Garlic and Cholesterol

 

Cholesterol - a white, waxy substance found in the blood plasma - is essential to life. However overly high cholesterol levels can have serious health implications on the cardiovascular system in particular leading to atherosclerosis. Excessive levels can be an indicator of increased risk of heart attack and/or stroke.

If you suspect that you have a cholesterol problem it is essential that you discuss it with your doctor.

Whilst all cholesterol was once considered harmful, it is now recognised that it comes in two distinct forms: one "good", the other "bad".

Good and Bad Cholesterol

HDL and LDL

Cholesterol comes in two forms: high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lioproteins (LDLs). Of these, HDLs are generally called "good" cholesterol whilst LDLs are "bad". 

2005 UK recommendations (from the Joint British Societies - JBS2) are total cholesterol below 4.0mmol/l, "bad" cholesterol below 2.0 mmol/l. Obviously these are general guidelines which may not be appropriate for everyone.

The Possible Effect of Garlic on Cholesterol Levels

Garlic has been reputed to assist the heart for centuries and has been used in herbal medicines for all manner of conditions. Garlic & cholesterol reduction are frequently mentioned together.

Modern medical science suggests one reason garlic might reduce cholesterol: garlic is a proven anti-oxidant . This property might help to prevent LDLs from being oxidised. In this way the cholestrol build-up that clogs the arteries could perhaps be reduced by garlic.

In recent decades, numerous scientific studies have been conducted to test the claims that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels. These studies involve measuring the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of patients taking garlic supplements compared with a control group of patients taking a placebo. Unfortunately the results are not conclusive.

Some studies have shown a reduction in total cholesterol levels and/or LDL levels in those taking garlic. Other medical studies have shown no significant difference between the levels of those taking garlic and those taking a placebo. A study published in 2007  tested raw garlic and two popular garlic supplements (Garlicin and Kyolic). The study concluded that: "None of the forms of garlic used in this study, including raw garlic, when given at an approximate dose of a 4-g clove per day, 6 d/wk for 6 months, had statistically or clinically significant effects on LDL-C or other plasma lipid concentrations in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia."

Cholesterol and Garlic: The Verdict

Can Garlic Lower Cholesterol Levels?

So, does it work? Whilst some individual studies have shown that garlic can be effective in reducing "bad" cholesterol (LDLs), the overall body of evidence is inconclusive. In particular the 2007 study appears to shed serious doubt on the reality behind garlic's reputation in this area. Thus it would be unwise to draw a definite conclusion that garlic can be used to combat "bad" cholesterol foods.

How then do we explain those studies that do show garlic works as a cholesterol treatment? Do we simply discard them as using flawed methodology? If - for the sake of argument - we assume there is some validity in those that found links, how do we explain the different findings? One possibility is that the efficacy of garlic in combatting cholesterol etc depends upon some other, unknown factor - for example the exact variety or manner of preparation of the garlic. Since this factor is unknown, it is not possible to design tests to eliminate it. Another possibility is that the reputed cholesterol lowering properties of garlic are effective only for specific subgroups of the population.

If you are concerned about elevated cholesterol levels then you should not turn to garlic as an alternative to medical treatment - get advice from your doctor. However if your doctor approves then you might like to consider eating more garlic as part of a balanced diet "just in case". If nothing else it's a tasty alternative to salt.

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How To Prevent Kidney Disease

Kidneys are organs of excretion in vertebrates shaped like a peanut. As part of the urinary system, kidney function filter wastes (especially urea) from the blood and throw it away along with the water in the form of urine. Branch of medicine that studies the kidneys and the disease is called nephrology. Kidney failure is considered to be sudden or so-called acute renal failure when the kidneys are not functioning suddenly.Sudden kidney failure can usually be cured with medicine, dialysis or dialysis. If kidney cleansing like this is successful, the patient will usually recover and kidneys will function normally. However, renal failure usually occurs gradually over many years. Therefore, when the signs can be discovered early, sufferers can get help. The following will be discussed thoroughly peeled Tips to prevent kidney disease:
Tips to Prevent Kidney Disease

A. Recognizing the Symptoms of Kidney Failure. Kidney disease often strikes without any complaints at all from the sufferer. The main cause of kidney failure caused by diabetes, whereas the second cause of kidney failure is a genetic disease such as immune disorders, birth defects and other causes. Here is gejal-important symptoms associated with decreasing working power potential kidney disease kidney failure:
1. Landfill Waste In the Blood. It is characterized by fatigue, the whole body feels sick, itching, cramps, forgetfulness, insomnia, nausea, no appetite, body resistance to infection is reduced.
2. Fluid balance problems. Fluid retention with signs of an ankle too swollen face. In contrast, drying the liquid can be characterized by a very sunken eyes, dry mouth, almost no mucus in the mouth.
3. Hormone disorders. With the reduced power of the kidneys can cause kidney produce more hormones or extra hormones. As a result, will increase the blood pressure hormone. In contrast, other hormaon-hormone production is reduced. This causes the body's blood deficiency, fatigue and brittle bones.
B. Prevent Kidney Failure. Someone who is believed to have symptoms of kidney disease do not need to worry. Normal life can still be lived well. In fact, it is recommended to stick with regular exercise and eat a reasonable diet. To avoid damage to the kidneys, you can prevent it through the following ways:
1. Sports. Perform regular exercise and regular. Regular exercise, not too heavy-going more positive impact on body weight compared with exercise but not regularly. For example you could do brisk walking every morning or cycling 1-2 hours per week.
2. Stop Smoking. Seen from any vantage smoking is detrimental to the body will always Anda.Karena cigarettes with nicotine in the process over time can damage vital organs of your body, both lungs, skin, heart and kidneys.
3. Reduce fatty foods. Fatty foods will cause the content of cholesterol in your blood increases.
4. Body Weight. Watch your weight so you can avoid obesity.
5. Water Consumption. Consuming enough water, avoid the consumption of herbs or herbal is not clear, avoid the consumption of drugs at random (without prescription) is a simple thing you can do to reduce the potential emergence of kidney disease.
6. General Checkup. Kidney failure can also be prevented through medical examination (medical checkup) on a regular basis, including urine and blood. Examined kidney disorders such as bladder stones, prostate can prevents the emergence of renal failure.

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Healthy Heart Nutrients

 

There are many natural ingredients that can significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease, as well as help treat any heart conditions you may currently have. By incorporating these nutrients into your diet and exercise regimen, you can improve and maintain your heart health.

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Lowering Cholesterol Levels

Policosanol - a powerful extract from sugar cane wax that has been widely studied. Policosanol has been shown to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).

Guggulipid - an ancient Indian herb that has been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and has performed better than modern drugs in several trials.

Green Tea - among its many therapeutic benefits green tea has been shown to lower the amount of LDL's in the blood stream, and aids in the prevention of blood vessel constriction.

Beta Sitosterol - found naturally in soybeans, wheat germ and corn oil, this plant compound has a similar structure to cholesterol and as such can help stop the absorption of cholesterol in the body.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) - can help reduce total cholesterol levels in higher dosages.

Chromium Polyniconate - this organic version of chromium can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as raise HDL (good) cholesterol.

Fish Oil - contains Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) which can lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body.

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Lowering Triglyceride Levels

Fish Oil - high in Omega 3 fatty acids that have been shown to lower triglycerides in conjunction with Vitamin C and a low carbohydrate diet.

Vitamin C - works in conjunction with fish oil to lower triglyceride levels.

Guggulipid - has been shown to reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Green Tea - can significantly lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

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Lowering Homocysteine Levels

Folic Acid - also known as Vitamin B9, folic acid can help the body produce the enzymes necessary to remove homocysteine from the blood.

Vitamin B6 - along with folic acid and Vitamin B12, helps reduce homocysteine levels.

Vitamin B12 - works with folic acid and Vitamin B6 to assist in homocysteine removal.

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Lowering CRP Levels

Fish Oil - the essential fatty acids in fish oil have been shown to decrease inflammation and in turn CPR levels.

Ginger - Ginger root extract can help reduce inflammation, as it relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels and facilitates circulation.

MSM - Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, commonly known as MSM, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that has strong anti-inflammatory properties. 

Source: Healthy Heart Guide online

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Hazardous Contents of Cigarette Smoke

The content of cigarettes can be determined in two ways, directly examine cigarette, or check out the smoke. Cigarette smoke itself there are two types: Smoke coming out of the burning at the tip of the cigarette and the smoke is inhaled by the smoker through the suction tip cigarettes (either a filter or not). The following discussion only on the substances contained in cigarette smoke alone (without looking at the end where the smoke).

There is conclusive evidence that the tar contained in tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer; main factor is the age when individuals begin to smoke, depth of suction and the number of cigarettes consumed per day. Polonium, a radioactive element, is also known to be present in cigarette smoke; more than 100 compounds have been found, including nicotine, cresol, carbon monoxide, pyridene and benzopyrene, which latter is a carcinogen (causes cancer).

Ammonia: 
Molecular formula NH 3. Commonly used for fertilizer and the plant fibers and plastic intermediaries. Has been known since antiquity. At standard temperature and pressure, NH 3 is a colorless gas with the smell when it is in small concentrations. In large concentrations, is able to produce a sensation when inhaled.

Arsenic: 
As a chemical compound with the symbol. Atomic number 33. Sublimes unchanged when heated and the air is dry, but the oxide film formed in moist air. When heated at a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius in air to form arsenic trioxide garlic-smelling and toxic.

Butane: 
Molecular formula C4H10. Is one type of acyclic saturated hydrocarbons. Low toxicity.

Cadmium: 
Chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. Always associated with zinc, although only prepare the crust 0:15 ppm in sequence to 57. Have toxic properties, especially in the form of powder and chunks. Its main benefit is to strengthen the resistance against corrosion.

Carbon monoxide: 
Molecular formula CO, is a type of carbon oxides. Is an inorganic carbon compounds. Is the result of incomplete combustion because it only contains one atom of oxygen. Found in exhaust fumes. Odorless and colorless but very poisonous. Affinity of blood hemoglobin 300 times more powerful than oxygen so that exposure to this gas can reduce or completely eliminate the ability of hemoglobin to transport oxygen around the body, causing death when in high concentrations.

Hydrogen Cyanide: 
Chemical formula HCN. Highly toxic. Is the result of the reaction of ammonia, methane, oxygen and nitrogen.

Methanol: 
Other names methyl alcohol. Chemical formula CH3OH. When burned, methanol has a transparent blue smoke with fire. The biggest influence on the mucous membranes. In the body, this product is formed by oxidation with formaldehyde and formik acid, both toxic.

Naphthalene: 
This compound is a derivative of coal tar. It is the product of distillation of crude tar into oil chemistry. Giving a chemical solution to the oil producing caustik oil layer. Oil layer is then given an acid solution so that a layer of neutral oil. Layer of neutral oil in the distillation and then the end product is naphthalene.

Phenol: 
Chemical formula C6H5OH, another name carbolic acid, acid fenilik, benzofenol or hidroksibenzena. Is the simplest aromatic hydroxy compounds. Phenol is also the most important petrochemicals. Usually used for coating the plywood. It has a distinctive odor and sharp burning sensations. Toxic if inhaled, ingested or absorbed by the skin. He also lead to irritation. If there is a solution of a very weak, it will taste sweet.

Polonium - 210: 
Polonium isotopes of chemical elements. Polonium is the most stable isotopes of radioactive uranium in the series with a half (half-life) 138.4 days. Occur naturally only as a result of decay of thorium and uranium.

Toluene: 
Chemical formula C7H8. General produced jointly with gasoline, xylena, and C9 aromatics through the formation of C6-C9 reset catalytic naphtha.

Urethane: 
Its chemical formula is CO (NH2) OC2H5, also called ethyl ethyl carbamate or urethane. Formed by heating of ethanol and urea nitrate at a temperature of 120-130 degrees Celsius, or because the action of ammonia on ethyl carbonate or ethyl chloroformate.

Vinyl chloride: 
The chemical formula CH2 = CHCl. Greatest influence on human skin that can cause Raynaud's syndrome, bone lysis in the distal finger and dermatitis fibrous. Inhalation of gaseous vinyl chloride over many years can cause a rare type of liver cancer, angiosarcoma. Vinyl chloride is used as a base for the manufacture of PVC plastic.

Reference:Van Nostrand's Encyclopedia of Science

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Life satisfaction Lead Healthy Heart

Sense of satisfaction in life have an effect on heart health. The higher sense of satisfaction you have, the lower the person's risk of coronary heart disease.

Depression and anxiety are known for a long time is a factor that can trigger heart attacks. Conversely, positive psychology such conditions were satisfied with the effect of living is good for heart health.

Thus the results of research published in the website of The European Heart Journal. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, examined the satisfaction levels of government employees in England 8000-related work, family, sex, living standards, activities, relaxation, and self-image. They were asked to assess the level of satisfaction on a scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) to scale 7 (very satisfied).

After six years, researchers looked at medical records heart of the respondents to determine whether there is a heart attack-related deaths, nonfatal heart attack, or chest pain (angina).

High levels of life satisfaction was associated with decreased risk of heart disease by 13 percent. Satisfaction at work, family, sex, and self-image is considered important to protect the heart.

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