Our main source of cholesterol is from animal products but we also manufacture this material
HDL (high density lipids) are regarded as good, and LDL (low density lipids) are 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 being regarded the main ‘villain’ in cardiovascular disease; 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 considered harmful. Optimum cholesterol levels actually help us counteract excessive stress
Optimum cholesterol levels are also helpful to the skin
Optimal cholesterol is also associated with a reduction in the incidence of depression
Nutrients that help regulate Cholesterol:
Our Vitamin B Complex contains B vitamins that transport surplus cholesterol out of the body
Vitamin E elevates the function of good cholesterol (HDL) and helps prevent the harmful oxidation process of the less desirable (LDL) cholesterol
Magnesium helps to reduce cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol can occur as a result of magnesium deficiency
Essential Fatty Acid Complex contains unsaturated fatty acids essential to good health. Specific EFA’s help transport excess cholesterol out of the body
GTF Chromium has been shown to reduce the total cholesterol load, increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad LDL cholesterol
Red yeast rice contains plant sterols to help maintain cholesterol levels
Positive Foods:
Cereal grains oats, barley, barley grass, red yeast rice, whole brown rice, wheat grass
Vegetables celery, garlic, onions, sweet potatoes, green leaf cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, turnips, beetroot, globe artichoke, green peas
Fruits apples including pips, ripe bananas, pears, carob, avocado, cumquats, ripe pineapple (inc. central stalk), watermelon, bilberries
Teas, Herbs & Spices ginger tea, green tea, black teas, rosemary tea, Siberian ginseng tea, valerian tea, turmeric, chilli, basil, dill
Nuts & Seeds hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds (max. 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, crabs, clams
Dairy Live organic yoghurt
Fats Olive oil
Negative Foods
Refined carbohydrates, low-fat products, hydrogenated & trans fats, rape-seed oil, margarine, battery 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
Reduce intake of proteins from red meat
Avoid: Dairy products, salami & pickled foods, mackerel, salmon, caviar, lobster, crab and shrimp, refined pasta, citrus fruits (except lemons), and especially orange & grapefruit, liquorice (root), Brazil nuts, peanuts