Nonpharmacological cholesterol-lowering approach: Managing cholesterol naturally

Cholesterol is a lipid molecule which is biosynthesized by all animal cells. Also, it is an essential structural component of cell membranes which is normally required for maintaining both fluidity and membrane structural integrity. Dyslipidemia is known as abnormal blood lipids considered as one of the major risk factors for heart disease. In an attempt to increase the effectiveness of healthy diet in reducing serum cholesterol, the American Heart Association along with the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III recently recommend the use of functional foods or foods high in components that reduce cholesterol as options in the dietary strategy. These foods include, green vegetables, fruits, avocado, fish oil, almond and nuts. Furthermore, those foods items are all permitted by the USA Food and drug administration to carry a health claim that they reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Individually, these foods have been shown to lower serum cholesterol by 4-7%. Dietary modification can be considered as a powerful nonpharmacological approach for improving blood lipids. Physical activity can improve lipid profiles either directly by reducing body weight or indirectly without reduced body weight; when weight loss occurs in conjunction with activities, low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol are usually lowered