High Cholesterol Solutions and Information

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fatty chemical that is an important part of the outer lining (membrane) of cells in the body. You need a small amount of it to maintain healthy nerve cells and to produce certain hormones. Most cholesterol is produced in the liver, and is carried in the bloodstream to the body's cells by special proteins called lipoproteins.

"Good" and "Bad" Cholesterol

Just as eating foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterols can raise harmful LDL cholesterol, a diet that contains more foods that are rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to be helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol.

Cholesterol molecules travel through the blood stream in globular packages called lipoproteins, and there are different kinds depending on their size, density, and stability.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are small, dense molecules responsible for transporting cholesterol to the liver. This type of cholesterol is actually good for your body because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries and protects against dangerous blockages (plaques) in the arteries. It also is less likely to oxidize and leave sticky plaques on artery walls.

People who exercise, do not smoke, and are not obese tend to have higher levels of HDL. Extremely low HDL levels can be a risk factor for CHD.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries the majority of cholesterol through the bloodstream and delivers it to the cells of the body. These LDL-cholesterol molecules are larger, less dense, and less stable than HDL, and readily oxidize and deposit plaques on arterial walls. Therefore, LDL cholesterol is known as the "bad" cholesterol because it is more likely to clog arteries and lead to heart disease.

Foods That Combat High Cholesterol

Antioxidant rich foods (and/or supplements) have been found to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and resulting atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries) in individuals who do not yet have existing heart disease. The affect of antioxidants (including flavonoids, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene etc.) on cholesterol is sometimes referred to as the “antioxidant hypothesis” or the “French Paradox”. The subject became popular with media attention on the question of how can the French lead a lifestyle far unhealthier than Americans - smoking more, eating rich, fatty foods, and exercising less - yet have a much lower rate of heart disease? The answer was that one of the reasons people in France have less heart disease is their regular consumption of red wine. Red wine is a rich source of biologically active flavonoids, and flavonoids are among the most potent antioxidants in nature. Other foods that are rich in flavonoids include blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranates. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, Brussel sprouts and broccoli are among the highest sources of the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Carrots, peppers, squash and mangoes, get their color from beta-carotene, another important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.

Similarly, studies have shown that a diet that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can be helpful in reducing harmful LDL cholesterol.The following is a list of foods/herbs that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: