Cholestrol PDF Print E-mail
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Cholesterol forms part of the outer membrane that surrounds every cell. It's used to insulate nerve fibres  and make and transport hormones and  vitamins A, D, E and K. Without cholesterol, your body wouldn't work - it's vital to ensure the body's normal function.

  • Lipoprotein levels
  •  These are the special molecules that carry or transport cholesterol around the body.
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often known as bad cholesterol - this carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells and, if supply exceeds demand, can cause harmful build-up of cholesterol
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol - this takes cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it's either broken down or excreted
  • Triglycerides

  • The greatest danger is when someone has high levels of LDL cholesterol and trigylcerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol.

  • What are healthy levels?
  • The average total cholesterol level in the UK is 5.5mmol/l for men and 5.6mmol/l for women and these levels need to be considered in the light of the person's overall risk of heart disease and  a combination of factors -  age, gender, family history of heart disease, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.
  • The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Department of Health cholesterol guidelines, which is the policy doctors follow, are:
  • Total cholesterol - less than 5.0mmol/l
  • LDL cholesterol - less than 3.0mmol/l

  • How low do you go?
  • Some experts argue that the research evidence doesn't show any particular benefit for certain low-risk groups, such as women who don't have a history of heart disease, and some point to recent concerns about side-effectsof statins, such as damage to muscles or the kidneys and removal of Co-enzyme Q10.
  • What's the treatment?
  • The first steps in treating high cholesterol levels are:
  •  - Regular physical activity
  • - Stop smoking
  •  - Healthy eating - cut down on trans fats, and replacing saturated fats with essential fatty acids such as flaxseed oil. Some foods that may help to lower cholesterol levels, particularly garlic, soya and oats.
  • Natural lipid lowering herbs. Red Rice yeast with CoQ10 and Hawthorn. is believed to be the most effective herbal treatment ofr hyperlipidaemia.
  • Vitamin B3 from Viridian - its constituent nicotinic acid has shown to be effective in lowering lipid levels when compared to conventional drugs. It appears to reduce concentrations of LDL and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL levels.
  • Garlic capsules - inhibits platelet aggregation and appears to have a protectifve effect on cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.
  • Fenugreek tincture - traditionally used for lowering blood cholesterol levels in healthy people and in those with diabetes. It appears to contain galacto-mannan which aids fat digestion.