Reduce Cholesterol Fast

Cholesterol is a fat or animal sterol that is required in a small amount to produce certain hormones, vitamin D, bile acids, and to build cell wall. It is mainly found in animals and animal products, like eggs, meat and dairy products, for which it is known as animal sterol. The excess cholesterol gets deposited within the arteries causing narrowing of the arteries. Narrowing of the arteries can reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, and is considered as one of the leading causes for strokes and heart attacks.

The fats and cholesterol that we consume goes to the liver, where they are combined with proteins to make lipoperoteins. There are mainly two types of lipoproteins, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). These are the main cholesterol found in our body. Out of them LDL cholesterol is termed bad cholesterol, while HDL cholesterol is called good cholesterol. It is the high level of LDL cholesterol that is associated with an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. Ideally, the total level of cholesterol in blood should be less than 200mg/dl and the LDL cholesterol level should be less than 130mg/dl. On the other hand, a HDL cholesterol level more than 60mg/dl is considered as desirable.

Lowering Cholesterol Level in the Body

The first and the foremost requirement for lowering the level of cholesterol is discipline. High level of blood cholesterol is mainly regarded as a lifestyle problem, and hence, people suffering from high cholosterol problem should be prepared to correct their lifestyle. They should be ready to do regular physical activities, and adopt a healthy diet. If one is determined to make these changes, then lowering the level of cholesterol is not such a big issue.

Diet
A wrong eating habit is one of the main culprits for raising the level of blood cholesterol. This can be often attributed to consuming excess fats, especially saturated fats. It is true that fats are important for our health along with proteins and carbohydrates, and so, we need not avoid fats altogether. What we need to do, is cut down or reduce the intake of saturated fats, and replace them with the healthy fats such as, mono unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The important sources of saturated fats and cholesterol are, dairy products like, whole milk, butter, cheese, margarine, eggs, red meat such as, pork and beef, and junk foods. On the other hand, foods rich in the good unsaturated fats are, fish, nuts like, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and peanuts, olive oil and canola oil.

Along with consuming the foods that contain unsaturated food, increase the amount of dietary fiber. Eat food like, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and oatmeal that are rich in fiber and do not contain cholesterol. Fibers can help to lower the level of total as well as LDL cholesterol in the blood. Certain beverages like, green tea can also help to lower LDL cholesterol level. Foods that contain plant sterols and stanols are another group of foods, that can immensely benefit the individuals. Examples of such foods include, brown rice, whole wheat, nuts and pumpkin seeds, and vegetables like, broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, Brussels sprouts, etc. Nowadays, you can also find a number of foods, fortified with plant stanols and sterols.

Exercises
Regular physical activities or exercising can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels. It can also help to raise the level of HDL cholesterol, which is considered good for heart health. Exercises however, do not mean only the rigorous ones. Instead, you can also benefit from moderate exercises like, brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling.

Medications
Dietary modifications and exercising will no doubt, lower the level of blood cholesterol, but will take some time. But, if your blood cholesterol level is too high, and has increased the risk for developing life-threatening conditions, then, you might need to consider medications. Before taking any cholesterol-lowering medication, never forget to discuss it with your physician, and also find out the possible side effects, and what kind of precautions are required to be taken while on medication.

So, sometimes, you may need the additional help of medicines to control the level of cholesterol, along with dietary changes and regular physical activities. Cigarette smoking has been recognized as a major factor that can lower the level of HDL cholesterol, and thereby increases the risk for heart disease. Therefore, avoid smoking and also reduce alcohol consumption to stay healthy and prevent serious heart diseases that can result from high blood cholesterol.