A human study on chlorella1 shows that it is a powerful tool in helping your cholesterol and blood sugar metabolism. Participants consumed 8,000 mg of chlorella per day (in two doses/4,000 mg at a time). At the end of 12 weeks those participants who were on the verge of poor health had significantly improved blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

New data from the Framingham Heart Study finds that low LDL-cholesterol is related to the future development of cancer. Scientists studied 201 participants with cancer who were matched with 201 controls who were cancer free. The researchers looked at the trend of LDL-cholesterol for an extended period of time prior to cancer diagnosis, using data taken at four points over an average of 18.7 years prior to diagnosis. They found that LDL-cholesterol levels were lower in the participants with cancer than their matched controls at each of the data points.

The FDA added two new warnings to statin drugs this week. These warnings include an increased risk of diabetes and mental confusion among statin users. The FDA report said that all statin labeling must carry warnings about increased risk of elevated blood sugar and transient memory loss and cognitive problems.

There are several different types of cholesterol. The ones we hear most about are often referred to as the “good” cholesterol and the “bad” cholesterol. The bad cholesterol, otherwise known as LDL cholesterol, gets its notoriety from the fact that it transports cholesterol throughout the body. It therefore provides the cholesterol that might become trapped in artery walls and form plaque. HDL cholesterol is considered the good guy because it brings cholesterol back to the liver for reprocessing and possible elimination from the body.

There are several different types of cholesterol. The ones we hear most about are often referred to as the “good” cholesterol and the “bad” cholesterol. The bad cholesterol, otherwise known as LDL cholesterol, gets its notoriety from the fact that it transports cholesterol throughout the body. It therefore provides the cholesterol that might become trapped in artery walls and form plaque. HDL cholesterol is considered the good guy because it brings cholesterol back to the liver for reprocessing and possible elimination from the body.

Although HDL and LDL cholesterol are commonly referred to as the good and bad cholesterols this really isn’t the case. There are two other forms of cholesterol that actually deserve the labels “good” and “bad.”

All forms of natural cholesterol, the type normally found in the body, are good and necessary. Whether it is transported as LDL or HDL, cholesterol provides the body with building blocks to manufacture hormones, cell membranes, vitamin D, etc. Cholesterol is absolutely vital to good health. It is not an evil villain. It’s illogical to believe that nature would create a substance that is vital for good health but is also toxic.

Something that is good, however, can become bad under certain circumstances. When cholesterol becomes oxidized, its bad side comes out. When researchers analyze arterial plaque what they find is oxidized cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol is the only form of cholesterol that collects in arterial plaque. Normal, healthy cholesterol does not build up in artery walls. When fats and oils are oxidized, they become rancid and, consequently, toxic. Cholesterol is the same way. Natural cholesterol is harmless, but when it is damaged by oxidation it turns bad.

Years ago researchers discovered that if they put oxidized cholesterol into test diets, lab animals developed atherosclerosis in a matter of weeks. If they fed normal cholesterol to animals it was nearly impossible for them to develop atherosclerosis even when they were fed massive amounts of it. Blood cholesterol levels could rise to over 800 mg/dl and still atherosclerosis would not develop unless oxidized cholesterol was used. Today oxidized cholesterol is routinely used in cholesterol research to induce atherosclerosis in test animals.

The vast majority of the cholesterol circulating in our blood is manufactured in the liver. Only a small amount comes from the diet. Cholesterol manufactured by the liver is obviously not rancid and, therefore, not oxidized. The cholesterol in fresh, natural foods, likewise, is not oxidized. But foods that have been overly processed may contain oxidized (i.e., rancid) cholesterol. The foods that are most likely to contain oxidized cholesterol are animal products that have been dehydrated, dried, or powdered.

The foods with the highest oxidized cholesterol content are dried cheese, powdered whole milk, powdered eggs, powdered butter, hard meats, etc. These types of foods are often used in packaged prepared foods. For instance, a boxed cake mix will list eggs or milk in the ingredients. Obviously for the mix to be dry, these ingredients must be dehydrated or powdered. Finished baked goods may not be any safer. Was the cake you bought last week at your local grocery store made with fresh eggs or powdered? It’s possible that the bakery used a mix containing powdered eggs.

How about the packaged spaghetti or macaroni and cheese you made last night? Did it come with a packet of powdered cheese?

Did the last pizza you eat contain pepperoni? Did it have powdered Parmesan cheese?

The “good” cholesterol is the cholesterol that is formed in your body and the cholesterol found in fresh, natural foods. The “bad” cholesterol, the one that causes problems, is oxidized cholesterol that is found in many highly processed foods.

A study conducted by researchers at Mukogawa Women’s University in Japan recently revealed some interesting facts related to coconut and blood cholesterol levels and research practices in general. The research was sponsored by the Australian macadamia industry and the study itself was focused primarily on the effects macadamia nuts have on cholesterol levels. Coconut was used in the study only for comparison.

Apple pectin diet lowers cholesterol

Source : Health Care Guide

Our ancestors believed that old proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," but they didn't understand the 'Why' of it.

Nutritional scientists research for evidences that verify how apples are good for our health. Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber (fibre), which is effective in lowering cholesterol levels.