Is LDL Cholesterol Actually Bad for You? The Answer will Shock you

LDL cholesterol has a bad reputation for years. But what if this cholesterol is actually a lifesaver? 

Now I'm not saying to eat what you want and let it rise, not at all, what I'm saying is that this cholesterol might actually be saving your life, and lowering it without first taking care of the core problem could actually do more harm than good.

So what causes high LDL to begin with?

Diets high in Animal Proteins such as meat chicken fish and processed dairy (especially cheese) can cause a build up of proteins along the capillary and artery walls.

When the basal membranes of these blood vessel walls get filled to capacity, inflammation ensues and bleeding occurs along these walls. This is when a dangerous blood clot can form, and a heart attack or stroke can ensue.

To prevent the bleeding and blood clot formation, the body attempts to plug the wounds along the walls with the help of LDL and VLDL cholesterol.

At this point the LDL cholesterol acts tike a life saving bandage. The only problem is that the cholesterol building along the artery walls further restricts blood flow, this is called hardening of the arteries or coronary heart disease. 

Due to an acidic diet, the body forms free radicals. Free radicals in the blood stream can then collide with LDL cholesterol, oxidizing them, just as butter oxidizes when left out too long. The rancid LDL promotes an immune response, and the body sends out microphages (immune cells) to gather up the LDL. Then the macrophages enter the artery walls triggering artery destruction. 

And what causes the production of free radicals? EMF radiation, high sugar diet, diet high in saturated fats from animal protein, an overall bad diet, microwaving, trans fats, smoking, processed meats, alcohol, etc...

So when it comes to Heart health, artery health, and cholesterol levels, DIET IS EVERYTHING.

How do we prevent the creation of LDL cholesterol and its constricting of artery walls? Proper Diet high in fiber, Vitamin E, antioxidants. And by avoiding all animal proteins and processed dairy

How do we prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol?  With A diet high in antioxidants, and by avoiding free radical formation.   

PROPER DIET CAN REVERSE DAMAGE TO ARTERIES AT ALMOST ANY STAGE

If we can manage to prevent LDL production in the first place through proper diet, we can effectively shrink the clumps of plaque along the artery walls and prevent further formation.

Plus if we raise HDL cholesterol, known as the "good" cholesterol we will go a long way towards achieving clean arteries and a healthy heart. HDL actually removes LDL cholesterol from the blood stream, so healthy levels are super important.

Diet for Healthy Cholesterol:

1) Olive Oil-

Studies have shown that a diet high in olive oil actually lowers LDL and raises HDL. In fact it was superior to a low fat diet in lowering LDL levels.

Its not about how much fat you eat , but the type of fat.

Avoid Canola oil, Soybean oil, Cottonseed oil, Corn oil, partially hydrogenated oils, and trans fats. To avoid these toxic oils you will have to avoid all processed foods.

A step further, olive oil thwarts toxic oxidation of LDL.

Always opt for extra virgin organic olive oil. For the highest quality olive oil from ancient trees 200-1000 years old click here. At Joseph's Organic Bakery our olive oil is made from ancient non-GMO trees and is rich in polyphenols.

OLIVE OIL

2) Onions and garlic-

An onion and a few cloves of garlic per day could lower LDL. Quercetin found in onions lowers risk of LDL oxidation. A study published by CBS News found that feeding hamsters crushed red onions for eight weeks led to a 20% decrease in LDL cholesterol. PTSO, a nutrient found in onions, lowers LDL as well.

Enjoy red onions and chopped garlic in salads. They add flavor and nutrition. Opt for organic garlic at all times.

3) Avocadoes- 

Israeli researches found that eating avocadoes and olive oil for 3 months straight reduced LDL by 12%. Australian researches found that eating 1/2- 1 1/2 avocadoes per day beat a low fat diet at reducing LDL cholesterol. Plus Low fat diets are actually harmful, study participants who on the low fat diet lowered their HDL levels by 12%. (HDL is the good cholesterol)

4) Diet high in natural Fiber- 

Natural fiber found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is effective at lowering LDL. Soluble fiber, in particular, has the ability to bind to cholesterol in the digestive system, aiding in its removal from the body. This process helps lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Do not supplement with fiber, which  irritates the digestive lining. Opt for food sources of fiber.

5) Wheat Germ- 

Regular intake of Natural (not isolated) wheat germ, has been shown to significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels. In one study, participants who consumed wheat germ over a 14-week period saw a notable reduction of 15.4% in their LDL cholesterol.'

Best source of Wheat Germ? You guessed it, ancient wheat varieties. True wholegrain breads (most store bought whole grain breads contain white flour.) Plus most wholegrain wheat is actually white flour with a little bran thrown in , the wheat germ has been removed. 

For a truly 100% wholegrain bread made with ancient non-GMO wheat discover our Einkorn Bread from Joseph's Organic Bakery. High in Fiber and nutrients like Vitamin. Our Bread Contains the bran, germ, and endosperm.

EINKORN BREAD