are suggested to cut their daily saturated fat intake by as much as 30 percent. Since modern diet makes cholesterol reduction quite impossible, it is important that one avoid this diet and seek for a healthier and heart-friendly diet.

Cholesterol Reduction By Changing the Lifestyle

Cholesterol reduction may be achieved successfully with dietary changes. However, it was found that improved function of the cardiovascular system could be attained with regular exercise. People tend to prefer sedentary lifestyle and fail to engage in physical activity. Lack of exercise lowers the level of HDL cholesterol. In addition, smoking habit and stress also cause adverse effects on the levels of HDL cholesterol. It is important to address these factors as well if one aims for successful cholesterol reduction.

A combination of dietary and lifestyle changes help lower cholesterol level in people who really commit to these changes. For people who cannot commit to these changes, they can seek for medications or other natural means of cholesterol reduction such as taking cholesterol supplements. Since natural cholesterol reduction does not cause adverse effects, it is better than one opts for cholesterol supplements. Indeed, taking cholesterol supplements along with changes in the diet and lifestyle, one would be able to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.