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Foods Low in Cholesterol and Why Cholesterol is Bad for Your Heart!

     Researchers at the Saint Louis School of Medicine have found out why high blood cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  The answer lies in a protective protein called TGF-beta or transforming growth factor-beta.

     This protein protects the heart's aorta and other vessels from the damaging effects of hypertension and high cholesterol.  Too much cholesterol inhibits the responsiveness of cardiovascular cells to TGF-beta, allowing hardening of the arteries to occur.

     Hardening of the arteries damages and narrows the arteries of your heart, which prevents blood from being pumped through properly, thus increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

     TGF-beta is also known as a tumour suppressor, so when its effectiveness is limited by high cholesterol it could increase the risk of certain cancers.

     However, another study by the Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, showed that lowering your cholesterol may not be sufficient to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.   Researchers found that even though subjects were on statin lowering drugs that lowered blood cholesterol levels, the calcified plaque which causes the narrowing of arteries was not reversed as well.

     Both studies show the importance of prevention in the fight against heart disease.  The single most effective method of reducing and eliminating the risk of heart attack and stroke is by adopting these lifestyle changes:

 

  • Get plenty of exercise that includes weight bearing and weight lifting workouts
  • Adopt a more vegetarian diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Keep your blood sugar in balance
  • Take time to meditate
  • Develop a solid support system
  • Get plenty of rest
  • And always find time to laugh.

copyright 2007@ Meza Health Systems, Inc.
 



     Both studies show the importance of prevention in the fight against heart disease.  The single most effective method of reducing and eliminating the risk of heart attack and stroke is by adopting these lifestyle changes:

 

  • Get plenty of exercise that includes weight bearing and weight lifting workouts
  • Adopt a more vegetarian diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Keep your blood sugar in balance
  • Take time to meditate
  • Develop a solid support system
  • Get plenty of rest
  • And always find time to laugh.

copyright 2007@ Meza Health Systems, Inc.