The Normal Cholesterol Levels and Their Management
Diseases & Conditions

The Normal Cholesterol Levels and Their Management

A high level of cholesterol will increase the chances of heart diseases. Medications do help in keeping the cholesterol levels in check. However, instead of medications, if you can change your lifestyle, then it will be beneficial for you in the longer run. Before getting to know what kind of changes in your lifestyle will help, let’s see what the normal cholesterol levels are for your body. A blood test called lipid profile checks your cholesterol levels and generally reports the flowing things: Total cholesterol Triglycerides High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol What are the normal cholesterol levels ? The normal cholesterol levels depend on lot many factors but usually, they are universal for all. In order to get the perfect numbers or your cholesterol, it is highly recommended that you don’t drink (except water) or eat anything for about 9 to 12 hours prior to submitting blood samples. In the United States of America, the cholesterol levels are generally measured in mg/dl or milligrams (mg) of cholesterol in per decilitre (dl) of blood. Below are the various levels of measurement used for measuring cholesterol. Total cholesterol Below 200 mg/dl- Mostly desirable Between 200 mg/dl to 239 mg/dl- Borderline 240 mg/dl and above- High Triglycerides Below 150 mg/dl- Mostly desirable 150-199 mg/dl- Borderline 200-499 mg/dl- High 500 mg/dl and above- Very high HDL Cholesterol Below 40 mg/dl (men) or Below 50 mg/dl (women)- Poor 50-59 mg/dl- Better 60 mg/dl and above- Best LDL Cholesterol Below 70 mg/dl- Ideal cholesterol levels for those who are suffering from heart disease or diabetes Below 100 mg/dl- Highest for those people who are at risk of heart disease 100-129 mg/dl- Close to optimal if there are no heart diseases; high if the person has heart disease.
Benefits of Following the Meditteranean Diet
Diets & Meal Plans

Benefits of Following the Meditteranean Diet

Several popular diet plans set guidelines on the types of food for cholesterol control that you can or cannot consume. The Mediterranean diet is one such successful diet. Apart from its obvious benefit in reducing bad cholesterol levels, it is an excellent source of vitamins and proteins. What is the Mediterranean Diet? The Mediterranean diet gets its name from the region where it is commonly followed, namely the nations near the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean diet chiefly comprises food for cholesterol reduction. The focus of this diet is on lean meats, red wine, whole grain, good fats, and fresh produce. Studies have shown that the people from Greece and Southern Italy, who mainly followed the Mediterranean diet, have lesser rates of heart disease. They were also found to have lower cholesterol levels. Features of the Mediterranean Diet A Mediterranean diet typically has the following features: The Mediterranean diet mostly comprises nuts, seeds, and olive oil as they are rich in monounsaturated fats Legumes like beans are used more often in this diet Red wine is consumed almost daily, but in moderation Fish that have a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon,  are part of this diet Grains that are rich in fiber, like oatmeal and other whole grains, are consumed People from the Mediterranean do not consume a lot of red meat They also consume less sugar in this diet There is moderate use of dairy products, with mainly healthy items such as parmesan cheese and yogurt used in their cooking The Mediterranean diet makes liberal use of fresh vegetables and fruits in the dishes prepared It is chiefly due to the features mentioned above that a Mediterranean diet is popular with those suffering from high cholesterol.