 Of
the other two, saturated fats are required only in moderate quantities and are
provided by dairy products, eggs, etc. and some cooking oils. Excess consumption
of such food items increases its levels and hence leads to cardiovascular diseases.
There are two types of unsaturated fats - mono-and poly-unsaturated fats.
The mono-unsaturated fats are considered the best form of fat intake. But then
again, while both these types are better than saturated fats, poly-unsaturated
fats are better consumed moderately as these affect the levels of HDL and LDL.
However, recent research shows that certain compounds, namely Omega 3 and Omega
6 fatty acids deserve special mention. They are present in certain fish oils,
vegetable oils, nuts, and vegetables.
There are also phytosterols (plant sterols), which are used as food additives
and often as dietary supplements when the different components have been identified
and separated.
2. For those who believe in sweating it out, a good exercise regime along with
the diet not only helps to reduce cholesterol and weight but also solves a lot
of other problems like diabetes etc. Power walking or brisk/long morning walks,
jogging, aerobics, cardiovascular kickboxing, power training helps not only
the blood circulation, but also improves one's muscle tone and joint flexibility.
It also helps one to keep alert and metabolize food better. It also helps in
the distribution of fat from, for e.g., the buttocks, abdomen, etc. to the other
parts of the body accordingly along with the growth of new blood capillaries
thus helping in spreading more oxygen and other nutrients to other parts of
the body. Also, giving up bad habits such as smoking helps reduce blood pressure
in turn reducing cholesterol and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Alternate medicinal practices such as meditation, treating with herbs, yoga,
pranik healing are now in vogue as people are seeking out ways to reduce the
stress factors also. Studies have shown meditation to reduce stress and blood
pressure and also to heal cancer patients. Such herbs as gingko biloba, sarpagandha
( rauwolfia serpentina), etc. which are also used as the key ingredients in
some brand-named medicines, for e.g. Wolfina, Rauval, etc. are used to treat
blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.
4. Also to be taken into account is the sex and age of the human being. Females
do not have the same physical toughness as the males whereas the males do not
get menopause, per se. Cholesterol is the building block for hormones. Hence
their hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone etc. and their cyclical
patterns play a crucial role in their physical and mental well being. Females
have a lower risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Then again, because
of menopause, the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is still debated
as its effects on blood pressure, cardiovascular functioning, etc. are still
being researched. HRT is also being researched with human identical hormones
(HIH), i.e. with substances that are identical or similar to the hormones already
present in the female human body.
Therefore, in conclusion, in this day of hectic schedules and with little time
to rest, we constantly need to educate ourselves and stay ahead in this battle
with LDLs. For it is up to us to find the solution that best suits us and take
care of ourselves today so that we may find a better cure tomorrow
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