Benefits of Cholesterol and How To Have A Healthy Heart

Did you know that humans actually require cholesterol to perform a vast array of daily bodily functions? Some of these vital functions include repairing damaged tissues, maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, boosting performance of the brain, digesting food, building strong bones, building muscle, maintaining energy, libido, and fertility, regulating blood sugar, and protecting against infectious diseases. Cholesterol is found in every cell of your body. It is also the precursor to Vitamin D. To meet these demands, the human body synthesizes cholesterol on a daily basis. The danger actually occurs when the cholesterol becomes oxidized and adheres to inflamed arteries (which leads to arteriosclerosis). Arteries become inflamed for a variety of reasons. Four of the major causes of inflammation of the arteries are consumption of hydrogenated (trans) fats, consumption of homogenized dairy products, consumption of sugar, and exposure to chlorine (most notably in water supplies).

As you are probably aware, what you eat plays a large role in the health of your body. The health of your heart and blood vessels correlates directly with what you consume. In addition to avoiding unhealthy fat, you should make a conscious effort to consume adequate amounts of healthy fat. Essential fatty acids--especially the Omega 3's which are found in cold-water, fatty fish as well as flax seeds (linseeds), are severely deficient in the diet of many Americans. These heart-healthy Omega 3's are known to lower triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of blood clots.

Consumption of homogenized dairy products can be avoided by buying fresh, raw dairy products directly from your local farmer, or by avoiding dairy products altogether. Exposure to chlorine can be minimized by installing a whole-house filtration system or hopefully, at the least, a shower filter and a drinking water filter (unless you are lucky enough to have well water).

Leafy greens, which are loaded with naturally occurring antioxidants, are extremely healthy for the cardiovascular system. In addition to antioxidants, plants also contain sterols or stanols. These substances help block the absorption of cholesterol, resulting in a lowering of bad (LDL) cholesterol. Raw, whole foods such as spirulina, flax seeds (linseeds), legumes (beans), oats, cabbage, spinach, sweet potato, as well as alfalfa grass and barley grass are known to reduce total serum cholesterol levels. All of these whole foods are present in their raw form within the In-Liven probiotic supplement. In-Liven is a healthy addition to any diet, without the side effects of medication. It is never too soon (or too late) to make healthy changes!

Note: People taking cholesterol-lowering drugs may suffer side effects including suppression of the immune system, impairment of brain function, depression, strokes, and cancer. The optimal cholesterol level (according to Dr. Joseph Mercola) is 200. Levels below 180 may lead to health problems and levels below 150 are considered to be a major dilemma.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@naturalpureorganics.com.

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