Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Cardiovascular disease is accepted as being our Number 1 killer, as it is estimated that just under 1,000,000 of our countrymen die from heart disease each year.

Reducing cholesterol specifically LDL, the "bad cholesterol" (which forms plaque in our arteries which then impedes blood flow to the brain & heart) - can greatly improve ones overall cardiovascular functioning.

The causes of higher than normal cholesterol are ingesting too many animal products, in particular red meat & dairy products, and ones liver itself producing too much cholesterol.

What exactly can be done to reduce ones cholesterol?

Non-dietary elements can play a role. Lets look at these first. These include getting some natural sunshine daily and employing a regular regime of exercise of at least one half hour each day, doing activities such as swimming, bicycle riding or walking, to aid in strengthening your cardiovascular systemas a whole. Also, if you are overweight or obese, you must lose those extra pounds. Even losing 10 pounds can result in a definite lowering of your cholesterol. And, of course, smoking and alcohol consumption should be eliminated or at least minimized as much as possible. With regards to alcohol, that means one drink a day for women, two for men.

More important perhaps is adjusting your diet. First some basic advice. Try to drink at least 6 glasses of water everyday. Limit the quantity of animal and dairy foods you eat on a regular basis to less than ten percent of your daily calories. Try to eat lean cuts of meat and skim milk. Certain species of fish, including tuna, halibut and cod, contain significantly less cholesterol than does red meat. Other fish such as salmon and mackerel contain high levels of certain acids that can aid your cardiovascular functioning. Eat more foods containing dietary fiber, as well as fruits and vegetables (fresh) and stay away from fried foods and hydrogenated oils.

Well now set out some of the foods that can help lower cholesterol. One great way to limit the cholesterol we eat from entering our blood is to eat a lot of whole grain fibrous foods. You should choose pastas and breads made from whole grains, and eat brown rather than white rice. Try to eat a lot of soy, sprouts, seaweed and nuts too.

Vitamins B6, C and E have been cited as helpful. Other natural supplements that can aid in reducing cholesterol levels include garlic (raw), carnitine, pantothine, soy, grape seed and chromium. Some of these actually increase the levels of the good cholesterol (HDL), which can help significantly. Both plant sterols and Omega-3 fatty acids are also contributors to the health of your heart. Another food generally regarded as reducing cholesterol levels are blueberries. And try to drink each day a glass of your favorite fruit juice with spirulina and soy protein mixed in.

While observing the recommendations above should help most people in reducing their cholesterol down to normal levels, some may still require either a medication or a natural supplement. Be sure to consult your physician if you find your high cholesterol levels cannot be controlled through exercise and dietary modifications.

Michael Rupkalvis oversees the www.lifeventures.com website, which includes a unique blog about his daily activities with the ITV Ventures opportunity. Amongst the products offered is Lipistat , an all natural supplement that lowers cholesterol levels naturally, without drugs.