Cholesterol And Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today. The American Heart Association (AHA) studies have shown that 71 million Americans are suffering from some form of heart disease. The AHA Statistics show that there is a death every 20 second that can be directly attributed to the complications from some form of heart disease.

Heart disease can develop from many different causation's. Studies show that one of the major causes of heart disease is linked to poor diet. It appears that Americans tend to be eating foods that are known to be high in cholesterol, and fat. This form of unhealthy eating, combined with lack of exercise, can leads to an unhealthy increase in body weight, and an increases in cholesterol levels. (Levels above 200 are considered to put one at risk of heart disease.)

High cholesterol levels are known to promote buildup of plaque and fatty deposits in the heart's arterial system. This arteriole build up can lead to high blood pressure, that in turn may lead to stroke, and other serious forms of heart disease. Which ultimately can lead to heart attack, and possible death....

High cholesterol is one of the risk factors of heart disease that can be controlled by a low fat, low cholesterol diet. By eating a healthy heart smart diet it can also decrease the need to take medication's to help control cholesterol and high blood pressure. As one might demise, it is ultimately important to know what your cholesterol level is. If you don't know your cholesterol level,a visit to the doctor is recommended. Not only to have your cholesterol levels checked, but if necessary, the doctor can provide you with diet information to lower your cholesterol, and also to prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol level if needed.

The American Heart Association recommends to eat a heart smart diet. A diet that will not only decrease cholesterol, but reduce chances of developing problems that are caused by high cholesterol.

The fact is by eating healthy foods, you can decrease cholesterol, and also reduce your weight . Keep in mind that obesity is another key risk factor that can lead to serious heart disease, which can lead to a shortened life span.

To reduce you're your cholesterol level, and decrease risk of heart disease? Here are some recommendations on choosing foods that will aid in decreasing your cholesterol level, along with foods to avoid.

When choosing fruits and vegetables: Choose fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits. If canned vegetables are your preference, make sure they are low-sodium. Canned fruit packed in juice or water are fine.

Stay away from: Coconut and vegetables in cream sauce. Do not eat Fried or breaded vegetables, stay away from canned fruit packed in heavy sugar syrup.

Pick the right whole grains, rice, and pasta: Choose to eat foods made with healthy whole-wheat flour, include bread made with whole-grain, preferably 100 percent whole-wheat or 100 percent whole-grain. Choose Cereal high in fiber, with 5 or more grams of fiber per serving. Choose brown rice over white rice. Nutrients are striped from white rice via processing. Whole-grain pasta is another good choose. Oatmeal is always a great diet choice.

Stay clear of: muffins, frozen waffles corn bread, doughnuts, biscuits, quick breads, granola bars, cake, pies, egg noodles buttered popcorn, high-fat snack cracker, chips.

Dairy products that will help lower your cholesterol: Select skim or low-fat (1 percent) milk Fat-free or low-fat, low fat yogurt and cheeses, and egg whites or egg substitutes.

Avoid Dairy products such as- full-fat milk, the yolks of eggs, butter. When choosing meat, seafood, and poultry, choose lean red meats. Avoid meat with heavy marbling or organ meats, like hot dogs, sausage, lunch meats. Avoid fried or canned meats. Poultry should be skinless, chicken and turkey are recommended. Lean fish and shellfish are a good diet choice.

What are the best cooking oils: olive oil, canola oil, margarine that are fat free, and trans fat free.

Oils To avoid: Butter, lard, hydrogenated margarine and shortening's cocoa butter, found in chocolate, coconut or palm oil.

Please keep in mind high cholesterol is not the only risk factor that can lead to heart disease,there are multiple risk factors. But cholesterol is one factor that can be successfully controlled by following a low fat low cholesterol diet, along with moderate exercise program.

Other risk factors that lead to chronic heart disease are obesity, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol to excess, all these risk factors can lead to an unhealthy heart. But with some healthy life style changes, and a commitment to good health, the results will ultimately lead to not only a healthier heart, but a healthier body.