You have two types of cholesterol, the low density lipoprotein (LDL) which is the bad cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) the good cholesterol. Elevated (LDL) contributes to heart disease and strokes, but increasing your (HDL) plays an essential role in preventing heart disease and strokes.
How does our body end up with too much low density lipoprotein (LDL)?
The cholesterol gets delivered to organs and tissues in your body by these lipoproteins. If you end up with too much cholesterol in your body, it becomes oxidized. These oxidized particles (plaques) can build up under the blood vessel lining and can obstruct the flow of blood causing coronary arterial disease along with other heart diseases. If you consume foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats, chances are your LDL will be elevated, which will put you at risk for coronary and heart disease. Also, another factor of concern is your family genetics.
Having a family history of hypercholesterolemia ( high LDL) is where a mutation in the gene allows the LDL cholesterol not to be absorbed into the cells as well as it should. This causes the LDL cholesterol to continue circulating in the blood where it eventually sticks to the artery wall thus causing a life threatening health hazard. Most of the time this gene is inherited from just one parent, but the children have a 50% chance of inheriting this mutated gene. Male children have a stronger chance of developing coronary artery disease before they reach fifty.
How do get your elevated LDL cholesterol under control
If you have a family history of hypercholesterolemia, it is vitally important to start exercising and eating foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Adding fiber and eating foods that provide antioxidants will help to balance your cholesterol. All natural goji berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants you will find. They provide an array of nutrients, your body needs, on a daily basis. Goji berries have more vitamin C than oranges. Goji berries will help to lower your LDL cholesterol and elevate your HDL (good cholesterol).
Remember to get regular physicals from your doctor. Through blood tests, your doctor can determine if you have elevated LDL cholesterol or if you have a genetic risk factor. Don