Seven Simple Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

Here are the shocking statistics. Read them and begin slashing away at that cholesterol monster living in all of us!

1. Heart disease is the #1 killer in the US, causing one death every 35 seconds. It also contributes to the 1.5 million heart attacks that strike each year.
2. Every 20 seconds, someone in the US suffers a heart attack. With stats like that you know you'd better sit up and take notice. Especially since more Americans now than ever before, including children, are obese. But don't panic. There is hope. The good news is that no matter how old you are, it's never too early or too late to begin protecting your heart. And as the saying goes, your heart will thank you for it.

What Exactly Is Cholesterol?

Knowing what cholesterol is and its effects on your health is vital to your physical well being. Cholesterol is a soft fat-like, waxy substance found in the blood and in all your body's cells.

A startling fact for many people is that cholesterol itself isn't bad. Our bodies are remarkably self-sufficient, and cholesterol, despite its unfortunate side effects, is one of the many substances our bodies create especially to keep us healthy. Yes, I know its shocking. Pick your jaw up off the floor and pay attention now. Some cholesterol is produced naturally. This is the type that can be affected by heredity factors. Some of it comes from the food we eat. So be careful. The words "you are what you eat" are quite literally true.

There are two types of cholesterol. LDL, or low-density lipoproteins are considered "bad" cholesterol. HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, are termed "good" cholesterol. So what is the difference and what do they do?

The cholesterol causing particles in our bodies are called lipoproteins. LDL are "bad" because if their levels rise high enough they can cause a buildup of plaque in your arteries. Sooner or later this is what will get you. Bang! Heart attack or stroke! This happens because as the built up plaque thickens and hardens it narrows your arteries, making it harder for blood to circulate. In time, a blood clot forms, cutting off the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

HDL or "good" cholesterol has the ability to pick up the LDL clogging your arteries and take it to the liver, where it's processed and passes from the body.

Those are the basic facts about cholesterol. Also remember that high blood pressure or diabetes combined with high cholesterol further adds to your risk of heart attack and stroke. But don't give up hope! Your cholesterol is controllable, and here are some steps to help you do just that naturally:

1. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important for overall health, whether or not you have a problem with cholesterol. High cholesterol just makes it more important that you eat properly and do regular physical activity.
2. Eliminate margarine and butter from your life as much as possible. Both are high in fat and limiting food high in saturated fat and trans fat helps lower your LDL levels. An excellent substitute for these is vegetable oil which has less saturated fat and trans fat.
3. Take the time to read the nutrition labels on the foods you buy. But don't be fooled. If a product is "low-cholesterol" doesn't mean that it's safe to eat. Cholesterol has a couple little helpers out there called trans fat and saturated fat and these are the guys who do its dirty work, like clogging up your arteries.
4. Avoid foods that come from animals -- meat including poultry, eggs, butter, cheese, whole milk and shellfish. Yes, I know, it's supposedly safe to eat eggs again in the mornings, but that's only true if you carefully monitor your cholesterol intake for the rest of the day.
5. Eat lots of fiber each day, which can be found in whole grain breads and other high-fiber foods, also oatmeal, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
6. Eat fish about two times each week. Fish is low in saturated fat, but remember not to bread and fry it or you will defeat the purpose.
7. If you are noticeably overweight, lose the extra pounds. Through diet and exercise you will not only lower your cholesterol level, but benefit your entire body as well.

These are just some helpful suggestions if your cholesterol is higher than normal. There is no guarantee they will solve your problem. The most important thing to do is to get yourself to a doctor and have your cholesterol level checked regularly and follow his advice and recommendations.