Advantages And Disadvantages Of Cholesterol

March 9th, 2010

Cholesterol seems to get a bad rap these days as people become more conscious of how their health can be influenced by what they eat. The reality is that there are advantages and disadvantages of cholesterol. It is a vital substance for the body but too much can cause health problems that are potentially fatal. This article will discuss some of the things that cholesterol does in the body and some of the problems that can occur if there is too much in the body.

Cholesterol is often described as a waxy substance. Approximately 80% of the cholesterol that is needed by the body is made in the liver. The rest to acquired through eating substances with cholesterol in them or by eating sugars, fats and proteins that can be converted to cholesterol. Most products with cholesterol in them are animal products like dairy goods and meat. Sugars, fats and proteins are fairly obvious. The fats to watch out for are saturated and trans fats. Processed foods often contain these types of fats, especially things like cakes, biscuits and potato chips.

Some of the advantages of cholesterol

Cholesterol is a hard substance that is used in the membranes of each cell in the body. It gives the cell strength and rigidity.

Increase vitamin D. Vitamin D is used in the immune system and can help to regulate blood pressure. If a person is in the sun, the sunlight will convert cholesterol to vitamin D.

Cholesterol acts as a transport for various antioxidant vitamins and enzymes, particularly vitamin A and E.

Skin Protection. The waxy substance acts as a protective layer against sun and wind damage. It has been found in higher than normal levels in scar tissue suggesting that it is involved in the healing process.

Disadvantages of cholesterol

Cholesterol is not soluble in the blood so it has to be transported by attaching to lipoproteins in the blood. The two important types of lipoproteins are known as low density and high density lipoproteins.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) transport cholesterol away from the liver for use in the functions described above. However, when there is too much LDL cholesterol it tends to stick to the artery walls. This is know as thickening arteries or athersclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause high blood pressure as the volume of the arteries is decreased. It can lead to blood clots if there are blockages in the arteries. This can lead to a stroke. Ultimately, too much cholesterol leads to heart disease.

High density lipoproteins (HDL) are responsible for transporting cholesterol back to the liver where it is excreted.

LDL cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol. The aim of anyone with a high cholesterol reading is to reduce LDL and increase HDL.

This can be done be modifying eating habits so that more fiber is eaten. Eat less carbohydrates and the right type of fats. Saturated and trans fats are out. Take on regular exercise to utilize excess calories consumed and to work the body.

Hair and Nail Vitamins

March 5th, 2010

Hair and nails are very good indicators of the general health condition of the body. Any kind of illness or stress is reflected through the skin, hair and fingernails. Hair and nails show symptoms such as brittleness, thinning, breaking, and splitting when neglected or when the body goes through extreme pressure conditions. Even when the body is deficient in essential nutrients, the hair and fingernails shows the signs.

Nutrition is very important for the body. Even though hair and fingernails are just dead cells, they are an important indicator of the general well being of a person. Nutrition for the body is derived from the food we take. When the body does not receive the essential nutrients, or if it loses the ability to absorb nutrients from the food it receives, it causes the body to use up internal resources. This causes weakness in the body parts and is reflected in the skin, hair and fingernails. In order to have healthy hair and finger nails, it is very important to consume food that contains some major vitamins like vitamin A (produces healthy sebum in the scalp), vitamin C (antioxidant), vitamin E (improves scalp circulation), Biotin (produces Keratin), Inositol (keeps hair follicles healthy), Niacin (promotes scalp circulation) and pantothenic acid, Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 that prevent graying and hair loss. Of these, vitamin E is found to have a significant influence on the health of not just hair but also skin and fingernails.

Most vitamins are derived from food. The most common food-based sources of vitamins are: citrus fruits, green vegetables, fruits like pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, potatoes, green peppers, cheese, vegetable oils, soybean, raw seeds, dried beans, wheat germ oil, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, eggs, liver, rice, milk, fish, turkey, chicken and red meat. Other nutrients required by the body are proteins and minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and essential fatty acids.

There are several products in the market today that act as essential vitamins for hair and nails. These are in the form of oils, shampoos, gels, sprays, lotions and creams. These are generally prescribed by specialists but some are also available over the counter. However, it is better to consult a specialist before using these products. There are also hundreds of websites that provide information about these products. They can also be ordered online.

The Truth About Cholesterol

March 4th, 2010

Nowadays everybody speaks of cholesterol, how bad it is, how you should exercise to keep your cholesterol levels down, how you shouldn’t eat fatty foods because they get your cholesterol level up, but what’s really the truth about cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a sterol combined with a lipid but leaving aside the chemical composition of cholesterol what does it do in our body apart from apparently making us sick? Answer: A lot. The body is entirely made up by cells. Cells have a membrane. The truth is cholesterol helps keep the integrity of the cell’s membrane. At high temperatures, the cell’s membrane tends to get more fluid, in this case cholesterol holds it together making sure it doesn’t split. At low temperatures, the cell’s membrane tends to solidify, this must not happen because water, air and nutrients have to be able to go through it so in this case cholesterol makes it more fluid making it possible for the cell to survive.

So we cannot speak of “benefits” of cholesterol since it’s a part of every cell and without it our cells would die from lack of nutrients in cold situations or explode in hot temperatures.

Cholesterol is also the precursor for all steroid hormones such as cortisones, androgens (testosterone and estrogen included) and several Vitamins such as A, D, E and K. When pushed to its limits our body secretes cortisones (made up from adding and removing various components from cholesterol) designed to give the ultimate response. Many doctors when fighting off an infection give their patients cortisones; well these cortisones can be made naturally in the body using cholesterol so why do doctors tell their patients to “watch out for bad cholesterol“.

Good vs. Bad cholesterol: The body secretes a number of types of lipoproteins to deal with the regulation of cholesterol but two main ones are HDL (high density lipoproteins) and LDL (low density lipoproteins). They are both secreted by the liver. LDL is in charge of taking cholesterol to where it is needed somewhere in the body but when levels are high the liver secretes HDL which gathers cholesterol from the organism and takes it to the liver to be turned into bile and excreted. What happens? When cholesterol levels in the blood get too high like after eating a big barbecue cholesterol traveling with LDL might break off from the LDL and deposit itself in the walls of arteries that could eventually lead to clogged arteries, aneurisms or arteriosclerosis, all pathologies of the arteries. HDL can remove the cholesterol present in the arteries. Hence, LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol and HDL is “good” cholesterol.

So what’s the truth? Cholesterol is made by the body for the body to use. It is more than indispensable for the body’s natural functions at a cellular level. However, the body is quite capable of making the cholesterol it needs, it does not need “our help” with it. Us ingesting huge amounts of cholesterol like with a fatty steak or eating some bacon gets our LDL levels up in our blood stream and could eventually bring some other complications as the body gets accustomed to the new levels of cholesterol.

Health and Beauty Trivia

February 24th, 2010

This is not a litany of do's and do, but fragments of information with one objective in mind – so they are better informed so you will be able to choose their life choices more wisely. Cause to celebrate the liberation from ignorance of a greater capacity to support life in better health, provided, of course, use the knowledge gained to make the right decisions.

The only one who can make the decision you are.

Questions Bugs Bunny

The smart-alecky rabbit, but rather had. Carrots are good for theheart. You can prevent the formation of plaques on the walls of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis to prevent the flow of blood thus help prevent heart attacks.

Try to eat a carrot big day. This will give 11,000 IU (international units) of vitamin A from beta-carotene. And it is a bonus. Vitamin A is a nutrient skin. If you have a sweet, light skin complexion and overall great, you look at this powerful vitamin.

For Men Only

The amino acid arginine hasSubject of numerous studies, particularly that help erections stronger.

The natural Viagra, this amino acid for the normal functioning of the pituitary gland is required. The increase in blood flow to the penis, but not have the same effect on everyone. For maximum effectiveness, 3-6 grams (3,000-6,000 mg) are taken 45 minutes before sexual intercourse.

Arginine may also improve fertility in men, the increase in the number of spermatozoa. A reminder, and stimulates the immune systemThymus gland to increase the number of T cells, which help the immune system defenses against cancer.

Male and female fitness fanatic / bodybuilder can lead to two grams (2,000 mg) one hour before training. For mental alertness should be 2,000 mg at bedtime. The next morning, the brain must be fully charged.

Natural sources of arginine are nuts, jelly, chocolate, brown rice, oats, raisins, sunflower seeds / sesame seeds, wheat bread, and rich in proteinFoods.

Arginine and L-arginine should not respond to growing children or people with schizophrenia or conditions that occur with herpes. Caution: Do not exceed the 20-30 grams per day, as they may cause bone and joint deformities.

The concerns of women

Add apples, grapes, grape juice and raisins to your diet. They contain boron that can minimize bone loss in women after menopause.

Apples and grapes for a snack with a great diet. If you are trying to get something sweet, Munchfor life-friendly fruit.

Note While the coffee and tea with his friends can be your favorite pastime, you know that black coffee may not be good for you.

Tannins are found in both drinks is suspected of causing cancer. However, the protein in milk neutralizes tannin. So take your coffee or tea with milk.

A weekly body scrub is what your skin needs to shine extra. He wakes up dull skin. Attempts to Godiva Vitamin C daily exfoliation for the face.

Body Polish

2 tablespoonsExtra virgin coconut oil, olive or apricot oil

2 tablespoons of sugar cane, first oatmeal, sea salt, powdered raw juice
Mix well.

Scrub body from head to toe. Upward strokes to stimulate lymphatic flow rapidly to a better blood circulation, which has a detoxifying effect.

Note: Use only Sugar Scrub your face, not salt. It is rather delicate.

Improving quality of life

Cancer is a disease of lifestyle. This means that what you do every day, which helpsTheir health good or bad.

In a four-year study in the Netherlands, it was learned that the risk of gastric cancer can be reduced by 50 percent if you're going to eat half an onion a day. Onion allyl sulfides can activate enzymes that neutralize carcinogens.

Powerful flavonoids in red grapes are more than a thousand times stronger than vitamin E in control "bad" cholesterol.

Lowering Cholesterol with Policosanol

February 16th, 2010

Policosanol is a non-prescription medication that is advertised as a natural way to treat high cholesterol. It is a mixture of alcohols isolated from sugarcane and sugar. The main ingredient in Policosanol Octacosanol is, but as the name implies, is actually a mixture of many (hence the prefix "poly") alcohols, including Hexacosanol, Triacontanol and others.

Many animal studies with Policosanol, Cuba by an American made American companies that show a> Cholesterol-lowering effect, and more recently human studies have suggested that LDL cholesterol can be achieved similar to a certain extent be reduced with statins, cholesterol, and HDL can be increased to 10 to 25% difficult reach (an effect) with statins.

Studies have been made in the United States, showed no significant cholesterol-lowering effects in humans after the use of Policosanol. This is controversial, that many people outside of the UnitedMember takes to lower cholesterol.

Policosanol reduced (platelet aggregation, ie, the "stickiness" of platelets, the components of blood) to promote blood clotting, should be used cautiously, if at all, in patients treated with anticoagulants such as Coumadin. Other side effects include skin rash, headache, insomnia and gastrointestinal disorders.

If you are using this medication, discuss with your doctor first.

A problem Policosanol is that there are many differences in the samples available. It is not clear, for example, those resulting from beeswax, as "strong" as the Policosanol derived from sugar cane, or a mixture of fatty alcohols in the various preparations are equally effective.

Policosanol has been shown that an effective antioxidant. Free radicals are molecules that are charged to combine floating in the blood by oxidation of LDL particles of these components. Oxidized LDL> Cholesterol contributes to plaque formation and progression of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, resulting in risk of stroke or heart attacks. Policosanol has been shown against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol to protect.

Not much is known about Policosanol. If it comes to large pharmaceutical companies to block its introduction in the U.S. market, or will not be used, in fact, a good supplement to lower cholesterol is still tooconfirmed. This is a natural supplement derived and it is hoped that what is advertised, but only the future will tell.

Good cholesterol versus bad cholesterol – HDL or LDL good is good?

February 12th, 2010

I'm sure you've heard both good and bad cholesterol … but I do not know if the good cholesterol, HDL or LDL cholesterol is the good, you do? Or vice versa … is the bad cholesterol?

The way I remember it is LDL begins with L. .. and L for "sucks" LDL cholesterol … so, obviously, it would be wrong.

HDL starts with H. .. and H stands for "healthy" … And 'good cholesterol HDL.

Ok, nowyou know what the good cholesterol … It is the bad cholesterol, are, here are some other facts you should know about cholesterol

You may wonder why your "cholesterol" is not the same number in addition to LDL cholesterol (lowsy) and HDL (healthy cholesterol) together.

To obtain the total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, which are additive and LDL-cholesterol …but also add 1/5th of your triglycerides as well.

For example, if your HDL cholesterol is 80 … and your LDL is 90 … and your triglycerides are 100, total cholesterol was 190 (80% 2B 90% 2B 20) … HDL or LDL% 2B% 2B 1/5th of 100

Now you may think that is a cholesterol of 190 well … because 200 In rare cases it can happen, 190 is not a score healthy cholesterol.

You must take into account allParties.

For example, research shows the optimal LDL should be less than 100 … and everything is a LDL of 160 is too high.

And in the case of HDL, everything is under 40, as poor.

Triglycerides should be below 150

So, if cholesterol under 200 score, you can not decide to jump for joy up to ensure that the LDL cholesterol to less than 100 … The HDL is about 40 … and your triglycerides are less than 150
If so, by all means … directlyfor joy!

Fitness regimen to control high blood cholesterol

February 10th, 2010

One of the main causes of heart disease, hypercholesterolemia show Silent Assassin in most cases. The excess cholesterol in the blood or is the result of genes or the eating disorder. Since the human body produces the cholesterol itself, self-absorption of cholesterol should be completely cut off from food sources does not lead to its failure.

The risk of heart disease increases with age. It 'always advisable to undergo> Cholesterol check-up every five years. Elevated cholesterol in the regulation of blood and need adequate health care for the physician. For those who have inherited the disease, consult a doctor is more important.

To maintain a high cholesterol problems under control, you can begin after a day of prevention and treatment program. This is useful for those who had not yet been afflicted by problems of cholesterol. Regardless of the recommended therapythe doctor, you can include a series of activities designed to combat high cholesterol and improve your overall physique.

Nutrition: The impact of nutrition is very large, in order to combat any disruption. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, foods high in fiber, lean meats and poultry and fish (at least twice a week) and nonfat or 1 percent dairy products – low in saturated fat and trans fats and cholesterol – is excellent, keep your cholesterol levels incheck.
Exercise: Let prefer at least 30 minutes exercise in the form of walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, whatever you do, too.
Avoid smoking: Smoking, passive or apathetic affect cholesterol levels. So you try your best to quit this habit or to avoid to be exposed to ETS.
Follow a healthy lifestyle: Last but not least, a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Let your doctorCoach health. In the case of the dilemma, physicians should ask themselves.

To follow this fall under the normal health of cholesterol. Maintain the health of the heart in bright conditions, from a check on your cholesterol levels.

Choosing a Blood Pressure Monitor

February 6th, 2010

The doctor can, you should check your blood pressure at home if they are too high or low. This will help to indicate if you go all the serious problems and if the medication is correct. Until your blood pressure is regulated, you should check once in the morning and once in the evening. Make sure you set yourself and your arm against a solid surface. You should also follow all the instructions that came with the monitor and write Do not Forget YouThe date, time, and your readings. There are some machines that have a shop where you can record the readings. When choosing a monitor, the best choice is one that meets your needs. The cuff size is important, because if you do not fit properly, the blood pressure is not accurate. The size you need depends on the size of your arm. The standard cuff is suitable for most people, but if you're big or small arms, you probably need a large or small cuff.Your doctor or pharmacist can tell what the correct size.

A type of control is to monitor how aneroid. It is convenient because it can go anywhere. Squeeze a rubber ball from hand to expand the cuff. A dial indicator with a pointer is where you see the reading. Since the stethoscope is already in the monitor, no need to buy a building. There are some drawbacks to this type of surveillance. There should be a metal ring or the sleeve coulddifficult to make. Some people may find it difficult to squeeze a rubber ball. If you have hearing problems can be difficult to hear heart sounds clear when the stethoscope.

Another blood pressure monitor is digital. A lot of people to follow, because it is easy to use. The blood pressure reading is displayed on a screen. There are some digital monitors are electrical and print your reading on paper. Some models have a bracelet that isfilled automatically. The disadvantage of a digital monitor, the accuracy can be affected when you move the body or problems with an irregular heartbeat. You'll also need batteries to operate it. The price range is a bit 'steep for some monitors.

If you use any type of monitor, you must verify the accuracy. Take it with you when you visit your doctor and ask him to check for you. Also ask questions to ensure that your work on screenright. Let the doctor or nurse can see and use. You should wait about an hour after you wake up in order to keep your blood pressure. If you exercise in the morning, then take the first blood pressure. Make sure you are relaxed and sitting comfortably with your back against the chair. Use the same arm each day. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, eat and stay away from caffeine for at least 30 minutes prior to measurement.

Red Yeast Rice and Cholesterol – The Facts

February 2nd, 2010

In the fight against fat is from red yeast rice and cholesterol, a lot 'of attention from pharmaceutical companies Garner. Many supplement manufacturers have been with this unique active ingredient in their formulations for years.

Red yeast rice and cholesterol as a drug allergy and a big ball of cat fur. The red yeast rice produces substances that Monacolinthat are metabolized by enzymes in the body that actually stop the production of cholesterol by the body.

Does it really?

You will find sites that say something is good for cholesterol. You could try to sell something as basic as there are fish oil pills, which help to reduce cholesterol, but not a miracle cure by any means. The great thing about red yeast rice and cholesterol, which was, is a study of bestUCLA to 84 people. After 12 weeks, the levels of each compartment lower bad LDL cholesterol. That's pretty amazing really was. Usually studies a key component of which is not unanimously positive. This component is still strong studies, there are many other details, but the Department UCLA Medical is one of the best in the country.

Where do I go?

The best place for red yeast rice and you will find agood deal of every day is easy. All natural supplements are becoming increasingly popular to treat high cholesterol. This is because usually the side effects and actually do what they should do. Some of the best natural cholesterol supplements on the market contain this ingredient, and some other ingredients well, so you are sure to give your system all the necessary tools to get your levels under control.

LDL-cholesterol, HDL Versus

January 31st, 2010

High cholesterol is the cause of thickening of the walls of the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. If treatment is introduced to lower cholesterol, the person could be from any of those conditions of suffering. Part of treatment for high cholesterol to understand why you can have high cholesterol. This is transported to the manner in which cholesterol throughout the body. In this article we will examine thisAssociated with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Cholesterol is naturally produced in the liver. Other than that, it is absorbed into the body from animal products like milk, eggs, meat and fat of butter. O saturated or trans high fat foods, such as take-away foods, cakes, biscuits and fries. After it is absorbed by the gut wall of the stomach into the bloodstream. Foods rich in plant sterols limit thisAbsorption and are often marketed as well as reduce cholesterol.

But it is a time of cholesterol in the blood must be transported throughout the body to make things as important as the secretion of hormones and help to direct sunlight on the body to convert vitamin D. Cholesterol can not by itself, not because it is soluble in the blood attaches to low density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL cholesterol is the movement throughout the body. Requests, however, if the body has too much cholesterol as LDL cholesterol, which tend to deposit the coating of blood vessels, especially arteries.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) are compared to the end. The return to natural sources of cholesterol in the liver. If you encounter this cholesterol will come back to fix the cholesterol. Thus, HDL has the function of cleaning every free or excess> Cholesterol in the blood. Once the HDL cholesterol reach the liver will be expelled. This effectively reduces cholesterol levels and may help prevent heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Total cholesterol in the body should be around 200mg/dl. Levels of HDL cholesterol should be around 40mg/dl.

The easiest way to reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol are given regular exercise and a diet havehigh in fresh produce and low in saturated fats and trans fats. Avoid smoking and keep the weight range for your height, age and sex. To reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your blood, you can eat foods high in plant sterols. These are usually about products such as yogurt or spread or occur naturally in plants included. Eating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty foods, such as olive oil and corn oil may increase the level of HDL cholesterol.