Cholesterol is an important component of mammalian cell membranes, but high levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol have long been associated with increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Food sources of LDL cholesterol are eggs, steak, bacon, butter, and other animal foods. Plant foods do not contain LDL cholesterol.
Depression is another condition linked to cholesterol levels. Some experts contend low cholesterol may be associated with an elevated risk of depression.
And now a new study, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, found depression in women was linked to low levels of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol, which also raises people’s risk of cardiovascular disease.
Foods that increase HDL cholesterol include water soluble fibers found in fruits and vegetables, like beans, apples, grapes, and citrus fruits, and whole grains, such as oats, oat brain, and brown rice. Omega-3 fatty acids contained in avocados, flaxseed oil, and fish, like salmon and mackerel also raise HDL cholesterol.
The research, which involved elderly people, ages 65 and older, also discovered men were more likely to suffer depression if they had low levels of LDL cholesterol.
So the scientists recommend cholesterol levels be closely monitored among the elderly in order to prevent depression.
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Consuming fish has been linked to a myriad of health benefits, mostly due to omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with
Given the diet woes of most people – too much fast food and not enough healthy food – over-the-counter supplements have grown in popularity; everything from red yeast and acai berry to great tea and ginseng pills.
Fish oil is all the rage – seems like everyone over the age of 50 is popping the pills.
No one wants to go nuts in their old age – unless you think it’s funny to poop in a diaper.
Not only does omega-3 sound like an X-Men, but omega-3 fatty acids are constantly being linked to improved health.
Eating omega-3s, found in oily fishes, like salmon and sardines,
Omega-3 fatty acids, or “healthy” fats, may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, but only in whites.
It sounds obvious. Eating fatty foods, raises cholesterol, clogs arteries, and then WHAM you have a heart attack.