ised through reducing dietaryfats and cholesterol, increasing aerobic exercise, not smoking andmaintaining ideal body weight. The American Heart Association reports thatideal cholesterol ranges are 130-190 mg / dl. Clinical studies have identifiedthat cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg / dl are related to rapid increases inthe incidence of cardiovascular disease. It has been estimated that one-half ofAmerican males exceed the limit. People with blood cholesterol levels higherthan 265 mg / dl have four times the risk of developing heart disease thanthose with levels below 190 mg / dl. Cholesterol management is the "BigThree" risk factor most related to nutritional factors. The FDA Consumerreported, "The consensus of medical opinion is that high blood cholesterol isrelated to the development of coronary artery disease, and that changes in dietcould help reduce this risk factor." Cutting back your intake of animal foods will cut back your intake ofdietary cholesterol. Plants contain no dietary cholesterol. In addition, fat-modified diets can lower blood cholesterol by 30 percent ormore. Reducing dietary fat is centered around reducing saturated fat intake.A surprising source of saturated fat may be the nondairy creamer used incoffee. A study by University of Nebraska Medical Center professors foundthat 22 out of 25 non-dairy creamers contained coconut oil. Coconut oil ismore saturated than cream, butter, lard or beef fat. Be aware of otherprepared foods containing coconut oil. Another important consideration is increasing the ratio of polyunsaturatedfats to saturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats lower cholesterol by increasinglipoprotein breakdown and removal, and lowering the synthesis oflipoproteins in the liver. Also, the essential fatty acid content, such as linoleicacid, is beneficial. It decreases platelet aggregation and serum cholesterol.Linoleic acid can't be manufactured in the body; safflower oil has a goodcontent of linoleic a...
