Cholesterol is a soft and waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all cells of the body. It helps in the formation of cell membranes and some hormones, and performs other necessary functions in a healthy body. Cholesterol and other fats don't dissolve in the blood, and are carried from cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL Cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol
LDL is the main cholesterol carrier in the blood. If there is too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain forming plaque that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as arteriosclerosis. The higher level of LDL cholesterol (160 mg/dL and above) increases the risk of heart disease, so LDL cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol. A Person having lower levels of LDL cholesterol has a lower risk of heart disease.
HDL carries about a third to a quarter of blood cholesterol. It is believed that HDL can carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because a high HDL level can protect against heart attack.
Cholesterol Lowering Diet
Cholesterol lowering diets target to balance LDL and HDL cholesterol to reduce the risks. There are a number of low-fat diets and drug programs available. A diet, which works also as the drug program and better than the low-fat diet options, is the Portfolio Diet.
Studies have shown that drinking 3 glasses of 27% pure cranberry juice daily for 3 months, which can reduce the risk of heart disease by 40%, can boost HDL Levels.
The Portfolio Diet helps in lowering cholesterol and it contains low-fat vegetarian foods such as oats, barley, legumes, eggplant, raw almonds and the bulk-fiber laxative Metamucil, three times a day. It also contains soy in the form of soy yogurt or soy milk.
Sample Meal Plan
Breakfast
Soy milk, oat bran, fruit.
Lunch
Oat bran bread, tomato, vegetarian chili.
Dinner
Soy burger, northern beans, barley, vegetarian curry, cauliflower, onions, red pepper.
Supplementation
Also take a fiber supplement and laxative such as Metamucil, 3 times per day for soluble fiber from psyllium. |
