Diet for Hypercholesterolemia or Reducing Blood Cholesterol Level
High Cholesterol Causes and Treatments:
British scientists have identified an enzyme which is responsible for clogging up our arteries. The enzyme – matrix metalloproteinase-8, raises the blood pressure and produces an abnormal build-up of cells within the arteries.
The lead researcher said that it is this enzyme that plays a very critical role in the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries, which in turn leads to atherosclerosis, eventually contributing to various heart diseases.
The researchers genetically engineered some mice, so that they lacked the matrix metalloproteinase-8 enzyme. These mice were then fed on a diet which was high in fats and cholesterol. These genetically engineered mice were then compared with normal mice that were fed on the same diet.
The results showed that the mice which lacked the matrix metalloproteinase enzyme, had much clearer arteries and lower blood pressures than the normal mice.
- Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the body which serves several vital roles. It is a building block for various hormones and bile acids, and it plays an important role in stabilizing cell membranes.
- While proper cholesterol levels are necessary for good health, evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that elevated levels greatly increase the risk of death due to cardio-vascular diseases.
Experts recommend that your total blood cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg per deciliter, from a fasting blood sample.
Elevated blood cholesterol is usually without any signs or symptoms. However, it leads to atherosclerosis. Further more, development of atherosclerosis is associated with angina, high blood pressure, myocardial infarction and diabetes.
Diet for Reducing Cholesterol Level:
Ditch the deep fried foods. Instead opt for foods that are either grilled or baked or boiled or roasted.
It is very important that you keep a track record of the saturated fats, trans-fats, unsaturated fats, cholesterol and sodium, that you consume in your everyday menu.
Low Cholesterol Diet:
- Onion: It has been established that the onion is a great preventive against heart attacks. The onion assists the function of the heart by reducing blood cholesterol level and helps to de-clog blocked arteries. A patient demonstrating elevated levels of cholesterol should consume the juice of 1 raw onion per day, regularly everyday, for a month. Assess the cholesterol level after a period of 1 month. It will show a decline.
- Oats: Oat bran’s dietary fibre is high in beta-glucan which helps lower cholesterol by binding bile acids and removing them from the body via feces. 3 grams of oat fibre per day lowers the serum cholesterol level from 8 to 23 %. Oats can be consumed in the form of porridge or breakfast cereal or oat bran can be added to the dough while making breads.
- Aubergines (brinjals): Aubergines help reduce cholesterol in the aorta (the main artery that carries blood from the heart) and also the other arterial walls. It also relaxes the walls of the blood vessels, thus improving blood flow through them. These significant effects are due to phyto-chemicals called terpenes which are found abundantly in aubergines.
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