Cholesterol

Cholesterol is one of the body’s fats (lipids) that is made in the liver, but we also get cholesterol from certain foods we eat. We actually need cholesterol because it is a constituent of cell membranes and is essential for producing certain hormones. Therefore, it is important that the body has some cholesterol (up to certain levels). Specifically, it only becomes an issue when ...Read more we end up with too much ‘bad’ cholesterol. To be in optimum health we need more of the ‘good’. This may be achieved though a combination of dietary choices and certain specific natural supplements.

Prevention

In order to regulate cholesterol levels, it is important to understand the different kinds of cholesterol:

Low Density Lipids (LDL) is also known as ‘bad cholesterol’

How do we end up with more of this?

A diet rich in saturated fats (meat, butter, cream, cheese and battery farmed eggs), alcohol, tea, coffee, being overweight, a diet lacking in fibre and fresh vegetables and beneficial essential fats.

Too much ‘bad’ cholesterol has been linked to such issues as heart disease, high blood pressure and thickening of the arterial walls.

High Density Lipids (HDL) is also know as ‘good cholesterol’

How can we have more ‘good cholesterol?

Reduce your intake of saturated fats and increase ‘good’ oils from sources such as nuts, seeds such as flaxseeds (linseeds) or hemp seeds. Also foods such as avocados or chickpeas and oily fish or fish oil capsules. Eat more fibre and fresh vegetables too. Exercise is important as well as losing weight if you are currently overweight.

Supplements

Supplements such as good essential fats are helpful alongside the right diet to prevent bad cholesterol building up. Natural lecithin granules are also useful. Also using B vitamins, especially vitamin B3 and green superfoods which are rich in B vitamins such as spirulina and chlorella.

If your bad cholesterol has increased, we recommend using all the above but also considering supplementation to support the liver such as NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) and herbal foods such as artichoke or turmeric. The herb milk thistle is also helpful. Red yeast rice is also recommended as is Co Enzyme Q 10. Plant sterols have been found to be useful for some. Generally, consider some gentle liver cleansing overall and then follow a good diet and supplement regime afterwards. Always check with your GP about the suitability of products and enquire with our expert nutritional team to answer further questions.