CONCERNED ABOUT CHOLESTEROL?

While high levels of cholesterol in the blood are not the cause of cardiovascular disease , (the leading cause of over 50% of deaths in the USA), it is considered a RISK FACTOR. This means there is an established clinical  correlation between high cholesterol and the incidence of heart disease risk. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that with cholesterol levels above 200mg/dl in the blood for every 1% reduction in cholesterol level there is a 2% promotion in heart and cardiovascular health.

Cholesterol is not a fat but a closely related substance belonging to a class of compounds called sterols. Cholesterol like fat does not dissolve in water so in the blood it must be carried in a water soluble envelope of protein termed  - lipoproteins- of which there are several kinds.

When cholesterol is measured in the blood it usually includes the total amounts of cholesterol bound to Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLC) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDLC). About 80% of the cholesterol in the blood stream comes from the body's own synthesis from saturated fats especially in the liver.  The other 20% of blood cholesterol is derived from animal food sources. Organ meats such as liver and brain contain high levels of cholesterol as do egg yolks, shrimp and lobster.Meats, butter and whole milk also contain substantial amounts.  Both dietary cholesterol and fats found in animal foods raise cholesterol levels in the blood. As such the AHA advises a diet with no more that 30% of calories derived from fat and less than 10% from saturated fats.

Cholesterol does serve several important functions in the body .

1. It is a major component of brain and nervous tissue protective sheath.
2. It is part of the Bile Acids that assist in digestion.
3. It is a component building block of major hormones including Cortisol,   Testosterone,  Estrogen and Vitamin D.
4. It is a component of the lipid part of the cell wall membrane.

Coronary Artery Disease results from a build up of cholesterol-rich plaque deposits inside the coronary artery wall (atherosclerosis). These art- eries are the major supply of blood to the heart. Eventually,occlusion of the vessel shuts off blood supply to the heart resulting in a "Heart Attack". 

   An increased risk of atherosclerosis is seen with higher cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels between 150-180 mg/dl have virtually no problems. Levels between 180-200 the risk to heart health increases gradually and at 200 mg/dl the risk jumps significantly. At around 240 mg/dl one is at significant risk of developing vascular disease, especially if other lifestyle practices such as poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise exist.

Only one type of cholesterol, that which is  bound to LDL ends up on the artery wall in appreciable amounts. This occurs  as a result of "free radical" or physical damage to the internal lining of the arteries. People with high levels of LDLCholesterol in the blood are at higher risk while those with high HDL levels tend to have lower risk. LDLCholesterol or "Bad Cholesterol" is the form of lipoprotein which transports cholesterol to the cells and tissues of the body. Levels of LDL below 130 mg/dl are considered desirable. Borderline is 130-150 mg/dl and high is above 150 mg/dl.

High density Lipoprotein bound Cholesterol (HDL) is considered "Good Cholesterol" because it carries cholesterol from the tissues to the liver where it can be remanufactured and excreted through the bile as bile acids.High levels of HDL indicate that cholesterol is being mobilized and removed from the body. Components in HDL also help reduce blood clotting and blood vessel constriction reducing ones risk. For most people HDL levels of 35 mg/dl or higher are optimal.

                                              

Cholesterol Levels for evaluating "Heart Risk"
Cholesterol	Desirable (mg/dl)	Borderline (mg/dl)	High Risk (mg/dl)
Total	<200	200-240	> 240
LDL	<130	130 - 150	> 150 l
HDL	>50	35 - 50	<35
TC/HDL	<4.5 ratio	5.5 - 5.5 ratio	<5.5 ratio

The ratio between Total Cholesterol (TC) and HDL is now considered a better predictor of Heart Health. For men the ratio should be <4.5 and for women <4.0.HDL levels are genetically determined but can be increased by exercise, dietary fiber intake and pharmaceuticals. A low fat, high carbohydrate diet tends to lower both TC and HDL levels with no net change in the Ratio or benefit.

PHYTOSTEROLS: The nuts, seeds and oils derived from plants also contain sterols.  The molecular structure of these plant derived phytosterols is almost identical to cholesterol. As such, phytosterols when ingested are readily accepted at the cholesterol absorption sites in the first 1/3rd of the digestive tract. Since phytosterols cannot be absorbed into the blood stream they act to block the uptake of dietary cholesterol. When phytosterols are taken just before a meal the cholesterol from animal fats eaten during the meal are blocked from being absorbed into the blood and pass through the digestive tract to be eliminated in the bowel movement.

Phytosterols also inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from bile acids used  in the digestive process. Rather than re-cycling the cholesterol  in bile acids phytosterols bind bile acids in the gut and are eliminated.

Phytosterols are available from Nutrition for Life in a flavored chewable tablet form called KHOLESTEROL BLOCKER. The phytosterol in this product is derived from soy beans.

Studies have documented that with regular use with meals phytosterols promote cholesterol level reduction by 10%, HDL levels increases by up to 15% and an improvement in the TC/HDL ratio of 25%. Each tablet contains 400 mg of phytosterol in a chewable pleasant fruity tasting tablet. There are no added calories.

Ref:Pelletier et al. A diet moderately enriched in phytosterols lowers plasma cholesterol concentrations. Ann Nutr Metab. 1995  

KHOLESTEROL BLOCKER  tablets can be chewed immediately before a meal. Generally one tablet per meal is all that is necessary. If the meal is very high in cholesterol use 2.  The product is safe, effective and with no side effects. After 1-2 hours the phytosterols drop off from the cholesterol absorption sites and are eliminated.

A Heart Healthy Diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals plus low fat sources of plant and animal protein. Preferred sources of fat include mono unsaturated such as Cannola and Olive Oil, nuts and avocados which do not raise cholesterol levels. Fish such as salmon and herring provide alpha 3 omega fatty acids that protect the heart and promote cardiovascular health. High fiber sources such as oats and other forms of soluble fiber are important in helping reduce cholesterol levels. Antioxidants especially Vitamin C and E are important to protect the blood vessels from oxidant damage.

Many of these items are available in the  Healthy Nutritionals NFLI product line including protective antioxidant multi vitamin formulations such as Grand Master and  Oraflow and  High Fiber products such as Good to Go Shakes and  Nutri Fiber.

In addition products such as Co Enzyme Q10, Marine Lipids, Garlic and Vitamins C, E and Nicotinamide  all promote a healthier heart and cardiovascular system.

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This page last uploaded on 05/17/00 02:28:30 AM