Make sure you have healthy and normal cholesterol levels

What is cholesterol?

Raised cholesterol is a common problem and a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found naturally in the blood. Cholesterol is predominantly produced in the liver, and also introduced into the body with foods as red meat, cheese, butter and eggs. Cholesterol is transported around the blood in 'vehicles' called lipoproteins.

There are two types of lipoproteinsl: good cholesterol - HDL (high density lipoprotein), which helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and transmits it to the liver, and bad cholesterol - LDL (low density lipoproteins) the main source of cholesterol build up and blockage in the arteries.

Did you know that cholesterol also plays important role in the formation of cells and sex hormones, in the production of bile and vitamin D?

Raised cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 60%

According to estimates by the World Health Organization, the cause of more than 60% of cardiovascular disease is raised cholesterol. Factors that may increase the risk of high cholesterol include unhealthy diet, smoking, diabetes and lack of exercise.

Excessive cholesterol can build up in the artery wall, restricting the blood flow to your heart, brain and the rest of your body. So slowly, even for decades, and without warning signs, the arteries are hardening and narrowing. This process is called atherosclerosis.

1. Normal blood flow through the artery
2. Build up cholesterol partially blocking blood flow through the artery
3. Blocked artery may cause a heart attack or stroke

Anyone age 20 and older can have raised cholesterol

Although it is considered that those with overweight and older people have a higher risk of raised cholesterol, this can happen to anyone. Everyone age 20 and older should have his or her cholesterol measured at least once every five years. A blood test called a lipoprotein panel can help show whether you're at risk for coronary heart disease

Even if you are young and you feel that you live relatively healthy, other factors can significantly increase the risk of high cholesterol. This includes drinking alcohol, smoking, too many animal fats in foods, stress and lack of exercise.

There are no significant symptoms of high blood cholesterol, and we recommend that you have your blood cholesterol levels tested.

How to lower cholesterol naturally

Belinal^® cholesterol with plant sterols, polyphenols and sterols from silver fir branches contributes to normal blood cholesterol levels. It is a natural and safe way of lowering cholesterol, as plant sterols prevent cholesterol absorption, and polyphenols contribute to protection of vessel walls against oxidation and inflammatory processes.

When Belinal^® cholesterol is added to the meal, less cholesterol is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut. The liver is taken cholesterol from the blood for its action, and thus lowers the level of bad cholesterol.

Belinal^® cholesterol is healthy natural supplement to your meals.

5 healthy tips to keep your normal blood cholesterol levels

• Consider adding more vegetables, oats, fish and nuts to your diet
• Quit smoking and alcohol (one cup of red wine is ok)
• Limit animal fat and trans fat (cookies, crackers, chips)
• Exercise on most days of the week
• Lose weight