LDL. Low density or bad cholesterol, which invades the cells and accumulates in artery walls (a problem known as atherosclerosis), which become stiff and narrow to impede the free flow of blood, it causes no arrive in sufficient quantity so important organs such as brain or heart and really earn serious problems such as heart attacks or angina pectoris (severe chest pain center by poor blood supply), among others.

HDL. High density, or good cholesterol, in charge of preventing the formation of atheroma (fat accumulation in the form of lumps or small balls in arteries and veins) to the blood to the body.

It is clear that during exercise the blood flow is responsible for providing the necessary liquid to the muscles that come into play, so that if, because of excessive cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) circulation is poor, is likely to occur heart problems in some cases fatal.

That is why if your doctor suspects that you have high levels of fatty compound, most likely prompted a blood test done called lipid profile, by which we evaluate the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides, another common form of fat body. These tests should be performed after age 20, but if there is a history of risk must be made before this age and 2 or 3 times a year, depending on the results of the first check.

Diabetes. High percentage of Mexicans with the disease and not know it. These high levels of glucose (sugar) levels because the body no longer produces insulin (a hormone that is responsible for distributing the compound to the liver and muscles), a condition called type 1, or if the substance is secreted in small quantities and their action is weak (type 2).

If someone has diabetes must take extreme care because the body uses glucose for high levels of sports, so if the amount that is lost is not compensated (by feeding or by drugs) can lower levels of normal range (70 to 100 milligrams in 100 milliliters of blood), which results in loss of consciousness.

If you have a family history of this problem, increase your chances of suffering, so it is recommended that blood tests (blood chemistry or whether the so-called blood glucose) to measure glucose levels once a year and twice from 30 of age there is another type of laboratory study called glycated hemoglobin, which recognizes the sugar levels in the last three months, which give the doctor a more complete picture of the patient with diabetes.

But it is equally important to talk to your doctor about which foods are right for your condition and what times of day can be the best for sports.

credit to: Lido Coronado

Oatmeal is a cereal like the rest of the grains belonging to the grass family, is rich in starch, a kind of very important carbohydrate for human consumption.

But the properties of oats are different from those of other cereals as one of the richest in plant protein, unsaturated fat and vitamins of group B. It also contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, folic acid, silicon and a lot of vegetable fibers.

Among the properties of oats for health found that acts as an antioxidant, has a mild laxative effect and acts favorably against cholesterol. Stimulates the digestive and nervous system and is good for bones and connective tissues.

Carbohydrates in oats are easily accessible and slow absorption so it is a healthy and recommended for diabetics because it does not cause abrupt changes in insulin levels.

Oatmeal has a high protein content than other cereals. Accompanied with soy milk or any milk product is transformed into a complete food protein and very healthy. It is an excellent energy source, particularly suitable for use before a physical requirement or to include in diets for athletes.

Oat-based diets are particularly suitable for nervous system disorders, has an invigorating effect and regulates the same so it is useful in cases of nervousness, fatigue, insomnia and stress.

We also recommend the consumption of oats in cases of digestive disorders due to the fibers that make it effective for gastritis, ulcers and other digestive disorders.

Because of its nutritional characteristics, is recommended for all people, for sportsmen, those who suffer from stress, which are healthy, overweight or through illness. It is an ideal food to include in your diet every day, you can also prepare many dishes with oats and can be consumed in many different ways.

I bring good news to all regular consumers of rice, wheat bread or bran bread, and a warning to lovers of vitamin supplements (and other supplements) to those who love super strengthen their diet. According to the results of the study, the cholesterol level decreased to 42% and in the case of high density lipids or LDL (“bad” cholesterol), the decline was even more dramatic: up to 62%.

Vitamin E has been the subject of numerous recent studies, thanks to the health benefits attributed to him. Like other antioxidants, is supposed to be an anticancer agent and helps the body fight infections. When speaking of vitamin E is usually referred to tocopherol and, more specifically the alpha-tocopherol form. But in nature have been found so far eight classes of substances that act as vitamin E: four tocopherol forms (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherol) and, similarly, four forms of tocotrienol (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocotrienol .)

Much research has focused on the tocopherols of soybean, corn or wheat. But the tocotrienols are more potent antioxidants, according to Mohammad Minhajuddin (in a paper published in May 2005 in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal.)

In addition to being in the shell of a grain of rice, tocotrienol can be found in the shells of oats and barley. However, the researchers say that the best is one that tocotrienol in rice bran.

Now, what is the dose you must take vitamin E. Because although this vitamin is good, is also known that taking too much can be harmful. But taking into account that the average person rarely are deficient in vitamin E, as this that is in various forms in many foods.

Thus one of the objectives proposed by the task force Minhajuddin, was to establish the proper dose. The results found that this was 400 international units (265 milligrams) for a person weighing 70 kilos, an amount very similar to the amount of vitamin E that is normally eaten in the diet.

In consequence, the conclusion one can draw is that it is best to rely on a balanced diet means replace vitamin deficiencies, first, with vitamin supplements.

When cholesterol levels are low density cholesterol talk about bad for us because it accumulates in the arteries, forming plaque and clogging the bloodstream and can reach up to block the flow of blood.

Cholesterol levels in the blood depend largely on the foods we eat. Foods with saturated fats like red meat and trans fatty acid called and others are primarily the major cause of high cholesterol. The solution to the problem of cholesterol has much to do with what we eat so should only have to change some things in our diet if we lower cholesterol naturally.

It is very important to begin a plan to replace cholesterol-lowering fats that are harmful to us as trans fats by other more healthy fats found in many foods that nature provides us as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. Dried fruits also help reduce cholesterol levels

The omega 3 fatty acid is also one of the good, is present in the flesh of fish, olive oil and other foods. Not only lowers bad cholesterol but also increases good cholesterol while a source of protein.

Oats contain a type of fiber that stands out for its ability to lower bad cholesterol without affecting the level of good cholesterol, like other soluble fiber foods such as apples, pears, beans and barley

War on Cholesterol

Cardiovascular diseases are a public health problem in the world for its high prevalence and because they are one of the leading causes of death.

The current eating habits are altered by the influence of multiple factors such as urbanization, which includes fast lifestyle and various amenities, including, make available a variety of easy to prepare food with little or no nutritional value .

If to this we add another characteristic of the typical pace of life in the big cities, physical inactivity will result in imbalances in the body that initially show no symptoms, but if detected early can be fatal to health, as in the case of increased blood cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body uses to protect nerves, make cell tissues and produce certain hormones. The liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs but it can come directly from the food you eat, for example eggs, meat and dairy products. Too much cholesterol can have a negative impact on health.

Good Cholesterol

“Despite what you might think, cholesterol is not bad, is a fat and is so important that the liver produces two thirds of what it takes to be part of the body’s cells, produce hormones necessary for life and vitamin D. In this production is called endogenous cholesterol. Opinion expressed by the degree in nutrition Karina Ortiz López, nutritionist Nutrisa center.

Meanwhile, exogenous cholesterol is fat that comes from animal foods such as red meat, chicken skin, whole milk, egg, yellow cheese, seafood such as shrimp and all viscera as tongue and brains.

Risks of having high cholesterol

The excess is stored cholesterol in the arteries, ie the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the body. The accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries known as plaque. This will cause the arteries to narrow and harden which is known as arteriosclerosis. Large deposits of cholesterol can completely block an artery. Cholesterol plaques also may crack causing the formation of a blood clot that blocks blood flow.

If an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle is blocked, can cause a heart attack. If the artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked, a stroke can occur also called embolism.
Cardiovascular diseases in the world

In 2009, the World Health Organization released statistics that placed cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the population. On the planet Earth during that year killed more than 17.5 million people by them. This figure is equivalent to half the population of Canada.

Cardiovascular diseases in Mexico

* In Mexico, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. And the prevalence of factors that create them is very high.
* 30% of Mexico’s population is hypertensive which means almost 18 million, the problem is that 60% is unknown.
* 43% of Mexico’s population has high cholesterol.
* 50% of people with hypertension have high cholesterol, almost 9 million.
* In Mexico, 10.7% of the population is diabetic, and the leading cause of death for diabetics is cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Nestor Saucedo, physician assigned to the Cardiology Service Medical Center 20 de Noviembre National ISSSTE, estimated that the immediate treatment of a person to suffer a heart attack or cardiovascular event in the private sector varies between 180 and 350 thousand dollars. The cost of cardiovascular diseases is not only economic, but emotional. It only affects those who suffer, to their family and even society.

Tips for preventing heart disease

* At least once a year, made a measurement of blood cholesterol.
* Practice preferably physical activity and cardiovascular type: walking, running, biking or aerobic exercise.
* Reduce consumption of: red meat 2 times a week, sausages 1 time per week and viscera 1 time per month.
* Moderate consumption of seafood
* Prefer dairy like milk, cheese and nonfat yogurt or light.
* Remove all visible fat from foods of animal origin.
* Increase consumption of fiber from whole grains, vegetables and legumes.
* Prefer foods grilled or steamed instead of fried.
* Avoid excess sugar and salt.
* Avoid cooking with animal or vegetable shortenings.

Quality of life in patients with cholesterol

Today people require treatments that simplify their lives and ensure control, security and efficiency, which are capable of processing the overall cardiovascular risk by taking fewer drugs, avoiding the complications of older patients who already have.

There is a first alternative therapeutic capable of treating hypertension and cholesterol together, two diseases in one tablet, with a long-acting effect of 24hrs, succeeding in reducing the overall risk of the individual and allowing patients to lead a life with less complications, “this new medicine is definitely a good alternative to achieve adherence to therapy,” adds Dr. Nestor Saucedo, physician assigned to the Cardiology Service Medical Center 20 de Noviembre National ISSSTE.

The alternative treatment consists of molecules of two of the world’s leading drugs that are merged into this formula, amlodipine besylate, the most commonly prescribed to control high blood pressure and atorvastatin, a leader in controlling high cholesterol levels in blood. Both have clear evidence of efficacy, safety and tolerability, in addition to having demonstrated decreased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of patients who take them.