Nutrition never gets boring (thankfully!).
In our modern society, we tend to go all or nothing and we have done it again with cholesterol. Cholesterol by itself is not the villain. Quickly, let me run through some of the benefits *yes, I said benefits* of cholesterol.
Cholesterol:
- Carries vitamins through the blood stream into your tissues
- Allows the brain to form nerve synapses
- Is a powerful antioxidant
- Cholesterol produces sex steroid hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
- Cholesterol helps fight infection (viral and bacterial)
- Helps produce Vitamin D
There is so much more to the cholesterol story that meets the eye. A few times a year, I am a health coach at large corporate health screening events and I see (in mass amounts) how many people are deathly afraid of their cholesterol numbers. All they can focus on is, “How low can I get my numbers?”
If you’re not ready for my take on it, do your research and learn about cholesterol biochemistry… you will be surprised. Systemic inflammation and your breakdown of cholesterol types (information well beyond your HDL and LDL numbers), are much more important. And, to be certain, extremely low cholesterol numbers do not equal good health and in fact, increase mortality rates.
Don’t take it from me- do your own research and take a few minutes to watch this news interview– pay close attention to the very end of the interview to see what REALLY prevents heart disease. They also mention my very favorite antioxidant coQ10.
If you want an ideal cholesterol ratio and want to minimize inflammation… here is your answer!
“Better Cholesterol” nutrition plan:
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and buy whole foods whenever possible.
- Food sensitivities lead to inflammation. Find out if you are reacting to any foods in your diet.
- Exercise regularly. Resistance training and interval training (mixed with yoga of course!) are ideal.
- Don’t smoke.
- Manage stress in your life and take time for relaxation (massage, meditation, facials, yoga, migun beds, saunas).
- Detox regularly. There is evidence that heart disease (and other chronic illnesses) are caused or exacerbated by an accumulation of heavy metals and other toxins in your body!