FOCUS ON: CHOLESTEROL

Introduction to Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, necessary for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest foods. While cholesterol is essential for good health, high levels in the blood can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, managing cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.​

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Lifestyle Changes

To manage cholesterol levels effectively, consider the following lifestyle changes:

• Diet: Adopt a diet low in saturated and trans fats. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol.

• Stress Management: Reducing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help manage cholesterol indirectly by reducing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.​​

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Supplements to support Cholesterol Levels

Certain supplements can help improve cholesterol levels:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These can help reduce triglycerides and slightly raise HDL cholesterol levels.

• Psyllium Fiber: Helps lower LDL cholesterol by absorbing fat in the digestive tract.

• Red Yeast Rice: Contains monacolin K, which can help lower cholesterol but must be used with caution under supervision due to its similarities with statin drugs.

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Diet and Nutrition

Dietary recommendations for managing cholesterol include:​

• Fiber-Rich Foods: Oats, barley, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables can help reduce cholesterol.

• Healthy Fats: Incorporate nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, which contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

• Limit Cholesterol Intake: Reduce intake of high-cholesterol foods like red meat and full-fat dairy products.

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Exercise and Physical Activity

Beneficial exercises for brain health include:

• Aerobic Exercise: Walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming can help improve cholesterol levels.

• Interval Training: Short bursts of high-intensity exercises followed by recovery periods can be particularly effective.

• Resistance Training: Weightlifting and bodyweight exercises help build muscle mass, which can improve metabolism and cholesterol levels.

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Reference Material​

• Well over 400,00 New Zealand adults diagnosed with high cholesterol and taking medication.

• Approximately one in four New Zealand adults need to manage their cholesterol levels for their heart health.

• LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol, as excess amounts can build up on the walls of the arteries, forming plaques that narrow the arteries. This is known as atherosclerosis.

• Narrowed arteries make it harder for blood to flow to the heart and other organs, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease.

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FAQs

Q: What foods should I avoid for high cholesterol?

A: Limit foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as fatty meats, butter, and fried foods.

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Q: Can exercise alone lower cholesterol?

A: Exercise is beneficial but often needs to be combined with dietary changes and sometimes medication to significantly lower cholesterol.

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Supporting You

Take control of your health by making informed choices today.

Explore our range of cholesterol focused supplements sourced from our global research partner - DoNotAge.

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OMEGA 3

IMPROVES BRAIN & HEART HEALTH

IMPROVES HEALTH OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

IMPROVES EYE HEALTH​

 

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BERBERINE

SUPPORTS HEALTHY CHOLESTEROL

MAINTAINS HEALTHY BLOOD SUGARS

PROTECTS AGAINST HEART FAILURE