The waxy substance known as cholesterol is needed for certain bodily functions and are good when in balance. The two most important types of cholesterol are LDL and HDL. LDL transports the cholesterol particles into the blood while HDL removes the cholesterol from the blood and takes it to the liver for recycling. According to popular thinking, lower LDL cholesterol levels are good when combined with high HDL levels.

 

What is the recommended cholesterol range?  The LDL range for healthy individuals is between 100 and 200 milligrams per deciliter. For people with a history of heart disease a test result less than 100 mg/dL is called for. A good HDL cholesterol range can be higher than 40 mg/dL. A doctor can do a standard cholesterol test and discuss the results with you.

 

Do you know how to lower LDL cholesterol levels? This is essential if you already have other signs of heart disease. Risk factors that go hand-in-hand with heart problems are high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. People with no heart problems can also pay attention and learn how to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol.

 

What foods should you eat in order to help you lower bad cholesterol? Here are some suggestions for foods you should include on a low cholesterol menu. Let us start off with a high cholesterol foods list to give you a better overview. Avoid eating these foods on a regular basis since they contain dietary cholesterol.

• Eggs
• Kidneys
• Prawns

 

Animal products are high in saturated fat which might increase your total cholesterol. When buying animal products look for low fat labelled products. Buy low fat milk and cheese. Here is a list of foods that contain a lot of saturated fats.

• Cheese
• Red meat
• Sausages
• Cream

 

Another type of fat you should try to avoid completely is trans fatty acids. These are hydrogenated vegetable oils that are bad for your cholesterol profile. They are widely used in the manufacturing of baked goods and desserts. Since you should limit your intake of saturated fat, you must rely on other sources for your protein needs. Prepare meals using beans, vegetables and fish. Another thing to remember is eat products that contain less sugar. Foods that are high in soluble fibre may lower LDL cholesterol by one or two percent.

 

You may keep your levels balanced by trying natural cholesterol lowering supplements for a change. Beginning with the first letter of the alphabet there is:

A for artichoke extract which may reduce LDL.
B for beta-sitosterol which can do the same.
F for fish oil which could reduce triglycerides.
G for garlic which can have a positive effect on high LDL cholesterol levels.
O for oats reducing total and LDL cholesterol results.
S for sitostanol doing much the same as the above examples.

 

One of the most popular natural remedies for high cholesterol is red yeast rice. It is believed that it has much the same effect as the pharmaceutical drug known as lovastatin. Remember not to try one of these examples if you are already using cholesterol medication without keeping your doctor informed about your plans. The natural compounds in these supplements may interact with the synthetic compounds in the medication.

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