Natural Way To Lower Cholesterol

Guidelines for cholesterol have recently changed.  The new guidelines say an LDL cholesterol level of 70 or lower which is much lower than the previous 100.  And if you listen to the pharmaceutical companies the only way to lower your cholesterol is with drugs like Lipitor which are from the statin family.

Now the need for these drugs may be necessary in a small percentage of the population but let’s all have a reality check here and consider that rather than taking these drugs that we make some lifestyle changes in both our exercise programs and the foods we eat.  You might be surprised at just how dramatic the results are.

If you want to reduce your cholesterol then the very first thing you must do is eliminate foods that have hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oils. If you can avoid this kind of food this is a natural way to lower cholesterol.  These oils are commonly found in margarine, in store baked goods, crackers, salad dressings, and even in soups.

Yet hydrogenated oil is deadly.  It creates trans fats and our body is not able to use these fats which then clog our arteries.  It is only recently that laws are making companies disclose trans fats and many companies are actually removing them from products.

You also need to avoid saturated fats and processed foods which are generally use cheaper oils. ‘Animal fat will kill you – okay that’s harsh but it certainly gets the point out doesn’t it.  Choose lean cuts of red meat, skinless chicken and turkey, and bake or broil and you have a natural way to lower cholesterol. 

Okay we’ve told you what not to do so let’s tell you what to do. Let’s have a look at natural ways to reduce your LDL cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol. 

Think healthy oils like omega 3 oils that are found in flaxseeds, as well as in a supplement.  Extra virgin olive oil, nuts such as cashews, pecans, and peanuts.  Peanut butter is good for you until we turn it into peanut butter and use hydrogenated oil. 

It doesn’t get more natural than fruits and vegetables. Nice fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables that are packed with vitamins and minerals. 

Garlic, ginger, vitamin C, COQ10 and niacin are all required by the body to keep cholesterol levels in check.  All these products are a natural way to lower cholesterol and are available either through diet or in the form of supplements.

Don’t’ forget to add regular physical exercise to your program.  You should exercise for 30 minutes 5 times a week.  Aerobic exercise like walking can keep you in great shape.  Exercise will lower bad cholesterol levels very effectively and it costs nothing but a little bit of time with so many benefits.

There are all kinds of things you can do to stay healthier, keep your heart healthy and stay fit.  The natural way to lower cholesterol makes a whole lot of sense.