Must Have List Of Foods That Lower Cholesterol

by: Dave Saunders
Cholesterol is present in our bodies by one of two ways; our liver produces cholesterol and we eat foods containing cholesterol. High amounts of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol that is bad for us, can lead to many health complications and significantly increase your risk of heart diseases.

While there are many foods that are high in LDL cholesterol, there are a lot, which can actually help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and increase your HDL cholesterol or the good cholesterol. Here's a list of foods that lower cholesterol, which is a must have for anyone who is trying to reduce their LDL levels and increase their HDL levels.

Apples: Everyone has heard of the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Well, apples are also very good for lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. 2 full apples, or 12 ounces of apple juice, if taken everyday, can reduce your risk of heart diseases by as much as 50%.

Garlic: Garlic helps to lower LDL cholesterol and thins your blood naturally. This prevents clogging up of arteries and thus lowers your risk of heart diseases.

Onions: Eating just half a raw onion everyday can increase your HDL levels by 25% and lower your LDL as well.

Beans and Legumes: These contain soluble fiber which helps to increase your HDL cholesterol and reduce your LDL cholesterol. All kinds of beans and legumes such as pinto, kidney, black-eyed, lentils, pink beans, etc are good for your heart.

Unsaturated Fats: Contrary to the misconception that all kinds of fat are bad for you, unsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids can actually be good for your heart. Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, canola, peanut, and almond oil) and polyunsaturated fats (corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil etc) increase the HDL cholesterol and lower the LDL cholesterol and are thus good for your heart.

Other Cholesterol Lowering Foods: Oats, fenugreek, artichokes, turmeric, guggul, green tea, nuts, and black tea, are all known to lower LDL cholesterol in your body.

Of course, diet is no substitute for a doctor’s care when you are ill. Diet and nutrition represent "the other side of the coin" and always inform your doctor whenever you make a dietary change, especially if you are on a pharmaceutical drug.

Avoiding High Cholesterol Foods

by: Dave Saunders
Cholesterol finds its way into our bodies in two main ways. The first is through our liver, which produces differing amounts of cholesterol in different people, and the second is through our diet.

A certain amount of cholesterol is needed by our bodies, but the liver makes all that is required for us. Any cholesterol that we intake through our food, is all extra cholesterol, and should be avoided as far as possible. Thus, what to eat and what not to eat becomes a major concern for people who are trying to become healthier and lower their cholesterol levels.

Many foods contain cholesterol and many don’t. Food stuffs such as oils, fats, and animal products including meat, eggs etc are cholesterol containing foods. Plant foods do not contain cholesterol.

Within the category of cholesterol containing foods, there are those that are cholesterol high foods, while some may contain lesser amounts of cholesterol. Egg yolks as opposed to egg whites contain a very high amount of cholesterol. But of late, research has lead doctors to believe that egg yolks increase the HDL cholesterol, which is good for your heart and not the LDL cholesterol that is bad for you.

If you are in a quandary as to what to eat to lower your cholesterol levels, you should minimize your intake of meat, fats, and dairy products. Increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains can be very good for your heart as they are not cholesterol high foods.

About The Author

Dave Saunders is a certified nutritional educator, wellness coach and author. He is also the host of a weekly, nation-wide telephone lecture on health and nutrition. For additional information, please visit www.glycoboy.com or email Dave at dave@glycoboy.com

Chocolate and Heart Health – Fact or Fallacy?

by: Nicholas Webb
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if chocolate and heart health went hand in hand. However, there is so much information lately about the health benefits of chocolate that it is only natural that people get confused.

It is true, that if people only ate pure cocoa, then there might be heart health benefits. The problem is that most people eat processed chocolate bars containing sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dairy cream not to mention other “baddies” contained in some of those tasty fillings. Some of these added ingredients can clog up arteries and create havoc to your waistline.

That said, you might be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t as bad as it was once thought. The fat content in chocolate, derived from cocoa butter contained in premium grade dark chocolate, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat – not so good. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk of developing heart disease.

Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol; neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Therefore, if we base our chocolate eating habits on latest research, the fat issue isn’t so worrying.

Beware milk chocolate may not be so heart healthy

When we eat milk chocolate or lower grade chocolate, part of the total fat content comes from milk fat or various other types of fat contained in the processed chocolate, and not from the pure cocoa, which do adversely affect cholesterol levels.

Despite all the good news on cocoa not raising LDL cholesterol, even dark chocolate is a very calorie-dense food, so while the fat content may not invite heart disease or clogging of the arteries, its regular consumption will add a lot of extra calories to someone's daily total. In fact, many chocolate bars list sugar as the number one ingredient. And as we all know lots of white refined sugar is not going to help you keep your waistline nice and slim. Remember obesity is a serious risk factor for developing heart disease.

Concerning cholesterol, new and yet-to-be-published studies are showing that some antioxidants contained in chocolate, in particular dark chocolate and cocoa powder, may actually increase "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 10 percent.

In the studies, the selected people ate 22 grams of cocoa powder and 16 grams of dark chocolate every day The result: Their "bad" (LDL) cholesterol was less susceptible to oxidation, a process that normally leads to artery-clogging plaques. While many people take vitamins and other antioxidants to help prevent plaque development, the study shows that cocoa could help.

In summary, whether chocolate and heart health do walk hand in hand is still an open topic, however, in moderation it won’t do your heart any harm, however, watch those calories. Most of all, enjoy it cause it tastes so good!

For more information about heart health and living your life to the full come across and visit www.allabout-heart-disease.com

About The Author
Nicholas Webb is the author and webmaster of the site www.AllAbout-Heart-Disease.com that offers user-friendly articles, tips and advice for avoiding heart disease and living your life to the full!

Getting To Grips With A Healthy Lifestyle

by: Trish Powell
In a perfect world we would all be eating the right food, exercising, sleeping well and just generally enjoying life.

In the real world most of us manage a percentage of the healthy lifestyle and muddle through as best we can with the rest of it. Part of the problem is we are encouraged to think, mostly by the media, that we should be doing everything possible towards a healthy lifestyle, all of the time. For most of us this is just not possible.

Constant concern about what we should or shouldn't be doing causes our stress levels to go up and that negates any good work that we've done. Yes, we should certainly try for a healthy lifestyle, but the two key words are “moderation” and “balance”. By applying these criteria to achieving a healthy lifestyle we won't be beating ourselves up for failing another diet or dropping out of the latest exercise regime.

A common mistake that many people make when they decide to adopt a healthy lifestyle is to try to do too much too soon. They then give themselves a guilt complex when it all falls apart. It is also easy to be influenced by others, when we should only be adopting a healthy lifestyle plan to suit ourselves.

Ah! Did I say lifestyle plan? Do you have one, or do you just try the next thing that is in your magazine or Sunday supplement? By all means read these articles and take them into account as you plan how you want your healthy lifestyle to take shape.

Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean you have got to run a mile before breakfast, eat seeds and think pure thoughts. Great if that's what you want, but for most of us “healthy” means being in reasonable shape, eating our fruit and vegetables and generally having a feeling of vitality.

Decide on your definition of a healthy lifestyle, and then plan a strategy that works for you.

As part of my health plan I decided I wanted to walk in the mornings before breakfast, but there was no way I wanted to get up at the crack of dawn to do it. So I planned a ten minute circuit that includes a short flight of steps and a not too steep incline. I power walked that route every day and felt really good. Sure l wouldn't make the City to Surf marathon, but I compromised and made it work for me.

Today, much is made of organic foods, but the reality is that organic food is generally more expensive and well out of the range for most budgets. Yes organic is probably the best option, but it doesn't mean that if you're not eating all organic you are not eating right. If you're concerned about general produce, be a bit discerning when you shop. Look for fruit and vegetables that are fresh and unblemished. You should also buy product brands that you can trust. If you shop wisely, you can have a well-balanced healthy diet that won't break the bank.

Basically living a healthy life means looking at your lifestyle as a whole, it is not just about diet and exercise. It is not always necessary to make major changes. Most people know their weak spots, and are happy if they can make a few changes that show results.

A friend of mine was drinking several cans of soft drink a day. She was feeling tired and generally under the weather. When I read an article about the health risk of soft drink I copied it and gave it to her, whereupon she decided to give up the soft drink there and then. A week later she got back to me and said she couldn't believe the difference, her energy levels were up and she was feeling great. Just that one change was able to make a difference and she feels good about the healthy choice.

Sleep and leisure time play a big part in a healthy lifestyle, and for the most part people underestimate the value of good sleep. Our bodies aren't designed to operate at peak performance twenty four hours a day. Anyone in industry knows that machines that have to work continuously need a lot of maintenance. When we are sleeping our body is healing and regenerating itself and we should wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.

We can go without sleep for extended periods, but we can't do it indefinitely. The amount of sleep an individual needs varies a great deal, and there is no such thing as the right time to sleep. Obviously most people sleep at night, but if you are one of those folk that comes alive in the small hours, you might need to catch up with your sleep during the day.

A big part of healthy living is being comfortable with yourself. Don't be pressured into trying to attain a certain look, or push yourself down a career path you are not suited to. Constant worry about what you are doing will only have the opposite effect on your health. Don't get paranoid about your diet, about what toothpaste you should use or about expensive exercise equipment you need to buy.

Allow a common sense approach to dictate when you are making lifestyle choices, and remember, there is nothing wrong with compromise if it means your healthy lifestyle plan will work for you.

About The Author

Trish Powell

For more on Life Coaching and Wellbeing in general, visit Http://wellbeing-information.com

Boost Your Brain With Physical And Mind Exercises

by: Sharon Bell
Decades ago, people believe that senility or frequently forgetting a lot of things is a fact of life for old people. For them, there is nothing that one can do but gracefully accept that at a certain age, probably 70 or 80, one will start to show signs of cognitive function decline.

In recent years, however, researchers have discovered that it is never too late to start to boost your brainpower. If you want to maintain a sharp mind and a keen memory, all you have to do is to eat healthy, drink supplements and exercise both your body and mind.

Physical Exercise Is Also Good For The Mind

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2004 showed that people aged 71 to 93 who walked over 3 kilometers a day were twice more unlikely to develop dementia than those who walked less than a kilometer everyday. Furthermore, women between 71 and 80 who clocked 90 minutes of walking a week did a lot better on cognitive examinations than those who had sedentary lifestyle.

Several studies have shown that increased exercise, even just walking, is crucial in keeping a healthy mind. Experts are not really sure how much exercise and physical activities old people need to perform in order to have a boost on their cognitive functions. It is important to note, however, that regular exercise aids in keeping a healthy blood flow. These activities may also help in creating and maintaining new nerve connections in the brain.

Another benefit of exercise is that it aids in keeping glucose levels normal. Glucose is important in the proper functioning of the brain, so even a slight decline in the level of glucose may have a great impact on brain functions of an old person. A research conducted by the New York University's Center for Brain Health showed that people who have problematic glucose tolerance did not only perform badly in memory tests, but also showed signs of brain shrinkage compared to those who had normal glucose tolerance or control.

Exercise does not really have to be boring or confined in a gym. Old people can find physical activities that they like, such as strolling in the park with colleagues, wading in the pool for a couple of hours, and playing bowling or badminton.

Mind Aerobics Is Essential

Another crucial factor in keeping the brain healthy is through mental exercises. If you don't bother about using your brain, then there is a big likelihood that you will lose it. Our brain functions are impaired or greatly diminished if not used regularly, much like our muscles atrophy when not utilized or exercised.

Nowadays, there are many ways in which you can improve your memory and brain functions. One of which is by enrolling in a brain booster class. There are many institutions in the US that are offering classes specifically designed for old people who want to keep their cognitive functions at their peak.

Reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, enrolling in school, or learning a new language are just some ways wherein you can help boost your mental functions. It is really never too early or too late to start doing mental exercises.

Experts believe that doing mental aerobics can help prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. If your family has a history of dementia, there is a big chance that you will also develop this disease. However, mental exercises can significantly delay the development of such condition for weeks, months and even years.

Aside from physical and mental exercise, you also have to pay attention to what you eat and drink. Try increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits because they contain vitamins and minerals that are important in helping promote brain health. You may also need to take supplements that help maintain the health of your nerves and arteries so a healthy blood flow to your brain is ensured. One brain-boosting supplement that you may want to try is Neurovar. You can visit www.Neurovar.com for more details about brain health.

About The Author

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com.

Learn How Exercise Can Control Chronic Pain

by: Sharon Bell
If you are suffering from chronic pain anywhere in your body, you will find that making even the simplest movements can be such a torture. But here comes some scientific discoveries that indicate the role of exercise in effectively treating or managing most types of chronic pain. These findings may sound totally foolish and untrue. How can a person with chronic pain, who can't even get out of bed unassisted, be expected to do some exercises?

Before you convince yourself that chronic pain in your body and exercise just don't mix, consider what many pain rehabilitation experts have to say about the benefits of exercise. For many doctors, exercise should be an integral part of any systematic procedure for controlling chronic pain. The reasons are stated below.

Increased Oxygen Levels

Exercise allows you to breathe in more oxygen into your lungs. In effect, more oxygen gets into your muscles, this is essential for fighting off toxins in your cells that hamper your overall healing process. If the chronic pain is caused by damages in your muscles, exercise should be good for you.

Increased Muscular Stamina

Exercise will greatly improve the strength and endurance of your muscles against diseases, fatigue and other types of impairment. Improved muscle quality will definitely reduce the chances of you experiencing chronic muscle pains.

Increased Endorphin Levels

Whenever you are in pain, your brain produces a natural painkiller that is intended to help you in your most trying times. If you want more of this natural painkilling agent, all you have to do is exercise. Exercise provokes your brain to release more endorphins in your system.

Increased Level Of Weight Control

Everybody knows that exercise is the way to go if you want to eliminate unwanted pounds. Being overweight puts a lot of pressure not only on your muscles but on your joints as well. By burning off calories, exercise can help you maintain or attain the ideal weight that your body can carry without causing pain.

Now, you know how exercise can directly and positively affect your chronic pain treatment. But before you go on shopping for new garters and tights, you must first know which exercise routines can best help you attain your goals without aggravating your condition. Actually, the type of exercise that you choose will be largely dependent on the part of your body that experiences bouts of chronic pain. An exercise routine criterion that is solely based on what is pleasurable or not can be detrimental; there are exercises which you may enjoy that your body cannot perform due to the prolonged pain you are experiencing.

If you are having recurring pain in any part of your body, the best exercises may be the ones with very low intensity or resistance. People who continually suffer from pain in the muscles or skeletal structures are never intended to lift 400-pound barbells. In fact, only a minimal amount of weight can be allowed. Exercises for chronic pain management should also last for only a few minutes each day.

The whole idea is to provide chronic pain sufferers with the right kind of activity; it has never been a question about the intensity of a particular exercise. Always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before doing any exercise. Most importantly, be realistic about your goals and always remember that the reason you are doing any exercise is to reduce or help you control your pain and not to become the world champion in anything.

If you suffer from chronic pain in your joints and other bone structures, you can use products that are specially-made for joints and bones; just like Phosoplex. For more details about stopping pain in the joints and bones, visit www.Phosoplex.com.

About The Author

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com.

Healthy Eating Tips which you must follow

by: Dr John Anne
"Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy" - this is a common saying and it is very unlikely if you have not heard it in your lifetime. Every one of us wants to stay healthy. To maintain a healthy life, we need healthy diet too. Without having a healthy diet, we may not even survive too long. But healthy eating style does not necessarily mean a boring diet. On the contrary, you can add a great variety in your healthy diet and enjoy its delicious flavor.

Practically, there is no secret about healthy eating. This should be a perfect blend of variety, balance and regulation. Additionally, you need to promote healthy lifestyle in terms of maintaining few useful strategies such as not smoking, minimum level of alcohol consumption, and stress management. In this article, we will explore few great healthy eating tips that can keep you healthy without compromising your taste-buds.

Add fish meals at least twice a week

Typically fish is a 'must-have' inclusion in healthy eating tips. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. If you take at least 2 fish meals in a week, it offers you a great health benefits such as lowering high blood pressure, cardiac problems, and lowering cholesterol level.

Omega-3 fatty acids can not be produced by our body. Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in decreasing cardiac problems, reducing high blood pressure, reducing the risk of arthritis, regulating abnormal heart rhythms, and promoting healthy brain function.

Add varied lean red meat meals several times a week

While considering healthy eating tips, a special emphasis must be given on lean red meat meals. You may have this meal several times a week. If you are a vegetarian, you must have legume or nuts daily in your diet. If you do not have it or its alternatives in your daily diet, it means you are lacking the required supply of iron and zinc. These are the essential minerals that can keep your brain healthy and active.

Add vegetables and fruits in daily diet

Vegetables and fruits are great source of dietary fiber. We need dietary fiber in our daily diet. It helps us not getting constipated. Additionally, it has other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol level, regulating glucose level and reducing the risk of cardiac problems. Remember it as an important ingredient of healthy eating tips.

Avoid eating in heavy volume

This is one of the important healthy eating tips that you probably should not avoid. Different scientific studies confirm that if you take your food in frequent segments rather than having it in bulk at a given time, it promotes healthy metabolism. That means, if you supply low amount of foods in different periods of time in a day, you actually help you metabolic system to function more efficiently. Hence, it lowers the risk of accumulated fat in the body and allows you to stay fat-free and healthy.

Drink plenty amount of water

'Water is life' and possibly there is no one on the face of earth who can deny the fact. Every one knows the health benefits of water. This is an essential part of healthy eating tips.

Almost 2/3rds part of our body is made up of water. Our blood contains 83% water, our muscles contain 75% water, our brain consists of 74% water and bone contains 22% water. Literally, the benefits we receive from drinking water are countless. Water is essential to absorb vitamins and nutrients in the blood stream. It also promotes the detoxification process by carrying out the bodily wastages from the body. Apart from that, it helps keep skin glowing and healthy. You should drink 5-6 liters of water daily to keep your system clean and healthy.

Exercise, Exercise and More Exercise

Although not directly belongs to the area of healthy eating tips, but if you wish to maintain a life in a healthy fashion, doing regular exercise has no other alternatives. You need to follow a daily schedule for exercise along with healthy diets to keep yourself fit and steady.

About The Author

Dr John Anne is an ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Visit Evening Primrose Oil Benefits at http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com - Information on Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids.

Also visit Vitamin D Benefits and Sources for useful Information on Vitamin D.