How To Raise Good Cholesterol And Lower Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is often described as a soft, sticky substance a bit like bees wax. It serves a number of roles in the body. A few examples are the strengthening of cell membranes and the creation of vitamin D when it reacts with sunlight.

Most of the cholesterol that the body needs is created by the liver. The rest is gained through eating foods that have cholesterol in them. These are mainly animal products because they have the same type of cholesterol as humans.

Thus there is a good chance that through our eating habits we can get too much cholesterol than the body actually needs. This is were the problems occur. When we have too much cholesterol in the system it will tend to build up on the walls of the arteries. This is known as thickening arteries or atherosclerosis. This can make it harder for blood to circulate and lead to increased blood pressure. This can lead to heart problems or blood clots if the plaque on the artery walls breaks off or seals an artery. Obviously this is a serious problem and you don't want to ever get to this stage.

Good cholesterol is another name for high density lipoproteins (HDL). This is a transport in the blood for cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to the liver where it is excreted, thus lowering overall cholesterol. Bad cholesterol is another name for low density lipoproteins (LDL). It transports cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When there is too much cholesterol than the body needs this LDL cholesterol will stick to the walls of the arteries. As already stated, this is a problem.

Apart from modifying your diet and taking on more exercise there are supplements that can help in increasing good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol.

Policosanol

Policosanol is an extract of sugar cane wax that some clinical studies have shown to lower cholesterol. Not only that, it does not appear to have any side effects that is often cited as a reason why people avoid prescribed medication.

Green tea

Green tea and extracts of the tea that can be taken as a supplement are thought to have benefits for the heart. There are also claims that it can increase the production of HDL thus lowering overall cholesterol. Green tea has been used in China for thousands of years as a beverage but also for it's purported medicinal qualities. This has been latched on by many companies that promote green tea but clinical tests are not conclusive. Green tea also has caffeine in it so moderate drinking is fine but too much caffeine may not be good for the body.

Niacin

Niacin, sometimes called Nicotinic acid - is a B vitamin. It is thought to lower the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the body and also raise the HDL cholesterol levels. It has to be taken in a large quantity to have this affect however. It can be bought like any vitamin supplement without a doctors prescription but it is not advisable to take large doses of it without notifying your doctor.

Supplements are an extra measure in your battle to lower cholesterol but they aren't a substitute for a change in your eating habits and taking regular exercise. Ultimately these will have better and longer lasting affects on your health