Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the bloodstream and in every cell of the body to carry out various functions including: production of hormones, forming cell structure, providing insulation for our nervous system, creating bile salts for nutrient absorption, etc. High cholesterol can result from a high fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, diabetes, being overweight and having a family history of it. Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dl.

Cholesterol comes from two different sources. It is made in the body by the liver and can also come from animal products (fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products). Cholesterol has two main types of lipoproteins: very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), that is responsible for transporting fats from the liver to body cells (level limit than 130-160 mg/dl); and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that returns fats to the liver (greater than 40 mg/dl). Cholesterol may increase with age and is often higher in men and post-menopausal women. Too much cholesterol in the blood can contribute to some common disease including adherence to the artery walls. An example of these common diseases is characterized by a progressive narrowing and blockage of the cardiovascular system that hinders blood flow. The organs are then deprived of oxygen and which can lead to heart disease, heart attack, blood clots and stroke.

Fortunately there are plants and food allies that help prevent excess cholesterol buildup and protect us from oxidation of what cholesterol does need to be made. Fiber, sterols, essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants all play an important role in the cholesterol balance. Supplementing your plant-based diet with all of these important nutrients and plant compounds may help lower total cholesterol, LDLs and inflammation (marked as C-reactive protein) and help increase HDLs for a healthy state of vascular circulation. Products such as Vita Logic’s Cholesterol Formula bring most of these nutrients together; simply add to a good multivitamin/mineral, such as powder/fiber version of Daily Extra, to make this a complete program.