How do I lower the level of cholesterol in my body?

Despite its unhealthy image, cholesterol is actually vital to the health of the body and gives our body cells their flexibility and fluidity. Were it not for cholesterol, our bodies would be stiffer and more akin to plant life.

Of course, too much of anything can be bad for you, and this is especially true in the case of cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can lead to heath issues such as angina, strokes, heart attacks, atherosclerosis and blood clots. This is because cholesterol, found normally in the blood, can collect in the veins and harden, blocking the supply of blood to and from the heart. High cholesterol levels can be caused by an excess of saturated fat in your diet; smoking; or a family history of heart disease.

Lowering Your Cholesterol Level

If you are concerned about cholesterol, your physician will be able to perform a simple blood test which, once sent to a lab for analysis, will determine the amount of cholesterol in your blood. If found to be too high, your doctor will doubtless recommend you give up smoking, change diet and take up some form of exercise. Of course, you don't have to wait to be told by a doctor - switching fatty foods for fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals is a change we can all make straightaway. Here's a few tips that should help: