Cholesterol gets a lot of negative attention; however, it's not all bad, explains the American Heart Association. Your body makes 75 percent of the cholesterol it uses, while the rest comes from food. Good cholesterol, HDL, prevents bad...
While lowering cholesterol with herbs and supplements is most definitely possible, and for many it is a positive alternative to prescription medications, it is important to remember that a healthy diet that includes whole grains, healthy fats and...
Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and some herbs may help lower high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is necessary to continue building healthy cells, but too much cholesterol can cause health problems, including heart...
Over 106 million American adults carry a total cholesterol level of 200 or higher, a number that is considered elevated. Many physicians prescribe drugs to lower cholesterol; however, there are herbs and other nutrients that can help lower it...
Certain herbs may be helpful in lowering your blood cholesterol levels. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, excessive amounts of cholesterol in your blood is known as "hypercholesterolemia." Contemporary Western medicine...
Although it has a bad reputation, cholesterol serves several important functions in the body. It helps protect cell membranes and nerves, and is the precursor to testosterone, estrogen and cortisone. LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, is...
Chinese herbs are a natural, holistic approach to reducing elevated cholesterol levels. Some Chinese herbs help reduce total cholesterol, LDLs and triglycerides--considered "bad" cholesterol--and raise HDLs, or "good" cholesterol. In addition to...
High blood cholesterol can increase your risk of arterial disease, stroke, heart attack and coronary heart disease. Despite the body's need for this compound, in excess, it does much more harm than good. Although the primary course of treatment...
Cholesterol is a steroid carried in the blood that protects cell membranes. Too much of it may cause plaque, or fatty deposits that can block the flow of blood through the arteries. High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, heart attack or...
According to the Mayo Clinic online database, your diet can play an important role in helping you lower your cholesterol levels and may help you stay off cholesterol lowering medications. Oatmeal, oat bran and high fiber foods can help lower your...
High cholesterol can contribute to blockages in the arteries and blood vessels, which can result in life-threatening heart problems such as strokes and heart attacks, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for...
Patients with high cholesterol have an increased chance for heart disease. Lowering cholesterol can be accomplished by following a healthy diet and taking supplements. Some vitamins and herbs naturally lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the...
High cholesterol is defined as a build up of waxy fat deposits in your blood vessels. This obstructs blood flow and can lead to heart attack or stroke. Lowering cholesterol counts is usually achieved through changes in diet and exercise, though...
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood that is both needed and dangerous, depending on the kind. LDL cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. HDL cholesterol, on the other...
Cholesterol combines with certain proteins to form lipoproteins. The two most essential lipoproteins are low and high-density lipoproteins, or LDL and HDL, respectively. LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, deposits fat in artery walls, building up plaque...
Bad cholesterol, also known as low-density or very low-density lipoproteins --- LDL and VLDL --- are substances in your blood that circulate cholesterol and triglycerides throughout your body where they can store and clog arteries. While good...
Low-density lipoprotein, otherwise known as LDL cholesterol, is referred to as the "bad" kind of cholesterol because it contributes to fatty arterial plaque deposits. This increases the risk of atheriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. It...
Maintaining low cholesterol has been found to be important to heart health, as cholesterol can clog the arteries and lead to heart disease, heart attacks and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. About 25 percent of cholesterol...
Cholesterol is necessary for hormone production, repairing damaged cells and manufacturing vitamin D, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may also support memory and learning. However, high cholesterol levels can contribute...
If you have received less than optimal cholesterol test results, your doctor may recommend you exercise, lose weight and eat the right foods to help lower your cholesterol before prescribing a medication. Although some people are prone to high...
Blocked arteries develop due to a buildup of cholesterol and other substances within the arterial wall. One of the most effective ways of preventing this condition is to lower your low-density lipoprotein levels, also known as bad cholesterol....
Ginger has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, particularly gastrointestinal problems, for over 2,000 years, particularly in Arabic, Asian and Indian cultures. In addition to helping alleviate nausea, vomiting and inflammation,...
Elevated cholesterol in the blood can lead to heart attack, stroke and other arterial diseases, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cholesterol enters the bloodstream in two ways; the body manufactures cholesterol to...
High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a significant health risk that increases the chances of developing stroke and heart disease. The body needs cholesterol for cell formation but if you have too much circulating in your blood it may...
Cholesterol is a necessary substance in the body. It helps keep cellular membranes healthy, and also aids in the production of several hormones. However, according to the American Heart Association, too much of it can cause heart disease, heart...
Elevated blood cholesterol levels are a common finding among Americans. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that excessive amounts of cholesterol in your blood may lead to serious health complications, although this idea is debated...
Although several new cholesterol-lowering drugs have entered the pharmaceutical market, many people prefer to control their blood cholesterol levels using natural means. Eating certain herbs or taking them as supplements can aid in achieving a...
According to Discovery Health, changes in dietary habits and lifestyle are important ways of controlling your cholesterol. You should avoid saturated and trans fats, eat more whole grains and vegetables, give up smoking and step up exercise. While...
Your total cholesterol level should be below 200 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association. Your total cholesterol level is a combination of your HDL, or “good” cholesterol level, and your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol...
