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When comparing the HDL LDL ratio, what we are looking to achieve are reasonably low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL.
If it is the other way around then the excess LDL can lead to clogging of the arteries and also formation of clots, both of these occurrences can lead to heart attacks, angina and strokes.
Whilst it is hard to put an exact number on an HDL LDL ratio, by working with your physician and getting your cholesterol measured you will be able to get it in balance.
The figures you are looking for if you live in the US is to have a LDL reading of under 129mgdl and for HDL a reading of over 35mgdl; the rest of the world should be looking at readings of less than 3.
0mmol/l for LDL and 1.
0-2.
5mmol/l for HDL.
So, now we know the numbers, what can we do to get our HDL LDL ratio in balance? One of the first actions to take is having a look at the food you are eating.
Food is not a huge factor in cholesterol production as this is controlled by the liver, but it does play a part in the amount of lipoproteins there are in your body.
For instance foods that contain trans fats (also known as hydrogenated vegetable oils) can have a big impact on raising your LDL and lowering your HDL.
You normally find this kind of fat in man made food such as cookies and ready made meals, the reason being that they extend the shelf life of the food.
Another area where it is commonly foiund is fast food establishments as they use it for deep fat frying.
Whilst you want to avoid that food, a food that you really want to include is oily fish.
The reason for this is the oily fish contains omega 3 and these omega 3's are hugely beneficial to your heart.
They also help to keep your HDL LDL ratio in check by reducing the amount of triglycerides there are in your body.
This is significant because the more triglycerides you have, the lower your HDL level, and as a result of that the higher your LDL level.
Case study after case study has agreed with the benefits of oily fish for your heart and even the American Heart Association recommends having at least two portions of oily fish per week.
A third way to help balance the HDL LDL ratio is through the use of supplements.
Now there are many supplements available that may assist in controlling cholesterol, such as garlic, artichoke leaf extract and phytosterols, however from my research none of them appear to be as potent in controlling the HDL LDL ratio as naturally blended supplements.
These supplements, as the name suggests, are a blend of about 5 or 6 natural ingredients that are proven to control cholesterol, not only do they help to regulate the HDL LDL ratio, the good quality ones also reduce the amount of cholesterol produced in the first place, but they do it without the dangers that are normally found in prescription medication.
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