By Suzana How to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally
There are various ways to reduce cholesterol naturally. Some people, however, may opt to take medications to reduce their cholesterol level. But then, medications can be harmful to ones health. One must learn to reduce cholesterol naturally to save one life from the adverse effects of medications and more importantly, from the health risks associated with high cholesterol. One must only commit to several approaches that help reduce cholesterol naturally and they are on their way to live healthier and longer.
Why One Needs to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally?
High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which results from the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. The LDL cholesterol which has been deposited in the walls of the arteries forms plaque, which narrows the blood vessels. As a result, circulation is affected. The blood flowing to the vital organs such as the heart and brain is impeded and thus the risk for heart diseases and stroke increases. As part of the healthy heart regimen, people with high cholesterol should seek ways to lower cholesterol safely.
Ways to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally
There are certain guidelines to follow in reducing cholesterol naturally. One must gradually make the necessary changes in their diet and lifestyle for better health. It was found that regular exercise is more effective than drugs in reducing cholesterol safely. The most important positive effect of regular exercise is its ability to increase the level of HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Engaging in a physical activity does not cause any adverse effect, but has positive effects on cardiac health. Therefore, it should be one of the changes that people with high cholesterol must commit to.
In addition to regular exercise, dietary changes are another way to lower cholesterol naturally. Mostly, the diet is high in saturated fats, which increase the level of LDL cholesterol. Cutting the intake of fatty foods and increasing intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains and nuts is a necessary change that should be made in the diet. Fiber has been found to have cholesterol-lowering effects primarily because dietary fiber binds with cholesterol and promotes its excretion from the body. In addition, one may not totally eliminate fat from the diet, but the diet may still be supplemented with fats by replacing saturated fats with healthy oils such as olive and canola oil.