This past weekend I taught the ArborVitae School of Herbalism students the true facts about cholesterol We as Americans are fixated on our cholesterol. We should be more concerned with our triglyceride level and our good cholesterol ( HDL) level
There are natural ways to lower your cholesterol We know that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) result in cholesterol deposits in blood vessel walls, which can lead to clogged arteries, strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure.
Eat monosaturated fats. There are two studies. A study of 24 adults with high blood cholesterol came to the same conclusion, where eating a diet high in monounsaturated fat increased beneficial HDL by 12%, compared to a diet low in saturated fat.
Also a study of 26 people found that replacing polyunsaturated fats with monounsaturated fats in the diet reduced the oxidation of fats and cholesterol. The oxidation of fats if left untreated increases risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.
Another study included 13,614 adults. They replaced dietary saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat, providing about 15% of total calories. Their risk of coronary artery disease dropped by nearly 20%. Thus use more omega 3 in your diet
No matter what you must reduce or stop trans fats in your diet . A study of global health patterns estimated trans fats may be responsible for 8% of deaths from heart disease worldwide. Another study estimated a law restricting trans fats in New York will reduce heart disease deaths by 4.5%.
Also increase your intake of soluble fiber. In a study of 30 adults, taking 3 grams of soluble fiber supplements daily for 12 weeks decreased LDL by 18%.
So now you know what to do about your fats, trans fats and fiber.
Until tomorrow…