Cholesterol - Elevated
What Is It?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. The liver makes most of the cholesterol the body requires, with a small amount made by the lining of the small intestine and individual cells of the body, but it can also be taken into the body with the food that we eat.
Cholesterol serves many vital functions in our bodies. It is the major precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D and of the various steroid hormones (which include cortisol and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, the sex hormones progesterone and the various estrogens, testosterone and derivatives). Cholesterol also aids in the manufacture of bile, a substance stored in the gallbladder which helps to digest fats and is important for the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K. www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Cause and Effect
There are two types of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream - High Density Lipids (HDL) and Low Density Lipids (LDL). HDL are the helpful ones, forming a part of the hormone messaging system. LDL levels are the ones we need to watch and keep low in order to prevent arterial plaque and atherosclerosis. Furring of the arteries is the end result of high cholesterol levels which leads to heart valve disease, stroke and other potentially fatal conditions. www.medicalnewstoday.com
High blood cholesterol is a widespread problem which can lead to blocked arteries and strokes. It is commonly treated with drugs that may have unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side-effects.
High cholesterol is thought to be the result of eating foods which are high in saturated fat; usually fatty animal products such as meat, eggs and fried foods. Careful attention to diet and a reduction of these types of foods can help in reducing levels.
Obesity and physical inactivity also play a part in high cholesterol levels, so exercising on a regular basis can help to lower your levels and bring them back down to where they need to be.
Genetic heritage could be a factor too, particularly if you come from a family with a history of familial hypercholesterolemia a condition characterised by higher than normal levels of LDL blood cholesterol. www.ezinearticles.com
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations
What to Avoid
Animal products - Drastically reduce your intake of fatty foods (and refined fats), especially those from animal products, dairy or processed foods.
Dehydration - Hydration is worth paying attention to when tackling high cholesterol. In a study, Dr F Battmanghelidj states, in relation to cholesterol, that: ‘The reason for its rise in the body is because of complications caused by chronic unintentional dehydration and insufficient urine production.’ www.watercure.com
Refined sugar - It is advisable to cut refined sugars and carbohydrates from our diet to help lower cholesterol.
What to Include
As well as the ingredients listed below, garlic, banana, blueberries, cantaloupe melon, cherries, grapefruit, guava, oranges and pomegranate may also help tackle high cholesterol.
Apples - Known to have a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. Add in some of an apple’s pulp when making a smoothie. In controlled tests, animals given apple juice with the pulp included showed remarkably reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The pectin soluble fibre acts like a ‘broom’ in the blood vessels and ‘sweeps’ out undesirable cholesterol deposits.
Avocado - The use of avocado can help reduce cholesterol while at the same time preserving the beneficial HDL levels in the blood. A group of Australian researchers found that a diet consisting of 20-35 per cent of calories from fat in avocados was better for reducing cholesterol than a low-fat diet, high in complex carbohydrates.
Cabbage - It may not be the first ingredient you reach for when juicing, but cabbage juice offers sulphur-based amino acids which help to lower plasma cholesterol levels.
Cacao - The British Medical Journal (BMJ) published research undertaken amongst those at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Results showed the positive effectiveness of dark chocolate in helping prevent these risks. They concluded that daily dark chocolate consumption (at least 60-70 per cent cacao) could be an effective preventative treatment against cardiovascular problems, because of its proven blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effect. www.the-cma.org.uk, http://www.naturalnews.com
Exercise - At least 20 minutes a day is recommended, so find something you enjoy doing which you are more likely to stick to over the long-term.
Grapes - Research carried out by James Joseph at Tufts University found that the polyphenols in grape skins helped to prevent the oxidation of damaging LDL cholesterol.
Onion - It’s not the first thing you might choose, but eating half a medium raw onion each day may significantly help to correct thrombosis, lower LDL cholesterol and prevent heart attacks.
Watermelon - A 2011 study by researchers at the University of Kentucky found that watermelon helped to reduce atherosclerosis. The study involved mice with diet-induced high cholesterol. By week eight of the study, the mice given watermelon juice had lower body weight and significantly lower cholesterol levels.
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The Ginger Shot - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Juice Plan
3cm Ginger
1 Small or ½ Large Apple
Simply juice the ingredients and knock back!
Juice: Ease The Pressure
3 Small Bulbs of Beetroot
2 Golden Delicious Apples
1 Large Handful of Black or Red Grapes
Ice
Simply juice the lot, pour over ice and enjoy.
Blend: Chocolate, Orange Power Blend
2 Oranges (peeled, white pith left on)
1 Banana (ripe)
1 Heaped tsp of Cocoa Powder
½ tsp Maca Powder
1 tsp Manuka Honey
Ice
Juice the oranges and pour into a blender. Put the banana, cocoa powder, mama powder, Manuka honey and ice into the blender. Blend until smooth, drink and enjoy!
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.