What you should know about Cholesterol & Inflammation
Many people are aware that monitoring cholesterol is important, but do they really know what cholesterol is all about, and its impact on inflammation and our health? Here at nochtli®, we want to help you to understand what cholesterol is; how long-term inflammation can increase the “bad” cholesterol; and how to achieve optimal cholesterol levels so that you can live a healthier life. One way to begin managing your cholesterol effectively is to incorporate 1 ounce of nochtli Recover to your diet on a daily basis.
What is Cholesterol and how does it relate to inflammation?
Cholesterol is a white, waxy, fat-like substance that is transferred in the blood and circulated throughout the body. Cholesterol originates from two main sources: your liver and your diet (ie. dairy products, poultry, meat). It is not necessary to add cholesterol to our diet as our body already produces the cholesterol that our body needs.
There are two types of cholesterol – the good (HDL) and the bad (LDL). Too much of the bad (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of the good (HDL) cholesterol, creates "high cholesterol" which in turn can clog arteries and create an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. Good (HDL) cholesterol assists in cleaning out the bad (LDL) cholesterol from our cells.
Good cholesterol (HDL) is important because our body uses it to build cell membranes, create hormones, help in producing vitamin D, assist in digesting fat, and absorb important nutrients. Research has shown a strong correlation between cholesterol and inflammation because the buildup of bad (LDL) cholesterol can trigger an inflammatory response. Long term Inflammation can result in producing increased bad (LDL) cholesterol and actually lower our good (HDL) cholesterol levels.
How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
1. Diet. Consume more fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries and beans, choose reduced fat dairy products and lean meats (limit fatty meats).
2. Exercise. Studies have shown aerobic exercise helps to increase good (HDL) cholesterol, even without a change in diet.
3. Prickly Pear Supplement. Can help manage cholesterol levels by consuming 1 ounce of nochtli prickly pear supplements (such as nochtli Recover) on a daily basis. nochtli Recover is made with 99% prickly pear and nopal cactus ingredients. Not only do prickly pear and nopal supplements help manage cholesterol levels, they may also be beneficial in managing inflammation.
Summary
If your cholesterol levels are high and/or inflammation has set in, consider making simple lifestyle changes (ie. eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting fatty meats, incorporating exercise). Additionally, be sure to incorporate 1 ounce of nochtli Recover into your diet on a daily basis! nochtli SuperiorFruit supplements (made from 99% prickly pear) consist of bioactive compounds that help to normalize cholesterol levels, decrease “bad” cholesterol (LDL), and prevent heart disease and stroke.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.