Cholesterol

The main source from which the body obtains cholesterol is from animal products; however, it does also manufacture this material. The 2 commonly known forms of cholesterol are termed HDL (high density lipids), regarded as good, and LDL (low density lipids), generally regarded as bad. Correct balance between these two forms is essential to the heart and many other bodily functions.
 
Cholesterol may one day be exonerated as the main ’villain’ in cardiovascular disease, however it may one day be exonerated from this assumption - many experts believe that the current focus on cholesterol is mis-placed.

It is interesting to note that approximately 30% of the body’s Cholesterol content is derived from dietary sources. In practice 50% of dietary Cholesterol is absorbed by the body - the remainder passes through the body unused and is excreted via the bile.

Unnecessarily lowering cholesterol below optimum levels is known to have detrimental effects on the body. It is a little known fact that optimum cholesterol levels actually help us counteract excessive stress, and this situation is also exacerbated by excessive stress, which actually causes the body to produce higher than desirable levels of cholesterol. Optimum cholesterol levels are also helpful to the skin. 

Optimal cholesterol is also associated with a reduction in the incidence of depression.

Before you start, you may wish to consider our Detox Formula which will cleanse your body and aide your gut's ability to absorb the nutrients within the Cholesterol program. It will also help replenish the intestinal tract with healthy flora and enhance your overall health and wellbeing. 

Table of Beneficial Nutritional Supplements 

This information is offered as an introduction to supplements, herbs, foods and substances that are known to help with high cholesterol. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and it is suggested that sound advice is taken by an appropriately qualified practitioner. 

The supplements highlighted are generally considered to be those of greatest importance.

Dietary Recommendations 

Positive Foods 

Cereal grains oats, barley, barley grass, red yeast rice, whole brown rice, wheat grass.
Vegetables celery (leaves and stalk), garlic, onions, sweet potatoes, green leaf cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, turnips, beetroot, globe artichoke.
Fruits apples including pips, ripe bananas, pears, carob, avocado, cumquats, ripe pineapple (inc. central stalk), watermelon, bilberries.
Legumes green peas.
Teas, Herbs & Spices ginger tea, green tea, black teas, rosemary tea, Siberian ginseng tea, valerian tea, turmeric, chillis, basil, dill.
Nuts & Seeds hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds (no more than 12 per day), flax seed, fenugreek seeds, psyllium husks, celery seeds, sunflower seeds.
Fungi Shiitake, Reishi, Oyster and Maitake mushrooms.
Fish/ sea-food cod, tuna, wild salmon, oysters, clams. 
Meats lamb.
Dairy Live organic yoghurt.
Fats olive oil.
Additional Foods activated charcoal, flax seed oil, extra virgin olive oil.

Negative Foods

Refined carbohydrates, low-fat products, hydrogenated & trans fats, rape-seed oil, margarine, battery chicken & hens’ eggs, white sugar (sucrose), excess garlic, artificial sweeteners, sulphates (preservative), tartrazine.

Possible irritants include high intake of dietary fats, alcohol, caffeine drinks, coffee, chocolate, and salty foods.
Avoid dairy products, ice-cream.

Reduce intake of proteins from red meat. Also undesirable are some other meats, especially pork, veal and sheep’s liver. 

Avoid salami & pickled foods.
Avoid mackerel, salmon, caviar, lobster, crab and shrimp.
Avoid refined pasta.
Avoid citrus fruits (except lemons), and especially orange & grapefruit.
Avoid liquorice (root).
Avoid Brazil nuts, peanuts.

Additional Comment
Take plenty of fresh water. Good quality still mineral water from a glass container is the superior form; though a good tap filter is also satisfactory. 
Vegetarians consistently have markedly lower blood cholesterol levels than meat-eaters. 
Chew foods slowly and thoroughly.
Take activated charcoal after meals. 
Avoid shampoos and soaps containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
The cell membranes are the sites in the body where the majority of cholesterol is concentrated. As a point of note, several research papers hold the view that the total cholesterol is less important than the ratio of oxidised cholesterol within the undesirable LDL cholesterols, as compared with the HDL cholesterols. 
It is estimated that 70% of the body’s cholesterol is manufactured within the body, and therefore it is important to consider the factors that are involved with the production in the liver. There is little doubt that a healthy liver helps regulate proper cholesterol levels.  

Additional Help & Support
Homeopathy has demonstrated significant benefits in lowering elevated cholesterols and keeping them low. 
Meditation has been found to be valuable in reducing stress and in turn excess cholesterol. 
Deep Breathing exercises have been shown to be valuable in the reduction of cholesterol. 
Massage has been found to be very beneficial in both relaxing the body and mind, and lowering cholesterol.
Walking briskly for about 20 minutes per day is not only an excellent way of exercising many muscles of the body, but also reducing cholesterol. 
Sunlight has been found to reduce elevated serum cholesterol levels.