Our
body needs cholesterol in order to make vitamin D, hormones, and cell
membranes. Unlike other nutrients that must be consumed, most of the
cholesterol in our body is made by our body, with only 25% of the cholesterol
circulating in our blood made from the foods we eat. The Kids Health
Organization explains the role and risk factors of cholesterol.
When
we have a blood cholesterol test, our health care provider pays special
attention to, not only the total cholesterol number, but also to the amount of
high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL, the good
cholesterol, travels through the many miles of blood vessels in our body
mopping up the "bad" low density lipoprotein (LDL). Saturated fat
found in animal products such as egg yolks, full fat dairy, and butter
contribute to elevated LDL. If cholesterol levels get too high, good HDL
cholesterol is unable to remove the excess cholesterol. LDL cholesterol
oxidizes, or turns rancid, and is deposited on artery walls forming a hard
substance called plaque. Plaque makes arteries narrower and stiffer, reducing
blood flow and causing blockage. "Hardening of the arteries" is a
good description of the process.
Science Daily covers very recent
research which argues that it is not the eating of cholesterol foods that cause
cardiovascular damage, but damage comes from eating cholesterol foods that are
oxidized, or made rancid by frying in reused oils or eating lots of
polyunsaturated fats or transfats. Heart damage is made worse by smoking.
Helpful
Supplements
The
Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that plant sterols have a similar
chemical structure to cholesterol. Plant sterols can actually block the
absorption of cholesterol and help eliminated it naturally through the body,
thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
Plant sterols need to be absorbed along with fat to be effective. They are
naturally found in seeds and nuts. Research confirms that supplementing with at
least 1,500 mg of plant sterols daily can result in a 10% to 15% reduction in
LDL levels.
Phytomega contains the
research-recommended two grams of plant sterols along with heart healthy
omega-3, CoQ10, and ALA. Omega-3 fatty acids were found to reduce the
occurrence of non-fatal coronary events, including heart attack in patients
with high cholesterol, by 19%.
We
have frequently noted that omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our health. Yet
our body can only get omega-3 fatty acids through food or supplements. The
University of Maryland reports that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help reduce
the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. They note that
omega-3 fatty acids may also be useful for twenty other conditions. Phytomega and Vitality Coldwater Omega-3
contain omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Another
important cholesterol fighter is fiber. Soluble fiber, found in oats, psyllium
seeds, beans, and many fruits, dissolves in water becoming gel-like. As a gel
it traps and eliminates excess fats, cholesterol, and sugars. FiberWise contains
seven natural fibers, 80% soluble and 20% insoluble, plus soothing herbs,
antioxidants, and probiotics.
FiberWise not only helps maintain regularity but also helps
lower cholesterol, helps keep blood sugar levels balanced, and enhances general
health.
Another
natural
ingredient that helps raise good HDL cholesterol is the cranberry. Two tasty chewable CranBarrier tablets
contain 1,000 mg of cranberry extract which is the amount found in ten ounces
of pure undiluted cranberry juice.
ProvexCV is a superstar in
the fight against heart disease. It reduces LDL oxidation, thus reducing
inflammation. A PubMed abstract highlights
the multiple
heart protecting properties of grape extracts along with its ability to reduce
LDL cholesterol oxidation.
New
research is showing that probiotics in the digestive tract also regulate
cholesterol metabolism. The
Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that "friendly
bacteria" helps us digest food, regulate hormones, produce vitamins, and
enhance vitamin and mineral absorption. Now research is showing that probiotics in the digestive tract
also regulate cholesterol metabolism.
Florify contains a blend of
five billion colony units of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium
lactis. Lactobacillus is the prevalent good bacteria in the small intestine and
Bifidobacterium is the most dominant good bacteria in the large intestine.
In
review: Along with your Vitality
supplements, make sure you are including Coldwater
Omega-3, FiberWise,
Phytomega,
and ProvexCV.
For added protection add CranBarrier
and Florify.