Cholesterol: A Friend to Optimal Health

Cholesterol has been an object of fear for last two decades, creating a ripple effect. People were taught to keep theirs as low as possible to avoid heard problems. Because of this, certain categories of food have been promoted to be bad for you, such as eggs and saturated fat. rnHowever, these beliefs are highly unfounded. The truth is your body needs cholesterol for important functions. Seventy-five percent of this soft, waxy substance is produced by your liver. It is used for the production of cell membranes, hormones, and bile acids for metabolizing fat. Cholesterol is also used to produce vitamin D. When your skin is exposed to sunshine, the cholesterol from underneath your skin produces vitamin D3 by interacting with the UVB rays your skin absorbs. Cholesterol is also important for your cognitive function, specifically in your memory formation. It is also important for your neurological function. A study also reveals the association of cholesterol and depression. This substance actually affects the creation of serotonin, which is important for mood regulation. There are also other studies showing the link between cholesterol and violent behavior. The Connection Between Cholesterol and InflammationrnCholesterol is also linked to inflammation. Inflammation is actually one of your body’s responses to health threats. For example, when you get a cut, your body undergoes inflammation. During this time, you experience blood clotting, your immune system is activated, and your cells multiply to repair the injury. During this time, a scar will form on the area of the cut. When your arteries are damaged, the same process occurs; only in the end, a plaque forms instead. Unfortunately, the formation of plaque that forms during the inflammation process can raise your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Chronic inflammation, when not treated, can lead to several other health problems, like diabetes. Instead of contributing to health problems, cholesterol actually helps your cells recover from the damage. Your liver will then produce cholesterol and release it into your bloodstream for the production of new, healthy cells. The Bottom Line: Your Body Needs Cholesterol It is pretty obvious that without cholesterol, your body will find it difficult to thrive. Physicians would often prescribe a cholesterol drug when levels are around 200. However, experts say that this is actually the optimum level. Low cholesterol is often below the levels of 150. When your levels are around 330, this is the only ideal time for you to take a cholesterol-lowering drug. Instead of “drugging” yourself, you should look at ways to lower cholesterol naturally. To do so, you have to make adjustments in the way you live. For example, you need to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Plus, you have to avoid emotional stress, since this can wreak havoc on your physical wellbeing. You should address your issues to be emotionally healthy. You should look into stress management techniques. Another important thing you should do is to follow a proper diet. Here are some dietary choices you should incorporate: 1. Reduce and eventually eliminate grains and sugars, especially fructose, from your diet.rn2. Eat more raw and organic foods.rn3. Consume more heart-healthy foods, such as virgin coconut oil, virgin olive oil, avocados, raw nuts and seeds, eggs (preferably raw or lightly cooked), and grass-fed meats. In addition to a proper diet, you should also get sufficient amounts of exercise. Living an active lifestyle will strengthen your immune system and improve blood circulation. The best type of exercise program should be well-rounded. It should be composed of not just aerobics, but also high-intensity exercises, core training, strength training, and stretching. It should also have ample recovery time for your body to recharge. With these natural strategies, you’re sure to keep your cholesterol levels at optimal level and even achieve optimal health. To learn more about cholesterol in your body, check out http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/10/making-sense-of-your-cholesterol-numbers.aspx