Good News on Cholesterol

Dr. Nicolas Duverger of Gencell in France along with Dr. Caroline Desurmont of Institut Pasteur in Paris are conducting studies associated with gene therapy. In addition to their hope to find a good solution to reducing high cholesterol, they are also studying the elimination of fatty plaques associated with "hardening of the arteries."

In the future, medical research being done now may provide more effective solutions to elevated cholesterol levels. In the meantime, however, there are a number of ways you can use today’s newest products and innovations to lower your cholesterol.

To effectively lower high cholesterol there are a number of key lifestyle changes that can be made, especially to your food and diet. There are several new products and innovations that can help you with this goal:

Fats/ Margarine

If you can become accustomed to a lower fat diet you will be well on your way to better health.

New Products to Watch for include:

Benecol® margarine will lower cholesterol by some 10% when used as recommended. It contains sterols derived from pine tree wood pulp, elements which research suggests could help those with high cholesterol. This margarine will not affect your HDL or "good" cholesterol.
Take Control® margarine and salad dressings are made from plant sterols so are soy based. These contain sterols which block cholesterol. These sterols have been found to help lower cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) even in those patients who are already taking statins as cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Nuts such as almonds pecans and walnuts have high amounts of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat so this helps to lower cholesterol. New studies have suggested that eating nuts - and especially the almonds with the skins - may be beneficial for those who have elevated cholesterol. In fact, if you want to lower your cholesterol, get more of your daily fat intake from fats and less fat intake from animal proteins.

Oats and Barley have a soluble fiber known as Beta Glucan and this is key to lowering cholesterol. To gain the best cholesterol lowering effects consume from two to four cups of dry oats or barley daily. New research about barley and oats has suggested that these two foods may be beneficial in helping those with high cholesterol.
Fruits and Vegetables including apples, citrus fruit, berries, carrots, apricots, cabbage and sweet potatoes are very high in soluble fiber and pectin. Eat at least five servings a day for good heart health. Many studies have repeatedly proven that fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent for maintaining overall good health and preventing many serious illnesses.
Flaxseeds contain alpha_linolenic acid a polyunsaturated fat which has been shown in recent research studies to lower cholesterol while providing needed soluble fiber.
Olive Oil has been shown to effectively lower blood cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is considered to offer the best results. Using olive oil rather than animal fats can help lower your cholesterol and improve overall health.
Fish that contains omega_3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevents blood from clotting and lowers blood cholesterol. Research also suggests that omega-3 is good for brain function and overall good health.
When preparing foods adapt to healthful baking, roasting and grilling. Go for the low fat cooking oil sprays. Coat your pan to sear in the juices rather than frying.
Limit the use of egg yolks by using one egg white only for every egg yolk enjoyed. You won’t easily notice any difference and you will enjoy your egg preparations just the same.
Adapt to 1% milk and then to skim milk for best in health. Try the soy and rice milks and also for cheese, sour cream and ice cream alternatives. These make delicious healthful choices. Try your local health food store, where many vegan alternatives - including no-milk substitutes are abundant.