Cholesterol represents an animal sterol necessary in small amounts to make particular hormones, bile acids, vitamin D, bile acids, as well as to create cell wall. Cholesterol is present in animal products, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and it is known called animal sterol. Excessive amounts of cholesterol deposit in the arteries provoking arteries’ narrowing which decreases nutrients and oxygen supply to the heart. This is also viewed as the leading cause for heart attacks and strokes.
The fats we consume go to the liver, and there they combine with proteins to produce lipoperoteins. Generally there are 2 kinds of lipoproteins, and they are LDL (low density lipoprotein) and also HDL (high density lipoprotein). They represent the common cholesterol types present in the body. LDL is bad cholesterol, and HDL is commonly named good cholesterol. High levels of LDL are attributed to high risk of strokes and heart attacks. The total amount of cholesterol in the blood ought to be below 200mg/dl while the level of LDL ought to be below 130mg/dl. HDL level above 60mg/dl is desirable.
How to lower cholesterol fast
The first requirement to reduce cholesterol is actually discipline. High cholesterol is considered as a problem of the lifestyle, and thus, individuals who are trying to decrease cholesterol fast are to be ready to correct the style of life. Those people should be prepared to do physical exercises and follow a diet.
Cholesterol reducing diet
Wrong eating habits are the main culprit of increased cholesterol levels. This is related to eating saturated fats. Fats are necessary to be healthy together with carbohydrates and proteins, but we should avoid different fats altogether. It is necessary to cut down the consumption of fats, and maybe substitute them with some healthy fats like polyunsaturated fats and mono unsaturated. The sources of cholesterol and saturated fats are represented by whole milk, cheese, butter, eggs, margarine; red meat like beef and pork, junk foods. And foods high in unsaturated fats are almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts; fish; canola oil and olive oil.
You should also increase dietary fiber amount. It is contained in vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, oatmeal rich in fiber and not containing cholesterol. Fibers help to reduce the total level and LDL cholesterol levels. Such beverages as green tea help to decrease LDL cholesterol. Foods with stanols, plant sterols greatly benefit the people trying to lower cholesterol fast. These include nuts, brown rice, pumpkin seeds, whole wheat, such vegetables as tomato, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and so on.