Sunday, January 11, 2009

Eating A Low Carb Cholesterol Diet For A Healthy Lifestyle

By Adrian Fletcher

It would be easy to think that cholesterol is a bad thing for the body as it only ever receives bad press, so to speak, when it comes to health matters. However it is a naturally occurring substance that serves many vital roles in the body. Indeed, for our body to function properly we need cholesterol. Cholesterol helps to form certain cell membranes and hormones. Two types of cholesterol exist, HDL and LDL, and our body produces both of these in the amounts required. Supplementation is not needed which is why excess cholesterol can be harmful. The best way to control this is by eating a low carb cholesterol diet.

The mechanics of the low carb cholesterol diet are simple. This type of diet works by reducing or completely cutting out fat- and sugar-laden foods. When sugar and insulin levels rise, body fat also rises. The triggering factor behind this rise is excess carbohydrates, found in sugars and starches. Too much sugar and body fat can lead to other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Cholesterol is found in many foods, particularly those that contain trans fats and/or saturated fats. Most people who are overweight or obese have high cholesterol levels in their body. One can decrease body fat and bad cholesterol by choosing a low carb cholesterol diet that will provide necessary nutrients for the body without adding additional sugars and starches.

Eating foods low in carbohydrates has the effect of decreasing insulin produced by the body. In order to generate the energy needed to function, the body will then use the excess sugars and fats that are already stored. A low carb cholesterol diet will allow you to lose excess weight more quickly. This is good for lowering cholesterol and reducing the chances of developing diseases like diabetes.

If you decide to try a low carb cholesterol diet, you should know that you can eat almost anything, provided you stick with foods that are low in carbohydrates and sugars. You should do a little research into finding out what foods contain high levels of carbs and cholesterol and you'll be better prepared to avoid them or replace them with healthier options. As some carbs needs to be taken to get energy, you should concentrate on getting complex rather than simple carbs. Complex carbs require more energy to metabolize which is better for the body.

Thanks to increased awareness regarding cholesterol and heart health, there are a lot of foods readily available that can be used in a low carb cholesterol diet. Foods that are usually high in starch like pasta are now available with reduced carbohydrates. This allows people who care about their health and weight to take pleasure in eating these products and decrease their cholesterol at the same time.

Including exercise while on a low carb cholesterol diet will produce results more quickly when it comes to weight loss. You will have more energy and feel better. It is essential that you speak with your physician or nutritionist before you start on a diet to be certain that it acceptable for you to be on a low carb cholesterol diet. Some people who have previously had medical problems, women who are pregnant or breast feeding probably should not begin a diet plan unless they are under a doctor's care to be sure that it is not dangerous.

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