In fact, there are many natural ways to lower cholesterol that are far cheaper than the more common pharmaceutical options. The biggest advantage is, natural methods do not have the same adverse side effects.

Now just in case you're new to the subject of cholesterol, here's a quick run-through: cholesterol is actually a lipid that binds to a carrier apoprotein molecule. It is this compound that can either be classified according to density into either LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) or HDL (High-Desnity Lipoprotein).

Why it is Important to Raise HDL Cholesterol

Higher levels of LDL are typically associated with conditions such as artherosclerosis, however take care to note that some believe that only LDLs damaged by free radicals are responsible for artherosclerosis. HDLs on the other hand bind with the LDLs that are not utilized and transport them to the liver.

All things considered, having a higher HDL count and a lower LDL count makes for a decreased chance of having cholesterol problems as time moves on.

What Causes Low HDL

To know how to raise HDL cholesterol, you should first know what causes it to be low in the first place. First and foremost, and probably the most obvious, is genetics. If you've got a family history of heart problems or cardiovascular problems, then it could be that you were born with a liver unable to produce sufficient HDL. In addition to genetics, certain drugs like steroids also have the ability to lower HDL as well as certain bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol abuse.

How To Raise HDL Cholesterol

That being said, let's look at how to increase HDL levels. The most prominent among these include a healthy dose of exercise. Now when we say exercise, we don't necessarily mean walking for 30 minutes a day, a couple of days a week.

Your exercise should be focused on the cardiovascular system and be moderate to heavy for at least 45 minutes per day, 3 to 4 days a week.

In addition to exercise, there are a number of vitamins and various nutrients to look out for that can help increase your HDL levels such as policasonal, vitamin C, vitamin E, grape seed extract and, of course, niacin.

Cholesterol Lowering Diets

By now you're probably wondering "Are there any foods that can lower my cholesterol?". The answer to this is actually more tricky than you might think, seeing as only 15% of dietary cholesterol forms part of your cholesterol count when it reaches the blood. The remaining 85% is produced by the body.

However, but there are certain foods to avoid and others to look out for optimal cholesterol ratios. Those to avoid include foods with refined sugars, saturated fats and trans-fats such as junk food, deep fried foods, etc. Foods to eat on a regular basis include fruits, vegetables and other whole foods.

I would highly recommend Cardio-Klenz to anyone who is looking for how to increase HDL levels. This all natural product helps to balance LDL and triglyceride levels and also helps gradually break down the plaque in the arteries. Because Cardio-Klenz only contains natural ingredients it can be safely used without the risk of any adverse side effects.

Many people believe that cholesterol is the main cause of heart disease. The truth is cholesterol is not the only cause of heart disease or any other disease for that matter. Cholesterol can become lodged in tissues and when it becomes oxidized it can cause problems. When this happens it can cause chronic inflammation which is capable of injuring the lining of arteries.

It is possible for some good fats to become oxidized really easily however this doesn’t mean that they should be avoided all the time.

Is there such a Thing as Good and Bad Cholesterol?

Extensive clinical research shows that cholesterol is vital to every cell. Neither HDL nor LDL is actually cholesterol at all. In reality, both are lipoproteins.

HDL is also known as high density lipoprotein and LDL stands for low density protein. There really isn’t good or bad cholesterol. LDL and HDL are simply forms of proteins that are often referred to as cholesterol despite far from being just cholesterol.

It is the small dense LDL particles that can be problem makers. This is true because these particles are just small enough to be able to fit in between the lining of arteries. When these particles become oxidized or turn rancid then they can begin causing damage and even inflammation. I guess you could suggest there is good LDL and bad LDL if you really wanted to.

How can I Lower my Cholesterol?

If you are still asking yourself, “How can I lower my cholesterol?”, then this article is for you.

While it is commonly believed that the amount of cholesterol that one takes in is an important factor in determining that individual’s cholesterol levels, it is quiet the opposite. The amount of cholesterol taken in plays a small part in determining an individual’s cholesterol levels.

The truth is that most of the cholesterol in your bloodstream really originates from your liver as it manufactures and distributes it. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as good cholesterol because is it capable of keeping cholesterol away from tissues and arteries while it travels back to the liver. This is why some individuals think it is a good idea to increase good cholesterol.

What should I do to help Balance my Cholesterol Levels?

Before trying to balance out your cholesterol levels, you’ll want to take a cholesterol blood test to determine what your current cholesterol levels are. If they are high then you’ll find yourself asking how can I lower my cholesterol? Well, a good way to start is to develop and follow a cholesterol reducing diet.

While cholesterol is good and necessary for your health, it isn’t a good idea to have high cholesterol levels. Everything should balance itself out. You may need to reduce high cholesterol by avoiding foods that contain trans fats and refined sugars. It is best for your overall health to stick to a low cholesterol diet that comprises almost 90% of whole, unprocessed foods.

There are some natural options to help reduce your cholesterol such as Cholest-Natural. Cholest-Natural is capable of lowering your LDL cholesterol while increasing your HDL cholesterol. It will also help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Cholest-Natural provides benefits for the entire cardiovascular system. Cardio-Klenz is a good natural way to give your arteries and veins a good spring cleaning. It is able to help break down plague that is found in the arteries and help dispose of it. I have used both Cholest-Natural and Cardio-Klenz and I recommend both as they are excellent products to help with your cholesterol problems.

Dietary Cholesterol vs. Blood Cholesterol

Contrary to popular belief, not all cholesterol comes from food. In fact, 85% of cholesterol is manufactured by the body while the remaining 15% comes from the food we eat. So what's the big deal then?

Well, although only 15% of your cholesterol comes from what you eat, it could still add to your body's cholesterol levels. Where some people may have naturally low endogenous cholesterol (manufactured by the liver) levels, others have high endogenous cholesterol levels. This increase in cholesterol has been associated with a condition called atherosclerosis which is the build up of plaque in the arteries, thereby restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Good Cholesterol & Bad Cholesterol

If you've done your cholesterol reading, you'll remember that there is something like "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol". These actually refer to the type of carrier molecule that binds and transports the cholesterol.

When these carrier molecules bind with cholesterol, they form what is called lipoproteins. There are 2 kinds of lipoproteins- low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as "bad cholesterol" and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) which is often referred to as "good cholesterol".

The main reason that LDL is referred to as "bad cholesterol" is not due to the high levels in the blood. It is because of damage incurred by free radicals in the blood that target the cardiovascular system. When LDLs get damaged, they become oxidized. It is this oxidized LDL that sticks to the artery walls, bringing about conditions such as atherosclerosis.

HDL Foods

HDL, or "good cholesterol", binds with LDL and transports it back to the liver to be "recycled". However if an individual is suffering from atherosclerosis or high blood cholesterol, then it can simply mean that there are two possible explanations. It could be either they have too little HDL in their blood or, too many free radicals.

It is therefore a good idea to eat HDL-increasing foods such as onions, foods containing niacin or even consume a moderate amount of alcohol. However the key is to lower cholesterol naturally – "bad cholesterol" that is. And as we have stated, "bad cholesterol" is in fact not LDL, but damaged LDLs.

Foods To Avoid (High Cholesterol

So with the aim of keeping the walls that line the arteries clear, we have to focus on foods that do not cause free radicals to circulate in our systems. These include vegetables or meats fried in oil (such as potato, and red meats), foods with refined fats and/or sugars and generally just junk food. These are foods with high cholesterol, but also foods that could increase the free radical count in the blood, thereby increasing the chances of LDL going "bad" and building up inside the arteries.

Diets For High Cholesterol

There are many diets that attempt to combat high cholesterol. These often include foods such as berries and pure green teas. However take note that to truly combat high cholesterol, it is important not to depend too much on low cholesterol food lists alone, but to use them in conjunction with a diet rich in antioxidants to combat those free radicals, thereby leaving your LDLs undamaged and keeping them off your artery walls.

To summarize, we'll give you our take on how to beat "bad cholesterol". First on the list, as is usually the case, is exercise. This means moderate exercise for at least 45 minutes, three or four days per week. However exercise alone won't do the trick.

Still wondering which food to eat to lower cholesterol? A healthy diet consisting of whole, unprocessed food that includes all the essential nutrients and supplements such as Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 6 is essential. These include fruits, vegetables and nuts.

And just in case you are looking for a viable supplement to help you along the way, Cardio-Klenz could be just the thing to keep your heart clean and in good condition.

Egg Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure

While you probably would not use eggs as a food to lower cholesterol, recent studies have shown a positive relationship between egg cholesterol and high blood pressure. It would seem that our bodies require a certain amount of cholesterol to maintain clear arteries and function properly. In addition, some of the proteins in eggs work very much like many of the prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Your Body Passes Most Eaten Cholesterol

When it comes to eggs high cholesterol, your body is unable to absorb the most of the cholesterol it takes in. Most of the cholesterol in a person’s blood is made in the body, not consumed in foods. Lowering the amount of saturated fats consumed will have more impact on blood cholesterol than eating eggs.

The protein in one egg, along with the nutrients choline and lutein, do more good for the body than the minute amount of cholesterol actually absorbed does harm.

Impact of High Cholesterol Levels

It may surprise you to know that high cholesterol levels have been linked with many benefits to the body. This is the reason for the separation into HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). High cholesterol levels benefit the body in the following ways:

• Provide protection from infection
• Increase life expectancy
• Increase testosterone levels in the body

A Truly Heart Healthy Diet

The best ways to avoid developing heart disease or coronary artery blockage have nothing to do with the amount of cholesterol in one’s diet. The keys are to limit calories consumed, increase exercise, consume a limited and balanced amount of fats in the omega 3/6/9 categories, limit saturated fats, avoid trans fats completely, and reduce the intake of carbohydrates. Make sure that the carbs one does eat are complex, so that they take a long time to digest and release their energy in a steady stream to the body.

If one is still intent on avoiding egg cholesterol, separating the white from the yolk and eating only the whites will remove the cholesterol completely. It also removes most of the nutrients and all the flavor. Truthfully, there is no reason to avoid eating eggs to maintain a healthy heart.

Eggs and cholesterol have a relationship that cannot be separated. Eggs do contain the most cholesterol per serving of any food. Yet, the cholesterol in the egg is not the culprit that it has been made out to be when it comes to heart disease. There are good ways to change one’s diet to reduce cholesterol, but eliminating eggs isn’t one of them.

All About Cholesterol Levels

Individuals who are twenty years and older should have their cholesterol levels measured once every five years. Your levels are measured by using a sample of your blood. A sample of your blood can be taken quickly and easily.

After your levels have been tested you will be made aware of the number of milligrams of cholesterol that is found within a deciliter of your blood. The normal amount of cholesterol that you should have in your blood should be up to one hundred ninety nine milligrams per deciliter.

It is normal to have up to one hundred and twenty nine milligrams of LDL cholesterol in a deciliter of your blood. You should have at least thirty five milligrams of HDL cholesterol in a deciliter of your blood.

These are the normal recommended cholesterol levels although some authorities recommend that it is better if you have a lower average cholestrol level than mentioned above. However, it is strongly advisable that you follow the cholesterol level scale above because lower levels can lead to health issues.

What you need to know about HDL and LDL Cholestrol Levels

First and foremost, you’ll need to understand what HDL and LDL cholesterol is. LDL cholesterol is referred to bad cholesterol while HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol. When you get a test done you should be given your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride level, and your total cholesterol. Tests that only provide your total cholesterol level is not as reliable as a test that provides all of the things mentioned above.

Your HDL to LDL cholesterol levels ratio is actually more important than your total cholesterol level. Individuals who have high cholesterol levels but good HDL or LDL cholesterol ratios and good triglyceride levels might not be at as much of a risk as individuals with a low total cholesterol count and high triglyceride count.

What to know about LDL cholesterol

First and foremost, you should know that LDL cholesterol can be calculated theoretically using a LDL cholesterol calc. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as the bad form of cholesterol.

LDLs, also known as low density lipoproteins, often attach to a wall of arteries and eventually create plaque. Over a period of time the plaque and build and block your arteries. This can eventually result in a heart attack. They can also block your brain capillaries causing your brain to become deprived of oxygen which can eventually lead to a stroke.

It can be difficult to determine a good cholesterol level for LDL. The needed cholesterol range is almost always estimated using a formula with the levels of HDL and triglycerides. Therefore, this measurement can sometimes be misleading.

If you are having a hard time controlling your cholesterol levels then I highly recommend using Cholest-Natural. Cholest-Natural is an all natural product that is highly effective for slowing down your body’s cholesterol production and bringing down your cholestrol levels. It also helps increase your blood fats excretion and helps lower your risk of having heart disease.

One class of drugs often prescribed for lowering cholesterol is statins. These medications have been linked to some nasty side effects, however. That is why we searched for natural cures for high cholesterol to use as statin alternatives.

Grapefruit – One of the Natural Cures for Cholesterol

For those with high cholesterol, natural remedies are often found in the grocery store. Grapefruit has been shown to be very effective in lowering LDL, bad cholesterol and is considered among the best natural cures for cholesterol. Its one drawback is the fructose (sugar) content, which can cause an exaggerated insulin reaction.

One study divided people into three groups. One group ate a red grapefruit each day, another, a white grapefruit, and the third no grapefruit. The group that ate the red grapefruit was found have the greatest reduction in triglycerides (fat) in their blood streams. The white grapefruit produces significant lowering of triglyceride levels as well, just not as much as the red.

Orange Juice- One of the Newer Remedies of High Cholesterol

One of the newer remedies for high cholesterol is the introduction of plant sterols into orange juice. While sterols have been used for years in products such as margarine with some success, their use in orange juice is questionable. Orange juice has a very high sugar content which can lead to a diabetic condition, making the situation worse instead of better.

Vegetable juices contain plant sterols naturally with less sugar. This makes them a better alternative to high fructose fruit juices.

Blueberries – Another Natural Cholesterol Remedy

A recent finding in the world of cholesterol remedies, blueberries contain the antioxidant compound pterostilbene, which shares many qualities with the cholesterol lowering antioxidant, resveratrol, which is found in grapes and wine. Blueberries have already been shown to have several other health benefits. But, use them in moderation because they are a fruit, and too many can lead to an overload of fructose.

Flower Power- Natural Cures for High Cholesterol

Some cholesterol natural remedies were around before we knew cholesterol was a problem. Certain cholesterol lowering herbs have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. An extract made from the Hibiscus Sabdariffa L has been used to treat high blood pressure and liver dysfunctions for many years. In a recent study using rats, it was shown to drastically reduce the LDL cholesterol in their blood streams.

Benefits of Natural Cures for High Cholesterol

All of the above mentioned products have something in common. All are natural remedies for high cholesterol that are quite effective without resorting to the potentially dangerous statin drugs. While side effects are minimal, most of these are fruits and contain high amounts of the simple sugar, fructose, which can cause a jump in insulin and eventually lead to diabetes if overdone.

The best cholesterol remedies that I have found for controlling cholesterol and reducing LDL, the bad cholesterol, is called Cholest-Natural. This product is made from all natural ingredients that have none of the side effects associated with statin class drugs. In addition, it does not contain fructose, therefore it won’t create a worse problem with blood sugar while it is doing its job.

Recognizing Foods High in Cholesterol

One of the first things that people will start to consider when they start dieting for cholesterol is how much cholesterol is contained in certain foods. Eggs are often considered the culprit because they are known to contain a high percentage of cholesterol.

But eggs are an excellent source of protein. It is important for anyone who is seeking to manage their cholesterol with their diet to realize that a healthy, balanced diet should be the goal, not giving up food high in cholesterol.

Some people give up eggs and other foods for high cholesterol. This is not the answer. It is important to have a healthy, balanced diet to maintain ideal cholesterol levels.

Studies indicate that there is no convincing evidence of intake of dietary cholesterol linked to heart disease from raised blood cholesterol.

Only 20 percent of the cholesterol in your system is produced by your diet. The majority of the cholesterol in your system is produced by your liver. This is why it is important to eat good cholesterol food to create a balance.

What are Ideal Cholesterol Levels?

The body produces both good and bad cholesterol that comprise cholesterol levels. Ideal cholesterol levels are below 200. Both good and bad cholesterol have to be taken into account when you are considering ideal cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol levels can be maintained by eating good cholesterol food that will balance out the cholesterol levels in the body. Foods for high cholesterol include natural foods such as whole grains that are part of a healthy diet.

What are Bad Cholesterol Foods?

Bad cholesterol foods include foods that are loaded with trans fats as well as hydrogenated fats found in deep fried or fast foods. These bad cholesterol foods are not necessary for a healthy diet and should be avoided.

Saturated fats from processed foods are more harmful to the blood cholesterol than cholesterol rich foods such as eggs, according to studies.

Eating foods for high cholesterol entails eating foods that can balance the cholesterol levels in the body. A healthy diet consists of foods contained in the food pyramid, including fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains.

People need to eat a healthy, balanced diet if they are to take control of their cholesterol problem and eliminate high cholesterol. Excluding food high in cholesterol is not the answer. Eating good cholesterol food, however, can help reduce bad cholesterol and comprise ideal cholesterol levels.

Benefits of Natural Cholesterol Supplements

We need some amount of cholesterol to live. Our bodies produce cholesterol on their own. In fact, our liver produces more cholesterol in our bodies than we derive from the foods we eat. Natural cholesterol supplements can help supply our bodies with good cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol and create a balance.

I recommend taking Cholest-Natural as a natural way to balance healthy cholesterol in the system. Cholest-Natural is a supplement that is produced by Xtend-Life, a company that is devoted to producing all natural products to enable people to lower their cholesterol without drugs.

I have been recommending products like Cholest-Natural and Cardio-Klenz, another healthy supplement that lowers cholesterol naturally, to friends and family and they have met with much success. This is because the ingredients contained in these supplements have been proven to reduce bad cholesterol without the use of drugs that can have negative side effects.

To learn more about cholesterol and good cholesterol food, read “The Great Cholesterol Con” by Anthony Colpo.

While some doctors advise you to lower cholesterol without drugs, most will fall back on the use of statin drugs that have a proven track record in reducing cholesterol. But what do you really know about these drugs?

An Overview Of Lipitor – Cholesterol Reducing Drug

The top cholesterol reducing drug is Lipitor, made by Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company. While this statin drug does work to reduce the levels of harmful cholesterol in the system, there are also side effects from the drug that many people feel are under reported.

It has been speculated that much of the positive press about Lipitor as a cholesterol reducing drug was generated by companies like Pfizer. According to researcher Dr. Beatrice Golomb, Pfizer earns $9 billion dollars a year from the sale of Lipitor.

Adverse Side Effects of Statin

Some of the statins side effects include damage to the liver and kidneys over a long period of time. Anyone taking statin drugs such as Lipitor needs to have their liver enzymes monitored closely by their physician.

Liver damage is one of the predominant side effects of taking statin drugs to reduce cholesterol, although these harmful effects are often underplayed by the pharmaceutical companies.

Looking For Statin Alternatives

If you have high cholesterol numbers, over 200, you should seek out statin alternatives when you are trying to figure out how to reduce cholesterol.

Many people will avoid foods that are high in cholesterol as a way to lower cholesterol without drugs. The trick is to eat a balanced, healthy diet.

Eating a balanced diet that includes some cholesterol reducing foods is preferable to taking statin drugs like Lipitor. Because most people do not understand the concept of how to lower cholesterol without drugs, they often get frustrated as they avoid foods loaded with cholesterol and still receive a report of high cholesterol numbers from the doctor.

How To Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

We need both LDL and HDL cholesterol in our bodies for them to function properly. Yes -even the bad cholesterol is necessary. But when there is an abundance of bad cholesterol, this can cause an imbalance in the system and lead to heart disease, among other problems.

There are natural alternates to reduce cholesterol that work, without the side effects of statin drugs.

These include Policosanol, Lecithin, Theaflavins, Phytosterols, Rice Bran oil and Oryzanol to name a few. Clinical studies for these products have proven to be effective to reduce cholesterol.

A Good Alternative- Cholest-Natural

One product that I recommend for lowering cholesterol is Cholest-Natural. This is a natural product that is manufactured by Xtend-Life. The ingredients in Cholest Natural have been shown to lower cholesterol and bring about a balance in cholesterol levels.

The best thing about Cholest Natural is that it is a natural supplement that does not have the potential for negative side effects as the statin drugs. My friends and family with high cholesterol have had a lot of success in balancing their cholesterol with this product.

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you owe it to yourself to try to reduce cholesterol naturally. By using a supplement such as Cholest-Natural, you can reduce the bad cholesterol in your system, seek a balance of your cholesterol numbers and not incur any of the negative side effects of cholesterol drugs.