There are 2 types of cholesterol, Low density lipoproteins or LDL (bad cholesterol) and high density lipoproteins HDL (good cholesterol). LDLs are responsible for plaque buildup in the arteries, this blocks the flow of blood to mayor organs like the liver, the kidneys, genitals, brain and is the number one cause of heart disease. HDLs in the other hand are considered good because they carry unused cholesterol back to the liver where it was produced once there the liver brakes it down to be removed from the body. The needed cholesterol plays an important part in the formation of sex hormones and proper nerve and brain function. However if we do not have enough HDLs or too much cholesterol for them to pick up and transport back to the liver, it will stay in our arteries and will block them. But you are probably asking yourself if the cholesterol is produce in the liver, why would I have too much, it seems like the liver would regulate how much cholesterol is needed? That is right, the problem is that cholesterol is also present in our diet and usually we eat too much saturated fats such as, coconuts, white bread, gravies, pork products, etc. all these added to the cholesterol produced by the liver could make us reach an unsafe cholesterol level.

High Cholesterol and Heart Disease: High cholesterol levels impede blood flow to the heart and the heart muscle becomes starved for oxygen, causing chest pains (angina). If a blood clot obstructs a coronary artery affected by atherosclerosis, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) is likely to occur, and can often be fatal. Reducing cholesterol levels has become the primary method of reducing the risk of heart attacks in adults.
Heart disease stemming from high cholesterol levels is the major killer in India, far more than road accidents, plane crashes, drowning, and hurricanes combined together. More than 90 million Indian adults, or nearly 50 percent of the adult population has high blood cholesterol levels, the primary risk factor for heart disease. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater risk you have of suffering from heart disease as you age.
7 Home Remedies:
1. Mix 1 tsp. of roasted chicory root, 1 tsp. of lime flowers, ½ tsp. of fenugreek seeds, ½ tsp. of ginger rhizome and 1 quarter of water. Boil all ingredients, let it cool, strain. Drink 2 cups a day.
2. Eat Garlic or take 1 capsule twice a day. It lowers LDL cholesterol level in 12% and increases HDLs.
3. Niacin is particularly helpful in lowering cholesterol. However, inositol hexaniacinate is an even better and safer form of niacin. Inositol hexaniacinate is composed of one molecule of inositol and six molecules of niacin. Inositol hexaniacinate has been used in Europe for over thirty years to lower cholesterol levels. Inositol hexaniacinate yields slightly better results than standard niacin and is better tolerated because it is flush free and doesn't have any long-term side effects on the liver or blood sugar control.
4. Chromium is vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and protein. Chromium maintains stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization and can be helpful for people with diabetes and/or hypoglycemia. Studies have shown that low plasma chromium levels can be an indication of coronary artery disease. Take 400 mcg. in a day of chromium picolinate to improve HDL to LDL ratio.
5. Taking Vitamin C with bioflavonoids 4000 mg. a day lowers cholesterol.
6. Ginger reduces cholesterol and thins the blood improving circulation
7. Guggul reduces LDL by 35% increases HDL by 20 % in 12 weeks, prevents arteriosclerosis. It performs better than many drugs in several studies.
Controller, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences,
Faridkot. 9646599300, shukla.ravinder@rediffmail.com