Cholesterol
We all need good cholesterol levels for building healthy cells. In our body, cholesterol is found mainly in the brain, liver, blood and nervous system. We use it to form adrenal and sex hormones, bile and vitamin D.
Clearly cholesterol is important for our health, however too much of it can cause fatty deposits in our blood vessels. This can lead to arteriosclerosis, excessive clotting and other circulatory problems including heart disease. The NHS recommends the total cholesterol levels to be below 5.0.
Let’s not forget triglycerides in our blood, these are fats that contribute to the narrowing of the arterial walls. Eating fatty or sugary foods, or drinking too much alcohol can increase their levels. The NHS recommends triglyceride levels to be 2.3 or below.
Our lifestyle plays a big role in our cholesterol levels. Too much saturated fats and/or refined sugars in our diet, stress, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption all contribute to high levels of cholesterol/triglycerides.
The simplest dietary way to reduce cholesterol levels is to increase plant foods and decrease those from animals. The only exception is omega 3 fish oils from oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. These oils may help to increase the good cholesterol levels, encourage blood flow to damaged tissues and minimise circulatory problems. Certain plant oils such as from flaxseeds, Chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are also good sources of Omega 3.
Beans, lentils and peas are all beneficial thanks to their high lecithin levels. In Chinese medicine, soy beans and mung beans are seen as the most useful, especially if they are sprouted, thanks to their cooling properties.
Whole grains and plant fibre may also be very beneficial especially those of slightly bitter flavour such as quinoa, oats, and amaranth.
Foods that contain high levels of vitamin C such as cabbage, parsley and citrus fruit are also helpful together with those high in Vitamin E, such as olive oil, avocados and almonds.
Let’s all try to have good levels with lifestyle changes, without needing to take statins with their possible side effects.. Give it a go.. good luck
