What is MSG Doing in Fermented Foods and Drinks?

By Kathryn Barry

What is MSG anyway? MSG may be one of the most famous food additives known to mankind. When I was a young child, we used it like most people use salt. Little did we know the problems this flavor enhancer could create with just a few shakes.

This could explain why my childhood memories are a little fuzzy.

MSG is in All Fermented Foods!

1. MSG is a salt of Glutamic Acid and is also known as Monosodium Glutamate.

2. An amino acid called glutamic acid is present in most plant and protein rich foods. Glutamic acid is also found in the human body.

3. Glutamic acid presents no problems in its unprocessed or natural state.

4. What causes the problems for sensitive people, is processed free glutamic acid which has been freed from protein through a fermentation or manufacturing process.

5. MSG is Processed Free Glutamic Acid and All Fermented Foods have it.

MSG aka Neurotoxin

Neurotoxins cause damage to your central nervous system.

MSG crosses your blood-brain barrier and will then excite your nerve cells to the point of nerve cell death.

This may cause more damage to the young...whose blood-brain barrier has not fully had a chance to develop.

Also, at great risk is the elderly. They usually have a weakened blood-brain barrier and are less able to keep excessive amounts of MSG from reaching their brains.

Pregnant women risk exposure to their unborn baby!

What are MSG Related Health Problems?

These are some of the health problems associated with MSG:

*Rapid Heartbeat

*Extreme Rise/Drop in Blood Pressure

*Diarrhea

*Throwing Up

*Pain in Joints

*Moody Feelings

*Rage

*Severe Headaches

*Feeling Light Headed

*Vision Blurred

*Anxiety Attacks

*Feeling Chilly

*Trouble Breathing

*Urination Increase

*Itchy Skin

Fermented Foods to Eat Cautiously

Fermented foods that contain high amounts are Soy Sauce or Shoyu, Fish Sauce, and Certain Cheeses (especially Parmesan).

If you are extremely sensitive to this toxin, you may need to refrain from consuming all fermented foods and drinks. Most people who consume a moderate amount of fermented foods and drinks will not have problems.

It makes sense that fermented foods with a higher protein content would be more problematic to sensitive people.

Unless you are extremely sensitive to this toxin, fermented food does not seem to cause the adverse problems that are associated with manufactured MSG.

What is MSG Origins or History?

A Japanese Scientist in 1908 by the name of Kikunae Ikeda was the person who discovered Glutamic Acid and its ability to make foods taste a certain way.

Shortly, after this discovery the world-wide use of MSG began to explode.

Ajinomoto was the brand name given to MSG and it was used as a flavor enhancer. I still remember to this day their catchy commercial tune.

You'll find MSG is used under various names and will be found in almost everything you buy from grocery stores including health food stores. Educate yourself on the common names that MSG goes by to keep yourself and your family safe. - 17274

About the Author:

Before you risk any more damage to your health, make sure you read this informative guide to Healthy Eating which is available online at Destination Healthy Foods.

Amazing Smoothie Recipes Review - Making It Easy to Be Healthy

By Jen Turner

Since I decided to lose weight I always knew I needed to stay healthy. I looked around online for some healthy smoothie recipes to make this a little easier, and I came across the Amazing Smoothie Recipes eBook - which is more than just a collection of recipes. As soon as I started reading it I found a number of health tips and ways that smoothies can help you lose weight.

When I bought the eBook it was very easy to download " which was great because I couldn't wait to check it out, alongside the 4 bonus eBooks that came with it! It only cost $9.95 and it was given in PDF format which helped me to print it out and put it into a ring binder, though I also saved a copy of all the eBooks on my computer for safe-keeping.

Some of the great things this eBook has taught me include just why it's so important to have 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Because most of us lead such busy lives, we often get as little as three - but the recipes in this eBook provide a helpful way around this. You'll even get a chart so you can tick off how many portions of fruit you eat every day.

There were some really interesting facts in this eBook about why smoothies are so nutritionally valuable. For example, I learned that watermelons include an important cancer-fighting ingredient called lycopene. There are also a huge number of other antioxidants found in the recipes here, important for protecting your health.

These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to stick to eating only raw foods, as they only take a minute to make in the blender. Some of my favorite recipes are the Pink Banana Smoothie and the Apple Passion, on pages 37 and 43. Make sure you try them!

One important point to emphasise is that the measurements in this eBook all come in ml instead of cups. This shouldn't be too much of a problem, since most measuring jugs come with both. If yours doesn't, then I recommend buying a Pyrex measuring cup. Fortunately mine did measure in both, and I found that 1 cup was roughly equal to just over 200ml of juice.

My favourite thing about buying this recipe collection in eBook format was that I could download it as soon I bought it - and I could buy it at whatever time I wanted. And, since it is delivered electronically, the makers could add on the great bonus eBooks: 101 Amazing Ways to Stay Healthy, The Amazing Family Cookbook (with 500+ low sugar and low fat recipes), Amazing Vegetable Variations (300+ recipes that families love) and Amazing Fast Food Facts.

Id definitely recommend the Amazing Smoothie Recipes eBook to anyone on a diet or wanting to learn more about improving their health! - 17274

About the Author:

Whether you're learning how to be a little more healthy, or trying to lose some weight, the Amazing Smoothie Recipes ebook is a great place to start. You can also follow my own weight loss progress and menu ideas on my weight loss blog at Diet Smoothie.net

5 Sure Ways to Get Back Shape Post-Pregnancy

By Patsie Adams

You just gave birth, your 8-pound baby is out and you still get asked When are you due? Its horrible really, but post-pregnancy weight loss takes time and effort. This article will discuss what it takes to get you back in shape post-delivery. Yes, you can reclaim your body post-baby!

Before anything else, be realistic. Carrying a child for 9 months will really impact you body. It will take some time and patience to get back into those old jeans. When it comes to losing weight post-pregnancy, best to do it slowly but surely.

It's important to note that your body is still recovering. Immediately after birth is not the time for diet gimmicks, pills or quick weight loss programs. Suddenly jumping back into heavy exercise is not a good idea either. Consider these things well - for the sake of your health and your baby's health.

But do not lose heart. There ARE ways to lose weight post-pregnancy. Just be smart about it. Here are 5 great tips for losing weight after baby:

1. Nurse your baby. Breast feeding shrinks your uterus and tummy back into shape. Feeding your baby your own milk also burns up to about 500 or more calories per day. Breast milk is the bast kind of nutrition you can give your baby AND at the same time, will help you get back in shape post-pregnancy.

2. Eat healthy. Stay away from the usual suspects of high fat, high sugar and super salty foods with empty calories. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, whole grains, fiber rich food and an ample amount of lean protein to keep you strong and healthy enough to care for your baby - and these healthy foods will also keep you from eating junk that will only keep you fat.

3. Hydrate. If you are breast feeding, it is extra important to drink plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of water will also cleanse your system as it aids in digestion and helps your body get rid of toxins. Regular bathroom trips and a clean system are very useful for post-pregnancy weight loss!

4. Get back into exercise... slowly. When you take time-off baby duty, make sure there's physical activity included. Mommy-time should involve some light to moderate exercise. You can take daily walks that build up to jogs, then runs. You can also take a dance class or a cadio class at the gym. Just be sure to check with your doctor first before starting an exercise program, especially after giving birth.

5. Bond with your baby. Just choosing bonding activities that involve some action can help you burn calories - and lose some of that stubborn baby weight. Taking the bay to walks in the park burns calories. So do some mommy-and-baby yoga classes. Bond and burn!

Post-pregnancy weight loss should not be just a pipe dream. Having the baby is no excuse for you to think you cant fit into your old clothes again. Many other women have done it. So can you!

Just be disciplined with your food and your exercise time. The weight can fall off, but it is not going fall off on its own. You still have some work to do! Now get to it, and know that you are on your way to meeting your post-pregnancy weight loss goal. - 17274

About the Author:

Discover the secrets of healthy weight loss with quick and easy tips from Patsie Adams. Visit Patsie's blog for daily advice on fast easy weight loss, plus motivation to keep you on track.

Acai The Chocolate Berry

By Max Wilson

The acai berry is becoming so popular worldwide that you would almost think it has magical properties. This small, deep purple berry has a juice that tastes somewhere between wild berries and chocolate. It not only tastes good though. This super fruit as been credited for giving many health benefits, healthy heart to insulin control.

What better way to good health than to just take some juice every day? Or if juice is not your thing then you can take it in a pill or capsule form. There is even a freeze dried variety and also a pulp. Whichever method fits into your daily routine, there is a product that will suit your style.

Those who have tried acai berry juice have felt their energy levels restored after a short while. Because of all its benefits, it is said in Brazil, which is the country of its origin, to be the 'Viagra of Brazil'. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of taking this supplement is the unique blend of vitamins and amino acids. People who are getting older have less ability to absorb specific vitamins. Their joints and tissues will suffer as a result of inflammation caused by this inability hence the aging process shows up very quickly with stiffness and painful joints.

Acai products encourage and have the ability to turn back this process. Taking the right oil containing omega 3 is beneficial for joints and promotes uptake of oil in the body. Joints become more mobile and pain decreases or vanishes completely.

Diabetics have reported a reduction in their dependence on drugs associated with the disease. After a brief period their insulin levels go down and stabilize which indicates they can decrease the medicine they take.

Additional health benefits includes muscle regeneration. As everyone knows, the heart works harder than any other muscle in the human body. Perhaps it deserves a treat? When you add the anti-aging aspects of juice to this you would have a 'super' food that could be used and tested for effectiveness. - 17274

About the Author:

Chocolate and berries the perfect combination is what you'll find with acai berry juice. A daily dose of grat tasting vitamins with anti-oxidants is what you get with acai berry juice. You can also get the benefits of acai berries in capsules and freeze dried powder besides acai berry juice.

Get Larger Muscles Now with Bodybuilding

By Don Moore

What, you may ask, is bodybuilding? It is the act of increasing ones bulk by working out and shaping ones diet to gain more muscle mass while keep body fat to a minimum. Bodybuilding workouts absolutely help you look good in a suit or a wedding dress and will assist you in developing character traits that will be with you throughout your life.

Bodybuilding did not really exist prior to the late 19th century, when it was promoted by a man from Prussia named Eugen Sandow, who is now generally referred to as The Father of Modern Bodybuilding.

It became more popular in the 1950s and 1960s with the emergence of strength and gymnastics champions joining the sport. The most important of these was Charles Atlas, whose advertising in comic books and other publications encouraged many young men to undertake weight training to improve their physiques to resemble the comic books muscular superheroes.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that proper training program combined with a modestly hyper-caloric diet with proper macro-nutrient balance can produce steady gains in size and strength, while avoiding significant increases in body fat.

The two ways that a dedicated bodybuilder can maximize the development of his muscles:

* Using weight or hydraulic resistance machines for ones training.

* Specialized nutrition, using extra protein and supplementation where necessary. Enough rest including sleep and recuperation between workouts.

Over training occurs when a bodybuilder has trained to the point where his workload exceeds his recovery capacity. It has been argued that over training can be beneficial. Over training can be used advantageously, when a body builder is purposely over trained for a brief period of time and allowed to super compensate during a regeneration phase.

Finally, through trial and error, finding I had a limited period of time in the day for exercise that I had to become more focused in my routine. My exercising has become more organized and efficient through the use of super-set, tri-sets and giant-sets.

Staying lean with my functional training in my main object of training now. I have be able to maintain my training schedule while be able to eat in a manner that is clean and helpful to me. This is easy for me and it charges my energy and mental clarity. Sleep and rest is also very important to me, in fact it is a regular part my my routine.

Knowing about my body parts, using sets and reps, all combined with proper form and speed in my movements gives me an awesome workout.

This is not a complicated matter as long as you keep your goals realistic. You can't expect to have 6 pack abs in two weeks if your are 50-lbs overweight. The results I have gotten, have been extraordinary due to simply following these basic principles. - 17274

About the Author:

Don Moore is an expert in bodybuilding and a devotee of Vince del Monte's "No-Nonsense Muscle Building". His website, Get Larger Muscles Now, is where you can find Vince's expert muscle building program.

Organic Coffee Can Be Good For Everyone

By Ali Bautista

t is a joy to have a fresh cup of coffee. Made from delicately roasted beans and freshly ground. The benefits of an organic bean are pretty self evident and desirable. An if that organic coffee bean can pay a farmer a decent wage then it is even better. There has been a groundswell in people wanting a good tasting, organically grown bean, that is purchased in an ethical manner and the fair trade movement is gaining popular acceptance.

Fair Trade in some ways goes back to the Dutch protest book of the 1800's Max Havelaar, commenting on the trading practices in the Dutch East Indies. Today the focus is on making sure the farmer is being paid a good price for his beans and that he actually gets that price rather than it ending up with some middlemen along the way.

Some buyers have even gone so far as to pay part of their purchase in advance instead of waiting for delivery before paying. This is an attempt to keep farmers from needing to get loans between the coffee harvest through till time of payment.

Many of the coffee growing nations are natural producers of organic coffee. Countries like Vanuatu and Ethiopia has no high tech chemical or farming technologies and the farms tend to be smaller entities. These countries are small players who need to focus on niche markets rather than taking on the volume production of Brazil or Columbia.

Co-operatives are a common occurrence to allow an economic mass to be gathered. Sense of community is enhanced and it allows money to be directed back to the community for medical or educational purposes.

The emergence of organic coffees as a viable alternative has in some cases pushed some farmers away from drug crops as they can now make a living from traditional crops.

Good coffee and ethical trading can work together. - 17274

About the Author:

To read more about gourmet coffee visit the fair trade organic coffee information site.

Fort Myers Weight Loss Program: The Zone Diet

By Tasha-joe Hendricks

If you haven't heard of the Zone Diet, you're missing out on a unique opportunity to achieve your weight loss goals once and for all. The Zone Diet is part of the Fort Myers weight loss program, which uses scientifically designed methods that enable you to significantly reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol, and excess weight, as well as improve the health of your heart.

The core of the Zone Diet has, at its center, the acclaimed research of Dr. Sears. This research focuses not only on weight loss, but on the reduction of heart disease as well, for the improvement of overall health and general well-being.

All the effort that goes into losing weight is largely wasted if the diet you follow is only concerned with the quantity of calories consumes. By using the Zone Diet, you'll soon understand that it's not the quantity alone that is crucial to weight loss, it's the quality of those calories. A double cheeseburger with fries, instead, is 2,000 calories. With this program, you could eat nearly four entire meals for 2,000 calories, while losing weight and improving the health of your heart at the same time. Some calories are better - healthier - than others.

To ensure that your efforts will be as successful as possible, you'll need to make a few adjustments in the way you approach dieting and weight loss. Everyone feels the urge to give in to temptation and eat fatty, unhealthy junk foods sometimes, but these are exactly the kinds of foods that need to be removed from your meals. This will be extremely difficult at first, but you'll be surprised at how quickly you adapt to a new, more healthy way of eating.

Staying motivated is important, since sticking with the program will be essential to your ongoing success. Remember to focus on your goals, which shouldn't be limited to losing weight, but also on the prevention of future health issues, such as heart disease and high cholesterol. Being a part of the Fort Myers weight loss system means carefully following its directions, since neglecting to do so might cause you to unintentionally alter your metabolism, which would significantly hinder your efforts to lose weight.

According to Dr. Sears, a successful diet is due to finding the correct proportions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and combining them in a very specific ratio. The detailed information you will receive about each of these elements of your diet will help you to determine what proportion will be best for you.

Consuming too many fats or carbohydrates, for instance, can release a flood of glucose which in turn causes a chain reaction of increased levels of insulin and lipid cells. An effective diet is the key to successful weight loss, which is why it's so crucial to unswervingly stick to your diet plan from day one.

Dr. Sears has dedicated years to developing these weight loss strategies, which will start by modifying your calorie intake, creating a meal plan, and improving your metabolism. With the Zone Diet, you'll learn several different methods to lower your cholesterol in addition, of course, to losing weight.

The simple but necessary changes that will be introduced into your diet and lifestyle through the Zone Diet are essential parts of keeping your heart healthy. You will also learn about the effects of glucose on your system, and better understand the body's digestive and metabolic processes. The more you learn about the types of food you intake, the easier it will be to avoid the ones that cause heart disease and weight gain. - 17274

About the Author:

If you are considering Fort Myers weight loss be sure to look into the Morris Medical Center. Dr. Morris runs a Fort Myers medical weight loss center and is always there to answer questions and assist you attain your weight loss dreams. I've been there for 6 weeks and have lost 29 pounds. Not bad, and I feel great!

A Quick Summary Of Dietary Fat For Losing Arm Fat

By Katherine Crawford M.S.

I believe that the majority of the population understands how important dietary fat is. What's so special about it? Well, it plays a critical role in the production of fat-incinerating hormones.

It also slows down digestion significantly. What will a slower digestion rate do for you? It will keep insulin low. And low levels of insulin translate into the fastest rate of fat loss.

So here is a quick rundown of the different types of fat:

1. Skin fat: Also called triglycerides, subcutaneous fat is a storage fat within the female body. It's what prevents most women from achieving the toned look. When someone says they want to lose weight, they are usually referring to this type of fat.

2. Hydrogen saturated fat: A main cause of heart disease, saturated fat should be minimized. It's solid and room temperature and when taken in large amounts (more than 10% of calories) can cause some serious health issues.

3. Mono fat: Short for monounsaturated fat, this is a great fat for cooking food because it doesn't break down at high temperatures. You should include a hefty amount of this fat in your diet for optimal health.

4. The omega's: Omega-3 and omega-6 fat, also known as polyunsaturated fats, are ultra healthy. And omega 3 fats in particular, are great for accelerating arm fat loss.

5. Partially hydrogenated fats: Also known as death fat, they are great for decreasing life span. No joke. Harvard researchers have clearly demonstrated that no amount of trans fat is healthy. So stay away from it at all costs.

Optimizing your fat intake is critical for sexy arm success. A diet lacking healthy fats will lead to failure. Not to mention all the health issues that can arise from an extremely low fat diet. After all, some of the most healthy diets in the world are very high in fats. - 17274

About the Author:

Author Katherine Crawford, a Harvard exercise expert and former arm fat sufferer, instructs women on how to get skinny arms. Learn how to get sexy and toned arms by visiting her blog about bingo wings now!

Natural Diet Secrets For A Better Health

By Jose Bautista

A natural diet must be part of our lifestyle, because it improves continuously our health. Regular consumption of natural, unprocessed foods low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and good fats (like olive oil) will reduce the risk of various diseases. Anyone can follow a natural diet, regardless of age and special needs.

The consumption of raw food has countless benefits for our health. Many products contain enzymes that help in digestion. A natural diet provides phytochemicals, whose effects on health are similar to those of vitamins and minerals. By cooking, most enzymes are destroyed.

Try to consume natural foods as much as possible and include in your daily menu large amounts of fruits, vegetables, seeds and whole grains. Thus, your health will be protected from harmful environmental factors, such as pollution, toxins, additives and preservatives.

Because they provide the necessary amount of vitamins and fiber, vegetables and fruits represent the basis of a natural diet. This is possible because most fruits and vegetables are harder to digest, consuming more energy; thus, natural foods help you to achieve not only a better health, but also a perfect weight. Cereals are another important part of the natural diet, because without them any diet can cause various diseases of the digestive system. Keep in mind that you should opt for whole grains and not for processed cereals, which also contain a high intake of sugar.

It's never too late to start a life based on a natural diet, to change your bad eating habits and to improve the quality of life. A recipe for a healthy life should include a diet based on fruits, whole grains, vegetables and protein, preferably of vegetable origin.

A natural diet requires a plan, a purpose and the motivation to consume a variety of healthy foods every day. It is important to pay attention not only to the food consumed, but also to those nutrients that are not part of our diet. Food is one of the great pleasures of life. All foods can be part of a natural diet, if they are consumed with moderation, in the right way. - 17274

About the Author:

J. Bautista is a personal trainer that utilizes a natural diet to achieved his clients health and fitness ultimate goals.

Weight Loss Secrets: Get Your Head In The Game

By Jerry Horn

Increasingly more Americans are finding themselves over weight. More individuals are now seeking different ways for weight loss. People have to remain committed when they start a program in order to have the best results.

Setting goals are another important part as well. When you have goals their is something you have your sight on. Not only that, but there is more of a reason to stay committed as well.

There are many weight loss diets, but not all are suitable for losing weight in a healthy manner. Starvation and lack of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in the diet, often lead to a state of discomfort, fatigue. Moreover, after a few days of diet, most people will quit. What can be done to lose weight quickly and healthy? Here are some important principles that should be followed in any diet!

What most people who want to lose weight do not realize right away is that the process is highly emotional. Often, the biggest obstacles to someone losing excess weight is their own thought pattern, lifestyle routines, and the mental focus that led to weight gain to begin with.

Therefore, if you want to lose weight quickly you have to be prepared to deal with the emotional aspects. You have to be willing to think through impulse eating or urges to binge. What is really beneath the self-destructive behaviors? What thought patterns often lead to late night snacking or other problem behaviors?

Very few people can lose substantial amounts of weight and keep it off long term without dealing with some kind of mental or emotional issue. If you are aware of this aspect before you start trying to shed pounds, you are more likely to get through the process successfully.

Any diet that deprives you of nutrient that you need, are not worth the try. Diets that concentrate on grapefruit or cabbage soup, do not provide your body with the nutrients that is need. Fasting also is a bad way to lose weight, since you are likely to back on the weight that you lose, plus more.

Diet pills are another thing that you should use caution with. Most of them do not have FDA approval, meaning that they can make claims that are false in regards to how well their product works. Additionally, there is no real evidence to whether the products are safe or effective.

There are safe and easy ways that teach you how to lose weight fast. Essentially, all of those ways will require a commitment to exercise and reducing the calories that you eat. Finding the best program that works according to you is the most important thing to do.

If you want to lose the weight and waiting months and years for that body you will be comfortable with to emerge, you have to have a very focused plan and a lot of dedication.

So, you know this is going to be an emotional ride and there will be days you want to give up. You are dedicated and ready to commit to rapid weight loss. That head strong determination is the first step, but now you need to find a plan that will carry your body through to where your mind is. Remember, you don't need a miracle; just mental clarity and a solid plan of action. - 17274

About the Author:

Once you pass this period you will probably begin to notice some unpleasant side effects. Seven Secrets Weight Loss There are others, all of which have been marketed aggressively throughout the country. The fifty tip - Leave those fizzy drinks out of your diet.

Body Building Tips, Alcohol and the Muscle Gain Process

By Ricardo d Argence

In the next few lines ai am going to tell you why alcohol affects the muscle growth process.

Too much alcohol will almost definitely have a significant negative impact on your muscle-building results. Alcohol is far more harmful than most people think, and it's very important that you understand how this drug is affecting your progress.

It negatively affects protein synthesis. The proteins can be made by joining amino acids through the process of Protein synthesis. Because drinking too much alcohol slows a this down to twenty percent and because your muscles consist of protein it is clear what the problem with this is.

Alcohol reduces the amount of testosterone in the body and raises the body's estrogen level. Testosterone is the most important muscle-building hormone in your body. However much a person lifts weights, their testosterone levels limit their peak muscle mass. Higher free testosterone levels will help you burn fat and build huge muscles.

Alcohol causes dehydration. The body can quickly become dehydrated because the kidneys have to use so much water to be able to process the alcohol. A minimal amount of dehydration can be critical to body builders due to the fact that water is crucial to the muscle-building process. Our body's muscles are made up of 70% water.

The A and B vitamin groups, as well as calcium, phosphorous, and zinc, are drained rapidly when alcohol is consumed. Vitamins and mineral keep little process in body function.

Alcohol can be surprisingly fattening because of the 7 empty calories per gram. One key process in burning fat, the Kreb's Cycle, is influenced negatively by alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption, especially at the times when you would normally sleep, can have effects on the quality of sleep. Clearly high quality sleep is extremely important to the rebuilding and growth process of muscle. Without proper rest and recovery, your gains will be affected.

It's important to have fun in life, but too much fun can lead to problems. If you're serious about achieving significant muscle-building results, you definitely need to monitor your intake of alcohol and make sure that you are consuming it in moderation.

Don't be afraid to go out and have a good time once in a while, just make sure to keep your drinking nights infrequent and properly nourish yourself to lessen its effects. - 17274

About the Author:

Sick and tired of being weak and flimsy? Let us take you by the hand with the best muscle building workouts to gain on pound after pound of ripped, firm muscle weight in the shortest period of time possible. Visit us if you want to read more Fitness Articles

What Cholesterol Really Is

By Kim Bailey

Even though there are many health experts voicing their concerns on high cholesterol, many of them do not mention that the human body needs cholesterol for the production of hormones and bile in the cell walls. The amount of cholesterol needed for this function however is not much and it is indeed the excess amounts of cholesterol, the body does not use that cause dangerous problems for the cardiovascular system.

Too Much of a Good Thing

The problem is that the body cannot effectively eliminate cholesterol from the body when it is found in excess. Instead, the substance remains in the bloodstream, forming a plaque in the arteries that makes it much more difficult for blood to pass through freely.

Hindering the blood flow cause our heart to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body. The additional strain on the heart is what causes the risk of a heart attack.

This is why monitoring cholesterol levels becomes so important throughout adulthood. When high levels are detected, a doctor and patient can work together to bring amount back down through diet, exercise and medication. The good news is that most people can prevent or reverse high levels through these methods, allowing the heart to return to normal function. The key factor is to track cholesterol on a regular basis, so you know if levels are beginning to rise as soon as possible.

Types

The two types of cholesterol in our bodies are LDL and HDL cholesterol. HDL or high density lipoproteins helps to remove cholesterol from our bodies and LDL or low density lipoproteins delivers cholesterol to the body.

Needless to say that a higher HDL will therefore mean lower cholesterol and a healthier cardiovascular system. Experts figure the two numbers together to work out what an overall healthy cholesterol reading is.

Understanding cholesterol is an important step in keeping your cardiovascular system working in top condition. Regular monitoring of levels will let you know if you are on the right track with your health or if you need to make modifications to your diet and lifestyle for a healthier heart.

You can talk to your doctor about what good cholesterol levels are and how you can achieve or maintain them. - 17274

About the Author:

Kim Bailey is a health expert and blogger. If you have ever asked the question how do I lower my cholesterol or would like more information on natural cures for high cholesterol you can find the answers on Cholesterol Natural Remedies.com