The influence of food on the content of cholesterol in the blood

Advertising urges us to drink biologically active supplements that lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, as cholesterol plaques lead to clogging of blood vessels. But is it bad, this cholesterol? The body in principle can not work without cholesterol. It is necessary for the structure of cell membranes during cell division. In addition, the level of cholesterol affects their survival.

If it is not enough, the cell is destroyed. Cholesterol performs important functions: it participates in the synthesis of vitamin D, promotes the production of steroid hormones, the construction of cells. Most of it is produced in the liver and enters the body with food. This process looks something like this: through the digestive tract, cholesterol enters the liver, is placed in a shell of water-soluble proteins, peculiar capsules (lipoproteins) are formed-they are carried with the blood stream to the consumer organs. The influence of food on the content of cholesterol in the blood - the topic of the article.

This is a natural defense of the cell from the effects of oxygen radicals on it, which are in free movement. Cholesterol is also needed for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is necessary for the formation of hormones of the adrenal cortex and sex hormones of women and men. The lipoproteins themselves are of high and low density. Low density - LDL - is considered "bad", as they carry cholesterol to the walls of the vessels, where it accumulates, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

What is the norm?

It should be taken into account that an excessive decrease in LDL, as well as an increase in HDL, is harmful to the body. If you have a total cholesterol of 6 mmol / l, you should think about your diet, especially if there are other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In any case, you should consult a specialist. 7 mmol / l - you should not panic, but it's worth thinking about your way of life. Increase physical activity, consult with a nutritionist about their diet, and after 2-4 months evaluate the results. 8-10 mmol / l total cholesterol - no independent action! With such tests, a doctor's consultation is necessary. IMPORTANT Biochemical blood test for lipids is given for such indicators as total cholesterol (cholesterol), cholesterol-HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Indications for the study of the disease of the cardiovascular system; obesity; liver, kidney and pancreas diseases; endocrine pathologies. Blood sampling occurs in the morning, strictly on an empty stomach, no less than twelve hours after the last meal, the material for the study is blood serum. Follow the sequence of receiving juices is optional, one can be replaced by another. The main thing is to drink freshly squeezed juices (store no more than two hours in the refrigerator) and shake them immediately before taking.

Sexual difficulties

It is known that coronary heart disease catches women on average 10 years later than men: this is due to the action of estrogen, which in high quantities is produced before menopause. At the same time, women suffering from excess weight, diabetes should be regularly tested regardless of age. In addition, because the disorder in the body affects absolutely all life spheres, it can be said with certainty that the level of libido depends on cholesterol - it was recently confirmed by Italian scientists. They concluded that the higher the cholesterol level in women, the lower their sexuality. In men, however, increasing cholesterol in the blood leads to sexual dysfunction. This is due to the fact that the blood clogged with cholesterol plaques worse than "chasing" blood, and insufficient supply of genital organs with oxygen and nutrients inevitably leads to loss of sexual desire. Therefore, with any disorders of sexual desire, doctors are advised to certainly check blood for cholesterol, go on a diet and go in for sports.

What to do?

If you know about the possibility of increased cholesterol, consult a doctor: he will prescribe cholesterol lowering drugs and a corresponding diet. And a third of them do not even suspect that they have high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Hyperlipidemia is an abnormally elevated level of human cholesterol or lipoproteins. The violation of cholesterol or lipoprotein metabolism occurs quite often, and this is an important risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases due to the significant effect of cholesterol on the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, some hyperlipidemia affect the development of acute pancreatitis. However, there is also a folk remedy. Take the sesame seed, crush it to the state of flour. Take flour on a tablespoon three times a day - in the morning, at lunch and in the evening, you can with food. Also at this time it is worthwhile to take care of adequate physical exertion, control over pressure and exclude smoking and alcohol. By the way, those who quit smoking immediately improve their tests several times. Annually, 17.5 million people die from cardiovascular diseases, most of which are caused by a violation of lipid metabolism. Therefore, today, given the nature of the spread of cardiovascular diseases, it is reasonable to talk about an epidemic.

What's on the supplement?

A number of biologically active additives also have healing properties at a high level of "bad" cholesterol. However, before taking any action, be sure to consult with your doctor. Nicotine (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) is a vitamin that participates in many oxidative reactions of living cells. It differs in that it normalizes the concentration of blood lipoproteins; in large doses (3-4 g / day) reduces the concentration of total cholesterol, LDL, increases the level of HDL with anti-atherogenic effect (prevents degenerative changes in the walls of the arteries), dilates small vessels, including the brain, improves memory and coordination of movements. Contained in rye bread, legumes, kidneys and liver. Produced in the form of a drug, the recommended dose of 500 mg 3 times a day. Policosanol (sugar beet extract) reduces the synthesis of cholesterol, reduces LDL by approximately 30% and increases HDL by 15%. Recommended dose: 10-20 mg per day. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a vitamin remedy that exerts a metabolic effect and enters the body only with food. It is known that vitamin C participates in the regulation of oxidation-reduction processes, blood coagulability, tissue regeneration, reduces vascular permeability, reduces the need for vitamins B, B2, A, E, folic acid. It was also found that vitamin C raises levels of protective HDL cholesterol in the elderly. In addition, the addition of a diet rich in pectin ascorbic acid leads to a drop in cholesterol lower than from a simple pectin diet (and citrus, tomato, strawberry, spinach contain both). Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble vitamin, an important antioxidant.

It promotes:

■ slowing down the aging process;

Oxygenation of cells; strengthening the walls of blood vessels;

■ preventing the formation of blood clots, moreover - their resorption;

■ strengthening of the myocardium. Contained in vegetable and butter, greens, milk, eggs, liver, meat, as well as in germinal cereals.

Calcium

It turns out that calcium as a food supplement not only helps strengthen bones, but also helps the heart. In the course of the study it became known that the use of 1 g of calcium per day for 2 months reduces the level of cholesterol by 5% in individuals with HDL. Infusion of plantain. Biologically active substances of plantain leaves, among others, are saponins, pectin substances, flavonoids and oxycinnamic acids, which help reduce cholesterol in the blood plasma and have a hypocholesterolemic effect.

To prepare this:

1 tbsp. raw pour 1 cup boiling water, insist 15 minutes. and filter. Take 1 tbsp each. 3 times a day before meals. Artichoke extract increases the production of coenzymes by hepatocytes and affects the metabolism of lipids, cholesterol and ketone bodies, improves the antitoxic function of the liver. The extract is available as a biologically active additive. Soybeans. Perhaps the only positive property of soybeans, which scientists insist on, is the ability to lower the level of LDL. To do this, you should get up to 25 grams of soy protein a day - about 250 grams of tofu cheese. It is clear that eating so many soy products for anyone is difficult, so you can do just soy protein in powder and dissolve it (in the amount of one measuring spoon) in water or low-calorie milk. The best option is to add soy powder to morning porridge.