Millions of Americans have blood cholesterol
levels that are too high. Elevated cholesterol levels can
cause plaque to form in the arteries, increasing the risk
of heart disease and stroke. In fact, coronary artery disease
continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States;
claiming a half million lives a year.
Cholesterol is a vital part of the body, a soft, waxy substance
found among the fats in every cell. It is used to form cell
membranes, some hormones and other needed tissues. Diet is
another source of cholesterol, since it is also found in the
animal products we eat.
Fortunately cholesterol levels can be lowered by combining
exercise with a low-fat diet, and by taking the dietary supplement
Cholestene twice a day.
What is Cholestene?
Cholestene is an all natural dietary supplement formulated
with red yeast rice which has been proven to have compounds
powerful enough to help the body maintain normal cholesterol
levels by blocking the production of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
With over 34 clinical studies performed in both the United
States and China proving the safety and efficacy of Red Yeast
Rice, it's considered a leading alternative to pharmaceutical
products for cholesterol management.
The "Good" & "Bad" cholesterol
What is actually being described are lipoproteins. Because
Cholesterol is fat-like, it requires help to move through
the watery membranes of the human body. Low-Density lipoproteins
(LDL - referred to as "Bad") carry cholesterol to
the body's tissues for cellular growth and repair. It is the
sticky LDL's that attach themselves to blood vessel walls,
eventually causing the build-up called plaque, which reduces
blood flow and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL - referred to as "Good")
carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the
liver, where it's passed from the body.
We need the cholesterol our body produces, but it needs to
be monitored by getting regular blood tests performed.
Your blood cholesterol level
Compare your cholesterol numbers from your last lipid profile
with the National Institute of Health's chart below to assess
your levels:
Total Blood cholesterol levels
200 mg/dl or less - Desirable
200 to 239 mg/dl - Borderline High
240 mg/dl and above - High
LDL Blood Cholesterol Levels
130 mg/dl or less - Desirable
130 to 159 mg/dl - Borderline High
160 mg/dl and above - High
HDL Blood Cholesterol Levels
40 mg/dl and above - Desirable
Stroke & heart attack
A stroke occurs when the oxygen supply to the brain is cut
off because an artery bursts or becomes clogged with plaque.
Without oxygen, brain cells die and the abilities or functions
those cells controlled are lost.
Similarly, a heart attack happens when the blood supply to
the heart is cut off by coronary artery blockage. The part
of the heart that is deprived of blood suffers tissue death.
An elevated level of blood cholesterol combined With the following
risk factors greatly increase the chances of developing heart
disease.
Risk factors: - High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Overweight
- Smoker
- Family history of heart disease
- blood vessel disease
- Postmenopausal and not on hormone replacement
Adopting a healthier lifestyle
Although factors such as gender and family history cannot be
changed, you can take action to reduce some of the heart attack
& stroke risk factors.
When eating, remember to choose lower fat alternatives and include
more fruits and vegetables. Skip fatty sauces and creams, and
eat less red meat. Quit smoking & limit alcohol consumption.
Become more active and strive to maintain your ideal body weight.
And smile because.. "Life is Good"! |